A Hollowed out Tree: History in His Story. Isaiah #9
Isaiah's Last Day: A Hollowed Out Tree and Words That See
Inspired by | Isaiah 5:20 | Isaiah 40 - 55 | Jeremiah 37 - 38 | Hebrews 11 |2Kings 21:1-18 | 2 Chron 33 :1-20 | More Historical sources below |
Tension Between Prophet and King
It’s dark and tense inside the royal palace, the weight of old prophecies and new sins hanging heavy. Standing in the great hall, Isaiah waits. The marble floors reflect the flicker of torchlight, shadows moving like specters against the walls. The young King Manasseh, seated on the throne where his father once prayed, watches Isaiah approach with narrowed eyes. The boy king, only twelve when he took the throne, is now a man hardened by power, entitlement, and the gods of foreign lands.
Isaiah feels the silent pull of memories as he approaches. He remembers this hall filled with the scent of incense burned only to the Lord, not the strange odors that now hang in the air from Baal’s altar. He remembers a king—Manasseh’s own father—bent low in humility, the sounds of his prayers rising like a sweet fragrance. And now, with a heart breaking for Jerusalem, Isaiah stands before this king who has brought such darkness to God’s people.
“Remember the ways of your father, King Manasseh,” Isaiah begins, his voice calm but firm. “He walked humbly before the LORD. He tore down these very idols that now pollute the land, and he led Jerusalem in faithfulness. Even in times of trouble, he sought deliverance from our God, the LORD, The Holy One of Israel.”
Manasseh shifts in his seat, his expression turning colder, his fingers tapping on the arm of his throne. “That was my father’s way,” he sneers. “My way is different. And I am king now.” He stands, eyes blazing with the pride of his position. “Who are you, old man, to tell me what to remember or forget?”
Isaiah’s heart aches, but he doesn’t back down. “You lead the people into darkness, Manasseh. You stand in a place of great power, and you are turning your back on the One who gave it to you. The LORD will not overlook this. You may have idols raised, sorceries, and foreign gods—but none can save you from what you invite upon yourself and this city.”
The anger in Manasseh’s eyes flashes, and he gives a dismissive wave to his guards. “Enough of this prophet’s poison!” he commands. “Take him to the dungeon. Let him rot there until he remembers who truly rules Jerusalem!”
Isaiah Imprisoned
As Isaiah is led away, a strange calm settles over him. He has spoken, and his words, like seeds, have fallen where they may.
Days pass. Isaiah, now confined to a dank cell, prays for his people, knowing the path they tread will lead to ruin. He senses his time drawing near, yet he writes and prays, leaving every ounce of his strenght and hope in the scrolls he has written. But Manasseh’s hatred only festers, and soon, he issues a final order:
The dawn comes, and Isaiah is bound and placed within a hollow tree trunk. Then, with orders from the King, the saws are brought forth. Piece by piece, they hack through wood and flesh. That night, the wood from this very tree burns in the King’s fireplace. Yet Manasseh cannot find warmth or comfort in the flames.
The words of the prophet remain.
Isaiah’s scrolls survive, hidden and guarded by those who hold true. The words inscribed on these delicate sheets speak louder than the shouts of any king. Like Abel’s blood crying out from the ground, the voice of Isaiah’s righteousness, or rather of God’s righteousness; echoes on, promising both justice and hope.
Through generations they speak—of a day when the God of Israel would save His people, not just from their enemies but from the darkness within their own hearts.
Manasseh’s days on the throne are bitter and troubled. In the end, he dies, unloved by his people. A name that will be hated for the cruelty and evil that it brought. The tragedy is that his sweeping idolatry had spread like a plague into the hearts of the people. Leading them into unspeakable practices that I struggle even to write of.
As time passes, a young boy named Josiah ascends to the throne, a beacon of hope. Josiah is different—he seeks the Lord and yearns for reform. He tears down the idols his grandfather resurrected, restores the temple, and calls the people to return to the ways of God.
The prophet Jeremiah, witnessing this revival, is not deceived. He sees that the hearts of the people remain largely unchanged, an outward show of religion but beneath the surface clinging to their idolatries. Jeremiah’s warnings echo Isaiah’s.
Babylon is coming! He cries with a certainty that chills his listeners, yet they find comfort from the chill in the fiery flames that Manasseh flared into being- rather than in the sanctuary of their God.
Jeremiah would weep.
“Oh gloomy Jeremiah, lighten up” - the people would say. Yet Like Isaiah, he feels the weight of impending doom.
And as the empire of Babylon marches from the East. False prophets and false scribes speak words of peace when Jeremiah said: war. Words of security and slumber when Jeremiah’s words said: Wake Up.
Your City will burn !!
Stay tuned: The book of Isaiah continues far beyond his days on earth !
EXTRA BIBLICAL HISTORICAL SOURCES
Esharhaddon’s Prism Inscription and Ashurbanipal’s Annals: Provides context to Manasseh’s allegiance to foreign gods and deviation from his fathers ways.
The Ascension of Isaiah, Chapter 5. A Pseudepigraphal text. Shows the tension between prophet and King.
British Museum, Babylonian Chronicle ABC 5. Confirms the events of the Babylonian Exile.
Josephus, Historian. Antiquities of the Jews, book 10.
If you got this far, I would love to hear from you. Hope we can connect down the line. May the Lord bless you.