Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is being underhanded, deceptive, manipulative, and threatening. In other words, "treacherous" against his own citizens and Land! He is giving-in to Palestinian' demands, and is turning Israeli Land over to enemies of G_d and of Israel. Daily, we hear of incriminating information as to how Disengagement Plan came about, and terrible manner in which it is to be implemented. Daily, and now hourly, innocent people are being threatened with arrests, incarceration, intimidation; and under latest directive issued from Sharon, "whatever it takes," which could include violence, and possibly civil war. And, his stance is against innocent men, women, and children, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who love Torah, have faith in L_RD, and love Land. Treachery!

The prophet Isaiah speaks Word of L_RD for this very time!

Isaiah 24:13 When thus it shall be in midst of land among people, there shall be as shaking of an olive tree, and as gleaning grapes when vintage is done. Isa 24:14 They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for majesty of LORD, they shall cry aloud from sea. Isa 24:15 Wherefore glorify ye LORD in fires, even name of LORD God of Israel in isles of sea. Isa 24:16 From uttermost part of earth have we heard songs, even glory to righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously. Isa 24:17 Fear, and pit, and snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of earth. Isa 24:18 And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from noise of fear shall fall into pit; and he that cometh up out of midst of pit shall be taken in snare: for windows from on high are open, and foundations of earth do shake. Isa 24:19 The earth is utterly broken down, earth is clean dissolved, earth is moved exceedingly. Isa 24:20 The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again. Isa 24:21 And it shall come to pass in that day, that LORD shall punish host of high ones that are on high, and kings of earth upon earth. Isa 24:22 And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in pit, and shall be shut up in prison, and after many days shall they be visited. Isa 24:23 Then moon shall be confounded, and sun ashamed, when LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

Notice shaking of olive tree, Israel, takes place in "the midst of land among people." That means, Israel is a national entity when treachery takes place.

The righteous are those who have repented, love L_RD, and love Israel, and sing songs of praise to L_RD from among nations. This includes both Jews and righteous Gentiles. This cry from among those who love L_RD with all their hearts is being heard from among both Jews and many Christians, who take G_d's revealed Word as eternal truth. But meanwhile, treacherous are dealing out their treachery even while this upholding of truth in praise and glory to L_RD is going forth.

The context here in Isaiah is not refering to ancient Israel, but rather refers to our time, because there were few righteous to glorify L_RD in Israel in ancient times, ( that's why L_RD judged them,) and certainly far fewer among other nations. The Word of LORD had not gone out to all nations in ancient times, because Israel was disobedient to L_RD at that time. But Word of L_RD has reached all nations in our time, and many glorify Him with singing from among all peoples.

But, we must also notice context describes conflict, likely excalating into world-wide war, where all nations will be involved. But L_RD Himself will bring victory, and will reign in mount Zion, before all "ancients gloriously," indicating there will be a great resurrection and ingathering when Messiah comes.

There are two wars described in this passage in Isaiah chapter 14. The first conflict is described in verses 16-17. The second in verses 18-23. These come about primarily because of treachery committed by Israel's and world's leaders.

It would appear Ariel Sharon and his henchmen have possibly ushered-in treachery!

All judgment must be tempered with mercy. Jesus clearly taught that we can see others imperfections (the "mote" in their eye) and help to remove it ONCE we have first gotten "beam" out of our own eye. The purpose is to help and not hurt: constructive criticism, not self-righteousness or sinister motivations.

There is a great difference between judging an act and condemning a person to Gehenna (Hell) fire. Only God truly knows thoughts and intents, and potential, of any individual. When God delivered to Moses various statutes and laws for nation of Israel, He commanded that they judge and condemn to death some individuals for certain infractions.

When Jesus pardoned woman caught in adultery, He didn't excuse her actions but admonished her to "go and sin no more" (John. 8:11). He acknowledged it was a sin worthy of death, but obviously forgave her for God's greater purpose, discerning a truly repentant attitude.