1
ISAIAH (3)
Mints International Seminary
Dr. Donald F. Ritsman, D.Min.
STUDENT MANUAL
14401 Old Cutler Rd Miami, FL 33158
www.mints.edu
7 8 6 . 5 73 . 70 0 1
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LESSON ONE:
PAGES 3-14
HUMBLE YOURSELF BEFORE THE LORD
THE MEANS AND PURPOSE OF OUR SALVATION
LESSON TWO:
PAGES 15-34
YOU ARE NOT FORSAKEN
RELY UPON THE LORD YOUR GOD
HOW TO AVOID GIVING IN TO FEAR
LESSON THREE:
PAGES 35-47
GOD’S GRACIOUS COMMAND: RISE UP!
SERVE THE LORD FAITHFULLY
LESSON FOUR:
PAGES 48-67
Your Christian Heritage
Seek the Lord
Live for Jesus
LESSON FIVE:
PAGES 68-80
CAN GOD’S MERCY REACH ME?
THE PRACTICE OF TRUE RELIGION
LESSON SIX:
PAGES 81-100
THREE REASONS TO PRACTICE REPENTANCE
THREE REASONS WHY YOU CAN LIVE IN HOPE
TWO REASONS TO REJOICE
LESSON SEVEN:
PAGES 101-111
PRAY FOR THE COMING OF GOD’S KINGDOM
THREE ASSURANCES CONCERNING GOD’S JUDGMENT
LESSON EIGHT:
HOW TO APPROACH AN OFFENDED GOD
WHY WE MUST PREPARE TO MEET OUR GOD
WHAT KIND OF LIFE ARE YOU BUILDING?
PAGES 112-130
3
LESSON ONE:
Isaiah 47:1-48:22
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 47:1-15
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part B of Lesson One.
Part A: Humble Yourself before the LORD
47 Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon! Sit on the ground without a throne, O
daughter of the Chaldeans, for you shall no longer be called tender and delicate. 2Take the millstone and
grind flour. Remove your veil; lift up your skirt, and wade through the stream with your legs uncovered.
3Your nakedness will be exposed, and your shame will be uncovered. I will take vengeance; I will spare
no one. 4Our Redeemer—Jehovah of hosts is his name—is the Holy One of Israel. 5Sit in silence, depart
into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans; for you shall no longer be called, The Queen of Kingdoms. 6I
was angry with my people, [therefore] I desecrated my inheritance and delivered them into your hand;
[but] you showed them no mercy. [Even] on the aged you laid a very heavy yoke.
7You said, I will be queen forever. So you did not consider these things, nor did you reflect on what
would happen. 8Now then, listen to this, you who give yourself over to your pleasures, you who lounge in
your security, you who say in your heart, I am, and there is none besides me; I will never be a widow, nor
will I suffer the loss of children. 9Both of these things will overtake you in a moment—in a single day:
loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, [despite] the multitude of your
sorceries and the great number of your incantations. 10You have trusted in your wickedness. You have
said, No one sees me. Your wisdom and your knowledge have deluded you, [causing] you to say in your
heart, I am, and there is none besides me. 11Therefore, disaster will come upon you, and you will not
know how to conjure it away. A calamity will fall upon you that you cannot ward off with a ransom. A
catastrophe you could not foresee will suddenly come upon you. 12Adhere to your incantations and the
multitude of your sorceries in which you have labored from your youth; if you will be able to benefit
[from them], if you will be able to prevail [by means of them]. 13The great number of your consultations
has worn you out! Now let your astrologers come forward—those stargazers who make predictions
month by month—and save you from what is coming upon you. 14Surely they will be like stubble; the fire
will burn them up. They will not be able to deliver themselves from the power of the flame—this will not
be a fire of coals to provide warmth nor a campfire around which they may sit. 15This is what the things
with which you have labored will be for you—they will be of no value! Furthermore, those with whom
you have carried on trade from the time of your youth will each wander away to his own home; there
will be no one to save you. (Isa. 47:1-15)
A note on the Scripture text that accompanies each individual message: The American Standard Version and the New
International Version, along with the original Greek and Hebrew, have been used in an effort to achieve the greatest degree of
accuracy and clarity. Where words or phrases have been added to the original text in an effort to better express its meaning,
those words or phrases have usually been indicated by means of [brackets].
Introduction
A successful businessman writes:
Until a dozen years ago I thought I was completely in control of my life … It was easy for me to
chart my course and see how I was progressing in the company. I had my entire future carefully
mapped out with insurance policies, investments and a house for security. My philosophy was
that man is at the center of life and has all the answers.
4
Once … when my wife … said, “We really ought to thank God for all the blessings He has given us.”
I responded, “You don’t thank God! You thank me! I’m the one who brings home the paycheck;
I’m the one who pays the bills; I’m the one who plans how we’re going to spend the money.”
(POWER, 4/2/89, pp.2-ff.)
That is the testimony and the attitude of a once proud man. He goes on to write, “Although it makes
me cringe now, at the time I really believed what I was saying.”
When we are “on top of the world,” there is the temptation to entertain an attitude of self-confidence
and arrogance. Such was the situation with ancient Babylon when she held sway as the greatest
empire of the day.
But what we learn from this present passage of Scripture is that God resists the proud. Taking to
heart the testimony of this passage, let us humble ourselves before the LORD our God, because He is
the God who opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
I. Humble Yourself before the LORD, or He will Bring You Down (Isa. 47:1-3)
The great empire of Babylon is portrayed as a beautiful queen who is brought to disgrace and
humiliation (vs. 1-3.) The LORD issues the command, "Come down [from your lofty throne of power
and prestige], and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon!" "Virgin daughter of Babylon"
indicates a nation that has known no defeat in battle."Sit on the ground without a throne"—this
great nation, at the command of the LORD, shall be abased and deprived of her glory. "You shall no
longer be called tender and delicate"—this beautiful nation, known for its splendor, one that has
been blessed with every luxury, shall be reduced to shame and disgrace. "Take the millstone and
grind flour"—this once great “queen” is now reduced to the status of the most menial slave girl
who is assigned the hard task of grinding grain for bread. "Remove your veil; lift up your skirt, wade
through the stream with your legs uncovered"—this great queen must remove her royal apparel
and conduct herself in a most unlady-like manner: splashing across a stream like a common
peasant girl, instead of being conveyed across in a stylish coach carried by servants. The LORD
declares that He shall reduce this great world power to nakedness and humiliation as an act of
righteous vengeance and judgment (vs. 3.)
Earlier in Babylon’s history, the great king, Nebuchadnezzar, had to learn the lesson that the LORD
rules in the kingdom of men and that He is able to abase those who walk in pride:
… [the king] was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon. 30The king said, Is not this
great Babylon that I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of
my majesty? 31While the word was [still] on the king’s lips, there came a voice from heaven,
saying, O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: The kingdom has been removed from you.
32Furthermore, you shall be driven away from men and you shall live with the beasts of the field;
you shall be forced to eat grass like the cattle. Seven years shall pass over you, until you
acknowledge that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever he
desires. 33In that very hour what had been declared to Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was
driven away from men, and he ate grass like the cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew
of heaven, until his hair grew like [the feathers] of an eagle and his nails like [the claws] of a
bird. 34At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my sanity was
restored to me. Then I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever ...
37Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and honor the King of heaven, because everything he
does is right and all his ways are just, and he is able to humble those who walk in pride. (Dan.
4:29b-34a, 37)
But, tragically, his son, Belshazzar, refused to learn that lesson and, consequently, at the end he
and his kingdom paid the terrible price for their unholy pride,
5
O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar, your father, the kingdom and the greatness
and the glory and the majesty. 19Because of the greatness he gave him, all the peoples, nations,
and men of every language feared him and trembled before him. He killed whomever he desired,
and he kept alive whomever he desired; he promoted whomever he desired, and he demoted
whomever he desired. 20But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened, so
that he behaved in a proud manner, he was deposed from his royal throne and they took his
glory from him. 21He was driven away from people and his mind became like that of the beasts.
He lived with the wild donkeys, he was given grass to eat like the cattle, and his body was
drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules in the
kingdom of men and that he sets over it whomever he desires. 22Yet you, his son, O Belshazzar,
have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this. 23On the contrary, you have exalted
yourself against the Lord of heaven. (Dan. 5:18-23a)
Will we take to heart the lesson that Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way, will that profound
truth have a practical impact on the way we view and employ the abilities and opportunities the
LORD God gives us, …or will we follow the course of Belshazzar to a tragic end?
