Covenant Theology: Blessings, Curses, and Sanctions: A Time Of Need

A Curse Made Plain and Simple

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: Covenant Theology

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2026-02-15

Synopsis: John Weaver examines Isaiah 1:7, showing that the desolation described is the fulfillment of biblical curses for disobedience. He traces the language to Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, emphasizing that God's curses are immutable. The sermon highlights the horror of strangers devouring the land in the people's presence, leaving them helpless. Weaver applies this to modern America, warning that God may use foreigners as a rod of judgment, and calls for repentance and faithfulness to be part of the remnant.

[John Weaver] Alright, well let's open our Bibles today, if you would please, to Isaiah chapter 1 and verse 7. Isaiah 1 and verse 7. Isaiah 1 and verse 7. The title of the message is A Curse Made Plain and Simple. A Curse Made Plain and Simple. So if you look in Isaiah chapter 1 and verse 7, the Word of God says this, Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your land strangers devoured it in your presence, and it is desolate as overthrown by strangers. Everyone has heard curses as well as cursing.

[John Weaver] Usually that which we hear is unbiblical, ungodly, depraved, and humanistic. As Christians, however, we shudder when we hear such language, and we do not desire to be around it, and certainly we do not wish to repeat it. But we often fail to grasp the fact that there are biblical curses. In fact, God himself placed curses upon sin, disobedience, and rebellion. Even the Apostle Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, placed a curse upon those who denied Jesus Christ and who refused to preach his gospel.

[John Weaver] So if you would hold Isaiah chapter 1 and look in your Bibles very quickly to the book of Galatians chapter 1 and verses 8 and 9. Galatians chapter 1 verses 8 and 9. Look if you would at the words of the scripture. Galatians 1 verse 8 the Apostle says, But though we are an angel from heaven, Preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you.

[John Weaver] Let it be a curse. Now look at verse nine. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man can preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let it be a curse. So twice now, the apostle has said that anyone who preaches anything other than the gospel of Jesus Christ is a curse.

[John Weaver] Now, the interesting thing is the word a curse In both verses is the Greek word anathema, which means to be set apart for certain and sure destruction. It means that one is beyond the hope of redemption, beyond the veil of redemption. In other words, once you are anathema, you are just simply set aside for certain and sure destruction as well.

[John Weaver] Now, there are many curses in the Bible. You will find many of them in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 26, 27, 28, 29, you'll also find in Leviticus 26, you'll find also curses all throughout the Bible. I want you to look very quickly in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 27. And let me just show you a few of these curses. Deuteronomy, chapter 27. And notice if you would, as I read this, all the people, once the curses were pronounced, the people were saying, Amen. And the word Amen literally means verily, verily, truly, truly, so be it, so be it. So, in Deuteronomy chapter 27, beginning there in verse 15, look what the Word of God says. Here are the curses, or at least some of them.

[John Weaver] Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or mosan image, an abomination of the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and put it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. Cursed be he that setteth alight by his father or his mother, and all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that removeth his neighbor's landmark, and all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way, and all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that perverted the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and witteth, and all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife, because he uncovereth his father's skirt, and all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of the beast, and all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother, and all the people shall say, Amen.

[John Weaver] Cursed be he that lieth with his mother-in-law, and all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that smited his neighbor secretly, and all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person, and all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them, and all the people shall say, Amen. I hope you notice that God does not mince words.

[John Weaver] He does not play around. He does not beat around the bush. He tells you plainly and simply that if you wish to be cursed, all you have to do is to be disobedient and rebellious, and he will see that you are most certainly and definitely cursed. In reality, in reality, you curse yourself. The curse is already there. You just simply place yourself under that curse by your disobedient and by your rebellious actions. So here's the truth. If you do not wish to be cursed, Do not be rebellious. Do not be disobedient.

[John Weaver] If you want to be blessed, all you have to do is submit and obey according to the Word of God. Now, interestingly, there are not just curses in the Bible that are stated very plainly like this. There are other words that are used for curses. For instance, if you would take the time to read Isaiah chapter 5 and Matthew chapter 23, you'll find the woes. And the woes are curses as well. When our Lord said, woe be to you Pharisees, scribes, hypocrites, every time there was a woe, it was indeed a curse. So you'll find that in the Old Testament and in the New Testament as well. Now, when you look at Isaiah chapter one, there's a very interesting verse. I have so many messages on Isaiah chapter one. I think I've got three messages just on the first three or four verses. have a message on the end of it I've got several messages but as I was reading through Isaiah this past week verse 7 just simply jumped out at me and I want you to look at it here's the curse it's being fulfilled he said your country is desolate your cities are burned with

[John Weaver] fire your land strangers devoured in your presence and it is desolate as overthrown by strangers. Now this curse was literally fulfilled upon Jerusalem and Judea, or Judah. But there are applications of it for today because God is immutable, that is, He is unchangeable. Since God is immutable, His word is immutable. His curses never change, His blessings never change, His promises never change, His punishments never change. So the word of God and the curses and the blessings are just as immutable as God himself. In fact, we read in Psalm 138 that the Lord has established his word even above his name. And then in Psalm 119, verse 87, forever, O Lord, thy word is established in the heavens. So we know that the word of God is true.

[John Weaver] Now, when you look at verse seven again, And I want you to look at it because I'm going to give you a quote. Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire. Your land, strangers devoured in your presence. And it is desolate as overthrown by strangers. Kyle and Delitzsch in their commentary say this. This is described more particularly in verse seven, which commences with the most general view and returns to it again at the close. Now, listen, your land, a desert. Your cities burn with fire, your field, foreigners consuming it before your eyes, and a desert-like overthrown by strangers.

[John Weaver] So from the time of Isaiah on down, the nation of Israel was a perfect realization of the curses of the law. And interestingly enough, he talks about strangers, which I'll deal with just in a moment. but it refers to foreigners, it refers to barbarians.

[John Weaver] Now, here's the interesting thing about verse 7. When you compare verse 7 with the rest of Scripture, you're going to find that practically every word in it, especially every major word, is directly from one of the curses that is pronounced either in Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28, Micah chapter 6, or Jeremiah chapter 5. So it's interesting that God makes it exceedingly clear that once again this judgment fell upon the nation because of their rebellion. So I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Jeremiah and let me just show you this curse being actually applied. So Isaiah, Jeremiah, if you look in Jeremiah chapter 5 We're going to begin there with verse 15. Look what God says, Jeremiah chapter 5 and verse 15. Here's the curse that God is placing upon them for their disobedience. He says, Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the Lord. It is a mighty nation.

[John Weaver] It is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandeth what they say. Their quiver is an open sepulcher, their almighty men. And they shall eat up thine harvest and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat. They shall eat up thy flocks and thy herds. They shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees. They shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustest with thy sword.

[John Weaver] Nevertheless, in those days, saith the Lord, I will not make a fold in with you. And it shall come to pass when you shall say, Wherefore doth the Lord our God all these things unto us? Then shalt thou answer them, like as you have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall you serve strangers in a land that is not yours. Declare this in the house of Jacob.

[John Weaver] Publish it in Judah, saying, Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding, which have eyes, and see not, which have ears, and hear not." Look what God says. Fear you not me, saith the Lord? Will you not tremble at my presence, which hath placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it? And though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet they cannot prevail. Though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? But this people, this people have the revolting and rebellious heart.

[John Weaver] They are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter in his season. He reserveth thus the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholding good things from you." Isn't that interesting? Everything that he just said in Jeremiah chapter 5 is that which has happened in Isaiah chapter 1 and verse 7. I want you to go back to Isaiah chapter 1 because here is a quick comparison. I want you to look at verses 5 and 6. Isaiah chapter 1 verses 5 and 6.

[John Weaver] So the question is asked, the nation. By the way, if you will look at verse 1 of Isaiah 1, the vision of Isaiah the son of Amos which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. So, we're talking about a nation. We're not just talking about individuals. So, we're talking about a nation. So, look at it in verse 5. Here's what he asks the people. Why should you be stricken anymore?

[John Weaver] You will revolt more and more. In other words, punishment does no good. Chastisement does no good. The whole head is sick and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even into the head there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and putrefying stores, they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment."

[John Weaver] Now, look at that, and now watch verse 7. Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire. Your land, strangers devoured in your presence, and it is desolate as overthrown by strangers. And in other words, what God is doing, He's using a picture of someone who's been beaten to a bloody pulp. There's nothing about the body which has not been lacerated or bruised or broken and bleeding from the top of the head to the toe of the foot. Now, Albert Barnes in his commentary said this, your country is desolate.

[John Weaver] This is a literal statement of what he had just affirmed by a figure. In this there was much art. The figure, Isaiah 1-6, was striking. The resemblance between a man severely beaten and entirely livid and sore and a land perfectly desolate was so impressive as to attest and to arrest their attention. So he drew a picture in verses 5 and 6 of a man and now he says this is what the entire nation is going to be like.

[John Weaver] Now, I want to call your attention first of all again to verse 7. Look at this first statement that he says. your country is desolate. Now the Hebrew word for desolate is the word shemama. And it literally refers to a desolation, a devastation, and being wasted. So what you and I would say today in our language, we would probably say it is something that has been destroyed and devastated.

[John Weaver] So it's not just broken down, it is broken down, but more than that, there's nothing standing. It is simply a complete devastation.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to hold Isaiah 1, but look back in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Leviticus, chapter 26. And I want you to see how this curse actually is fulfilled upon Judah and Jerusalem. So hang on. Look in Leviticus chapter 26 and let's begin reading there with verse 31. Leviticus 26, verse 31, we'll read through verse 33. Here it is, Leviticus 26, verse 31.

[John Weaver] God says, and I will make your cities waste. And bring your sanctuaries into desolation. And I will not smell the savor of your sweet odors. And I will bring the land into desolation and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it. And I will scatter you among the heathen and will draw out a sword after you and your land shall be desolate and your cities waste.

[John Weaver] So here we have the same language that we read in Isaiah one in verse seven. And this is part of the curse for disobedience. Now, if you would turn right over to the book of Jeremiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, And look, if you would, Jeremiah chapter 44 and verse 22. We're going to see the same exact language. Jeremiah chapter 44. And look again, if you would, please, there at verse 22. Jeremiah 44 verse 22.

[John Weaver] Word of God says this. So that the Lord could no longer bear because of the evil of your doings and because of the abominations which you have committed, therefore is your land a desolation and an astonishment and a curse without an inhabitant as at this day." So obviously, clearly God is making it very plain that once again this devastation, this desolation, this destruction is because of the sins and rebellion of the people. They were idolaters, they pursued God, they pursued his word, they pursued his law, they pursued his preachers, and God brings his curse upon them.

[John Weaver] Now since you are in the book of Jeremiah, look if you would back at Jeremiah chapter 38. So here's what is happening. Jeremiah has been trying to get King Zedekiah and his household to go out and surrender to the princes of Nebuchadnezzar. And of course, Zedekiah refuses to do so, but if you look at verse 17, look what Jeremiah tells him. Jeremiah 30 verse 17, Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, watch, and this city shall not be burned with fire, and thou shalt live at thine house. But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given to the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hands. Well, of course, Zedekiah refused to go. He said he was afraid of the Jews that were already in Babylon.

[John Weaver] He was afraid they might abuse him. So guess what? He was captured. His family was captured. The last thing he saw was his sons murdered. And then Nebuchadnezzar had his eyes put out. And then he was put in chains and led to Babylon where he died. And the city was burned with fire.

[John Weaver] Now, I'm just simply pointing out these are judgments from the curse that was placed upon this nation because of their sin and rebellion against God. Now, I want you to go back to Isaiah chapter 1 and look at verse 7. And I want to show you the part of this verse that really, really grabbed me. Look at it. To me, this is the worst part. He says in verse 7, your country is desolate. We got that.

[John Weaver] Your cities are burned with fire. We have that. By the way, I suppose if you did just a little bit of thinking and remembering, you could remember Minnesota and a number of other cities like Oregon, Portland, Oregon. Washington State, all these places being burned with fire in all these protests and riots. Well, okay. But here's the scary part to me. Look at this. He says, your country's desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your land, strangers devour it in your presence. Wow.

[John Weaver] Now let's take this phrase, a word at the time. First of all, you must take note of the word strangers. He says strangers devoured in your presence. The Hebrew word for stranger is the word zuar. We would spell it z-o-o-r and it refers to strangers, foreigners, barbarians, and those of a loathsome breath.

[John Weaver] Now, I want to tell you how this word is also translated in the Bible. It's not just simply translated as stranger, but it is also translated as a strange woman, a prostitute, and a harlot. So, a prostitute or a harlot would be someone of a strange breath, not your wife. So this is what this word literally means. So it's someone who is strange, someone who is foreign, someone who has a loathsome breath.

[John Weaver] Now, here's the second thing. Look at it. He says strangers devour it in your presence. Secondly, you have to consider that these strangers do something particularly, and that is they devour.

[John Weaver] Now the word in the Hebrew is the word achal, and it literally means to be eaten up, to be devoured, to be consumed, to be wasted and destroyed. Now, I don't know if I can explain this any more plainly than the illustration I'm going to use. Let's suppose that Steve and I get into a knock-down, drag-out argument. And Steve is just so upset with me. He's telling me that he's going to beat me to a bloody pulp. He's going to do this and that to me. He's just going to tear me up.

[John Weaver] And I listen to him. And when he gets through and I look at him, I say, man, let me tell you something. I will eat you alive. Have you ever heard that expression? Sure you have. You know what that means? I'm not going to spare. I'm going to tear you from limb to limb. I will eat you up. There'll be nothing left. So this is exactly what he's talking about here.

