The term Scripture uses to describe the activities of those who attempt to sell-out Israel comes to mind. "Treacherous!"
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is being underhanded, deceptive, manipulative, and threatening. In other words, "treacherous" against his own citizens and Land! He is giving-in to the Palestinian' demands, and is turning Israeli Land over to the enemies of G_d and of Israel. Daily, we hear of incriminating information as to how the Disengagement Plan came about, and the terrible manner in which it is to be implemented. Daily, and now hourly, innocent people are being threatened with arrests, incarceration, intimidation; and under the latest directive issued from Sharon, "whatever it takes," which could include violence, and possibly civil war. And, his stance is against innocent men, women, and children, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who love the Torah, have faith in the L_RD, and love the Land. Treachery!
The prophet Isaiah speaks the Word of the L_RD for this very time!
Isaiah 24:13 When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done.
Isa 24:14 They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.
Isa 24:15 Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.
Isa 24:16 From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.
Isa 24:17 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth.
Isa 24:18 And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.
Isa 24:19 The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly.
Isa 24:20 The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.
Isa 24:21 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.
Isa 24:22 And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.
Isa 24:23 Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.
Notice the shaking of the olive tree, Israel, takes place in "the midst of the land among the people." That means, Israel is a national entity when the treachery takes place.
The righteous are those who have repented, love the L_RD, and love Israel, and sing songs of praise to the L_RD from among the nations. This includes both Jews and righteous Gentiles. This cry from among those who love the L_RD with all their hearts is being heard from among both Jews and many Christians, who take G_d's revealed Word as eternal truth. But meanwhile, the treacherous are dealing out their treachery even while this upholding of the truth in praise and glory to the L_RD is going forth.
The context here in Isaiah is not refering to ancient Israel, but rather refers to our time, because there were few righteous to glorify the L_RD in Israel in ancient times, ( that's why the L_RD judged them,) and certainly far fewer among the other nations. The Word of the LORD had not gone out to all nations in ancient times, because Israel was disobedient to the L_RD at that time. But the Word of the L_RD has reached all nations in our time, and many glorify Him with singing from among all peoples.
But, we must also notice the context describes conflict, likely excalating into world-wide war, where all nations will be involved. But the L_RD Himself will bring the victory, and will reign in mount Zion, before all the "ancients gloriously," indicating there will be a great resurrection and ingathering when Messiah comes.
There are two wars described in this passage in Isaiah chapter 14. The first conflict is described in verses 16-17. The second in verses 18-23. These come about primarily because of the treachery committed by Israel's and the world's leaders.
It would appear Ariel Sharon and his henchmen have possibly ushered-in the treachery!
But, the victory will be the L_RD's!! No matter what transpires, keep your faith in the L_RD strong, because He has the last word!! Israel will be established forever, and ALL the Land of Covenant will be inhabited by the sons of Jacob! The time of Jacob's Trouble may be on the horizon, but this time will also be short! The settlers will settle permanently in Yesha!
Victory is assured, not because of man's doings, but because the L_RD will bring it to pass!
In light of the current situation in Israel, Isaiah chapter 14 is particularly interesting. Isaiah 14:29 "Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent." Isa 14:30 And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant. Isa 14:31 Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times. Isa 14:32 What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.
Who is the serpent? He is described in this same chapter in verses 12-15 as being Lucifer, who fell from heaven, and came to weaken the nations because he has an ego problem. He has a plan and mission to exalt himself above G_d. Where does he choose to carry out this mission? Verses 13 and 14 of Isaiah 14 states, For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: Isa 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
He launches his planned take-over from a position of authority, headquartered from "the Mount of the congregation, " with the ultimate goal to rise above the clouds, and above the Most High in Heaven. Where is the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north? It is the Temple Mount! Who occupies the Temple Mount? The Muslims! So what religious orientation will produce the one who obviously will be indwelt by Lucifer? Islam! He is the "cockatrice" who arises from the "serpent" and becomes powerful as "the fiery flying serpent." He will have a very brief time of power, but will be defeated by the L_RD. Why does this personage choose the Temple Mount? He is trying to usurp the rule and reign of the rightful Ruler, and King of Israel, Messiah. And, he does not recognize the L_RD G_D of Israel!! He does not recognize the claim of the Jews to Mount Zion, but rather wishes to eliminate any recollection of the Jews having any claim to the Land, or to the Temple Mount, or to Jerusalem. Is this not the stance of the Muslims even now?
The "treachery" is anyone in Israel giving any recognition to those who wish to perpetrate the diabolical plot, and in turning any portion of the Land over to such enemies! Ariel Sharon and his henchmen, both within Israel, and in concert with the international leaders, are on a very dangerous "Roadmap Plan!!"
But, notice who is not to rejoice. "Palestina". Who is "Palestina?" Palestine. Where, and what, is "Palestine?" 'Palestine" is the name the Arabs have chosen to identify the region of the Middle East that the Arab Palestinians claim is theirs, and wish to wrest from Israel, from the People of the Covenant. So, it is the Palestinians who are not to rejoice! Why?
To answer that question, back up to verse 1 of the Isaiah chapter 14. "For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land." Keep in mind the context of the passage, which is regarding the restoration of Jacob to the Land forever, so is not ancient in prophetic orientation, but describes the re-establishment of Israel as a nation in the time of the end, which speaks to our generation.
It is how this restoration is to be accomplished that is prophetic for the period we now face. Isaiah indicated many people and nations, willingly, and unwillingly, will be involved in restoring the land of Israel to the Jews. This restoration of Israel has been, and continues to be, orchestrated by the L_RD Himself! In the course of the re-establishment of Israel as a nation, the opposition arises through a specific group of people who identify themselves with "Palestine." These will believe they will have reason to rejoice, but just when they think their goals are achievable, the tables will turn!
However, if we read carefully, we realize the restoration of Israel includes much conflict. Israel is embroiled in this prophetic period of conflict right now! Since the Word of the L_RD through Isaiah the prophet is telling the Palestinians not to rejoice, there must be situations which, in human terms, could possibly give them reason to rejoice, except that G_d will not let their goals be permanently realized!
So, who is being "treacherous?" Ariel Sharon and his crew! Who is the enemy? The Palestinians and their allies. Who will win? The L_RD G_d of Israel!
Take heart. Strengthen your faith!
Marilynn Dawson on behalf of Maureen Metcalf who is author of "The Final Schedule Revealed: In the Fall Feasts and Festivals" http://teshuvatrumpet.org