Let us humble ourselves before the LORD, or He will bring us down. Let us consider well the
warning of Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Let us
acknowledge with humble gratitude that whatever abilities and opportunities we possess have
been graciously given to us by the LORD. Let us dedicate ourselves and those God-given abilities
and opportunities to the LORD, asking Him to show us how and to help us to use them in ways that
are pleasing to Him and for His honor and glory.
II. Humble Yourself before the LORD, by Renouncing the Attitudes that Offend Him
(Isa. 47:5-15)
The LORD consigns this mighty world empire of Babylon to silence and darkness—i.e.; judgment
and complete obscurity (vs. 5.) When one has been granted a position of power and prestige, one
must be on guard against the temptation that accompanies such a position; namely, the
temptation to entertain and exhibit ungodly attitudes, attitudes that are highly offensive to God.
Such attitudes resided in the heart of Babylon and were displayed in her life. She was merciless
(vs. 6.) She had no pity on the weak and helpless, no compassion for such; rather than employing
her power for the benefit of the needy, it was used to crush them and to even do so with delight.
How do we employ whatever power and position God has given us? Do we use it for the defense
and relief of the needy, or for their suppression and exploitation? She displayed arrogant selfconfidence (vs. 7.) She viewed herself as being unconquerable, secure, immune to disaster; and
she entertained this confidence with an attitude of arrogance, she said, I will be queen forever.
She was a nation that had a false sense of security (vs. 8b). Due to her strategic position, her
strong fortifications, and her vast military power, she viewed herself as being secure and
invulnerable. She was confident that she would perpetually continue in her lofty estate: she
would not be a widow; she would not become childless (vs. 8d.) That is to say, she would never
know a time when there would be no one to protect her and provide for her—but the LORD
declares that her desolation shall come upon her “in a moment” and “in full measure” (vs. 9.)
Babylon declared that forever she would be the mistress of kingdoms, but the LORD declared that
no longer would she be called the mistress of kingdoms (vs. 5.) Do we view our positions as
being secure; do we see ourselves as being in complete control? Or do we humbly and wisely
recognize that all of life is under God’s sovereign control and at His disposal?
Babylon was devoted to her pleasures (vs. 8.) She assumed that all her power and prestige was
to be employed for her own personal benefit, satisfaction, fulfillment, and pleasure. The Hebrew
word for “pleasure” (,d1e3) is related to the word “Eden;” Babylon sought to create her own form
of Eden—in this case, a self-centered, self-indulging paradise. Do we assume that our abilities
and opportunities are to be employed for the chief purpose, if not the exclusive purpose, of
6
fulfilling our own personal ambitions and desires? Or do we recognize that all we are and all we
have are to be dedicated to the Lord our God? As the Apostle Paul instructs us, “Whatever you do,
do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31.) Furthermore, and worst of all, Babylon she deified
herself (vs. 8c.) She viewed herself as being at the center of life and the fulfillment of her will as
being the chief end of life; in her heart and thinking she assumed the identity of the LORD,
declaring, “I am, and there is none besides me.” In our hearts and thoughts do we hold the
philosophy that man is at the center of life? Or do we acknowledge the truth that the chief end of
man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever?
The LORD rebukes the incredible perverseness of Babylon: “You have trusted in your wickedness.
You have said, ‘No one sees me’” (vs. 10a.) She viewed herself as being hidden from God; and thus
entertained the false confidence that she could continue to practice wickedness, and rely upon
wicked measures to advance her own purposes, without fear of punishment and just retribution.
“Your wisdom and your knowledge have deluded you, causing you to say in your heart, ‘I am, and
there is none besides me’” (vs. 10b.) Here is great confidence in human wisdom and human
knowledge (the outlook that maintains that man possesses the knowledge to solve all problems
and accomplish all things)—and this haughty self-confidence deluded the nation into deifying
itself. “Therefore,” declares the LORD, “disaster will come upon you.” When that day comes, “you
will not know how to conjure it away”—all of Babylon’s superstition and magic shall not be able to
drive away the calamity sent by the Lord of heaven. “A calamity will fall upon you that you cannot
ward off with a ransom”—Babylon shall not have the strength or the resources to defend itself
and to repel the calamity ordained against it by the Lord Almighty. “A catastrophe you could not
foresee will suddenly come upon you”—it shall overtake the nation unexpectedly, catching her
totally unaware. She shall neither be prepared for its coming nor have the wherewithal to
withstand it—it shall be a calamity such as she has never known before. It proved to be a
calamity that took the form of invasion and defeat by the Medes and the Persians under King
Cyrus.
The LORD challenges Babylon to stand against Him, but at the same time informs her that such
efforts will prove to be utterly futile. He challenges the nation to resort to its sorceries and by
means of them to ward off the LORD’s judgment (vs. 12.) The LORD challenges the astrologers
themselves to stand up and save the nation (vs. 13.) But far from being able to save their nation,
the sorcerers themselves will be stubble before the fire of the LORD’s judgment (vs. 14.) The LORD
warns the nation that all the unholy and ungodly things they have trusted in will desert them and
there shall be none to save them (vs. 15.)
Let us humble ourselves before the LORD, by renouncing the attitudes that offend Him. Let us
bear in mind and, by God’s grace, put into practice the counsel of the prophet Micah, “He has
shown you, O man, what is good. And what does Jehovah require of you? [He requires you] to act
justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly before your God” (Mic. 6:8.)
III. Humble Yourself before the LORD, and He will Lift You Up (Isa. 47:4)
Upon hearing the pronouncement of God’s righteous decrees against proud Babylon, the people
of God cry out in praise and thanksgiving: “Our Redeemer—Jehovah of hosts is his name—is the
Holy One of Israel” (vs. 4.)
As the LORD Himself indicates in verse 6, He had been angry with His people and had been
compelled to send them away in discipline, because they had exhibited in the land of Israel the
same pride and arrogance found in the people of Babylon. But, as the Scriptures reveal, Israel’s
exile had a humbling effect upon them; it caused them to turn their hearts to God, to call upon
Him as their Redeemer, and acknowledge Him as their sovereign Lord, note Jeremiah 29:1214a,
7
… you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13You will seek me
and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you, declares Jehovah,
and I will bring you back from captivity. (Jer. 29:12-14a)
The LORD had warned long ago that He would chasten His people with severe discipline, that He
would break their stubborn pride: “I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky
above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze” (Lev. 26:19.) Then, after having done
so, He would restore them:
But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers—their treachery against me and
their hostility toward me, 41which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the
land of their enemies—then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they accept the
punishment for their iniquity; 42then I will remember my covenant. (Lev. 26:40-42)
Contrast the LORD’s pronouncement of judgment against arrogant Babylon (Isaiah 47:1) with
His pronouncement of blessing upon repentant Israel (Isaiah 52:2a),
Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon! Sit on the ground without a
throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans, for you shall no longer be called tender and delicate. (Isa.
47:1)
Shake the dust off yourself. Rise up and sit on your throne, O Jerusalem. (Isa. 52:2a)
Let us humble ourselves before the LORD, so that He may lift us up. As the Apostle Peter
declares, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 6Humble yourselves, therefore,
under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet. 5:5b-6.) In practical
terms, this means having the same mind and attitude as the Lord Jesus: He did not seek to exalt
Himself; on the contrary, He faithfully served His heavenly Father, being confident that He
would receive true and lasting honor from Him:
Have this mind in you that was also in Christ Jesus: 6existing in the form of God, he did not
regard his being on an equality with God as a thing to be exploited; 7on the contrary, he
emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. Being found
as a man in appearance, 8he humbled himself by becoming obedient unto death, even the death
on the cross. 9Therefore, God exalted him to the highest position. (Phil. 2:5-9a)
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
One lesson we must learn from this present passage of Scripture that reveals what happened to
the once-great empire of Babylon is that God opposes the _______. Flll in the blank.
2.
According to this passage of Isaiah 47, what caused Babylon to be proud and haughty?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
3.
She enjoyed extraordinary success without any setbacks.
She held a very high and prestigious position
She was blessed with a great measure of intellectual ability.
She was situated in a position that afforded her a great measure of security.
“A” and “D” above
Match the attitudes Babylon exhibited with the descriptions listed below. (Answers listed on
next page)
a.