[John Weaver] He said your land strangers devour it. They're eating it up. They're destroying it. Nothing is going to be left. OK, here's the third thing. Look at verse seven again. He said strangers devoured in your presence. Hang on. The devouring. and the being eaten up by strangers are done in your presence. Let me explain that. It is done before your eyes. And here's the worst part. You're not just simply observing it. You're not just simply seeing it. There's absolutely nothing you can do about it. You cannot stop it. You cannot prevent it. You cannot hinder it. There's not one thing you can do. The destruction is there. And I want you to look at this. I want you to make it personal. He said, your land, strangers devour it in your presence. So it's not someone else's land. It's your land. It's not someone else's house. It's your house. It's not someone else's family. It's your family. Hang on. I want you to consider just for a moment the absolute grief, the absolute heartbrokenness of not being able to save your own wife, your own child, your own family, your own property from someone who is just simply destroying just to be destroying.

[John Weaver] If you remember recently, I preached some messages on the dangers of old age and one of the dangers I pointed out was the loss of control. And I use this illustration. I've seen young fathers and mothers with their little children and they say they obey me precisely. And I say I'm so thankful But wait until they're 16 or 17. Wait until they're grown. Wait until they're married.

[John Weaver] And they still do things that are absolutely stupid sometimes and wicked. And you can't stop them. You can tell them. You can give them counsel. You can give them advice. But you can't stop them. You know what is going to happen. But you can't stop it. You're absolutely helpless.

[John Weaver] Now let me show you. I want you to follow me. I want you to turn in your Bibles to Isaiah chapter 13 and I want you to look at verse 16. Think about this now. This is all part and parcel of the curse. Everything's being devoured. Everything's being destroyed. So if you look in Isaiah chapter 13, look, if you would please, at verse 16. Look at this. Here's part of the curse.

[John Weaver] Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes. Their houses shall be spoiled and their wives ravished. What in the world can you do if someone has your child by the heels, dashing him up against a rock, and you can't... Someone's holding you. Someone's tied you. You can't do one thing. you're absolutely helpless. But notice if he would believe, it's not just that, it's not your children only, your house is going to be spoiled. Someone is walking in and just taking whatever they want. And then he says, and your wife's ravished. In other words, I have known and I have read, I've not known them personally, but I've read about men who've gone into a house, beat up the husband, tied him up, and then raped his wife in front of him. Forced him to watch. What can you do? Except cry.

[John Weaver] Look in your Bibles, Isaiah chapter 5. It's Jeremiah, Isaiah. I'm sorry, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations. Lamentations chapter 5 is what I want. Right after the book of Jeremiah. Look in Lamentations chapter 5 and verse 11. Lamentations 5, verse 11. This actually happened now. Hang on. They ravished the women in Zion and the maids in the cities of Judah. When the Babylonians came in, nothing was safe. No one was safe. What can you do? If you will turn over to the book of Zechariah, which is right before the book of Malachi.

[John Weaver] next to the last book in the Old Testament. If you'll look in the book of Zechariah chapter 14 and look if you would please at verse 2. Zechariah chapter 14 verse 2. God says, For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished, and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Note, if you would, I'll gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle. The city will be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished."

[John Weaver] Now let me ask you a question. Do you realize that this is actually happening Not only in Europe, especially in England, Germany, Sweden, but it's also happening here in America. How would you listen? We have been invaded by Muslims, and please listen to me, I know how they came, and I'm not necessarily preaching against Muslims, but I'm telling you what they teach. Here is a quote, an Islamic scholar, Tarek Fatah, who is a woman, and she says, Allah allows Muslim men to rape non-Muslim women so as to humiliate them. Wow. Here's an article. I will read it. It's a short one. The title is ISIS Rapes Women Toward Allah. Wow. I'm going to read the article. Other victims have also said they were told their rapes were a form of worship encouraged by the Koran.

[John Weaver] Indeed, in an extensive investigation, the New York Times described a theology of rape. in which militants often pray before molesting their victims. One victim, a 12-year-old girl, told the Times, he said that by raping me, he was drawing closer to God. I can think of men that I know personally, that if that happened to someone in their family, They would really help him draw much closer to his God because he would just simply not be around too much longer.

[John Weaver] But the point I'm trying to make, there can be nothing more grievous, nothing more heartbreaking than to see such wickedness, such travesty of justice happening, and there be absolutely nothing you can do about it. Not one thing.

[John Weaver] Now, if you go back to Isaiah chapter one, look at verse seven. I hope you're seeing why this jumped out at me. He says, your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your land strangers devoured in your presence. Now watch again. He says, and it is desolate. It's the same word that's used in the first part, your country's desolate. Now he says it is desolate as overthrown by strangers. Now, once again, the word desolate, shema hama, which means devastation, desolation, wastefulness, but it's overthrown by strangers. Now, I want you to look at the word overthrown. It is desolate as overthrown by strangers. Now, the word overthrown is very interesting. It is the Hebrew word vapekah.

[John Weaver] And it simply does not mean just a simple overthrow. It means absolute total destruction. Now, when we think of the word overthrow, we think of the word upset. We think of two football teams that are going to play, and one is supposed to be the superior team, and of course, they're going to win the championship and all this kind of stuff, and the little dinky team that's far behind, they come up and overthrow the champion, so to speak, and there's a huge upset. That's how we think of the word overthrow. Something not necessarily really dangerous, but just something that happens. Something that's normal. No, this is not normal.

[John Weaver] I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Deuteronomy 29. I want you to also go ahead and find Jeremiah 49. We will come back to Jeremiah. We will go to Deuteronomy first. So find Jeremiah 49. Go ahead and mark that if you would please. And then turn back in your Bibles to the book of Deuteronomy chapter 29. And we're going to begin reading with verse 23. I think you will probably come up with what I'm referring to. Watch this. Deuteronomy 29, beginning there with verse 23. Look at it.

[John Weaver] And the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not stoned, nor buried, nor any grass groweth therein, like The overthrow, the same word, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboim, which the Lord overthrew in His anger and in His wrath. Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this land? What meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord God of their fathers. which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt.

[John Weaver] For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book. And the Lord rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day."

[John Weaver] Wow, so he is saying that the overthrow of Judah and Jerusalem, hmm, was like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah. What was left of Sodom and Gomorrah? Nothing. What was left of Adam and Zoboam? Nothing.

[John Weaver] Now if you look at Isaiah chapter 49, Isaiah 49, look in verse 18. Here it is again. Isaiah 49 verse 18, as in the overthrow, the same exact Hebrew word, as in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the neighboring neighbor cities thereof, saith the Lord, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it. Lords, I am going to absolutely annihilate them. So the word overthrow in Isaiah 1 and verse 7 is exactly the same Hebrew word, as you find in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah.

[John Weaver] Thus the curse falls upon Judah and Jerusalem. Why? For they served other gods. They forsook God. They forsook his word. They forsook his law.

[John Weaver] Now let me point something out that I hope you remember this. There is no times out. There is no neutral ground. There is no king's ex. You are either under the curse of God or you're either under the blessing of God. You're either obedient or you're disobedient. You're either righteous or you're unrighteous. Someone said, honesty is like being pregnant. Either you are or you're not, there's no in-between.

[John Weaver] And that's the same way here. There's no king's exit, there's no in-between, there's no neutral realm. You're either cursed or you're blessed. It's just that simple. Wow. Let me give you a quote by Calvin, and I want you to think about what he said. He makes a very important point. Here's what he said. That word, we're talking about the word overthrown, That word might no doubt be applied to enemies, but it is better to take it as literally denoting foreigners.

[John Weaver] The calamity is more grievous when it's brought on by men who are unknown, who have come from a distant country, who lay waste with a far greater recklessness and cruelty than neighboring tribes. Such men destroy cities, burn houses, buildings, and villages, and spread desolation all around. In short, they rush forward with barbarous ferocity, bent on murders and conflagrations, and are more eager to inflict damage than to make gain.

[John Weaver] But neighbors, when they have subdued a country, can retain possession of it by having a garrison or as soon as a revolt is attempted or an insurrection takes place, can send additional troops. And therefore they are not so cruel, nor do they lay waste a country from which they hope to derive some advantage. It is therefore no ordinary calamity, but the most shocking of all calamities that is here described.

[John Weaver] In other words, the people that came could care less about conquering. They just wanted to rape and destroy. and a murderer, and that's exactly what they did.

[John Weaver] Now, I'm making the point here, I want you to think. I want you to think momentarily about all of the foreigners, all those strangers, and all of those with loathsome breath that our politicians have brought into this country. Are you listening? You remember Trump got himself into some hot water because he referred to the Somali Muslims as garbage. Do you remember that? And why did he refer to them as garbage?

[John Weaver] Because all of them are on welfare and not only their own welfare but they are extorting and stealing from every American and it's billions. Not just in Minnesota, but now it's in New York. It's in Michigan. It's in Texas. They're finding it now absolutely everywhere. Wow.

[John Weaver] Now when you stop and think about this, obviously a Muslim is not a Christian. But moreover, they're not really Americans either. In fact, you will find anybody with dual allegiance and possibly be a good American.

[John Weaver] Now, moreover, Muslims refer to Christians as infidels. They refer to America as the great Satan.

[John Weaver] Now, I read an article a few weeks back And the author of this article was saying that some people took great offense at it. I read it. I thought, how could anyone take offense at it? I mean, it's truth. So, I'm going to read you the article, and I want you to think about this. And you hang with me until I get through. But here's the article. He says, have you ever thought And then he asks this question.

[John Weaver] Can a devout Muslim be an American patriot and or a loyal citizen? Is Muslim American really an oxymoron? And then he says, consider this. Now, listen to what he says. Theologically, the answer is no, because his allegiance is to Allah, the moon god of Arabia. Religiously, the answer is no, because no other religion is accepted by Allah except Islam. Scripturally, no, because his allegiance is to the five pillars of Islam and to the Quran. Geographically, the answer is no, because his allegiance is to Mecca to which he has to turn and pray five times a day. Socially, the answer is no, because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians and Jews.

[John Weaver] Politically, the answer is no, because he must submit to the Mullah, that is the spiritual leaders, who teach annihilation of Israel and the destruction of America, the great Satan. Domestically, no, He cannot be a good American patriot because he is instructed to marry four women and beat and scourge his wives when they disobey him. Intellectually, the answer is no, because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based upon biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt. Philosophically, the answer is no, because Islam Mohammed and the Koran do not allow freedom of religion and expression. And then he says this democracy in Islam cannot coexist.

[John Weaver] I would change that last sentence. I would say Islam and a constitutional republic cannot coexist. But you get the point. Because every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic. Then he says Spiritually, the answer is no, because when we declare one nation under God, the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is never referred to as a heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in the Quran's 99 excellent names of Allah. Hmm.

[John Weaver] Then he concludes with this. Therefore, after much study and deliberation, perhaps you should be very suspicious of all Muslims in this country, They obviously cannot be both good Muslims and good Americans. Call it what you wish, it is still truth.

[John Weaver] Now that was the end of the article, but let me point out, there's another truth and it is called, and I'm probably mispronouncing it because I do not speak Arabic, but it is called Taqiyya, and it's spelled T-A-Q-I-Y-Y-A. Taqiyyah is the practice of lying and deceiving to further Islam. Every Islamic sect agrees to it and practices it. In other words, you can say that Taqiyyah is actually mainstream Islam.

[John Weaver] So if there are some that vary from it, they would be the exception and not the rule. So, taqiyyah is very prevalent in Islamic politics, especially in this day and age. So, here's a quote. Listen carefully. I can't pronounce his name, but Mohammed bin Jarir al-Tabari, author of a standard and authoritative Qur'an commentary, explains 328 as follows. Listen carefully. If you Muslims are under their non-Muslims' authority, fearing for yourselves, behave loyally to them with your tongue while harboring inner animosity for them.

[John Weaver] Know that God, that is Allah, has forbidden believers from being friendly or on intimate terms with the infidels rather than other believers. Except when infidels are above them in authority. Should that be the case, Let them act friendly toward them while preserving their religion. In other words, be the hypocrite, lie, deceive, pretend like you're my friend when in reality you are not. So when I read this article and I thought about the lying and the deception, I thought about an old saying that was prevalent when I was a boy.

[John Weaver] You would tell someone something, And they'd say, oh no. And then we would say simply, like it or love it. It's the truth. Like it or love it. And that's exactly what this is. It is actually the truth. And when you realize that most of the stolen money and the billions have been sent back to the Somalians to the terrorist organizations there where they can help destroy America and fight against the great Satan. Wow.

[John Weaver] And it's not just the learning centers that they are now discovering, but they're also some type of hospice and some type of care centers and all this kind of, it's all nothing but a big, big scam. So the point I'm trying to help you see is this. When you look at Isaiah 1 in verse 7, it is nothing more than the curses of Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28 being applied to Judah and Jerusalem, which of course now we see the application here in this country.

[John Weaver] So let me make some applications. Here's the first one. Listen to me carefully when I say this. This message is not about Muslims. This message is about the curse of God upon a disobedient and rebellious people. Can God save a Muslim? Yes! There have been plenty of Muslims that have been genuinely converted and saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. In fact, I know some. You will find some writing on a regular basis if you do a little bit of research and they will be exposing Islam and showing how Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone can save. But the point I'm trying to make is this.

