Isaiah 13 - 29: Deadly ambition

 - Deadly ambition:  Isaiah offers a string of prophecies against evil nations, but Babylon is by far the worst, with the strongest prophecy against it. It's doomed, says chapter 13. The king of Babylon, who is censured here, is aligned with Lucifer/Satan, and sometimes this passage is read as being about Lucifer and his anti-God agenda.
- Satanic characteristics:

• Selfish ambition: "I'll climb to heaven"
• Thirst for power: "I'll set my throne over the stars of God"
• Defiance of God's authority: "I'll take over as king of the universe"
• Plan to take over God's job: "I'll run the assembly of angels"

- Results of this ungodly plan?  Oblivion, lack of honor or legacy, death, humiliation. "Flat on your face in the underworld mud, you, famous for flattening nations" (Isaiah 14:12).
- Current events:  An interesting note on Babylon today--it is associated with modern day Iraq. In fact, Saddam Hussein rebuilt a portion of the city of Babylon and held some festivals and ceremonies there.
- Peace:  I don't ever remember reading this before, but Isaiah 19 promises that on the Day of the Lord, that parts of Egypt and Assyria will turn to God and worship alongside Israel. God will love and accept them. Finally, long sought peace in the Middle East.

 
Elena's verse of the day:  "The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm. So always trust the Lord because he is forever our mighty rock" (Isaiah 26:3-4).