Rather than employing her power for the benefit of the needy, she used that power to crush
them without pity (verse 6). ___
8
b.
c.
She spent her wealth on her own self-indulgence, using it to enjoy the life of luxury (verse 8).
___
She viewed herself as being at the center of life and viewed the fulfillment of her will as
being the chief purpose of her existence (verse 8). ___
1. She was devoted to pleasure.
2. She deified herself.
3. She was merciless.
4.
Complete the sentences listed below that discuss Babylon’s confidence in unholy spiritual
powers and practices.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Babylon was accustomed to resorting to incantations and ___. (verse 12)
Babylon made a practice of consulting ___. (verse 13)
Babylon is warned by the LORD that all such practices will be of ___ to her. (verse 15a)
On the day the LORD executes His judgment, there will be ___ to save her. (verse 15b)
1. astrologers
2. no one
3. sorcery
4. no value
5.
In contrast to the final fate of haughty Babylon, what we learn from the release of repentant
Israel from their Babylonian captivity is that God has mercy on those who _______ themselves
before Him. Fill in the blank
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How is the great empire of Babylon portrayed in verses 1-3 of Isaiah 47?
2. What misconception did Babylon have? See Isaiah 47:10a
3. What delusion did Babylon entertain about herself and what caused her to hold such a view? See
Isaiah 47:10b
4. What consequence will befall Babylon because of her sinful attitude? See Isaiah 47:11
5. How do God's people react to the LORD's judgment upon Babylon? See Isaiah 47:4
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 48:1-22
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part A of Lesson Two.
Part B: The Means and Purpose of Our Salvation
48 Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who have been named Israel and come from the lineage of Judah,
you who take oaths in the name of Jehovah and invoke the God of Israel—but not in truth or
righteousness—2(they call themselves [citizens] of the holy city and depend upon the God of Israel,
Jehovah of hosts is his name): 3I foretold the former things long ago; indeed, I announced them with my
9
mouth and made them known. [Then] suddenly I acted and brought them to fulfillment. 4[I did so]
because I know that you are obstinate and the sinews of your neck are made of iron and your forehead is
like bronze. 5That is why I told you these things long ago; before they happened I announced them to
you, so that you could not say, My idol has done these things; my carved image and my molten image
have ordained them. 6You have heard [about these things]; take note, [you have heard] all this; will you
not acknowledge this? From now on I will show you new things, hidden things that you did not know.
7They are newly created and did not exist in the past; you have not heard of them before today, so that
you cannot say, Yes, I knew about them. 8Indeed, you had not [previously] heard [about these things];
indeed, you did not [previously] know [about them]; indeed, I did not open your ear long ago [and tell
you about these things. I did not do so] because I knew that you are very treacherous; from the time of
your birth you were called a rebel.
9For my [own] name’s sake I will defer my anger, and for [the sake of] my praise I refrain [from
expressing my wrath] against you, so that I do not cut you off. 10Look! I have refined you, but [you have
not proven yourself] to be like silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. 11For my own sake, for
my own sake, I will do it—[I will restrain my anger,] for how can I allow my name to be profaned? I will
not give my glory to anyone else! 12Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel, the one whom I have called: I am he;
I am the first and I am also the last. 13My [own] hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand
spread out the heavens. When I summon [the starry host], they all stand up together. 14Come together,
all of you, and listen. Which of [the idols] has foretold these things? The one whom Jehovah loves will
carry out his purpose against Babylon; his arm will be against the Chaldeans. 15I, I have spoken. Indeed, I
have called him. I have brought him, and he will succeed in his mission.
16Come near to me and listen to this: From the beginning [of these events] I have spoken [about them
publicly], not secretly; from the time that they occurred, I was there. Now the Lord Jehovah has sent me
with his Spirit. 17This is what Jehovah, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says, I am Jehovah your
God, who instructs you for your benefit, who leads you in the way you should go. 18If only you had paid
attention to my commandments, your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness [would
have been] like the waves of the sea. 19Furthermore, your descendants would have been like the sand,
and your children like its [countless] grains; his name will never be cut off from my presence nor
destroyed. 20Come out of Babylon, flee from the Chaldeans! Announce this with shouts of joy, proclaim it,
declare it to the ends of the earth, say, Jehovah has redeemed his servant Jacob! 21They did not suffer
thirst when he led them through the deserts; he caused water to flow out of the rock for them—he split
the rock and the waters gushed out. 22[But] there is no peace for the wicked, declares Jehovah. (Isa.
48:1-22)
Introduction
In the passage of Scripture presently before us, the LORD announces His intention to redeem Israel
out of their bondage and bring them back to the Promised Land of Canaan. But before He does so, the
LORD wants His people to come to grips with two fundamental truths: 1) their redemption is due to
His grace and mercy, it is not due to their merit; and 2) their redemption is for His glory and service,
in which alone they will find true blessing.
Like the Old Testament people of Israel, we, too, are prone to lose sight of the divine cause of our
salvation (the grace of God), as well as the divine purpose of that salvation (service to God as
obedient sons for His glory), with the result being a self-glorifying and self-gratifying existence. The
incarnation is perversely seen as the evidence that God is honored to become one with us. The
crucifixion is perversely seen as the evidence that God stands ready to serve us at any cost.
This passage serves to confront us with those same fundamental truths with which the LORD
confronted Israel: 1) our redemption is due to His divine grace and mercy, it is not due to our own
merit; and 2) our redemption is for His service and glory, in which alone we will find true blessing.
10
I. We Have Been Saved by the LORD’s Grace (Isa. 48:1-11)
In verses 1-2 the LORD confronts Israel with the fact that they have not been true to their high
spiritual calling. They have been named “Israel”—they are identified with the Old Testament
patriarch as his descendants and they are numbered among that body of people who are
designated as God’s own possession. They have “come from the lineage of Judah”—they are of the
nation of Judah, that part of Israel that was preserved from the Assyrian onslaught that swept
away the ten northern tribes—thus they might view themselves as special objects of God’s favor,
uniquely and divinely protected and preserved. They “take oaths in the name of Jehovah and
invoke the God of Israel”—they acknowledge that the LORD is God, and they confess Him to be their
God; and they engage in public acts of worship addressed to Him. They “call themselves [citizens]
of the holy city and depend upon the God of Israel”—they view themselves as members of the
kingdom of God—the kingdom characterized by holiness—and they presume that the LORD will
take care of them and identify them as His own cherished possession. “But not in truth or
righteousness”— their state of heart and mind does not conform to God’s standard, it does not
conform to the name they bear, it does not conform to the religion they profess and the identify
they assume to possess.
In verses 3-8 the LORD declares that these people have been obstinate and stiff-necked—they have
been stubbornly resistant to God. The LORD reminds these people of His former words of
prophecy (vs. 3): long ago He foretold what He would do, and then suddenly He fulfilled His word.
He explains that He announced His works far in advance because of the obstinacy and
stubbornness of the people—He describes them as having necks like iron sinews and foreheads of
bronze (vs. 4.) Had the LORD not sent His prophets to foretell what He was about to do, when His
work was actually performed these people would have attributed it to their idols rather than
acknowledging it to be an act of the LORD their God (vs. 5.)
Now the LORD declares that He is going to show these people new things: things that have been
hidden, unknown, newly created, unheard of before (vs. 6b-7a.) The LORD has determined to make
these new things known to the people at this present time rather than revealing them in the past
so that they cannot say, “Yes, I knew about them” (vs. 7b.) If the LORD had foretold these things in
advance, when the events actually came to pass the people would have been unaffected and
unimpressed. Rather than stand in awe at the work of God, they would have congratulated
themselves on their ability to know these acts long before they occurred, willfully failing to
remember that it was the LORD who foretold what He was going to do.
The LORD declares, “I knew that you are very treacherous” (vs. 8b.) There is within the human heart
a terrible prejudice against God: a sinful lust to deny Him and His work in spite of the evidence, a
sinful tendency to be completely biased against God. The Apostle Paul addresses this in Romans
1:18,“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of
men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.”
In verse 10 the LORD informs Israel that when they were subjected to testing they did not come
forth like pure silver. The LORD subjected His people to the refining process, as one would test
precious metals. He subjected them to “the furnace of affliction.” That is to say, He subjected them
to various trials and testings to see how they would react—Would they give their allegiance to
Him and remain faithful to their God and to His commandments? The outcome of this process of
testing has regretfully demonstrated that they are “not like silver.” They are not the spiritual
equivalent of precious metal; rather, they show themselves to be spiritual dross with many
impure alloys.