[John Weaver] Abraham was an idolater in Ur of the Chaldees. God found him. God saved him. And what did Abraham become? A friend of God. So why am I talking about the Muslims in this country? Here's why. Because God said that he was going to send strangers to devour your land. He was going to send strangers. If the Muslims have their way, they are nothing more than the rod of God to be used in the chastisement and the destruction of our country. Hang on. Before you get upset with me saying this, may I remind you, may I remind you that God sent the Babylonians to destroy Judah and Jerusalem. And if you will take the time to read Jeremiah chapter 27 through 29, you will find that God says this repeatedly. Nebuchadnezzar, my servant. God sent the Babylonians against Judah and Jerusalem. When you read Isaiah chapter 10, you understand God sent the Assyrians against the northern kingdom of Israel. And what did God say in Isaiah 10? The rod in their hand is the staff of my indignation.

[John Weaver] I gave them a charge to take a spoil. I gave them the charge to tread under. God said, I sent them. Why did God send the Assyrians against Israel? Because they apostatized. They were idolaters. They denied God in His word, His law. Why did God send the Babylonians against Judah and Jerusalem? Because they apostatized. They were idolaters. They denied God, His word, and His law. Wow. God may use whomever he pleases, whomever he chooses to chastise his people.

[John Weaver] In fact, I think I just thought of a verse. If I can find it right quickly, it is in the book of Psalms. And I think it is Psalm 7. Let me check right quickly. Oh, let's see. Oh, I was looking at verse... No, that's not the passage. I can quote it in my mind. I can tell you what it says, but I wanted to read it to you. Maybe it's 17. Let me look very, very quickly. Yes. Yes. Look, if you would, in Psalm 17.

[John Weaver] And he's talking about the wicked. Look at it. Let's begin reading there with verse 9. Look at verse 9, Psalm 17, verse 9. He says, From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies who compass me about. Now he's describing them. They're enclosed in their own fat, with their mouth they speak proudly. They have now compassed us in our steps. They have set their eyes bowing down to the earth like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. Look what he says now. arise oh lord disappoint him cast him down deliver my soul from the wicked which is thy sword from men which are thy hand oh lord from men of the world which have their position in this life or have their portion in this life and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure They're

[John Weaver] full of children and leave the rest of their substance at their base. But note, if you would, he says in verse 13, the wicked are God's sword. And then he says in verse 14, from men which are by hand, in other words, they're they're God's hand. God places a sword in their hands and says, you judge this people. And that's exactly what we have in this country.

[John Weaver] And it's not just the Muslims, it would be anyone and everyone. that is against Christ, against Christianity, against the Word of God, and who are trying to draw people into further idolatry. By the way, let me just point out again, you don't have to bow down to an idol to be an idolater. You can be an idolater in your mind. In fact, any thought that you have about God that's contrary to Scripture is part and parcel of idolatry. So the word image comes from the word imagination. So if you imagine something in your mind about God that's not true, it's idolatry because you're viewing God as what he is not. Here's the second truth.

[John Weaver] Unless we repent and turn back, we will witness not only the destruction of Europe, but the destruction of America as well. The Ammons in Islam have repeatedly said, you can find it all over the internet, you can find it all over the paper, where the leaders of Islam say, we did not come to assimilate, we came to dominate. Islam is a political religion. Period. And they want to dominate. It's just that simple.

[John Weaver] Now, I've got one last passage I want you to see. I want you to turn, if you would please, to the book of Hosea chapter 13. So, it's Daniel, Hosea, Joel, and Amos. So, I want you to look in Hosea chapter 13. I said this at the beginning. You probably never picked up on it, but I'm going to say it again. You place yourself under the curse of God by your disobedience. Look what God said to Israel, Hosea chapter 13, and look if you would please at verse 9. God says, O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thine heaven.

[John Weaver] We can destroy ourselves, but we cannot help ourselves. We can destroy ourselves by disobedience, by rebellion, by refusal to hear the word of God and obey, or we can recognize the fact that our only help is in God himself. So no man is going to save us in this country. No president, no Congress. If we're saved, it'll only be by the grace and the mercy of God himself.

[John Weaver] Because the scripture tells us that he must turn us. He must incline our heart. He must move upon us. So as though Israel thou hast destroyed thyself but in me is thine help. There is no help and there is no hope apart from God. So just like Isaiah 1 and verse 7 showed the curse of God from Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, Jeremiah 5. So that same curse is applicable today not just to individuals, not just to families, not just to churches, but to nations. Judah was a nation. It was a kingdom. Israel was a nation. It was a kingdom.

[John Weaver] I want to point one last thing out, and that is this. When God set those Babylonians against Judah and Jerusalem. There was a remnant left. When God sent the Assyrians against Israel, there was a remnant left. I don't know about you, but I want to be in the remnant. I want to be in the remnant. I don't want to be in the part that is destroyed And if we're going to be a remnant, we must be faithful and true to him.

[John Weaver] And worship him alone and honor him. And submit to him and walk humbly with him. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow before thee. We thank you for your word. We thank you for your truth. And Lord, we are in a very desperate precarious position in this country. Help us to see, Lord, the curse still exists, as well as the blessing, the promise, as well as the punishment. And Father, we just pray that you would turn our hearts unto thee, grant us repentance, grant us faith and obedience. In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask and pray. Amen.

A Curse Made Plain and Simple

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	3226202582646
Subject	Covenant Theology
Course	Covenant Theology: Blessings, Curses, and Sanctions: A Time Of Need
Genre	Sermon
Date	2026-02-15
Dictation Name
Book	Book 043: Covenant Theology: Blessings, Curses, and Sanctions: A Time Of Need — Chapter 7
Source Timed Segments	87

Formatted Transcript

Introduction to Biblical Curses

Weaver introduces the concept of biblical curses, distinguishing them from common cursing, and notes that God and the Apostle Paul pronounced curses on disobedience and false gospels.

Alright, well let's open our Bibles today, if you would please, to Isaiah chapter 1 and verse 7. Isaiah 1 and verse 7. The title of the message is "A Curse Made Plain and Simple." So if you look in Isaiah chapter 1 and verse 7, the Word of God says this:

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 1:7

"Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your land strangers devoured it in your presence, and it is desolate as overthrown by strangers."

Everyone has heard curses as well as cursing. Usually that which we hear is unbiblical, ungodly, depraved, and humanistic. As Christians, however, we shudder when we hear such language, and we do not desire to be around it, and certainly we do not wish to repeat it. But we often fail to grasp the fact that there are biblical curses. In fact, God himself placed curses upon sin, disobedience, and rebellion. Even the Apostle Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, placed a curse upon those who denied Jesus Christ and who refused to preach his gospel.

So if you would hold Isaiah chapter 1 and look in your Bibles very quickly to the book of Galatians chapter 1 and verses 8 and 9. Galatians chapter 1 verses 8 and 9. Look if you would at the words of the scripture. Galatians 1 verse 8 the Apostle says,

Scripture Reading — Galatians 1:8-9

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."

Now look at verse nine.

Scripture Reading — Galatians 1:8-9

"As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."

So twice now, the apostle has said that anyone who preaches anything other than the gospel of Jesus Christ is accursed.

Now, the interesting thing is the word "accursed" in both verses is the Greek word anathema, which means to be set apart for certain and sure destruction. It means that one is beyond the hope of redemption, beyond the veil of redemption. In other words, once you are anathema, you are just simply set aside for certain and sure destruction as well.

Examples of Curses in Deuteronomy 27

He reads a series of curses from Deuteronomy 27, showing that the people affirmed them with 'Amen,' and explains that disobedience places one under a curse.

Now, there are many curses in the Bible. You will find many of them in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 26, 27, 28, 29, you'll also find in Leviticus 26, you'll find also curses all throughout the Bible. I want you to look very quickly in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 27. And let me just show you a few of these curses. Deuteronomy, chapter 27. And notice if you would, as I read this, all the people, once the curses were pronounced, the people were saying, "Amen." And the word "Amen" literally means "verily, verily, truly, truly, so be it, so be it." So, in Deuteronomy chapter 27, beginning there in verse 15, look what the Word of God says. Here are the curses, or at least some of them.

"Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

"Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen." I hope you notice that God does not mince words.

He does not play around. He does not beat around the bush. He tells you plainly and simply that if you wish to be cursed, all you have to do is to be disobedient and rebellious, and he will see that you are most certainly and definitely cursed. In reality, in reality, you curse yourself. The curse is already there. You just simply place yourself under that curse by your disobedient and by your rebellious actions. So here's the truth. If you do not wish to be cursed, do not be rebellious. Do not be disobedient.

The Curse Fulfilled in Isaiah 1:7

Weaver focuses on Isaiah 1:7, explaining that the desolation, burning, and devouring by strangers is the literal fulfillment of covenant curses upon Judah.

If you want to be blessed, all you have to do is submit and obey according to the Word of God. Now, interestingly, there are not just curses in the Bible that are stated very plainly like this. There are other words that are used for curses. For instance, if you would take the time to read Isaiah chapter 5 and Matthew chapter 23, you'll find the woes. And the woes are curses as well. When our Lord said, "Woe be to you Pharisees, scribes, hypocrites," every time there was a woe, it was indeed a curse. So you'll find that in the Old Testament and in the New Testament as well. Now, when you look at Isaiah chapter one, there's a very interesting verse. I have so many messages on Isaiah chapter one. I think I've got three messages just on the first three or four verses. I have a message on the end of it, I've got several messages, but as I was reading through Isaiah this past week, verse 7 just simply jumped out at me and I want you to look at it. Here's the curse, it's being fulfilled. He said, "Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with

fire, your land strangers devoured in your presence, and it is desolate as overthrown by strangers." Now this curse was literally fulfilled upon Jerusalem and Judea, or Judah. But there are applications of it for today because God is immutable, that is, He is unchangeable. Since God is immutable, His word is immutable. His curses never change, His blessings never change, His promises never change, His punishments never change. So the word of God and the curses and the blessings are just as immutable as God himself. In fact, we read in Psalm 138 that the Lord has established his word even above his name. And then in Psalm 119, verse 89, "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." So we know that the word of God is true.

Now, when you look at verse seven again, and I want you to look at it because I'm going to give you a quote. "Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire. Your land, strangers devoured in your presence. And it is desolate as overthrown by strangers." Keil and Delitzsch in their commentary say this: "This is described more particularly in verse seven, which commences with the most general view and returns to it again at the close. Now, listen: 'Your land, a desert. Your cities burn with fire, your field, foreigners consuming it before your eyes, and a desert-like overthrown by strangers.'"

Scriptural Roots of the Curse Language

He demonstrates that the words in Isaiah 1:7 are drawn directly from curses in Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28, Jeremiah 5, and Micah 6, emphasizing God's consistency.

So from the time of Isaiah on down, the nation of Israel was a perfect realization of the curses of the law. And interestingly enough, he talks about strangers, which I'll deal with just in a moment, but it refers to foreigners, it refers to barbarians. Now, here's the interesting thing about verse 7. When you compare verse 7 with the rest of Scripture, you're going to find that practically every word in it, especially every major word, is directly from one of the curses that is pronounced either in Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28, Micah chapter 6, or Jeremiah chapter 5. So it's interesting that God makes it exceedingly clear that once again this judgment fell upon the nation because of their rebellion. So I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Jeremiah and let me just show you this curse being actually applied. So Isaiah, Jeremiah, if you look in Jeremiah chapter 5, we're going to begin there with verse 15. Look what God says, Jeremiah chapter 5 and verse 15. Here's the curse that God is placing upon them for their disobedience. He says, "Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD. It is a mighty nation.

It is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say. Their quiver is an open sepulchre, they are all mighty men. And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword. "Nevertheless in those days, saith the LORD, I will not make a full end with you. And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours. Declare this in the house of Jacob.

Publish it in Judah, saying, Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart.

The Horror of 'Strangers Devour It in Your Presence'

Weaver breaks down the phrase, explaining that 'strangers' (foreigners, barbarians) devour the land while the people watch helplessly, unable to stop the destruction.

"Your cities are burned with fire." We have that. By the way, I suppose if you did just a little bit of thinking and remembering, you could remember Minnesota and a number of other cities like Oregon, Portland, Oregon, Washington State, all these places being burned with fire in all these protests and riots. Well, okay. But here's the scary part to me. Look at this. He says, "Your country's desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your land, strangers devour it in your presence." Wow.

Now let's take this phrase, a word at a time. First of all, you must take note of the word "strangers." He says "strangers devoured in your presence." The Hebrew word for stranger is the word zur. We would spell it z-u-r and it refers to strangers, foreigners, barbarians, and those of a loathsome breath. Now, I want to tell you how this word is also translated in the Bible. It's not just simply translated as stranger, but it is also translated as a strange woman, a prostitute, and a harlot. So, a prostitute or a harlot would be someone of a strange breath, not your wife. So this is what this word literally means. So it's someone who is strange, someone who is foreign, someone who has a loathsome breath.

Now, here's the second thing. Look at it. He says "strangers devour it in your presence." Secondly, you have to consider that these strangers do something particularly, and that is they devour. Now the word in the Hebrew is the word akal, and it literally means to be eaten up, to be devoured, to be consumed, to be wasted and destroyed. Now, I don't know if I can explain this any more plainly than the illustration I'm going to use. Let's suppose that Steve and I get into a knock-down, drag-out argument. And Steve is just so upset with me. He's telling me that he's going to beat me to a bloody pulp. He's going to do this and that to me. He's just going to tear me up.

And I listen to him. And when he gets through and I look at him, I say, "Man, let me tell you something. I will eat you alive." Have you ever heard that expression? Sure you have. You know what that means? I'm not going to spare. I'm going to tear you from limb to limb. I will eat you up. There'll be nothing left. So this is exactly what he's talking about here.

