God Humbles Us Because Pride doesn't Suit Us

Isaiah 14:1–2 (ESV) For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob and will again choose Israel, and will set them in their own land, and sojourners will join them and will attach themselves to the house of Jacob. 2 And the peoples will take them and bring them to their place, and the house of Israel will possess them in the LORD’s land as male and female slaves. They will take captive those who were their captors, and rule over those who oppressed them.

What is the point of God's punishment toward His people? I believe Isaiah illustrates this here in chapter 14. He is humbling them so that He may once again exalt them and accomplish His purposes in the nations. 

The purpose of Israel was always to influence the nations, bringing God's truth and light to the dark corners of the world. If necessary, judgment came to bring them back to Himself so that they may do it more fully hereafter. 

Isaiah promises that Israel will be the final nation laughing at those who oppress them. And what God promises means even more for us who believe in Christ. 

Isaiah 14:3–4 (ESV) When the LORD has given you rest from your pain and turmoil and the hard service with which you were made to serve, 4 you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon: “How the oppressor has ceased, the insolent fury ceased!

So they will taunt the King of Babylon, right? The next few verses offer us a glimpse of that taunt.

Isaiah 14:4–5 (ESV) you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon: “How the oppressor has ceased, the insolent fury ceased! 5 The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of rulers,

But notice what happens in verse 12. The emphasis moves to a cosmic reality that poses a far darker threat. 

Isaiah 14:12–14 (ESV) “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! 13 You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’

Virtually all commentators see this passage as an allusion to Satan's fall from heaven after seeking to take the place of God - a temptation he continues to put in our own hearts as well. The name "Lucifer" comes from the Latin translation of "Day Star". We do well to note the several "I will" statements of Lucifer. "I will ascend... I will set my throne... I will set on the mount... I will ascend above... I will make myself like the Most High." Six times - a number he represents well throughout scripture - he seeks to go higher in his position and usurp God's authority. But he did none of it. 

Isaiah 14:15–17 (ESV) But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. 16 Those who see you will stare at you and ponder over you: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, 17 who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities, who did not let his prisoners go home?’

Lucifer was struck down. And since then has sought to do one thing - discourage God's people from worshipping and serving Him in the position He's placed them. He does this by tapping into the things that bring us pride, feeding our ego, and stimulating our selfishness. When we get proud, we get demonic. And God will not allow His people to act the way of Lucifer. His judgment on our sins is proof His plan through us will be accomplished. For in humility, there is wisdom and the likeness of Christ.