The Bible by David Alley

Jeremiah 6 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Jeremiah 6 the tone of the prophecy is now a warning to FLEE!!!! Danger is coming from the North in the form of the Babylonians. Jeremiah tells the people of Tekoa who are out of Jerusalem to be afraid of great destruction. The prophecies are now very different to those of earlier prophets - because these are now warnings of impending doom that is on the way. Strangely however not only were the Israelites deaf to the earlier prophecies and thereby didn’t avoid the disaster from starting, they are deaf to the warnings of doom too, and so will not flee.

Jeremiah 5 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Jeremiah 5 the Lord announces that if he could find just one righteous person, he would save the city of Jerusalem from destruction. This reminds us of Abraham’s intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah, and the prophecy of Ezekiel about a similar thing. Was there really not a single righteous person? This video explores which righteous people were alive at the time, and why perhaps the destruction of Jerusalem was not prevented.

Jeremiah 4 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Jeremiah 4 God seems to be giving the Israelites one last chance and calls them to circumcise their hearts. This chapter brings up the whole circumcision discussion and what it means to be circumcised, and what value there is in it. What is the difference between heart circumcision and regular circumcision.

Jeremiah 2 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Jeremiah 2 he receives his first prophetic task and is to call Israel to account for failing to keep the covenant of the Lord. Covenants in patriarchal times followed a prescribed pattern between a Lord and a vassal, and in that same pattern the Lord is now calling Israel, the vassal, to account in this prophecy. There will be consequences.

Jeremiah 3 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Jeremiah 3 the prophet proclaims that the Lord has finished with the Old Covenant - the covenant God made with Israel. As a sign of this, the ark of the covenant is going to be removed and will not be found again or remembered again. This video considers both the covenant and the ark of that covenant.

Jeremiah 1 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Jeremiah 1 we meet Jeremiah, a priest from Anathoth near Jerusalem. The Lord calls him to be a prophet, but he resists because of his age. He is about twenty years of age. The Lord overrules his objection and requires his service. The Lord then tests his ability to see and know the Lord's voice and he passes both tests. This video discusses prophecy both at the time and today.

Isaiah 66 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 66 the last chapter of the great book of Isaiah we find that we (the Earth) have become the resting place for God - once we were his enemies, but have now become his repose. What an amazing final chapter to a great life of prophetic ministry.

Isaiah 65 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 65 we meet a nation that found God but didn’t know they were looking for Him. It turns out that this nation is the Gentiles - those who were excluded from God’s presence and ways. BUt we also find out that it was God’s plan all along to include them.

Isaiah 63 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 63 we meet someone who comes up from Bosrah, capital city of Edom, covered in the blood of the nations he has destroyed. Who is it? Surely it isn’t Christ, right? Turns out it is. Watch this video to understand why Jesus is covered in blood that isn’t his.

Isaiah 64 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 64 we find ourselves listening to a prayer by someone - it feels by Isaiah, asking the Lord to rend the Heavens and come down. This is a prayer for revival as applicable to us today as it was to him back then.

Isaiah 61 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 61 we come across the passage that Christ famously read from in the synagogue in Luke chapter 4 - the passage that nearly had him killed on the day. In this video we explore not only what he said in Luke, but the rest of what is talking about him too.

Isaiah 62 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 62 God says through the prophet that for the sake of Jerusalem he will not rest or take a break until he makes her great among the nations. That cannot be talking about the actual city Jerusalem right? Surely not? If so, he has done a lousy job of fulfilling this prophecy. Watch this video and see what it truly means.

Isaiah 60 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 60 we consider the light that has come - which is Christ. We discover that God is building a New Israel which includes the faithful from the Old Israel along with those from the nations (aka the Gentiles) who have come to love Him.

Isaiah 59 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 59 God outlines the depressing and helpless state of his people. They are so rebellious that he wants to turn his face away from them, but in the end He helps them, because he is able to do so. His hand is not too short it seems.

Isaiah 58 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 58 it seems there were people making a great show out of their fasting practices, but simultaneously motivated by selfish motives, and even eating while they should be fasting. Isaiah the prophet speaks the Lord’s word and outlines what constitutes a true fast.

Isaiah 57 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 57 we explore why good people sometimes die young - we expect them to live a good long life, blessed by God, but why in some cases do they go away? Thee are good reasons it seems, says the prophet Isaiah

Isaiah 56 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 56 we find what seems like a great overturning of previous things God has said about eunuchs and foreigners. IN Deuteronomy it seemed they were kicked out of God’s presence, but here we find them welcomed in. Why the difference?

