An Oracle Concerning Cush
Where is Cush? No one seems to be clear about the exact location; however, we know it’s likely in Africa, possibly along the Nile River. Some scholars believe it is Ethiopia, and since Isaiah mentions Ethiopia in the first verse, they may be right, since the Blue Nile runs through parts of it. Isaiah calls the people of that country obstinate from the beginning, which we know from other books in the Bible that Cush was Noah’s grandson from Ham, who was the father of Nimrod, who built the Tower of Babel. If Cush was the one who took over that part of the world, it makes sense. Since we believe Isaiah may have been talking about Ethiopia, the last verse of this prophecy makes sense. During the spread of Christianity, Phillip sat with the Ethiopian eunuch in his chariot, explaining Isaiah’s prophecy about Jesus and then baptizing him. I understand the Ethiopian’s trouble understanding Isaiah, because this chapter is especially daunting, and I need other scholars to explain the interpretation.
In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the LORD of hosts, the mount Zion. Isaiah 18:7
And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. Acts 8:30-31
We know that the Holy Spirit makes much of the Bible abundantly clear; however, some, especially portions not meant for us, need interpretation from others more knowledgeable than we are. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t understand all the Bible; God will open your eyes when it is necessary.
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