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{{DOD-July}}
Verses 12-14 of chapter 14 mark the beginning of [[sin]] in the universe. Lucifer was once in [[heaven]], and called the son of the morning. Sin began when he said, "I will be like the most High." He was not happy in the position [[God]] had placed him, and wanted to be the Supreme Being himself. As a result, [[Satan]] was cast out of [[heaven]]. Today, he is the prince of the power of the air, and ruler of the world. In verses 12-17 he is actually addressed as the organizer of [[Babylon]]'s last king. He is very closely associated with [[Babylon]]'s last ruler, whose coming is after the working of [[Satan]], with all power and signs and deceiving wonders. His final destiny is recorded in verse 15, "Yet thou shalt be brought down to [[hell]], to the sides of the pit.".
Verses 18-27 contain the prophecy of the future destruction of the [[Satan]]ic world system. These verses go beyond the destruction of little [[Babylon]] and encompass the whole earth (verse 26). All this destruction of [[Satan]]ic rule is in preparation for [[God]]'s order and the Kingdom, which is guaranteed by [[God]]'s purpose (verse 27).
Today's reading also covers the [[judgment]] upon Moab. Moab was to be pitilessly desolated (chapters 15:1--16:9). Her arrogance and pride would be humbled by terrible devastation from [[Assyria]] (chapter 16:10-14).
In chapter 17 we see the [[judgment]] upon Damascus and [[Samarial]]. Damascus and Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom) would be desolated (verses 1-3), but eventually [[Samarial]] would yield a remnant of true believers who would not follow idolatry. Chastening, however, must precede blessings, and in verses 12-14 the [[Assyria]]n invasion is predicted.
Chapter 18 records the [[judgment]] upon Ethiopia. The [[prophet]] apprises Ethiopian ambassadors that the birds of prey would feed upon their corpses rotting on the battlefield. Ethiopia and her powerful king had sway over all [[Egypt]] at that time. This chapter is not a prophecy of doom. Rather, it seems to refer to the excitement and call to arms among the Ethiopians at the advance of Sennacherib's army into [[Judah]] , whose fall would leave the gateway open for the [[Assyria]]n march into [[Egypt]] (verses 1-3). In verses 4-6 we see the miraculous deliverance of [[Jerusalem]].
