In the night I was, I thought, in a room but not in my own house. I was in a city, where I knew not, and I heard explosion after explosion. I rose up quickly in bed, and saw from my window large balls of fire. Jetting out were sparks, in the form of arrows, and buildings were being consumed, and in a very few minutes the entire block of buildings was falling and the screeching and mournful groans came distinctly to my ears. I cried out, in my raised position, to learn what was happening: Where am I? And where are our family circle? Then I awoke. But I could not tell where I was for I was in another place than home. I said, Oh Lord, where am I and what shall I do? It was a voice that spoke, “Be not afraid. Nothing shall harm you.”
I was instructed that destruction hath gone forth upon cities. The word of the Lord will be fulfilled. Isaiah 29:19-24 was repeated. I dared not move, not knowing where I was. I cried unto the Lord, What does it mean? These representations of destruction were repeated. Where am I? “In scenes I have represented that which will be; but warn My people to cease from putting their trust in men who are not obedient to my warnings and who despise My reproof, for the day of the Lord is right upon the world when evidence shall be made sure. Those who have followed the voices that would turn things upside down will themselves be turned where they cannot see, but will be as blind men.
These words were given me from Isaiah 30: “Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.” [Isaiah 30:8-15 quoted.] . . . .
I was instructed that light had been given me and that I had written under special light the Lord had imparted. (Ellen White’s Diary, August 23, 27, 1906.)
What does Isaiah 30:8-15 say that the prophet connects with the burning of the cities?
Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Isaiah 30:8, 9
The Hebrew word for law in this verse is Torah which is the five books of Moses. In this modern day, we hear many saying the same thing. They do not want to hear the laws written in those books of Holy Scripture. But remember, the prophet tells us that the destruction of the cities is related to rebellious people who don’t want to listen to the Torah. Maybe we aught to look at those Torah laws more closely. They deal with marriage, homosexuality, incest, fair business dealing, treatment of children, the elderly and the poor, as well as many other subjects. God does not leave us in doubt in these matters.
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. Isaiah 30:10, 11
Many say this today as well. We don’t want to hear about those prophecies. We want to hear comfortable things. We don’t want the Prophet to reprove our sins. Let us go on as we are. We’re doing just fine. We’re having a good time. We have plenty of entertainment, food, and work to do. Don’t bother us about making changes in our lives.
Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: Isaiah 30:12
What are these people trusting in? Look at these Hebrew word meanings in Strong’s Concordance.
oppression: H6233 unjust gain, extortion
perverseness: H3868 to turn aside, depart
These persons trust in what they gain by oppressing the poor and other perverse ways of sin. Does that sound a bit like our modern American economy and the political arena? Keep in mind that destruction is coming!
Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters’ vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit. Isaiah 30:13, 14
Have you heard any warnings about sudden destruction coming? (see 1 Thessalonians 5:3) Even though this dream came to Ellen White in 1906, it has a modern day ring to it: explosions and fire balls and terrible destruction in the cities. It sounds like the city was being bombed.
For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. Isaiah 30:15
Where would we be without such precious promises of salvation and strength?
What are we to do to prepare for this? If you are living in the city now, have you thought of moving out? That would be a sensible start. Live in the country where you can grow your own food, and live simply. What about this quietness and rest? Maybe our God is telling us that it is time we truly start trusting Him instead of ourselves. How about asking Him what we should do with our money, like investing it in mission work instead of using it for ourselves; really denying self, saving every dollar possible so it can be used in helping others instead of spending it on entertainment, our adornment, or the adornment of our houses; asking Him to guide our lives; separating from worldly music, entertainment, dress, worldly diet, and much more. These are all taught by God through Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy. Are we listening? We have no time to waste. This destruction is coming soon! Are you ready?