Against this background of holy accusation supported by the hard evidence of spiritual apostasy,
is seen the wonder of the LORD’s testimony in verses 9 and 11.
11
“For my own name’s sake I will defer my anger, and for the sake of my praise I refrain [from
expressing my wrath] against you, so that I do not cut you off” (vs. 9.) Sinful lives, characterized by
superficiality of worship, stubbornness of heart, and absence of obedience, provoke the LORD to
righteous anger—an anger that would move the LORD to cut His people off from the covenant and
consign us to the judgment of everlasting punishment. But in His mercy He defers that holy anger
(literally, He “makes his anger long,” He restrains Himself from inflicting the sentence of
everlasting judgment)—and this He does for His own Name’s sake. That is to say, in faithfulness to
His promise that Abraham shall have a nation of descendants, as recorded in Genesis 15:5, “And
[Jehovah] brought him out [to the open field] and said, ‘Look toward heaven and number the stars, if
you are able to number them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’” Much more so, in
faithfulness to Christ, so that He shall, indeed, have spiritual fruit for His labor: “And again he says,
‘Here am I, and the children God has given me’” (Heb. 2:13b.) The writer of Hebrews applies the
words of Isaiah 8:18 to Christ and His spiritual children—all those who receive Him as their
Savior. The LORD is enabled to defer His anger and show mercy to His people because His justice
has been executed upon the Person of the Messiah, as will be revealed in Isaiah 53,
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment
was laid upon him for our peace, and by his wounds we are healed. 6We all, like sheep, have
gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but Jehovah has laid upon him the iniquity of
us all. (Isa. 53:5-6)
In Romans 3:25-26, the Apostle Paul further elaborates upon the redemptive work of Jesus the
messiah, “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement … 26He did it to demonstrate his justice … so
as to be just and the one who justifies the man who has faith in Jesus.”
In Isaiah 48:11 the LORD goes on to declare, “For my own sake, for my own sake, I will do it—[I will
restrain my anger,] for how can I allow my name to be profaned? I will not give my glory to anyone
else!” If the LORD were not to save His people He would be seen as being powerless to save and
accused of being unfaithful to His covenantal promises. Moses presents this argument unto the
LORD as the reason for Him to save His rebellious people at the time they made the golden calf:
“I have seen these people,” Jehovah said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. 10Now
leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I
will make you into a great nation.” 11But Moses sought the favor of Jehovah his God. “O
Jehovah,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of
Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil
intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of
the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people.
13Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I
will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants
all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’” 14Then Jehovah relented
and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. (Ex. 32:9-14)
If the LORD had not delivered His people from their captivity, the devil—the god of this world—
would have deprived the LORD of the glory of gaining the ultimate victory, victory over sin and its
eternal consequences—the victory of redeeming His sinful hell-deserving people.
Let us recognize that we have been saved by the LORD’s grace—and not because of any merit
found in us. Remember the teaching of the Apostle Paul, “when we were still powerless, Christ died
for the ungodly … 8 … God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ
died for us” (Rom. 5:6,8.) As the hymn writer, Horatius Bonar, expresses it:
Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Savior’s side,
12
By the Spirit sanctified.
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.
II. We Have Been Saved for the LORD’s Glory (Isa. 48:17-22)
The LORD who identifies Himself as our “Redeemer;” at the same time informs us that He is “the
Holy One of Israel” (vs. 17a.) He then goes on to declare, “I am Jehovah your God”—He is the God
to whom we belong and with whom we have been brought into covenant; note 1 Corinthians
6:19-20, “You do not belong to yourself; 20you were bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God with
your body.” As our God He teaches us and leads us in the way we should go (vs. 17c.) The
Psalmist presents the same theme when he declares, “The LORD is my shepherd … 3He guides me in
the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psl. 23:1a, 3.) As Isaiah 48:17 goes on to indicate,
the LORD our God leads us in the way of righteousness for His name’s sake and for our profit.
When He first established the covenant nation of Israel, the LORD expressed His desire that His
people would be devoted to Him so that they might perpetually experience His covenantal
blessing: “Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commandments
always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!” (Deut. 5:29.)
Now the LORD expresses remorse that His people have failed to walk in His ways, “If only you had
paid attention to my commandments!” (vs.18a.) If they had done so, they would have experienced
the blessings He here enumerates. “Your peace would have been like a river”—the blessing of
peace with God is compared to the idyllic scene of a peacefully meandering river. “Your
righteousness [would have been] like the waves of the sea”—the life of the individual and the
people of God collectively would overflow with the fruit of righteousness just as the waves cover
the sea. “Your descendants would have been like the sand, and your children like its [countless]
grains; his name would never be cut off from my presence nor destroyed”—obedience would bring
the fulfillment of the covenantal promise of an abundance of offspring altogether enjoying the
blessing of dwelling in the presence of the LORD forever.
Whereas Old Testament Israel failed to heed the LORD’s admonition and purpose for their lives as
expressed in verse 18a, the passage indicates that the divine purpose shall yet be fulfilled
through the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. The fact that the LORD calls upon His people to come
forth from Babylon (vs. 20) indicates that, although they had been given over to judgment
because of their failure to heed their LORD’s admonition, there is a call for repentance, and the
promise of restoration—and the assurance that the LORD shall yet accomplish His divine purpose
in those whom He has redeemed for Himself:
… I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back
into your own land. 25I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you
from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26I will give you a new heart and put a new
spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27And I
will put my Spirit in you and cause you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
28You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God.
(Ezek. 36:24-28)
The use of the singular pronoun in verse 19b (“his name”) as well as the future tense (“his name
will never be cut off from my presence”) reminds us that there is only One who was truly
obedient to the LORD—the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Redeemer—and it is by faith in Him that we
enter into His righteous life and God’s purpose with regard to us is realized. Note 2 Corinthians
5:21, “Him [Christ] who knew no sin he [God the Father] made to be sin on our behalf; so that we
might become the righteousness of God in him.”
The passage abruptly closes with a startling and sober reminder that if there is no righteousness
there can be no peace—either in this world or in the world to come: “[But] there is no peace for
13
the wicked, declares Jehovah” (vs. 22.) The kingdom of God is populated not by those who merely
come to Jesus; but by those who, having come to Jesus, become like Jesus, note Titus 2:14, “our
Savior Jesus Christ … gave himself for us, so that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to
himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.”
Let us recognize that we have been saved for the LORD’s glory—the glory of having His righteous
character reproduced in us and radiate from us for all of eternity. In Romans 8:29-30, the Apostle
Paul expresses the purpose of God’s saving work and lists the various aspects of that work in the
past tense in order to emphasize the certainty that that work will, indeed, be finally realized in
the lives of the LORD’s redeemed to the glory of His Name:
… those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, so that he
might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those
he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Rom. 8:29-30)
Conclusion
Like the Old Testament people of Israel, we, too, are prone to lose sight of the divine cause of our
salvation, as well as the divine purpose of that salvation. When that is allowed to happen the result is
a self-glorifying and self-gratifying existence.
But here in Isaiah 48 we are confronted with and reminded of both the means of our salvation
(namely, the grace and mercy of the LORD our God) as well as the purpose of that salvation (namely,
the glory of the LORD in having His righteous character reproduced in His redeemed people). In one of
many New Testament passages these great truths are stated as follows:
It is by grace that you have been saved through faith—and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of
God—9it is not of works, therefore no one can boast. 10We are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus
for good works, which God prepared in advance in order for us to walk in them. (Eph. 2:8-10)
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
In this present passage the LORD is informing His Old Testament people that He will deliver them
from their Babylonian captivity because they have passed the test and have thereby proven
themselves to be spiritual “silver,” a people who bring glory to the LORD their God by their
obedient lives. True or False
2.
Complete the sentences listed below that discuss how the LORD dealt with His people and why He
did so.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The LORD foretold His future works so that when they came to pass His people would not
attribute them to their ___.
The LORD long ago foretold His future works because He knew His people were ___.
The LORD now informs His people of new things He is about to do; if He had foretold these
things in the past, when they occurred His people would have congratulated themselves for
their ___.
The LORD only now informs His people of new things He will do because He knows that His
people are very ___.
1. idols
2. own foresight
3. obstinate
4. treacherous
14
3.