He said "your land strangers devour it." They're eating it up. They're destroying it. Nothing is going to be left. OK, here's the third thing. Look at verse seven again. He said "strangers devoured in your presence." Hang on. The devouring and the being eaten up by strangers are done in your presence. Let me explain that. It is done before your eyes. And here's the worst part. You're not just simply observing it. You're not just simply seeing it. There's absolutely nothing you can do about it. You cannot stop it. You cannot prevent it. You cannot hinder it. There's not one thing you can do. The destruction is there. And I want you to look at this. I want you to make it personal. He said, "your land, strangers devour it in your presence." So it's not someone else's land. It's your land. It's not someone else's house. It's your house. It's not someone else's family. It's your family. Hang on. I want you to consider just for a moment the absolute grief, the absolute heartbrokenness of not being able to save your own wife, your own child, your own family, your own property from someone who is just simply destroying just to be destroying.

If you remember recently, I preached some messages on the dangers of old age and one of the dangers I pointed out was the loss of control. And I use this illustration. I've seen young fathers and mothers with their little children and they say "they obey me precisely." And I say "I'm so thankful." But wait until they're 16 or 17. Wait until they're grown. Wait until they're married. And they still do things that are absolutely stupid sometimes and wicked. And you can't stop them. You can tell them. You can give them counsel. You can give them advice. But you can't stop them. You know what is going to happen. But you can't stop it. You're absolutely helpless.

Now let me show you. I want you to follow me. I want you to turn in your Bibles to Isaiah chapter 13 and I want you to look at verse 16. Think about this now. This is all part and parcel of the curse. Everything's being devoured. Everything's being destroyed. So if you look in Isaiah chapter 13, look, if you would please, at verse 16. Look at this. Here's part of the curse.

Historical and Modern Parallels of Helplessness

He cites Isaiah 13:16, Lamentations 5:11, and Zechariah 14:2 to illustrate the grief of seeing one's family ravaged, and connects it to modern reports of Islamic teachings on rape.

"Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished." What in the world can you do if someone has your child by the heels, dashing him up against a rock, and you can't... Someone's holding you. Someone's tied you. You can't do one thing. You're absolutely helpless. But notice if you would believe, it's not just that, it's not your children only, your house is going to be spoiled. Someone is walking in and just taking whatever they want. And then he says, "and your wives ravished." In other words, I have known and I have read, I've not known them personally, but I've read about men who've gone into a house, beat up the husband, tied him up, and then raped his wife in front of him. Forced him to watch. What can you do? Except cry.

Look in your Bibles, Isaiah chapter 5. It's Jeremiah, Isaiah. I'm sorry, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations. Lamentations chapter 5 is what I want. Right after the book of Jeremiah. Look in Lamentations chapter 5 and verse 11. Lamentations 5, verse 11. This actually happened now. Hang on.

Scripture Reading — Lamentations 5:11

"They ravished the women in Zion, and the maids in the cities of Judah."

When the Babylonians came in, nothing was safe. No one was safe. What can you do? If you will turn over to the book of Zechariah, which is right before the book of Malachi.

next to the last book in the Old Testament. If you'll look in the book of Zechariah chapter 14 and look if you would please at verse 2. Zechariah chapter 14 verse 2. God says,

Scripture Reading — Zechariah 14:2

"For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city."

Note, if you would,

Scripture Reading — Zechariah 14:2

"I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle. The city will be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished."

Now let me ask you a question. Do you realize that this is actually happening not only in Europe, especially in England, Germany, Sweden, but it's also happening here in America. How would you listen? We have been invaded by Muslims, and please listen to me, I know how they came, and I'm not necessarily preaching against Muslims, but I'm telling you what they teach. Here is a quote, an Islamic scholar, Tarek Fatah, who is a woman, and she says, "Allah allows Muslim men to rape non-Muslim women so as to humiliate them." Wow. Here's an article. I will read it. It's a short one. The title is "ISIS Rapes Women Toward Allah." Wow. I'm going to read the article. "Other victims have also said they were told their rapes were a form of worship encouraged by the Koran."

Indeed, in an extensive investigation, the New York Times described a theology of rape in which militants often pray before molesting their victims. One victim, a 12-year-old girl, told the Times, "He said that by raping me, he was drawing closer to God." I can think of men that I know personally, that if that happened to someone in their family, they would really help him draw much closer to his God because he would just simply not be around too much longer. But the point I'm trying to make, there can be nothing more grievous, nothing more heartbreaking than to see such wickedness, such travesty of justice happening, and there be absolutely nothing you can do about it. Not one thing.

The Overthrow Like Sodom and Gomorrah

Weaver explains that 'overthrown' in Isaiah 1:7 is the same word used for Sodom's destruction, signifying total annihilation, and quotes Calvin on the cruelty of foreign invaders.

And it simply does not mean just a simple overthrow. It means absolute total destruction. Now, when we think of the word "overthrow," we think of the word "upset." We think of two football teams that are going to play, and one is supposed to be the superior team, and of course, they're going to win the championship and all this kind of stuff, and the little dinky team that's far behind, they come up and overthrow the champion, so to speak, and there's a huge upset. That's how we think of the word "overthrow." Something not necessarily really dangerous, but just something that happens. Something that's normal. No, this is not normal. I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Deuteronomy 29. I want you to also go ahead and find Jeremiah 49. We will come back to Jeremiah. We will go to Deuteronomy first. So find Jeremiah 49. Go ahead and mark that if you would please. And then turn back in your Bibles to the book of Deuteronomy chapter 29. And we're going to begin reading with verse 23. I think you will probably come up with what I'm referring to. Watch this. Deuteronomy 29, beginning there with verse 23. Look at it.

"And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow"—the same word—"like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath: Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt." "For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them: And the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book: And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day."

Wow, so he is saying that the overthrow of Judah and Jerusalem, hmm, was like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah. What was left of Sodom and Gomorrah? Nothing. What was left of Admah and Zeboim? Nothing.

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 49:18

Now if you look at Isaiah chapter 49, Isaiah 49, look in verse 18. Here it is again. Isaiah 49 verse 18, "As in the overthrow"—the same exact Hebrew word—"as in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it." Lord, I am going to absolutely annihilate them. So the word "overthrow" in Isaiah 1 and verse 7 is exactly the same Hebrew word as you find in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Thus the curse falls upon Judah and Jerusalem. Why? For they served other gods. They forsook God. They forsook his word. They forsook his law.

Now let me point something out that I hope you remember this. There is no time out. There is no neutral ground. There is no king's ex. You are either under the curse of God or you're either under the blessing of God. You're either obedient or you're disobedient. You're either righteous or you're unrighteous. Someone said, "Honesty is like being pregnant. Either you are or you're not, there's no in-between."

And that's the same way here. There's no king's ex, there's no in-between, there's no neutral realm. You're either cursed or you're blessed. It's just that simple. Wow. Let me give you a quote by Calvin, and I want you to think about what he said. He makes a very important point. Here's what he said. "That word"—we're talking about the word "overthrown"—"That word might no doubt be applied to enemies, but it is better to take it as literally denoting foreigners.

The calamity is more grievous when it's brought on by men who are unknown, who have come from a distant country, who lay waste with a far greater recklessness and cruelty than neighboring tribes. Such men destroy cities, burn houses, buildings, and villages, and spread desolation all around. In short, they rush forward with barbarous ferocity, bent on murders and conflagrations, and are more eager to inflict damage than to make gain. But neighbors, when they have subdued a country, can retain possession of it by having a garrison or as soon as a revolt is attempted or an insurrection takes place, can send additional troops. And therefore they are not so cruel, nor do they lay waste a country from which they hope to derive some advantage. It is therefore no ordinary calamity, but the most shocking of all calamities that is here described."

In other words, the people that came could care less about conquering. They just wanted to rape and destroy and murder, and that's exactly what they did.

Application: Muslims as a Rod of Judgment

He argues that Muslims in America may be God's instrument of judgment, citing an article questioning Muslim loyalty and the Islamic doctrine of Taqiyyah (deception).

Now, I'm making the point here, I want you to think. I want you to think momentarily about all of the foreigners, all those strangers, and all of those with loathsome breath that our politicians have brought into this country. Are you listening? You remember Trump got himself into some hot water because he referred to the Somali Muslims as garbage. Do you remember that? And why did he refer to them as garbage? Because all of them are on welfare and not only their own welfare but they are extorting and stealing from every American and it's billions. Not just in Minnesota, but now it's in New York. It's in Michigan. It's in Texas. They're finding it now absolutely everywhere. Wow.

Now when you stop and think about this, obviously a Muslim is not a Christian. But moreover, they're not really Americans either. In fact, you will find anybody with dual allegiance can possibly be a good American. Now, moreover, Muslims refer to Christians as infidels. They refer to America as the great Satan.

Now, I read an article a few weeks back and the author of this article was saying that some people took great offense at it. I read it. I thought, how could anyone take offense at it? I mean, it's truth. So, I'm going to read you the article, and I want you to think about this. And you hang with me until I get through. But here's the article. He says, "Have you ever thought"—and then he asks this question.

"Can a devout Muslim be an American patriot and or a loyal citizen? Is Muslim American really an oxymoron?" And then he says, "Consider this." Now, listen to what he says. "Theologically, the answer is no, because his allegiance is to Allah, the moon god of Arabia. Religiously, the answer is no, because no other religion is accepted by Allah except Islam. Scripturally, no, because his allegiance is to the five pillars of Islam and to the Quran. Geographically, the answer is no, because his allegiance is to Mecca to which he has to turn and pray five times a day. Socially, the answer is no, because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians and Jews."

"Politically, the answer is no, because he must submit to the Mullah, that is the spiritual leaders, who teach annihilation of Israel and the destruction of America, the great Satan. Domestically, no, he cannot be a good American patriot because he is instructed to marry four women and beat and scourge his wives when they disobey him. Intellectually, the answer is no, because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based upon biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt. Philosophically, the answer is no, because Islam, Mohammed and the Koran do not allow freedom of religion and expression." And then he says this: "Democracy in Islam cannot coexist." I would change that last sentence. I would say Islam and a constitutional republic cannot coexist. But you get the point. Because every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic. Then he says, "Spiritually, the answer is no, because when we declare one nation under God, the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is never referred to as a heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in the Quran's 99 excellent names of Allah." Hmm.

Then he concludes with this: "Therefore, after much study and deliberation, perhaps you should be very suspicious of all Muslims in this country. They obviously cannot be both good Muslims and good Americans. Call it what you wish, it is still truth." Now that was the end of the article, but let me point out, there's another truth and it is called, and I'm probably mispronouncing it because I do not speak Arabic, but it is called Taqiyyah, and it's spelled T-A-Q-I-Y-Y-A-H. Taqiyyah is the practice of lying and deceiving to further Islam. Every Islamic sect agrees to it and practices it. In other words, you can say that Taqiyyah is actually mainstream Islam.

So if there are some that vary from it, they would be the exception and not the rule. So, Taqiyyah is very prevalent in Islamic politics, especially in this day and age. So, here's a quote. Listen carefully. I can't pronounce his name, but Mohammed bin Jarir al-Tabari, author of a standard and authoritative Qur'an commentary, explains 3:28 as follows. Listen carefully. "If you Muslims are under their non-Muslims' authority, fearing for yourselves, behave loyally to them with your tongue while harboring inner animosity for them."

"Know that God, that is Allah, has forbidden believers from being friendly or on intimate terms with the infidels rather than other believers. Except when infidels are above them in authority. Should that be the case, let them act friendly toward them while preserving their religion." In other words, be the hypocrite, lie, deceive, pretend like you're my friend when in reality you are not. So when I read this article and I thought about the lying and the deception, I thought about an old saying that was prevalent when I was a boy. You would tell someone something, and they'd say, "Oh no." And then we would say simply, "Like it or love it. It's the truth. Like it or love it." And that's exactly what this is. It is actually the truth. And when you realize that most of the stolen money and the billions have been sent back to the Somalians to the terrorist organizations there where they can help destroy America and fight against the great Satan. Wow.

The Curse Is for Disobedience, Not Just About Muslims

Weaver clarifies that the message is about God's curse on rebellion, not an attack on Muslims, noting that God can save Muslims and has used pagan nations as His sword before.

And it's not just the learning centers that they are now discovering, but they're also some type of hospice and some type of care centers and all this kind of, it's all nothing but a big, big scam. So the point I'm trying to help you see is this. When you look at Isaiah 1 in verse 7, it is nothing more than the curses of Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28 being applied to Judah and Jerusalem, which of course now we see the application here in this country. So let me make some applications. Here's the first one. Listen to me carefully when I say this. This message is not about Muslims. This message is about the curse of God upon a disobedient and rebellious people. Can God save a Muslim? Yes! There have been plenty of Muslims that have been genuinely converted and saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. In fact, I know some. You will find some writing on a regular basis if you do a little bit of research and they will be exposing Islam and showing how Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone can save. But the point I'm trying to make is this.

Abraham was an idolater in Ur of the Chaldees. God found him. God saved him. And what did Abraham become? A friend of God. So why am I talking about the Muslims in this country? Here's why. Because God said that he was going to send strangers to devour your land. He was going to send strangers. If the Muslims have their way, they are nothing more than the rod of God to be used in the chastisement and the destruction of our country. Hang on. Before you get upset with me saying this, may I remind you, may I remind you that God sent the Babylonians to destroy Judah and Jerusalem. And if you will take the time to read Jeremiah chapter 27 through 29, you will find that God says this repeatedly. "Nebuchadnezzar, my servant." God sent the Babylonians against Judah and Jerusalem. When you read Isaiah chapter 10, you understand God sent the Assyrians against the northern kingdom of Israel. And what did God say in Isaiah 10? "The rod in their hand is the staff of my indignation.

I gave them a charge to take a spoil. I gave them the charge to tread under." God said, "I sent them." Why did God send the Assyrians against Israel? Because they apostatized. They were idolaters. They denied God in His word, His law. Why did God send the Babylonians against Judah and Jerusalem? Because they apostatized. They were idolaters. They denied God, His word, and His law. Wow. God may use whomever he pleases, whomever he chooses to chastise his people.