Isaiah 55 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 55 we are told to buy things without money - but how? By listening to God, that is how. This chapter explores the benefits that come to those who take time ot know what God is saying to them.

Isaiah 54 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 54 we meet the woman who is unable to have children, and yet she is deliriously happy because of the number of children she has. Paul speaks of her in Galatians also. This video speaks of being barren, of having children, and what it means for us of faith.

Isaiah 53 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 53 we meet the suffering servant, the man of sorrows who very convincingly is Christ the Messiah. It's no wonder that Jewish people are uncomfortable with this chapter as it portrays the Messiah suffering for the sins of others, which Christ clearly did.

Isaiah 52 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 52 Israel is asleep and God is trying to wake her up. More specifically it is Jerusalem who is asleep. IN this video we explore who Jerusalme is that is being talked of and why she needs to wake up.

Isaiah 51 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 51 a word from the Lord comes to His people to listen - a word that is repeated multiple times through this chapter. However it turns out that God is not speaking to all the people called by HIs name - but only to those true to Him within that group.

Isaiah 50 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 50 we find the Lord asking Israel where her divorce certificate is. God has had enough of his people. In this video we explore a little about divorce in the Bible, but also discover that Go takes a new wife remade out of his old wife.

Isaiah 49 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 49 he prophesied to the islands - a weird idea in itself. In this video we explore what the islands are and discover they are a who, and we find out who the who is.

Isaiah 48 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 48 we find a prophecy against false Israel or cultural Israel because they have stiff necks and have turned their backs on the Lord. In this prophecy, the Lord predicts things that will happen in advance, so that it cannot be said to be attributed to any other cause. We consider the amazing power of prophecy in hindsight, and why the best prophecies in the Bible make more sense after the fact.

Isaiah 47 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 47 the prophecy of judgement against Babylon continues, and God’s people are called to come out of her. This is very similar to the same thing in the book of revelation. It seems that one of the seven Israel's - cultural Israel or false Israel, has become spiritual Babylon and the Lord is not happy.

Isaiah 46 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 46 we have a notable prophecy of Judgement against Babylon, over one hundred years before Babylon destroyed Jerusalem - remarkable. In this prophecy we start to discern that there are two Babylons being described, firstly physical Babylon with which we are familiar, and spiritual Babylon.

Isaiah 45 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 45 we come to the second servant song, and we meet King Cyrus, who here is called the anointed one, which means the Messiah. Is he really the messiah? This video explains. And how can an evil King be the Lord’s servant? We consider that too.

Isaiah 42 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 42 we encounter the first of the four servant songs. It’s clear we are talking about Christ, especially when it is quoted concerning Christ in Matthew’s gospel in chapter 12. However why does it go on to say “who is blind like my servant?” Is that Christ too? This video explains all.

Isaiah 43 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 43 God tries to comfort Israel, and it is here that we explore the idea of the “seven Israel’s.” Not every place in scripture that Israel is spoken of, does it refer to the same thing, there are in fact seven different Israel references at least. When God said to Israel “be not afraid, for I have redeemed you,” to whom was he speaking? And when Christ heard these words as a little boy, do you wonder what he thought? And why is it written in past tense, when Jesus had not yet gone to the cross?

Isaiah 44 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 44 we encounter more servant language, even though we have not yet made it to the second servant song. This time, God is speaking to Jeshurun. Now who on Earth is Jeshurun. This video explains. And then God says to Jeshurun he will blot out his sins, but how does that happen before the cross. And finally we meet King Cyrus of Persia, prophesied in scripture 150 years before he was King.

Isaiah 41 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 41 we will be introduced to the “servant songs” of Isaiah, even though the first of the four official servant songs will not be found until chapter 42. Here we meet someone called the servant of God but who is it? Some say Cyrus, others Abraham, but we think neither.

Isaiah 40 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 40 we enter into what is sometimes called “third Isaiah” but is in reality the same Isaiah but it's now into the “new testament” section of the book if you will. HEre we meet John the Baptist as prophesied seven hundred years earlier, and Isaiah 40:3 is quoted by all four of the gospel writers. Join us as we explore and interesting and crucial chapter of the scriptures.

Isaiah 39 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 39 we have the last of the four narrative chapters in Isaiah, and Hezekiah is paid a visit by diplomatic officials from Babylon. In this chapter he “does an instagram” and gives them the impression he has a wealthy perfect life, showing them all the wealth of Jerusalem. THat was a terrible mistake, said Isaiah the prophet. Why exactly?