Complete the sentences listed below that explain why the LORD redeemed His obstinate people
from their Babylonian captivity and did not abandon them forever.
a.
b.
c.
4.
1. gaining the victory
2. being powerless to save
3. being unfaithful
After lamenting His people’s disobedience, to whom is the LORD referring in His closing
statement in verse 19 where He suddenly switches to the singular pronoun and declares, “his
name will never be cut off from my presence nor destroyed”?
a.
b.
c.
5.
If the LORD had not redeemed His people He would be viewed as ___.
If the LORD had not redeemed His people He would be accused of ___ to His covenantal
promises.
If the LORD had not redeemed His people He would be deprived of ___ over the devil.
This is referring to Abraham who was faithful to the LORD even though his descendants were
not.
This is referring to Isaiah whose name would be perpetually remembered because of his
faithfulness.
This is referring to Jesus, the Messiah, by whose faithfulness God’s people are restored.
Which of the following statements accurately present the lessons to be learned from this present
passage of Isaiah 48?
a.
b.
c.
d.
We are reminded that the means of our salvation is the grace of God.
We are reminded that the means of our salvation is our own human merit.
We are informed that the ultimate purpose of our salvation is the glory of God.
We are informed that the ultimate purpose of our salvation is our own personal gratification.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. With what charge does the LORD confront His Old Testament people in Isaiah 48:1?
2. According to verse 10, what did the LORD do to His people? What was the result of this process?
3. Having brought charges against His people and having proven them to be spiritual "dross" and not
spiritual "silver," what surprising testimony does the LORD make in verse 9?
4. How is the LORD able to have mercy on His sinful, unfaithful people without violating His justice?
Note Romans 3:25-26 (printed below)
God presented him [Christ Jesus] as a sacrifice of atonement ... 26He did it to demonstrate his
justice ... so as to be just and the one who justifies the man who has faith in Jesus. (Rom. 3:2526)
5. What did the LORD desire for His people to do and what would have been the result had they
complied? See Isaiah 48:18-19
15
LESSON TWO:
Isaiah 49:1-51:16
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 49:1-26
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part B of Lesson Two.
Part A: You Are Not Forsaken
49 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Jehovah called me before I was born; while I
was still in my mother’s womb, he made mention of my name. 2He has made my mouth like a sharp
sword—he has hidden me in the hallow of his hand; he has made me like a polished arrow—he has
concealed me in his quiver. 3He said to me, You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified. 4But I
said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. But surely the
justice I deserve is with Jehovah, and my reward is with my God. 5And now this is what Jehovah says—he
who formed me in the womb to be his servant, [he who appointed me] to bring Jacob back to him and
gather Israel unto him, for I am honorable in the eyes of Jehovah and my God has been my strength—
6indeed, he says, It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and to bring
back those of Israel whom I have preserved. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, so that you may
bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.
7This is what Jehovah, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, says to the one whom men despised,
to the one whom the nation abhorred, to the one who was a servant of rulers: Kings will see you and
stand up; princes [will see you] and bow down, because of Jehovah, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel,
who has chosen you. 8This is what Jehovah says, In my [appointed] time I will answer you, and in the day
of salvation I will help you. I will preserve you and make you to be the covenant [representative] for the
people, to restore the land and to cause them to inherit their heritage that has lain desolate, 9to say to
those who are captives, Come out! and to those in darkness, Come to the light! They will feed beside the
roadways and will find pasture on every barren hill. 10They will neither hunger nor thirst; neither the
desert mirage nor the sun will blind them; for he who has mercy upon them will guide them and will
lead them to springs of water. 11I will turn all my mountains into a roadway and my highways will be
highly elevated. 12See! They will come from distant places—some from the north, some from the west,
some from the land of Sinim.
13Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains; for Jehovah has comforted
his people and will have compassion upon his afflicted [children]. 14But Zion said, Jehovah has forsaken
me, the Lord has forgotten me. 15Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion for
the child to whom she has given birth? Yes, they might forget; but I will not forget you. 16Look! I have
engraved you on the palms of my hands—your walls are continually before me! 17Your sons hurry back
[to you]; but those who destroyed you and desolated you will depart from you.
18Lift up your eyes and look around: all [your sons] assemble themselves and come to you. As surely
as I live, declares Jehovah, you will wear them all like [beautiful] ornaments; like a bride, you will deck
yourself with them. 19With regard to your land that was laid waste and desolated and destroyed—
surely, now, [O land,] you will be too narrow for your inhabitants; but those who devoured you will be
far away. 20The children of whom you were bereaved will say in your hearing, The land is too narrow for
me; give me more space in which to live! 21Then you shall say in your heart, Who bore these [children]
for me, since I suffered the lose of my children and was barren, I was sent away and rejected? Who
raised these [children] for me? I was left [all] alone; but these [children, from] where did they come?
22This is what the Lord Jehovah says, See, I will beckon to the nations and I will give my signal to the
[Gentiles]; then they will bring your sons in their arms and your daughters will be carried upon their
shoulders. 23Kings shall be your [foster] fathers and their queens shall be your nursing mothers. They
16
will bow down before you with their faces to the ground and lick the dust off your feet. Then you will
know that I am Jehovah—those who put their hope in me shall not be disappointed.
24Can the plunder be taken from the mighty warriors, or can the lawful captives be released? 25But this
is what Jehovah says, Yes, the captive will be taken from the mighty warriors, and the plunder will be
retrieved from the tyrant; for I will wage war against those who wage war against you, and I will save
your children. 26I will feed your oppressors with their own flesh; and they will become drunk with their
own blood as [men become drunk] with sweet wine. Then all mankind will know that I, Jehovah, am your
Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. (Isa. 49:1-26)
Introduction
Many years ago, in the midst of one of the numerous wars in Europe, a pastor and his family were
forced to flee from their home. One night as they found lodging in a small village inn, homeless and
afraid, his wife broke down and cried in despair. After seeking to comfort her, the pastor went out
into the garden to be alone. There he, too, broke down and wept—he felt he had come to his darkest
hour. But shortly thereafter he felt the burden lifted and sensed anew the LORD’s presence—the LORD
came to him in a special way and assured him that he was not forsaken. (OUR DAILY BREAD, 5/7/92)
There may be times in our lives when we feel that the LORD has forsaken us. But because the LORD is
faithful, we may be assured from His Word that we are not forsaken—this is the message of Isaiah
49. In the words of the hymn writer:
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes.
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never, forsake.
I. You Are Not Forsaken: The LORD is Faithful to Remember Your Name (Isa. 49:14-23)
Verse 14 voices Zion’s complaint, “Jehovah has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.” Note: The
holy city of Zion, being personified, is speaking on behalf of God’s people themselves. Here is the
accusation that Jehovah, the covenant God, has broken His covenantal vows of commitment to His
people, vows expressed in such a passage as Deuteronomy 7:6,“you are a people holy to Jehovah
your God. Jehovah your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his
people, his treasured possession.”
But in verses 15-16 the LORD tenderly assures His people that He cannot forget us nor forsake us.
His compassion and care are greater than that of a mother for her infant child (vs. 15.) He cannot
forget His children, redeemed by the blood of Christ, because we are engraved on the palm of His
hands (vs. 16.)
The LORD now addresses Zion itself, assuring her that her children (the people of Israel) shall
come running home and the invaders who ravished her land shall depart from her (vs. 17-18a.)
Note: The return of the people of Israel to the Promised Land of Canaan (here designated by its
spiritual name, “Zion”) is not only an historical event performed by the LORD in His covenant
faithfulness to His Old Testament people, it is also a prophecy and a type (i.e.; a living, historical
model) of the gathering of all the LORD’s redeemed into His heavenly kingdom at the final
consummation and coming of that kingdom in all of its glory at the end of the age.
The LORD swears by Himself that Zion will clothe herself with all her children like a bride adorned
in her wedding gown (vs. 18b.) Zion at present lays desolate and uninhabited, but the day is
coming when she will not be large enough to accommodate all her children (vs. 19-20.) In New
Testament terms and ultimate terms, here is the promise that the kingdom of God, including its
holy population of all those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, shall come to a great
17
consummation and fulfillment. Note our Lord’s parable of the kingdom recorded in Matthew
13:31-32,
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.
32Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants
and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches. (Matt. 13:3132)
The future blessing to be bestowed upon Zion will be a joy and a marvel to her eyes (vs.21.) That
is to say, the redeemed will stand amazed at what the LORD shall have accomplished and we will
praise Him for the wonder of His works—in that day the redeemed will utter with awe-filled
amazement the words first recorded in Numbers 23:23b, "Now shall it be said of Jacob and of
Israel, See what God has done!" Note, also, Ephesians 3:20-21,
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his
power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout
all generations, forever and ever! Amen. (Eph. 3:20-21)
At the LORD’s command, His people shall return to Zion out of their bondage, and Zion shall finally
come to have dominion over the nations (vs. 22-23a.) On that great day we shall know that the
Lord Jehovah is Jehovah—i.e.; He who is the covenant God shall prove Himself to be absolutely
faithful to His covenant and to His people, He shall prove Himself to be all that He declares Himself
to be. Furthermore, we shall know that they who hope in Him (i.e.; those who put their confidence
and trust in Him) shall not be disappointed; our confidence and trust in the LORD our God shall
prove to be well founded.
Christian, the Word of God assures you that you are not forsaken: the LORD is faithful to remember
your name. When you find yourself in a situation in which you feel as though you are abandoned,
place your confidence in the sure Word of God as recorded in Isaiah 49:15-16,23
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion for the child to whom she
has given birth? Yes, they might forget; but I will not forget you. 16Look! I have engraved you on
the palms of my hands—your walls are continually before me! … 23… Then you will know that I
am Jehovah—those who put their hope in me shall not be disappointed. (Isa. 49:15-16,23)
Accept the counsel of the Psalmist when he confidently affirms, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet
praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psl. 42:11b.)
We may take comfort and confidence from such a passage as Galatians 4:6, “Now because you are
sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, and he is crying out [to God], ‘Abba, Father.’”
God’s Holy Spirit, residing in the Christian’s heart, is constantly crying out to God on our behalf,
identifying us as a child of God. Note, too, Ephesians 1:13b-14, “having believed in him, you were
sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. 14He is a ‘deposit’ guaranteeing our inheritance, until the
redemption of [God’s] possession, to the praise of his glory.” The Holy Spirit is the divine “down
payment,” identifying us and reserving us as God’s own possession, and guaranteeing that the
LORD will return to claim us for Himself.
II. You Are Not Forsaken: The LORD is Faithful to Redeem Your Soul (Isa. 49:24-26)
The people of Israel recognized that they were being held captive by a mighty overlord (Babylon)
and they acknowledged that they were lawful captives, and so they express their concern: “Can
the plunder be taken from the mighty warriors, or can the lawful captives be released?” (vs. 24.)
Israel is acknowledging the fact that the LORD consigned him to the Babylonian captivity as the
just punishment for his sins.
18
In verses 25-26 the LORD replies to Israel’s concerns:
But this is what Jehovah says, “Yes, the captive will be taken from the mighty warriors, and the
plunder will be retrieved from the tyrant; for I will wage war against those who wage war
against you, and I will save your children. 26I will feed your oppressors with their own flesh; and
they will become drunk with their own blood as [men become drunk] with sweet wine. Then all
mankind will know that I, Jehovah, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of
Jacob.” (Isa. 49:25-26)
The LORD is “the Mighty One of Jacob;” He is fully capable of rescuing His people from their mighty
captors because He Himself is the Almighty. Note that the LORD does not even address the
question of His people being “lawful captives.” There is nothing lawful or righteous about the
devil and his emissaries. It is the LORD alone who is righteous, it is His justice that was violated,
and it is He who has provided the means of atonement: “God presented [Christ] as a sacrifice of
atonement …26He did it to demonstrate his justice … so as to be just and the one who justifies the
man who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:25-26.) By means of Christ’s sacrifice the demands of God’s
justice were fully met, and at the same time He is able to forgive and restore to Himself the man
who puts his trust in Christ Jesus. Consider Zechariah 3:1-4; an Old Testament passage in which
the devil appears as the accuser of God’s people, but the LORD proves Himself able to be our
defender and justifier:
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Jehovah, and Satan
standing at his right side to accuse him. 2Jehovah said to Satan, “Jehovah rebuke you, Satan!
Jehovah, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! … 3Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as
he stood before the angel. 4The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his
filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich
garments on you.” (Zech. 3:1-4) Joshua the high priest is the representative of all God’s
people
Christian, the Word of God assures you that you are not forsaken: the LORD is faithful to redeem
your soul. There are times when we can identify with the Psalmist in the awareness of our guilt:
I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified
when you judge. (Psl. 51:3-4)
At such times we must also identify ourselves with the Psalmist in his confident prayer for
forgiveness:
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love, according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions. 2Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (Psl. 51:12)
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him … 5 … I acknowledged my sin to you and did not
cover up my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD—and you forgave the
guilt of my sin. (Psl 32:1-2,5)
Let us place our confidence in the sure Word of God that declares, “I, Jehovah, am your Savior and
your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”
III. You Are Not Forsaken: The LORD is Faithful to Reward Your Labor (Isa. 49:1-13)
In verses 1-3 we find the servant of the LORD announcing His divine calling to the world. He calls
upon the distant islands and the Gentile nations to listen to him—the divine calling he has
19
received from the LORD is of universal significance, it does not just relate to the nation of Israel,
it has bearing upon all the nations of the world (vs. 1a.)
The servant declares that the LORD has sovereignly chosen him and called Him to be His servant
(vs. 1b.) He compares Himself to a sharp weapon of war, fashioned by the LORD and prepared
for His use (vs. 2.) In particular, it is his mouth that is like a sharp sword—his mouth shall speak
the righteous Word of God with the piercing power of conviction and with the authority to save
or to condemn. In fulfillment of this prophecy, note the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ as
recorded in John 12:48-49,
… he who rejects me, and does not receive my teaching, does have one who condemns him; the
word that I have spoken, that [word] shall condemn him on the last day. 49[This is the case]
because I did not speak of my own accord; on the contrary, the Father who sent me, he has
commanded me what to say and how to speak. (John 12:48-49)
The servant now reports the LORD’s testimony to Him: “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will
be glorified” (vs. 3.) Here Israel is once again reduced back to one individual, but it is not the
great forefather, Jacob; rather, it is his one great descendant, Jesus Christ—the One who proves
to be a true and faithful servant of the LORD, and the LORD acknowledges Him as such. Note the
testimony God the Father makes with regard to Jesus as He prepares to go to the cross in
submission to the Father’s will for the redemption of His people:
Now my soul is troubled; and what shall I say? Shall I say, “Father, save me from this hour”? But
it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28”Father, glorify your name.” Then there
came a voice out of heaven, saying, I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again. (John 12:2728)
But now in verse 4 the LORD’s servant raises his complaint. He reports that the LORD affirmed,
“You are my servant (acknowledging His faithfulness), …I will be glorified in you” (the promise
that His work will be successful and wholly acceptable to the LORD, with the result of bringing
glory to the LORD.) But, the servant goes on to protest, “I have labored in vain.” He has faithfully
fulfilled his calling, but there appears to have been no results, he sees no fruit. He has served the
LORD faithfully, but far from being rewarded with an abundance of faithful disciples, he has been
forsaken and crucified: “all the disciples deserted him and fled” (Matt. 26:56b.)
Nevertheless, despite the bitter things he has experienced, the servant places his trust in the
LORD: “But surely the justice I deserve is with Jehovah, and my reward is with my God” (vs. 4b.) He
is confident that the LORD will bestow upon him the reward for his faithfulness. The
resurrection, the ascension, and the work of the Holy Spirit in restoring a vast host of souls to
God through Him would prove his hopes to be true and well founded, note Revelation 7:9-10,
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from
every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.
They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10And they
cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the
Lamb. (Rev. 7:9-10)
In verses 5-6 the servant himself reports the LORD’s reply to Him. “I am honorable in the eyes of
Jehovah.” That is to say, His person and His labor are well pleasing and acceptable to the LORD.
Note Matthew 3:16b-17, which records God the Father’s testimony with regard to Jesus at the
time of His baptism, (which act symbolically declared Christ’s willingness to indentify Himself
with sinners and undergo the judgment of death on our behalf),
20
… the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and
coming upon him; 17and there came a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son,
with whom I am well pleased. (Matt. 3:16b-17)
The servant goes on to confess, “my God has been my strength.” The LORD will sustain His servant
in times of hardship and discouragement and opposition, enabling him to fulfill his ministry.