In fact, I think I just thought of a verse. If I can find it right quickly, it is in the book of Psalms. And I think it is Psalm 7. Let me check right quickly. Oh, let's see. Oh, I was looking at verse... No, that's not the passage. I can quote it in my mind. I can tell you what it says, but I wanted to read it to you. Maybe it's 17. Let me look very, very quickly. Yes. Yes. Look, if you would, in Psalm 17.

And he's talking about the wicked. Look at it. Let's begin reading there with verse 9. Look at verse 9, Psalm 17, verse 9. He says, "From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly. They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth; Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places." Look what he says now.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 17:13-14

"Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they

are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes." But note, if you would, he says in verse 13, the wicked are God's sword. And then he says in verse 14, "from men which are thy hand," in other words, they're God's hand. God places a sword in their hands and says, "You judge this people." And that's exactly what we have in this country.

Call to Repentance and Remnant Faithfulness

He warns that without repentance, America faces destruction, and urges believers to be part of the faithful remnant by turning to God, who alone is our help.

And it's not just the Muslims, it would be anyone and everyone that is against Christ, against Christianity, against the Word of God, and who are trying to draw people into further idolatry. By the way, let me just point out again, you don't have to bow down to an idol to be an idolater. You can be an idolater in your mind. In fact, any thought that you have about God that's contrary to Scripture is part and parcel of idolatry. So the word "image" comes from the word "imagination." So if you imagine something in your mind about God that's not true, it's idolatry because you're viewing God as what he is not. Here's the second truth. Unless we repent and turn back, we will witness not only the destruction of Europe, but the destruction of America as well. The Imams in Islam have repeatedly said, you can find it all over the internet, you can find it all over the paper, where the leaders of Islam say, "We did not come to assimilate, we came to dominate." Islam is a political religion. Period. And they want to dominate. It's just that simple.

Now, I've got one last passage I want you to see. I want you to turn, if you would please, to the book of Hosea chapter 13. So, it's Daniel, Hosea, Joel, and Amos. So, I want you to look in Hosea chapter 13. I said this at the beginning. You probably never picked up on it, but I'm going to say it again. You place yourself under the curse of God by your disobedience. Look what God said to Israel, Hosea chapter 13, and look if you would please at verse 9. God says,

Scripture Reading — Hosea 13:9

"O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help."

We can destroy ourselves, but we cannot help ourselves. We can destroy ourselves by disobedience, by rebellion, by refusal to hear the word of God and obey, or we can recognize the fact that our only help is in God himself. So no man is going to save us in this country. No president, no Congress. If we're saved, it'll only be by the grace and the mercy of God himself. Because the scripture tells us that he must turn us. He must incline our heart. He must move upon us. So as though Israel, "thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help." There is no help and there is no hope apart from God. So just like Isaiah 1 and verse 7 showed the curse of God from Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, Jeremiah 5, so that same curse is applicable today not just to individuals, not just to families, not just to churches, but to nations. Judah was a nation. It was a kingdom. Israel was a nation. It was a kingdom.

I want to point one last thing out, and that is this. When God set those Babylonians against Judah and Jerusalem, there was a remnant left. When God sent the Assyrians against Israel, there was a remnant left. I don't know about you, but I want to be in the remnant. I want to be in the remnant. I don't want to be in the part that is destroyed. And if we're going to be a remnant, we must be faithful and true to him.

And worship him alone and honor him. And submit to him and walk humbly with him. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow before thee. We thank you for your word. We thank you for your truth. And Lord, we are in a very desperate precarious position in this country. Help us to see, Lord, the curse still exists, as well as the blessing, the promise, as well as the punishment. And Father, we just pray that you would turn our hearts unto thee, grant us repentance, grant us faith and obedience. In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask and pray. Amen.

Study Guide

Major Themes

The Reality and Severity of Biblical Curses

Summary: God's curses are real, immutable, and pronounced on disobedience and rebellion, as seen in the Law and the Prophets.

Evidence: Weaver reads curses from Deuteronomy 27 and explains that the people said 'Amen,' meaning 'so be it.' He states, 'God himself placed curses upon sin, disobedience, and rebellion.'

The Fulfillment of Curses in National Judgment

Summary: Isaiah 1:7 describes the literal fulfillment of covenant curses on Judah, with language drawn from Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28.

Evidence: He compares Isaiah 1:7 with Leviticus 26:31-33 and Jeremiah 44:22, showing the same words for desolation and waste.

The Helplessness of Watching Destruction

Summary: The curse includes the agony of seeing strangers devour one's land and family while being powerless to stop it.

Evidence: Weaver emphasizes 'in your presence' and illustrates with Isaiah 13:16 and Lamentations 5:11, describing children dashed to pieces and wives ravished before one's eyes.

God Uses Foreign Nations as Instruments of Judgment

Summary: God sent Assyria and Babylon against Israel and Judah; similarly, He may use modern 'strangers' like Muslims to judge America.

Evidence: He cites Jeremiah 5:15-17 and Psalm 17:13-14, calling the wicked God's sword and hand, and applies it to Muslim immigration.

The Call to Repentance and Remnant Faithfulness

Summary: Individuals and nations place themselves under curses by disobedience; only repentance and turning to God can bring help and preserve a remnant.

Evidence: He quotes Hosea 13:9, 'O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help,' and urges believers to be faithful to be part of the remnant.

Key Arguments

Curses are conditional upon disobedience

Summary: God's curses are activated by rebellion; one places oneself under a curse by disobeying God's law.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'In reality, you curse yourself. The curse is already there. You just simply place yourself under that curse by your disobedient and by your rebellious actions.'

Isaiah 1:7 is a direct fulfillment of covenant curses

Summary: The desolation, burning, and devouring by strangers in Isaiah 1:7 match the curses pronounced in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28.

Evidence: He reads Leviticus 26:31-33 and Jeremiah 44:22, showing the same language of desolation and waste.

The phrase 'in your presence' intensifies the curse

Summary: The curse is made more grievous because the victims must watch the destruction helplessly.

Evidence: Weaver explains, 'It is done before your eyes. And here's the worst part. You're not just simply observing it... There's absolutely nothing you can do about it.'

The 'overthrow' in Isaiah 1:7 signifies total annihilation

Summary: The Hebrew word for 'overthrown' is the same used for Sodom and Gomorrah, indicating complete destruction.

Evidence: He compares Deuteronomy 29:23 and Isaiah 49:18, where the same word describes Sodom's overthrow, and quotes Calvin on the cruelty of foreign invaders.

Modern 'strangers' may be God's rod of judgment

Summary: Muslims in America, with their teachings and practices, could be the strangers God uses to devour the land as judgment for national sin.

Evidence: He reads an article questioning Muslim loyalty and cites the doctrine of Taqiyyah, then references Psalm 17:13-14 where the wicked are God's sword.

Repentance is the only escape from the curse

Summary: Since the curse comes from disobedience, only turning back to God can avert destruction and preserve a remnant.

Evidence: He quotes Hosea 13:9 and states, 'Unless we repent and turn back, we will witness not only the destruction of Europe, but the destruction of America as well.'

Scripture References

Isaiah 1:7

Context: The primary text, describing the desolation of the land, burning of cities, and devouring by strangers as a curse fulfilled.

Galatians 1:8-9

Context: Paul pronounces a curse (anathema) on anyone preaching a different gospel, showing that biblical curses exist in the New Testament.

Deuteronomy 27:15-26

Context: A list of curses for various sins, with the people responding 'Amen,' illustrating the conditional nature of curses.

Leviticus 26:31-33

Context: God promises to make cities waste and the land desolate as part of the curse for disobedience, using language echoed in Isaiah 1:7.

Jeremiah 5:15-17

Context: God threatens to bring a foreign nation to devour the harvest and impoverish cities, paralleling the curse in Isaiah 1:7.

Jeremiah 44:22

Context: The land became a desolation and a curse because of the people's abominations, confirming the cause of the judgment.

Jeremiah 38:17-18

Context: Jeremiah warns Zedekiah that refusal to surrender will result in the city being burned with fire, a specific fulfillment of the curse.

Isaiah 13:16

Context: Part of the curse: children dashed to pieces before their eyes, houses spoiled, wives ravished, illustrating helplessness.

Lamentations 5:11

Context: Historical fulfillment: women ravished in Zion and maids in Judah when Babylon invaded.

Zechariah 14:2

Context: Future judgment: God gathers nations against Jerusalem, houses rifled, women ravished, showing the pattern of curse.

Deuteronomy 29:23-28

Context: The overthrow of the land is compared to Sodom and Gomorrah, using the same Hebrew word as Isaiah 1:7, indicating total destruction.

Isaiah 49:18

Context: The overthrow is again compared to Sodom, with no man dwelling there, reinforcing the severity of the curse.

Psalm 17:13-14

Context: The wicked are described as God's sword and hand, showing that God uses evil men as instruments of judgment.

Hosea 13:9

Context: Israel destroyed itself through disobedience, but help is found only in God, summarizing the message of self-inflicted curse and divine mercy.

Historical References

Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem

Context: Weaver recounts how Nebuchadnezzar's forces burned the city, captured Zedekiah, killed his sons, and put out his eyes, fulfilling the curse of fire and desolation.

Assyrian invasion of Israel

Context: God sent the Assyrians against the northern kingdom as a rod of judgment for apostasy and idolatry, as described in Isaiah 10.

Sodom and Gomorrah's overthrow

Context: The Hebrew word for 'overthrown' in Isaiah 1:7 is the same used for Sodom's destruction, signifying total annihilation as a divine curse.

Modern riots in Minnesota, Oregon, Washington

Context: Weaver briefly mentions cities being burned in protests and riots as a contemporary parallel to the burning of cities in Isaiah 1:7.

Islamic teachings on rape and deception (Taqiyyah)

Context: He cites an article and a Quranic commentary to argue that Muslims are taught to deceive and that rape is seen as worship, making them dangerous 'strangers.'

Somali Muslims and welfare fraud

Context: Weaver references Trump's comment about Somali Muslims as 'garbage' and alleges widespread welfare fraud and money sent to terrorist organizations.

Important Quotes

Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your land strangers devoured it in your presence, and it is desolate as overthrown by strangers.

Significance: This is the central text of the sermon, showing the curse fulfilled in vivid terms.

In reality, you curse yourself. The curse is already there. You just simply place yourself under that curse by your disobedient and by your rebellious actions.

Significance: Summarizes the conditional nature of curses: disobedience activates the curse.

It is done before your eyes. And here's the worst part. You're not just simply observing it. You're not just simply seeing it. There's absolutely nothing you can do about it.

Significance: Highlights the helplessness and grief of watching destruction unfold.

O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.

Significance: The key verse for the application: self-destruction through sin, but help only in God.

Unless we repent and turn back, we will witness not only the destruction of Europe, but the destruction of America as well.

Significance: The urgent call to repentance to avoid national judgment.

Discussion Questions

How does understanding biblical curses change your view of God's justice and holiness?

Context: Weaver emphasizes that God's curses are real and immutable, just like His blessings.

In what ways do we 'place ourselves under a curse' through disobedience today?

Context: He states that the curse is already there and we activate it by rebellion.

What does the phrase 'in your presence' teach us about the nature of divine judgment?

Context: Weaver explains the agony of watching destruction helplessly.

How should Christians respond to the idea that God might use non-Christian nations or groups as instruments of judgment?

Context: He argues that Muslims could be God's rod, just as Assyria and Babylon were.

What does it mean to be part of the 'remnant' in a nation under judgment?

Context: Weaver calls for faithfulness to be among the remnant that is preserved.

How does Hosea 13:9 ('thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help') apply to personal and national repentance?

Context: This verse summarizes the message of self-inflicted curse and divine help.

Applications

Examine your obedience to avoid self-inflicted curses

Summary: Recognize that disobedience places you under God's curse; examine your life for rebellion and turn from it.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'If you do not wish to be cursed, do not be rebellious. Do not be disobedient.'

Trust God's sovereignty even when judgment comes through 'strangers'

Summary: Understand that God may use wicked people as His sword, and trust His purposes even in national calamity.

Evidence: He cites Psalm 17:13-14 and the examples of Assyria and Babylon as God's instruments.

Repent personally and nationally to avert destruction

Summary: The only escape from the curse is repentance; pray for national turning back to God.

Evidence: He warns, 'Unless we repent and turn back, we will witness... the destruction of America.'

Be part of the faithful remnant

Summary: In times of judgment, God preserves a remnant; commit to faithfulness and true worship to be among them.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'I want to be in the remnant... we must be faithful and true to him.'

Find your help only in God

Summary: Acknowledge that self-destruction comes from sin, but help and salvation are found only in the Lord.

Evidence: He quotes Hosea 13:9, 'O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.'