Isaiah 38 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 38 we are in the third of the four narrative chapters of Isaiah, and Hezekiah is sick. God does heal Hezekiah, extending his life for fifteen more years, but his healing comes with the use of medicine. This video discusses medicine, signs and the art of dying well.

Isaiah 37 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 37 the narrative chapters of Isaiah continue, but not without some metaphoro sneaking into the passage. Why does God say the rivers of Egypt wil dry up... the Nile is a pretty big river right? In this video we discuss the rage people have against Go, and how God handles it in this case.

Isaiah 36 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 36 we get to the first of four narrative chapters in Isaiah. These cover the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib and closely match what is found in 2 Kings 18-20, but not quite exactly. In this video we cover the background to the siege and what may have given the Assyrian king such false confidence.

Isaiah 35 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 35 we have the second of a pair of chapters proclaiming a messianic judgement and hope for the nations. This is the hope half. Its clearly about CHrist and what the gospel would bring. THe wilderness will be glad, and the dry land will come to life. Marvelous analogies of what the gospel does for society. It will “strengthen weak hands”, “open blind eyes” and “the lame will walk.” Join us as we explore what the Messiah has done, and continues to do. Plus, we find ourselves on a highway... the highway of holiness.

Isaiah 34 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 34 we have the first of a pair of chapters that together proclaim judgement and hope for the Gentiles. These two chapters seem to be commonly mistaken for end of the world passages, when they are in fact gospel passages about messianic matters. We start by talking about what the nations are and why they are asked to listen.

Isaiah 33 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 33 we have a prophecy against Assyria, and boy did they deserve it. They double crossed King Hezekiah in the most heart-wrenching manner. But before you get too judgemental, what might you have in common with the Assyrians?

Isaiah 32 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 32 we meet a word of warning to complacent women, which seems to really be speaking to all complacent people, but it comes in the form of an encouragement sandwich. In this video we talk about hope and why complacency is a bad thing.

Isaiah 31 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 31 the prophet warns the people about placing their trust in Egypt, which actually made rational sense to doo because it was a strong superpower at the time, and the only real military threat against the marauding Assyrians. But God said to trust Him, and it seemed like at the beginning the Israelites did not do that. So the Lord removed their prop, something he does to us at times too.

Isaiah 30 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 30 we have a prophecy against God’s rebellious children.... Which again is the nation of Judah. They have decided to trust in Egypt, a picture of the flesh, and found themselves fighting Rahab - a sea monster. What does this all mean?

Isaiah 29 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 29 we have a prophecy against Ariel.... Which once again is Jerusalem. This video considers why in this one place God calls Jerusalem by another name, and what it means. We then consider God’s declaration that he would confuse the wise among his people, and show how that is exactly what happened.

Isaiah 28 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 28 God once again turns to proclaim judgement on his own people. The northern tribes are guilty of wearing a “crown of pride” and the southern tribes guilty of a “covenant with death.” This video explains these things, and why we have the same sins too.

Isaiah 26 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 26 we encounter a psalm oof praise in expectation of the gospel days to come - the times when the Messiah would walk the earth, and the legacy he would leave behind as he takes up his throne in heaven. This chapter describes our day, and the world we have inherited because of Christ and the gospel.

Isaiah 27 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 27 we consider the establishing of the kingdom of God, and the defeat of Leviathan, the dragon, the evil one Satan. God’s kingdom is then described as a vineyard filled with the nations as its tenants, who do produce great fruit. This is the complete opposite of the parable of the vineyard which Chrisst described, which was the house of Israel that did not produce fruit. This chapter describes gospel times.

Isaiah 25 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 25 we have a tale of two cities. Not the story by Charles Dickens, but a comparison by the Lord of Jerusalem which was unholy, and the new Jerusalem which is his holy people. This video considers some of the interesting way that the same words are used in prophecy to give different meanings.

Isaiah 24 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 24 we have the start of a 4 chapter passage which basically all commentators classify as apocalyptic, but which is NOT. These four chapters do describe teh “shaking of te olive tree” but it is referring to gospel times, and not the end of the world. This begins the burden against all nations.

Isaiah 23 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 23 we have a judgement against tyre - the port city of the Phoenecians. This video explains the prophecy and the two attacks against Tyre by first the Babylonians, an then later by Alexander the Great. We consider then that this city was called a prostitute, and her wages were called “holy to the Lord.” Why is that?