Note Jesus’ testimony to His disciples just prior to His arrest,
Listen, the hour is coming, in fact it has come, when you shall be scattered, each one to his own
home, and shall forsake me. However, I am not forsaken, because the Father is with me. (Jn.
16:32)
The servant now reports the LORD’s promise to give him a great reward for His faithful service:
not only Israel, but multitudes of Gentile peoples shall be brought to God through Him (vs. 6.)
The LORD Himself pledges to honor His servant who has been despised by the world (vs. 7.) The
LORD is speaking as “the Redeemer of Israel” and “his Holy One”—in His righteousness He must
honor and reward His righteous servant, which He in fact did, as the Apostle Peter affirms,
God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible
for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him: … 27you will not abandon me to the
grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. (Acts 2:24-25a, 27)
The faithful servant of the LORD, the one who was despised by man and a servant of tyrants,
shall finally be recognized and honored by the kings and princes of the world, note Philippians
2:9-11,
… God exalted him to the highest position and bestowed upon him the name that is above every
name; 10so that before the name Jesus now possesses “every knee should bow”—in heaven and
on earth and under the earth—11“and every tongue confess” that Jesus Christ is Lord unto the
glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:9-11)
As verse 7d indicates, the promises of the LORD are sure, “because of Jehovah, who is faithful.”
Note that he LORD pledges to fulfill His promises to His servant in His “[appointed] time”—and
until the time of fulfillment He shall preserve Him (vs. 8.)
Christian, the Word of God assures you that you are not forsaken: the LORD is faithful to reward
your labor. There may be times in our lives when we are tempted to entertain such thoughts as
those expressed in Malachi 3:14-15,
You have said, “It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and
going about like mourners before Jehovah of hosts? 15But now we call the arrogant blessed.
Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.” (Mal. 3:14-15)
On such occasions may our hearts be comforted and reassured by the Word of the LORD:
Then those who feared Jehovah talked with each other, and Jehovah listened and heard. A scroll
of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared Jehovah and honored
his name. 17“They will be mine,” says Jehovah of hosts, “in the day when I make up my treasured
possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. 18And
you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who
serve God and those who do not.” (Mal. 3:16-18)
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord; knowing that your labor for the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58)
21
Conclusion
Just like that German pastor from so many years ago, there may be times when we break down and
weep and feel a sense of being forsaken by the LORD Himself. But just as the LORD drew near to that
dear Christian brother in a special way and reassured him that he was not forsaken, so may the LORD
draw near to us. May this present passage of Scripture be used by the Holy Spirit to remind us and
assure us that the LORD is faithful: 1) He is faithful to remember your name; 2) He is faithful to
redeem your soul; and 3) He is faithful to reward your labor for Him.
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
Like the Old Testament people of God, there may be times in our lives when we feel that we have
been forsaken by the LORD; but Isaiah 49 assures us that such is not the case because the LORD is
_______. Fill in the blank
2.
In Isaiah 49:1-3 we hear the servant of the LORD testifying to the divine calling he has received
from the LORD. Who is this individual?
a.
b.
c.
3.
Jacob, the father of the nation
Isaiah, the faithful prophet of the LORD
Jesus, the Messiah
Match the Old Testament promises with their New Testament fulfillment that show the LORD’s
faithfulness to His servant.
a.
b.
c.
Jesus told His disciples, “Listen, the hour is coming, in fact it has come, when you shall be
scattered, each one to his own home, and shall forsake me. However, I am not forsaken, because
the Father is with me.” (John 16:32) ___
God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible
for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him: … 27you will not abandon me to the
grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. (Acts 2:24-25a, 27) ___
God exalted him to the highest position and bestowed upon him the name that is above every
name; 10so that before the name Jesus now possesses “every knee should bow”—in heaven and
on earth and under the earth—11“and every tongue confess” that Jesus Christ is Lord unto the
glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11) ___
1. The LORD will sustain His servant.
2. The LORD will honor His servant.
3. The LORD will preserve His servant.
4.
Which of the sentences listed below accurately describe Israel’s captivity in Babylon and the
LORD’s faithfulness as presented in Isaiah 49:24-26?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Israel recognizes that they are being held captive by a mighty nation.
In order to deliver His people from their captivity, the LORD makes a deal with the
Babylonians, allowing them to plunder many other nations in exchange for the release of
God’s people.
Israel acknowledges that they are lawful captives; they have been consigned to captivity
because of their sins.
The LORD declares that He is fully capable of rescuing His people from their strong captors
because He is the Mighty One.
Even though His people are lawful captives, the LORD is able to be their Savior because He
will provide the atonement to satisfy His justice.
22
5.
Complete the sentences listed below that present the assurances this passage of Isaiah 49 offers
to the LORD’s people in Christ.
a.
b.
c.
The LORD is faithful to remember your ___.
The LORD is faithful to redeem your ___.
The LORD is faithful to reward your ___.
1. labor
2. name
3. soul
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What testimony does the servant of the LORD make in verses 1-3?
2. What complaint does the servant raise in verse 4?
3. How does the LORD respond to His servant's complaint? See Isaiah 49:7-8
4. What complaint do God's people (i.e.; Zion) raise? See Isaiah 49:14
5. What assurance does the LORD give to His people? See Isaiah 49:15-16
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 50:1-11
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part C of Lesson Two.
Part B: Rely upon the LORD Your God
50 This is what Jehovah says, Where is the certificate of divorce by which I sent your mother away? Or to
which of my creditors did I sell you? You were sold because of your iniquities, and because of your
transgressions your mother was sent away. 2When I came, why was there no one [to welcome me]?
When I called, [why] was there no one to answer? Is my arm so short that it cannot redeem you? Or do I
lack the strength to deliver you? Listen. By a [mere] rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn the rivers into a
desert; their fish rot due to lack of water and die of thirst. 3I clothe the heavens with black [mourning
garments] and make sackcloth their covering.
4The Lord Jehovah has given me the speech of one who has been taught, so that I may know how to
sustain the weary one with a word. He wakens me every morning; he wakens my ear to listen like a
disciple. 5The Lord Jehovah has opened my ears; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn back. 6I yielded
my back to those who beat me and I [yielded] my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not
cover my face from mocking and spitting. 7Because the Lord Jehovah will help me, I will not be
disgraced. Therefore I have set my face like a flint; I know that I will not be put to shame. 8The one who
vindicates me is near; who, then, can bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my
accuser? Let him confront me! 9Look! The Lord Jehovah [is the one who] will help me; who can condemn
me? They will all wear out like a garment and become moth-eaten.
10Who among you fears Jehovah? [Who among you] obeys the voice of his servant? He who walks in
darkness, without a ray of light, let him trust in the name of Jehovah and rely upon his God. 11Listen, all
of you who kindle fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches: walk by the light of your fires and
with the torches you have set ablaze! [But] this is what you shall receive from my hand: you shall lie
down in torment. (Isa. 50:1-11)
23
Introduction
Are there ever times when you feel a sense of defeat in your Christian life? You wonder if you will
ever make any progress towards spiritual growth and maturity; you seem to fight a never-ending
battle with the same besetting sins.
Are there times when you feel a sense of weariness and weakness in your Christian life? You feel
overwhelmed by the burden you are called upon to bear, you feel as though you can’t go on.
Are there times when you feel a sense of confusion in your Christian life? You need direction as you
stand at a crossroads in your life, or you need light to illumine a dark question or situation.
In verse 10 of Isaiah chapter 50 we are exhorted, “trust in the name of Jehovah and rely [your] God.”
As a Christian, it is your privilege and your obligation to rely upon the LORD your God, knowing that
He is fully able to meet your needs. As we study the 50th chapter of Isaiah, let us consider three
reasons why we should rely upon the LORD our God.
I. Rely upon the LORD Your God, because He is Able to Deliver You (Isa. 50:1-3)
In verse 1 the LORD asks His people Israel a series of questions. He begins by asking, “Where is the
certificate of divorce by which I sent your mother away?” According to Old Testament law, a
husband could divorce his wife and give her a certificate of divorce, if he found some cause for
taking such action, note Deuteronomy 24:1, “If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to
him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it
to her and sends her from his house.” This proved to be a law that was abused by husbands who
found it to be a convenient means of disposing of a wife who was no longing pleasing to them, as
Jesus points out to the Pharisees of His day (Matt. 19:3-9.) But the LORD has not dealt with Israel in
such a frivolous manner. Next the LORD inquires, “Or to which of my creditors did I sell you?” Again,
under Old Testament law, a father had the authority to sell his son into servitude if he deemed it
necessary to do so; note 2 Kings 4:1as an example of this practice: “The wife of a man from the
company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, ‘Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that
he revered Jehovah. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.’” In this case
the sons were in danger of being consigned to servitude because of the family’s debts. But once
again, the LORD has not dealt so with Israel. By means of these questions the LORD is responding to
Israel’s unexpressed accusation that He has abandoned His people.