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T16:10:42Z

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T06:37:31Z

Clean Transcript

A Curse Made Plain and Simple

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

Alright, well let's open our Bibles today, if you would please, to Isaiah chapter 1 and verse 7. Isaiah 1 and verse 7. The title of the message is "A Curse Made Plain and Simple." So if you look in Isaiah chapter 1 and verse 7, the Word of God says this: "Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your land strangers devoured it in your presence, and it is desolate as overthrown by strangers." Everyone has heard curses as well as cursing.
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Usually that which we hear is unbiblical, ungodly, depraved, and humanistic. As Christians, however, we shudder when we hear such language, and we do not desire to be around it, and certainly we do not wish to repeat it. But we often fail to grasp the fact that there are biblical curses. In fact, God himself placed curses upon sin, disobedience, and rebellion. Even the Apostle Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, placed a curse upon those who denied Jesus Christ and who refused to preach his gospel.
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So if you would hold Isaiah chapter 1 and look in your Bibles very quickly to the book of Galatians chapter 1 and verses 8 and 9. Galatians chapter 1 verses 8 and 9. Look if you would at the words of the scripture. Galatians 1 verse 8 the Apostle says, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you,
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let him be accursed." Now look at verse nine. "As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." So twice now, the apostle has said that anyone who preaches anything other than the gospel of Jesus Christ is accursed.
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Now, the interesting thing is the word "accursed" in both verses is the Greek word anathema, which means to be set apart for certain and sure destruction. It means that one is beyond the hope of redemption, beyond the veil of redemption. In other words, once you are anathema, you are just simply set aside for certain and sure destruction as well.
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Now, there are many curses in the Bible. You will find many of them in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 26, 27, 28, 29, you'll also find in Leviticus 26, you'll find also curses all throughout the Bible. I want you to look very quickly in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 27. And let me just show you a few of these curses. Deuteronomy, chapter 27. And notice if you would, as I read this, all the people, once the curses were pronounced, the people were saying, "Amen." And the word "Amen" literally means "verily, verily, truly, truly, so be it, so be it." So, in Deuteronomy chapter 27, beginning there in verse 15, look what the Word of God says. Here are the curses, or at least some of them.
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"Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
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"Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen." I hope you notice that God does not mince words.
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He does not play around. He does not beat around the bush. He tells you plainly and simply that if you wish to be cursed, all you have to do is to be disobedient and rebellious, and he will see that you are most certainly and definitely cursed. In reality, in reality, you curse yourself. The curse is already there. You just simply place yourself under that curse by your disobedient and by your rebellious actions. So here's the truth. If you do not wish to be cursed, do not be rebellious. Do not be disobedient.
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If you want to be blessed, all you have to do is submit and obey according to the Word of God. Now, interestingly, there are not just curses in the Bible that are stated very plainly like this. There are other words that are used for curses. For instance, if you would take the time to read Isaiah chapter 5 and Matthew chapter 23, you'll find the woes. And the woes are curses as well. When our Lord said, "Woe be to you Pharisees, scribes, hypocrites," every time there was a woe, it was indeed a curse. So you'll find that in the Old Testament and in the New Testament as well. Now, when you look at Isaiah chapter one, there's a very interesting verse. I have so many messages on Isaiah chapter one. I think I've got three messages just on the first three or four verses. I have a message on the end of it, I've got several messages, but as I was reading through Isaiah this past week, verse 7 just simply jumped out at me and I want you to look at it. Here's the curse, it's being fulfilled. He said, "Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with
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fire, your land strangers devoured in your presence, and it is desolate as overthrown by strangers." Now this curse was literally fulfilled upon Jerusalem and Judea, or Judah. But there are applications of it for today because God is immutable, that is, He is unchangeable. Since God is immutable, His word is immutable. His curses never change, His blessings never change, His promises never change, His punishments never change. So the word of God and the curses and the blessings are just as immutable as God himself. In fact, we read in Psalm 138 that the Lord has established his word even above his name. And then in Psalm 119, verse 89, "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." So we know that the word of God is true.
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Now, when you look at verse seven again, and I want you to look at it because I'm going to give you a quote. "Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire. Your land, strangers devoured in your presence. And it is desolate as overthrown by strangers." Keil and Delitzsch in their commentary say this: "This is described more particularly in verse seven, which commences with the most general view and returns to it again at the close. Now, listen: 'Your land, a desert. Your cities burn with fire, your field, foreigners consuming it before your eyes, and a desert-like overthrown by strangers.'"
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So from the time of Isaiah on down, the nation of Israel was a perfect realization of the curses of the law. And interestingly enough, he talks about strangers, which I'll deal with just in a moment, but it refers to foreigners, it refers to barbarians.
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Now, here's the interesting thing about verse 7. When you compare verse 7 with the rest of Scripture, you're going to find that practically every word in it, especially every major word, is directly from one of the curses that is pronounced either in Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28, Micah chapter 6, or Jeremiah chapter 5. So it's interesting that God makes it exceedingly clear that once again this judgment fell upon the nation because of their rebellion. So I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Jeremiah and let me just show you this curse being actually applied. So Isaiah, Jeremiah, if you look in Jeremiah chapter 5, we're going to begin there with verse 15. Look what God says, Jeremiah chapter 5 and verse 15. Here's the curse that God is placing upon them for their disobedience. He says, "Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD. It is a mighty nation.
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It is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say. Their quiver is an open sepulchre, they are all mighty men. And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword.
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"Nevertheless in those days, saith the LORD, I will not make a full end with you. And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours. Declare this in the house of Jacob.
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Publish it in Judah, saying, Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart.
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They are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you." Isn't that interesting? Everything that he just said in Jeremiah chapter 5 is that which has happened in Isaiah chapter 1 and verse 7. I want you to go back to Isaiah chapter 1 because here is a quick comparison. I want you to look at verses 5 and 6. Isaiah chapter 1 verses 5 and 6.
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So the question is asked, the nation. By the way, if you will look at verse 1 of Isaiah 1, "The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem." So, we're talking about a nation. We're not just talking about individuals. So, we're talking about a nation. So, look at it in verse 5. Here's what he asks the people. "Why should ye be stricken any more?
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ye will revolt more and more." In other words, punishment does no good. Chastisement does no good. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment."
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Now, look at that, and now watch verse 7. "Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire. Your land, strangers devoured in your presence, and it is desolate as overthrown by strangers." And in other words, what God is doing, He's using a picture of someone who's been beaten to a bloody pulp. There's nothing about the body which has not been lacerated or bruised or broken and bleeding from the top of the head to the sole of the foot. Now, Albert Barnes in his commentary said this, "Your country is desolate.
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This is a literal statement of what he had just affirmed by a figure. In this there was much art. The figure, Isaiah 1:6, was striking. The resemblance between a man severely beaten and entirely livid and sore and a land perfectly desolate was so impressive as to attest and to arrest their attention." So he drew a picture in verses 5 and 6 of a man and now he says this is what the entire nation is going to be like.
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Now, I want to call your attention first of all again to verse 7. Look at this first statement that he says. "Your country is desolate." Now the Hebrew word for desolate is the word shemamah. And it literally refers to a desolation, a devastation, and being wasted. So what you and I would say today in our language, we would probably say it is something that has been destroyed and devastated.
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So it's not just broken down, it is broken down, but more than that, there's nothing standing. It is simply a complete devastation.
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Now, I want you to hold Isaiah 1, but look back in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Leviticus, chapter 26. And I want you to see how this curse actually is fulfilled upon Judah and Jerusalem. So hang on. Look in Leviticus chapter 26 and let's begin reading there with verse 31. Leviticus 26, verse 31, we'll read through verse 33. Here it is, Leviticus 26, verse 31.
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God says, "And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours. And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it. And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste."
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So here we have the same language that we read in Isaiah one in verse seven. And this is part of the curse for disobedience. Now, if you would turn right over to the book of Jeremiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and look, if you would, Jeremiah chapter 44 and verse 22. We're going to see the same exact language. Jeremiah chapter 44. And look again, if you would, please, there at verse 22. Jeremiah 44 verse 22.
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Word of God says this: "So that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day." So obviously, clearly God is making it very plain that once again this devastation, this desolation, this destruction is because of the sins and rebellion of the people. They were idolaters, they pursued God, they pursued his word, they pursued his law, they pursued his preachers, and God brings his curse upon them.
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Now since you are in the book of Jeremiah, look if you would back at Jeremiah chapter 38. So here's what is happening. Jeremiah has been trying to get King Zedekiah and his household to go out and surrender to the princes of Nebuchadnezzar. And of course, Zedekiah refuses to do so, but if you look at verse 17, look what Jeremiah tells him. Jeremiah 38 verse 17, "Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house: But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand." Well, of course, Zedekiah refused to go. He said he was afraid of the Jews that were already in Babylon.
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He was afraid they might abuse him. So guess what? He was captured. His family was captured. The last thing he saw was his sons murdered. And then Nebuchadnezzar had his eyes put out. And then he was put in chains and led to Babylon where he died. And the city was burned with fire.
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Now, I'm just simply pointing out these are judgments from the curse that was placed upon this nation because of their sin and rebellion against God. Now, I want you to go back to Isaiah chapter 1 and look at verse 7. And I want to show you the part of this verse that really, really grabbed me. Look at it. To me, this is the worst part. He says in verse 7, "Your country is desolate." We got that.
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"Your cities are burned with fire." We have that. By the way, I suppose if you did just a little bit of thinking and remembering, you could remember Minnesota and a number of other cities like Oregon, Portland, Oregon, Washington State, all these places being burned with fire in all these protests and riots. Well, okay. But here's the scary part to me. Look at this. He says, "Your country's desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your land, strangers devour it in your presence." Wow.
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Now let's take this phrase, a word at a time. First of all, you must take note of the word "strangers." He says "strangers devoured in your presence." The Hebrew word for stranger is the word zur. We would spell it z-u-r and it refers to strangers, foreigners, barbarians, and those of a loathsome breath.
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Now, I want to tell you how this word is also translated in the Bible. It's not just simply translated as stranger, but it is also translated as a strange woman, a prostitute, and a harlot. So, a prostitute or a harlot would be someone of a strange breath, not your wife. So this is what this word literally means. So it's someone who is strange, someone who is foreign, someone who has a loathsome breath.
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Now, here's the second thing. Look at it. He says "strangers devour it in your presence." Secondly, you have to consider that these strangers do something particularly, and that is they devour.
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Now the word in the Hebrew is the word akal, and it literally means to be eaten up, to be devoured, to be consumed, to be wasted and destroyed. Now, I don't know if I can explain this any more plainly than the illustration I'm going to use. Let's suppose that Steve and I get into a knock-down, drag-out argument. And Steve is just so upset with me. He's telling me that he's going to beat me to a bloody pulp. He's going to do this and that to me. He's just going to tear me up.
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And I listen to him. And when he gets through and I look at him, I say, "Man, let me tell you something. I will eat you alive." Have you ever heard that expression? Sure you have. You know what that means? I'm not going to spare. I'm going to tear you from limb to limb. I will eat you up. There'll be nothing left. So this is exactly what he's talking about here.
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He said "your land strangers devour it." They're eating it up. They're destroying it. Nothing is going to be left. OK, here's the third thing. Look at verse seven again. He said "strangers devoured in your presence." Hang on. The devouring and the being eaten up by strangers are done in your presence. Let me explain that. It is done before your eyes. And here's the worst part. You're not just simply observing it. You're not just simply seeing it. There's absolutely nothing you can do about it. You cannot stop it. You cannot prevent it. You cannot hinder it. There's not one thing you can do. The destruction is there. And I want you to look at this. I want you to make it personal. He said, "your land, strangers devour it in your presence." So it's not someone else's land. It's your land. It's not someone else's house. It's your house. It's not someone else's family. It's your family. Hang on. I want you to consider just for a moment the absolute grief, the absolute heartbrokenness of not being able to save your own wife, your own child, your own family, your own property from someone who is just simply destroying just to be destroying.
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If you remember recently, I preached some messages on the dangers of old age and one of the dangers I pointed out was the loss of control. And I use this illustration. I've seen young fathers and mothers with their little children and they say "they obey me precisely." And I say "I'm so thankful." But wait until they're 16 or 17. Wait until they're grown. Wait until they're married.
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And they still do things that are absolutely stupid sometimes and wicked. And you can't stop them. You can tell them. You can give them counsel. You can give them advice. But you can't stop them. You know what is going to happen. But you can't stop it. You're absolutely helpless.
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Now let me show you. I want you to follow me. I want you to turn in your Bibles to Isaiah chapter 13 and I want you to look at verse 16. Think about this now. This is all part and parcel of the curse. Everything's being devoured. Everything's being destroyed. So if you look in Isaiah chapter 13, look, if you would please, at verse 16. Look at this. Here's part of the curse.
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"Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished." What in the world can you do if someone has your child by the heels, dashing him up against a rock, and you can't... Someone's holding you. Someone's tied you. You can't do one thing. You're absolutely helpless. But notice if you would believe, it's not just that, it's not your children only, your house is going to be spoiled. Someone is walking in and just taking whatever they want. And then he says, "and your wives ravished." In other words, I have known and I have read, I've not known them personally, but I've read about men who've gone into a house, beat up the husband, tied him up, and then raped his wife in front of him. Forced him to watch. What can you do? Except cry.
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Look in your Bibles, Isaiah chapter 5. It's Jeremiah, Isaiah. I'm sorry, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations. Lamentations chapter 5 is what I want. Right after the book of Jeremiah. Look in Lamentations chapter 5 and verse 11. Lamentations 5, verse 11. This actually happened now. Hang on. "They ravished the women in Zion, and the maids in the cities of Judah." When the Babylonians came in, nothing was safe. No one was safe. What can you do? If you will turn over to the book of Zechariah, which is right before the book of Malachi.
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next to the last book in the Old Testament. If you'll look in the book of Zechariah chapter 14 and look if you would please at verse 2. Zechariah chapter 14 verse 2. God says, "For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city." Note, if you would, "I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle. The city will be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished."
