Pastor Tom Zimbelman

Key truth: God cannot bless sin — but He delivers the humble who trust Him.

1. The Pride of Ariel Humbled (Isaiah 29:1–16)

Jerusalem (“Ariel” = Lion of God / Altar Hearth) became God’s altar of judgment.

Empty rituals masked rebellion.

Assyria’s siege was God’s discipline.

Yet God intervenes — the proud city becomes His altar, but not abandoned.

2. Judah’s Oppressors Judged (Isaiah 29:5)

God suddenly struck down Assyria — 185,000 soldiers destroyed (Isaiah 36–37).

Nations fall speechless before His judgment.

Judah spared, but still rebellious.

3. False Faith (Isaiah 29:13–16)

Mouths near, hearts far.

Hearts hardened through repeated sin (Samson example).

Judicial hardening: resisting God until you can no longer hear Him.

Human pride turns truth upside down: man as creator, God as creation.

4. God’s Intervention & Future Joy (Isaiah 29:17–24)

Creation renewed, blind see, deaf hear.

Joy for the humble and poor who return to God.

God draws near to those who love and obey Him.

5. The Futility of Egypt (Isaiah 30:1–17)

Judah turned to Egypt for safety — the land God had already delivered them from!

“Adding sin to sin”: rejecting God’s counsel, trusting man’s strength.

Desire for “smooth things” over truth leads to ruin.

The call: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

6. The Promise of Renewal (Isaiah 30:18–33)

God gracious to His people when they cry out.

Idols cast away, hearts purified.

The voice of the Lord guides His people: “This is the way, walk in it.”

Future restoration and joy for the remnant who trust Him.