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Now let me ask you a question. Do you realize that this is actually happening not only in Europe, especially in England, Germany, Sweden, but it's also happening here in America. How would you listen? We have been invaded by Muslims, and please listen to me, I know how they came, and I'm not necessarily preaching against Muslims, but I'm telling you what they teach. Here is a quote, an Islamic scholar, Tarek Fatah, who is a woman, and she says, "Allah allows Muslim men to rape non-Muslim women so as to humiliate them." Wow. Here's an article. I will read it. It's a short one. The title is "ISIS Rapes Women Toward Allah." Wow. I'm going to read the article. "Other victims have also said they were told their rapes were a form of worship encouraged by the Koran."
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Indeed, in an extensive investigation, the New York Times described a theology of rape in which militants often pray before molesting their victims. One victim, a 12-year-old girl, told the Times, "He said that by raping me, he was drawing closer to God." I can think of men that I know personally, that if that happened to someone in their family, they would really help him draw much closer to his God because he would just simply not be around too much longer.
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But the point I'm trying to make, there can be nothing more grievous, nothing more heartbreaking than to see such wickedness, such travesty of justice happening, and there be absolutely nothing you can do about it. Not one thing.
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Now, if you go back to Isaiah chapter one, look at verse seven. I hope you're seeing why this jumped out at me. He says, "Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your land strangers devoured in your presence." Now watch again. He says, "and it is desolate." It's the same word that's used in the first part, "your country's desolate." Now he says "it is desolate as overthrown by strangers." Now, once again, the word desolate, shemamah, which means devastation, desolation, wastefulness, but it's overthrown by strangers. Now, I want you to look at the word "overthrown." "It is desolate as overthrown by strangers." Now, the word "overthrown" is very interesting. It is the Hebrew word mahpekah.
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And it simply does not mean just a simple overthrow. It means absolute total destruction. Now, when we think of the word "overthrow," we think of the word "upset." We think of two football teams that are going to play, and one is supposed to be the superior team, and of course, they're going to win the championship and all this kind of stuff, and the little dinky team that's far behind, they come up and overthrow the champion, so to speak, and there's a huge upset. That's how we think of the word "overthrow." Something not necessarily really dangerous, but just something that happens. Something that's normal. No, this is not normal.
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I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Deuteronomy 29. I want you to also go ahead and find Jeremiah 49. We will come back to Jeremiah. We will go to Deuteronomy first. So find Jeremiah 49. Go ahead and mark that if you would please. And then turn back in your Bibles to the book of Deuteronomy chapter 29. And we're going to begin reading with verse 23. I think you will probably come up with what I'm referring to. Watch this. Deuteronomy 29, beginning there with verse 23. Look at it.
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"And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow"—the same word—"like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath: Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt."
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"For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them: And the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book: And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day."
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Wow, so he is saying that the overthrow of Judah and Jerusalem, hmm, was like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah. What was left of Sodom and Gomorrah? Nothing. What was left of Admah and Zeboim? Nothing.
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Now if you look at Isaiah chapter 49, Isaiah 49, look in verse 18. Here it is again. Isaiah 49 verse 18, "As in the overthrow"—the same exact Hebrew word—"as in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it." Lord, I am going to absolutely annihilate them. So the word "overthrow" in Isaiah 1 and verse 7 is exactly the same Hebrew word as you find in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah.
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Thus the curse falls upon Judah and Jerusalem. Why? For they served other gods. They forsook God. They forsook his word. They forsook his law.
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Now let me point something out that I hope you remember this. There is no time out. There is no neutral ground. There is no king's ex. You are either under the curse of God or you're either under the blessing of God. You're either obedient or you're disobedient. You're either righteous or you're unrighteous. Someone said, "Honesty is like being pregnant. Either you are or you're not, there's no in-between."
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And that's the same way here. There's no king's ex, there's no in-between, there's no neutral realm. You're either cursed or you're blessed. It's just that simple. Wow. Let me give you a quote by Calvin, and I want you to think about what he said. He makes a very important point. Here's what he said. "That word"—we're talking about the word "overthrown"—"That word might no doubt be applied to enemies, but it is better to take it as literally denoting foreigners.
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The calamity is more grievous when it's brought on by men who are unknown, who have come from a distant country, who lay waste with a far greater recklessness and cruelty than neighboring tribes. Such men destroy cities, burn houses, buildings, and villages, and spread desolation all around. In short, they rush forward with barbarous ferocity, bent on murders and conflagrations, and are more eager to inflict damage than to make gain.
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But neighbors, when they have subdued a country, can retain possession of it by having a garrison or as soon as a revolt is attempted or an insurrection takes place, can send additional troops. And therefore they are not so cruel, nor do they lay waste a country from which they hope to derive some advantage. It is therefore no ordinary calamity, but the most shocking of all calamities that is here described."
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In other words, the people that came could care less about conquering. They just wanted to rape and destroy and murder, and that's exactly what they did.
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Now, I'm making the point here, I want you to think. I want you to think momentarily about all of the foreigners, all those strangers, and all of those with loathsome breath that our politicians have brought into this country. Are you listening? You remember Trump got himself into some hot water because he referred to the Somali Muslims as garbage. Do you remember that? And why did he refer to them as garbage?
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Because all of them are on welfare and not only their own welfare but they are extorting and stealing from every American and it's billions. Not just in Minnesota, but now it's in New York. It's in Michigan. It's in Texas. They're finding it now absolutely everywhere. Wow.
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Now when you stop and think about this, obviously a Muslim is not a Christian. But moreover, they're not really Americans either. In fact, you will find anybody with dual allegiance can possibly be a good American.
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Now, moreover, Muslims refer to Christians as infidels. They refer to America as the great Satan.
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Now, I read an article a few weeks back and the author of this article was saying that some people took great offense at it. I read it. I thought, how could anyone take offense at it? I mean, it's truth. So, I'm going to read you the article, and I want you to think about this. And you hang with me until I get through. But here's the article. He says, "Have you ever thought"—and then he asks this question.
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"Can a devout Muslim be an American patriot and or a loyal citizen? Is Muslim American really an oxymoron?" And then he says, "Consider this." Now, listen to what he says. "Theologically, the answer is no, because his allegiance is to Allah, the moon god of Arabia. Religiously, the answer is no, because no other religion is accepted by Allah except Islam. Scripturally, no, because his allegiance is to the five pillars of Islam and to the Quran. Geographically, the answer is no, because his allegiance is to Mecca to which he has to turn and pray five times a day. Socially, the answer is no, because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians and Jews."
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"Politically, the answer is no, because he must submit to the Mullah, that is the spiritual leaders, who teach annihilation of Israel and the destruction of America, the great Satan. Domestically, no, he cannot be a good American patriot because he is instructed to marry four women and beat and scourge his wives when they disobey him. Intellectually, the answer is no, because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based upon biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt. Philosophically, the answer is no, because Islam, Mohammed and the Koran do not allow freedom of religion and expression." And then he says this: "Democracy in Islam cannot coexist."
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I would change that last sentence. I would say Islam and a constitutional republic cannot coexist. But you get the point. Because every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic. Then he says, "Spiritually, the answer is no, because when we declare one nation under God, the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is never referred to as a heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in the Quran's 99 excellent names of Allah." Hmm.
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Then he concludes with this: "Therefore, after much study and deliberation, perhaps you should be very suspicious of all Muslims in this country. They obviously cannot be both good Muslims and good Americans. Call it what you wish, it is still truth."
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Now that was the end of the article, but let me point out, there's another truth and it is called, and I'm probably mispronouncing it because I do not speak Arabic, but it is called Taqiyyah, and it's spelled T-A-Q-I-Y-Y-A-H. Taqiyyah is the practice of lying and deceiving to further Islam. Every Islamic sect agrees to it and practices it. In other words, you can say that Taqiyyah is actually mainstream Islam.
#70 | 45:53 to 46:32 | cleaned
So if there are some that vary from it, they would be the exception and not the rule. So, Taqiyyah is very prevalent in Islamic politics, especially in this day and age. So, here's a quote. Listen carefully. I can't pronounce his name, but Mohammed bin Jarir al-Tabari, author of a standard and authoritative Qur'an commentary, explains 3:28 as follows. Listen carefully. "If you Muslims are under their non-Muslims' authority, fearing for yourselves, behave loyally to them with your tongue while harboring inner animosity for them."
#71 | 46:33 to 47:19 | cleaned
"Know that God, that is Allah, has forbidden believers from being friendly or on intimate terms with the infidels rather than other believers. Except when infidels are above them in authority. Should that be the case, let them act friendly toward them while preserving their religion." In other words, be the hypocrite, lie, deceive, pretend like you're my friend when in reality you are not. So when I read this article and I thought about the lying and the deception, I thought about an old saying that was prevalent when I was a boy.
#72 | 47:20 to 48:03 | cleaned
You would tell someone something, and they'd say, "Oh no." And then we would say simply, "Like it or love it. It's the truth. Like it or love it." And that's exactly what this is. It is actually the truth. And when you realize that most of the stolen money and the billions have been sent back to the Somalians to the terrorist organizations there where they can help destroy America and fight against the great Satan. Wow.
#73 | 48:03 to 48:41 | cleaned
And it's not just the learning centers that they are now discovering, but they're also some type of hospice and some type of care centers and all this kind of, it's all nothing but a big, big scam. So the point I'm trying to help you see is this. When you look at Isaiah 1 in verse 7, it is nothing more than the curses of Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28 being applied to Judah and Jerusalem, which of course now we see the application here in this country.
#74 | 48:43 to 49:16 | cleaned
So let me make some applications. Here's the first one. Listen to me carefully when I say this. This message is not about Muslims. This message is about the curse of God upon a disobedient and rebellious people. Can God save a Muslim? Yes! There have been plenty of Muslims that have been genuinely converted and saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. In fact, I know some. You will find some writing on a regular basis if you do a little bit of research and they will be exposing Islam and showing how Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone can save. But the point I'm trying to make is this.
#75 | 49:17 to 50:00 | cleaned
Abraham was an idolater in Ur of the Chaldees. God found him. God saved him. And what did Abraham become? A friend of God. So why am I talking about the Muslims in this country? Here's why. Because God said that he was going to send strangers to devour your land. He was going to send strangers. If the Muslims have their way, they are nothing more than the rod of God to be used in the chastisement and the destruction of our country. Hang on. Before you get upset with me saying this, may I remind you, may I remind you that God sent the Babylonians to destroy Judah and Jerusalem. And if you will take the time to read Jeremiah chapter 27 through 29, you will find that God says this repeatedly. "Nebuchadnezzar, my servant." God sent the Babylonians against Judah and Jerusalem. When you read Isaiah chapter 10, you understand God sent the Assyrians against the northern kingdom of Israel. And what did God say in Isaiah 10? "The rod in their hand is the staff of my indignation.
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I gave them a charge to take a spoil. I gave them the charge to tread under." God said, "I sent them." Why did God send the Assyrians against Israel? Because they apostatized. They were idolaters. They denied God in His word, His law. Why did God send the Babylonians against Judah and Jerusalem? Because they apostatized. They were idolaters. They denied God, His word, and His law. Wow. God may use whomever he pleases, whomever he chooses to chastise his people.
#77 | 51:22 to 51:58 | cleaned
In fact, I think I just thought of a verse. If I can find it right quickly, it is in the book of Psalms. And I think it is Psalm 7. Let me check right quickly. Oh, let's see. Oh, I was looking at verse... No, that's not the passage. I can quote it in my mind. I can tell you what it says, but I wanted to read it to you. Maybe it's 17. Let me look very, very quickly. Yes. Yes. Look, if you would, in Psalm 17.
#78 | 51:59 to 52:44 | cleaned
And he's talking about the wicked. Look at it. Let's begin reading there with verse 9. Look at verse 9, Psalm 17, verse 9. He says, "From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly. They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth; Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places." Look what he says now. "Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they
#79 | 52:44 to 53:41 | cleaned
are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes." But note, if you would, he says in verse 13, the wicked are God's sword. And then he says in verse 14, "from men which are thy hand," in other words, they're God's hand. God places a sword in their hands and says, "You judge this people." And that's exactly what we have in this country.
#80 | 53:41 to 54:05 | cleaned
And it's not just the Muslims, it would be anyone and everyone that is against Christ, against Christianity, against the Word of God, and who are trying to draw people into further idolatry. By the way, let me just point out again, you don't have to bow down to an idol to be an idolater. You can be an idolater in your mind. In fact, any thought that you have about God that's contrary to Scripture is part and parcel of idolatry. So the word "image" comes from the word "imagination." So if you imagine something in your mind about God that's not true, it's idolatry because you're viewing God as what he is not. Here's the second truth.
#81 | 54:05 to 54:57 | cleaned
Unless we repent and turn back, we will witness not only the destruction of Europe, but the destruction of America as well. The Imams in Islam have repeatedly said, you can find it all over the internet, you can find it all over the paper, where the leaders of Islam say, "We did not come to assimilate, we came to dominate." Islam is a political religion. Period. And they want to dominate. It's just that simple.
#82 | 54:59 to 55:37 | cleaned
Now, I've got one last passage I want you to see. I want you to turn, if you would please, to the book of Hosea chapter 13. So, it's Daniel, Hosea, Joel, and Amos. So, I want you to look in Hosea chapter 13. I said this at the beginning. You probably never picked up on it, but I'm going to say it again. You place yourself under the curse of God by your disobedience. Look what God said to Israel, Hosea chapter 13, and look if you would please at verse 9. God says, "O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help."
#83 | 55:38 to 56:35 | cleaned
We can destroy ourselves, but we cannot help ourselves. We can destroy ourselves by disobedience, by rebellion, by refusal to hear the word of God and obey, or we can recognize the fact that our only help is in God himself. So no man is going to save us in this country. No president, no Congress. If we're saved, it'll only be by the grace and the mercy of God himself.
#84 | 56:40 to 57:26 | cleaned
Because the scripture tells us that he must turn us. He must incline our heart. He must move upon us. So as though Israel, "thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help." There is no help and there is no hope apart from God. So just like Isaiah 1 and verse 7 showed the curse of God from Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, Jeremiah 5, so that same curse is applicable today not just to individuals, not just to families, not just to churches, but to nations. Judah was a nation. It was a kingdom. Israel was a nation. It was a kingdom.
#85 | 57:27 to 58:32 | cleaned
I want to point one last thing out, and that is this. When God set those Babylonians against Judah and Jerusalem, there was a remnant left. When God sent the Assyrians against Israel, there was a remnant left. I don't know about you, but I want to be in the remnant. I want to be in the remnant. I don't want to be in the part that is destroyed. And if we're going to be a remnant, we must be faithful and true to him.
#86 | 58:34 to 59:21 | cleaned
And worship him alone and honor him. And submit to him and walk humbly with him. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow before thee. We thank you for your word. We thank you for your truth. And Lord, we are in a very desperate precarious position in this country. Help us to see, Lord, the curse still exists, as well as the blessing, the promise, as well as the punishment. And Father, we just pray that you would turn our hearts unto thee, grant us repentance, grant us faith and obedience. In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask and pray. Amen.
#87 | 59:22 to 1:00:08 | cleaned

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T16:10:42Z

A Curse Made Plain and Simple

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

John Weaver examines Isaiah 1:7, showing that the desolation described is the fulfillment of biblical curses for disobedience. He traces the language to Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, emphasizing that God's curses are immutable. The sermon highlights the horror of strangers devouring the land in the people's presence, leaving them helpless. Weaver applies this to modern America, warning that God may use foreigners as a rod of judgment, and calls for repentance and faithfulness to be part of the remnant.

Introduction to Biblical Curses

Weaver introduces the concept of biblical curses, distinguishing them from common cursing, and notes that God and the Apostle Paul pronounced curses on disobedience and false gospels.

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 1:7

"Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your land strangers devoured it in your presence, and it is desolate as overthrown by strangers."

Scripture Reading — Galatians 1:8-9

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."

Now look at verse nine.

Scripture Reading — Galatians 1:8-9

"As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."

So twice now, the apostle has said that anyone who preaches anything other than the gospel of Jesus Christ is accursed.

Examples of Curses in Deuteronomy 27

He reads a series of curses from Deuteronomy 27, showing that the people affirmed them with 'Amen,' and explains that disobedience places one under a curse.

The Curse Fulfilled in Isaiah 1:7

Weaver focuses on Isaiah 1:7, explaining that the desolation, burning, and devouring by strangers is the literal fulfillment of covenant curses upon Judah.

Scriptural Roots of the Curse Language

He demonstrates that the words in Isaiah 1:7 are drawn directly from curses in Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28, Jeremiah 5, and Micah 6, emphasizing God's consistency.

The Horror of 'Strangers Devour It in Your Presence'

Weaver breaks down the phrase, explaining that 'strangers' (foreigners, barbarians) devour the land while the people watch helplessly, unable to stop the destruction.

Historical and Modern Parallels of Helplessness

He cites Isaiah 13:16, Lamentations 5:11, and Zechariah 14:2 to illustrate the grief of seeing one's family ravaged, and connects it to modern reports of Islamic teachings on rape.

Scripture Reading — Lamentations 5:11

"They ravished the women in Zion, and the maids in the cities of Judah."

When the Babylonians came in, nothing was safe. No one was safe. What can you do? If you will turn over to the book of Zechariah, which is right before the book of Malachi.

next to the last book in the Old Testament. If you'll look in the book of Zechariah chapter 14 and look if you would please at verse 2. Zechariah chapter 14 verse 2. God says,

Scripture Reading — Zechariah 14:2

"For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city."

Note, if you would,

Scripture Reading — Zechariah 14:2

"I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle. The city will be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished."

The Overthrow Like Sodom and Gomorrah

Weaver explains that 'overthrown' in Isaiah 1:7 is the same word used for Sodom's destruction, signifying total annihilation, and quotes Calvin on the cruelty of foreign invaders.

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 49:18

Now if you look at Isaiah chapter 49, Isaiah 49, look in verse 18. Here it is again. Isaiah 49 verse 18, "As in the overthrow"—the same exact Hebrew word—"as in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it." Lord, I am going to absolutely annihilate them. So the word "overthrow" in Isaiah 1 and verse 7 is exactly the same Hebrew word as you find in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Thus the curse falls upon Judah and Jerusalem. Why? For they served other gods. They forsook God. They forsook his word. They forsook his law.

In other words, the people that came could care less about conquering. They just wanted to rape and destroy and murder, and that's exactly what they did.

Application: Muslims as a Rod of Judgment

He argues that Muslims in America may be God's instrument of judgment, citing an article questioning Muslim loyalty and the Islamic doctrine of Taqiyyah (deception).

The Curse Is for Disobedience, Not Just About Muslims

Weaver clarifies that the message is about God's curse on rebellion, not an attack on Muslims, noting that God can save Muslims and has used pagan nations as His sword before.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 17:13-14

"Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they

Call to Repentance and Remnant Faithfulness

He warns that without repentance, America faces destruction, and urges believers to be part of the faithful remnant by turning to God, who alone is our help.

Scripture Reading — Hosea 13:9

"O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help."

A Curse Made Plain and Simple

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	3226202582646
Subject	Covenant Theology
Course	Covenant Theology: Blessings, Curses, and Sanctions: A Time Of Need
Genre	Sermon
Date	2026-02-15
Dictation Name
Book	Book 043: Covenant Theology: Blessings, Curses, and Sanctions: A Time Of Need — Chapter 7
Source Timed Segments	87

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction to Biblical Curses: Weaver introduces the concept of biblical curses, distinguishing them from common cursing, and notes that God and the Apostle Paul pronounced curses on disobedience and false gospels.
Examples of Curses in Deuteronomy 27: He reads a series of curses from Deuteronomy 27, showing that the people affirmed them with 'Amen,' and explains that disobedience places one under a curse.
The Curse Fulfilled in Isaiah 1:7: Weaver focuses on Isaiah 1:7, explaining that the desolation, burning, and devouring by strangers is the literal fulfillment of covenant curses upon Judah.
Scriptural Roots of the Curse Language: He demonstrates that the words in Isaiah 1:7 are drawn directly from curses in Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28, Jeremiah 5, and Micah 6, emphasizing God's consistency.
The Horror of 'Strangers Devour It in Your Presence': Weaver breaks down the phrase, explaining that 'strangers' (foreigners, barbarians) devour the land while the people watch helplessly, unable to stop the destruction.
Historical and Modern Parallels of Helplessness: He cites Isaiah 13:16, Lamentations 5:11, and Zechariah 14:2 to illustrate the grief of seeing one's family ravaged, and connects it to modern reports of Islamic teachings on rape.
The Overthrow Like Sodom and Gomorrah: Weaver explains that 'overthrown' in Isaiah 1:7 is the same word used for Sodom's destruction, signifying total annihilation, and quotes Calvin on the cruelty of foreign invaders.
Application: Muslims as a Rod of Judgment: He argues that Muslims in America may be God's instrument of judgment, citing an article questioning Muslim loyalty and the Islamic doctrine of Taqiyyah (deception).
The Curse Is for Disobedience, Not Just About Muslims: Weaver clarifies that the message is about God's curse on rebellion, not an attack on Muslims, noting that God can save Muslims and has used pagan nations as His sword before.
Call to Repentance and Remnant Faithfulness: He warns that without repentance, America faces destruction, and urges believers to be part of the faithful remnant by turning to God, who alone is our help.

Major Themes

Key Arguments

Curses are conditional upon disobedience

God's curses are activated by rebellion; one places oneself under a curse by disobeying God's law.

Weaver says, 'In reality, you curse yourself. The curse is already there. You just simply place yourself under that curse by your disobedient and by your rebellious actions.'

Isaiah 1:7 is a direct fulfillment of covenant curses

The desolation, burning, and devouring by strangers in Isaiah 1:7 match the curses pronounced in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28.

He reads Leviticus 26:31-33 and Jeremiah 44:22, showing the same language of desolation and waste.

The phrase 'in your presence' intensifies the curse

The curse is made more grievous because the victims must watch the destruction helplessly.

Weaver explains, 'It is done before your eyes. And here's the worst part. You're not just simply observing it... There's absolutely nothing you can do about it.'

The 'overthrow' in Isaiah 1:7 signifies total annihilation

The Hebrew word for 'overthrown' is the same used for Sodom and Gomorrah, indicating complete destruction.

He compares Deuteronomy 29:23 and Isaiah 49:18, where the same word describes Sodom's overthrow, and quotes Calvin on the cruelty of foreign invaders.

Modern 'strangers' may be God's rod of judgment

Muslims in America, with their teachings and practices, could be the strangers God uses to devour the land as judgment for national sin.

He reads an article questioning Muslim loyalty and cites the doctrine of Taqiyyah, then references Psalm 17:13-14 where the wicked are God's sword.

Repentance is the only escape from the curse

Since the curse comes from disobedience, only turning back to God can avert destruction and preserve a remnant.

He quotes Hosea 13:9 and states, 'Unless we repent and turn back, we will witness not only the destruction of Europe, but the destruction of America as well.'

Scripture References

Isaiah 1:7: The primary text, describing the desolation of the land, burning of cities, and devouring by strangers as a curse fulfilled.
Galatians 1:8-9: Paul pronounces a curse (anathema) on anyone preaching a different gospel, showing that biblical curses exist in the New Testament.
Deuteronomy 27:15-26: A list of curses for various sins, with the people responding 'Amen,' illustrating the conditional nature of curses.
Leviticus 26:31-33: God promises to make cities waste and the land desolate as part of the curse for disobedience, using language echoed in Isaiah 1:7.
Jeremiah 5:15-17: God threatens to bring a foreign nation to devour the harvest and impoverish cities, paralleling the curse in Isaiah 1:7.
Jeremiah 44:22: The land became a desolation and a curse because of the people's abominations, confirming the cause of the judgment.
Jeremiah 38:17-18: Jeremiah warns Zedekiah that refusal to surrender will result in the city being burned with fire, a specific fulfillment of the curse.
Isaiah 13:16: Part of the curse: children dashed to pieces before their eyes, houses spoiled, wives ravished, illustrating helplessness.
Lamentations 5:11: Historical fulfillment: women ravished in Zion and maids in Judah when Babylon invaded.
Zechariah 14:2: Future judgment: God gathers nations against Jerusalem, houses rifled, women ravished, showing the pattern of curse.
Deuteronomy 29:23-28: The overthrow of the land is compared to Sodom and Gomorrah, using the same Hebrew word as Isaiah 1:7, indicating total destruction.
Isaiah 49:18: The overthrow is again compared to Sodom, with no man dwelling there, reinforcing the severity of the curse.
Psalm 17:13-14: The wicked are described as God's sword and hand, showing that God uses evil men as instruments of judgment.
Hosea 13:9: Israel destroyed itself through disobedience, but help is found only in God, summarizing the message of self-inflicted curse and divine mercy.

Historical References

Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem: Weaver recounts how Nebuchadnezzar's forces burned the city, captured Zedekiah, killed his sons, and put out his eyes, fulfilling the curse of fire and desolation.
Assyrian invasion of Israel: God sent the Assyrians against the northern kingdom as a rod of judgment for apostasy and idolatry, as described in Isaiah 10.
Sodom and Gomorrah's overthrow: The Hebrew word for 'overthrown' in Isaiah 1:7 is the same used for Sodom's destruction, signifying total annihilation as a divine curse.
Modern riots in Minnesota, Oregon, Washington: Weaver briefly mentions cities being burned in protests and riots as a contemporary parallel to the burning of cities in Isaiah 1:7.
Islamic teachings on rape and deception (Taqiyyah): He cites an article and a Quranic commentary to argue that Muslims are taught to deceive and that rape is seen as worship, making them dangerous 'strangers.'
Somali Muslims and welfare fraud: Weaver references Trump's comment about Somali Muslims as 'garbage' and alleges widespread welfare fraud and money sent to terrorist organizations.

Important Quotes

Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your land strangers devoured it in your presence, and it is desolate as overthrown by strangers.

This is the central text of the sermon, showing the curse fulfilled in vivid terms.

In reality, you curse yourself. The curse is already there. You just simply place yourself under that curse by your disobedient and by your rebellious actions.

Summarizes the conditional nature of curses: disobedience activates the curse.

It is done before your eyes. And here's the worst part. You're not just simply observing it. You're not just simply seeing it. There's absolutely nothing you can do about it.

Highlights the helplessness and grief of watching destruction unfold.

O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.

The key verse for the application: self-destruction through sin, but help only in God.

Unless we repent and turn back, we will witness not only the destruction of Europe, but the destruction of America as well.

The urgent call to repentance to avoid national judgment.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

How does understanding biblical curses change your view of God's justice and holiness?

[Context]

Weaver emphasizes that God's curses are real and immutable, just like His blessings.

[Question]

In what ways do we 'place ourselves under a curse' through disobedience today?

[Context]

He states that the curse is already there and we activate it by rebellion.

[Question]

What does the phrase 'in your presence' teach us about the nature of divine judgment?

[Context]

Weaver explains the agony of watching destruction helplessly.

[Question]

How should Christians respond to the idea that God might use non-Christian nations or groups as instruments of judgment?

[Context]

He argues that Muslims could be God's rod, just as Assyria and Babylon were.

[Question]

What does it mean to be part of the 'remnant' in a nation under judgment?

[Context]

Weaver calls for faithfulness to be among the remnant that is preserved.

[Question]

How does Hosea 13:9 ('thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help') apply to personal and national repentance?

[Context]

This verse summarizes the message of self-inflicted curse and divine help.

Applications

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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T06:37:31Z