In the latter part of verse one the LORD confronts Israel with the truth: “You were sold because of
your iniquities, and because of your transgressions your mother was sent away.” That is to say, the
people of Israel themselves are responsible for their present plight. It is not a matter that the LORD
has capriciously abandoned them. Israel’s present state of banishment is not due to the LORD’s
unfaithfulness, it is due to Israel’s own unfaithfulness.
In verse two the LORD addresses another series of questions to Israel: “When I came, why was there
no one [to welcome me]? When I called, [why] was there no one to answer?” As the commentator,
E.J. Young says, “The separation of Israel can in no wise be attributed to a lack of loving concern
upon God’s part.” The LORD came again and again, by means of His servants the prophets, warning
His people and calling them to return, note 2 Chronicles 36:15, “Jehovah, the God of their fathers,
sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on
his dwelling place.”
We often times are prone to make the same false accusation against the LORD, charging that He has
unjustly abandoned us and left us to fend for ourselves. Can you identify with this false view of the
Christian life? By means of a “divine helicopter” from heaven, Christ has delivered you from the
shark-infested waters of sin; only to drop you down on a wild and foreboding island, informing
you that you are on your own: you must try to survive as best you can until He some day comes
24
back for you. What is wrong with this picture of the Christian life? As a Christian, you are not left
alone to fend for yourself as best you can; on the contrary, our Lord makes the promise, “I will not
leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (Jn. 14:18.) He fulfills His promise by means of His Holy
Spirit: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—17the
Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive him, because it does not see him, nor does it know him. [But]
you know him; because he stays with you and will be in you” (Jn. 14:16-17.) As a Christian, you are
not left to your own resources, note 1 John 4:4,“the one who is in you is greater than the one who is
in the world.” The Apostle John is referring to the Holy Spirit who resides within the Christian as
the One who is greater than the devil. Indeed, we are exhorted to rely upon Christ and His divine
grace, Jesus declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him,
he is the one who bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5.)
In verse 2b the LORD asks yet another question, “Is my arm so short that it cannot redeem you? Or
do I lack the strength to deliver you?” The LORD then proceeds to personally supplies the answer:
“Listen. By a [mere] rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn the rivers into a desert; their fish rot due to lack of
water and die of thirst.” Here is a reference to the LORD’s mighty act of parting the waters of the
Red Sea at the time of the Exodus out of Egypt, proof that He is both able and willing to take care
of His people. He then adds, “I clothe the heavens with black [mourning garments] and make
sackcloth their covering”—here is a reference to the LORD’s sovereign control over the natural
realm: He turns the day into night.
In verses 1-3 the LORD assures His people that He has not capriciously abandoned them, nor does
He lack the strength to deliver them. Like Old Testament Israel, we are prone to falsely accuse the
LORD of forsaking us, when in fact the problem lies in our forsaking the LORD or failing to avail
ourselves of the divine resources He makes available to us. A related problem is our expectation of
“instant sanctification—instant holiness.” But note the biblical teaching that the attainment of
spiritual maturity and holiness is a process, indeed, a life-long process: “let us purify ourselves
from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2
Cor. 7:1.) “Perfecting holiness” indicates a spiritual process, one that is to be conducted in reliance
upon the Holy Spirit. Note, also, the exhortation of the Apostle Peter: “Like newborn babies, crave
pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Pet. 2:2.) The advancement
of our spiritual life is compared to a baby growing to maturity—again, here is a process that is
accomplished and realized over time, not an instantaneous transformation from infancy to full
maturity.
Do you feel a sense of defeat in your Christian life? Rely upon the LORD your God—rely upon His
grace and His timetable, knowing that “he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day
of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6.)
II. Rely upon the LORD Your God, because He is Able to Uphold You (Isa. 50:4-9)
In verse 6 the Servant of the LORD—our Lord Jesus Christ—describes Himself as willingly
submitting to the suffering divinely appointed for Him. Our Lord endured both physical suffering
(“I yielded my back to those who beat me”) as well as emotional suffering (“I did not cover my face
from mocking and spitting.”)
Then in verse 7 our Lord reveals to us what enabled Him to undergo such suffering and what
enabled Him to endure such trials: “Because the Lord Jehovah will help me, I will not be disgraced.
Therefore I have set my face like a flint; I know that I will not be put to shame.” Christ put His
confidence in God His Father as His Source of help; consequently, He would not be disgraced nor
put to shame. That is to say, He would not experience ultimate defeat and despair; on the
contrary, He would be raised to glory and honor upon the faithful completion of His ministry. He
declares that He would set His face like a flint—with the enabling power and blessing of the Holy
Spirit, He would resolutely determine to fulfill the ministry He received from His Father. The
New Testament fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in Luke 9:51, “As the time approached for
25
him to be received up [received to His Father’s throne via the cross, the resurrection and the
ascension], he resolutely set his face to go to Jerusalem.”
In verses 4-5 the Lord’s Servant—Christ Jesus—describes Himself as being taught by God so that
He might carry out a ministry of sustaining us:
The Lord Jehovah has given me the speech of one who has been taught, so that I may know how
to sustain the weary one with a word. He wakens me every morning; he wakens my ear to listen
like a disciple. 5The Lord Jehovah has opened my ears; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn
back. (Isa. 50:4-5)
Our Lord submitted Himself to His Father’s will (“I was not rebellious”), even though that will
entailed the way of suffering (“I yielded my back to those who beat me.”) By so doing He found His
Father to be faithful to sustain Him, note John 16:32, “Listen, the hour is coming, in fact it has
come, when you shall be scattered, each one to his own home, and shall forsake me. However, I am
not forsaken, because the Father is with me.” Furthermore, He found His Father to be faithful to
reward Him: “he humbled himself by becoming obedient unto death, even death on the cross.
9Therefore, God exalted him to the highest position” (Phil. 2:8-9.)
Based upon His own personal experience, our Lord, the faithful Servant of the LORD who found
the LORD faithful to Him, now exhorts us to follow Him through trial into glory: His ministry is
one of sustaining us.
On our part, we often times entertain a faulty view of the Christian life. There is a failure to
appreciate the fact that trials and suffering are a part of the Christian life; failing to bear in mind
the words of our Lord: “In the world you have tribulation. But have courage; I have conquered the
world” (Jn. 16:33.) There is, too, a failure to appreciate the fact that the LORD usually leads us
through trials as opposed to detouring us around them. Paul and Barnabas were compelled to
inform the churches of this truth: “they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22confirming the
souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and [teaching] that through many
tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:21-22.) In connection with this
failure, there is a failure to appreciate the LORD’s purpose in subjecting His people to trials:
… now for a little while it is necessary for you to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have
come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by
fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is
revealed. (1 Pet. 1:6-7)
Do you feel a sense of weariness—even disillusionment—in your Christian life because of the
trials you have encountered and have had to endure? Rely upon the LORD your God—rely upon
His strength and His good purpose, knowing that He is able to uphold you. Consider the
testimony of the Apostle Paul in which he reports Christ’s response to his pleas to be released
from his trial and his acceptance of Christ’s will:
… he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest
on me. (2 Cor. 12:9)
III. Rely upon the LORD Your God, because He is Able to Counsel You (Isa. 50:10-11)
Verse 10 presents us with this exhortation: “He who walks in darkness, without a ray of light, let
him trust in the name of Jehovah and rely upon his God.”
The LORD our God is the One who supplies us with wisdom and understanding. He invites
us, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not
26
know” (Jer. 33:3.) As the Apostle James informs us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask
God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (Jam. 1:5.)
Conversely, verse 11 of Isaiah 50 confronts us with the warning:
Listen, all of you who kindle fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches: walk by the light
of your fires and with the torches you have set ablaze! But this is what you shall receive from
my hand: you shall lie down in torment.
The picture here is of men rejecting the LORD as their source of wisdom and light in favor of
pursuing their own wisdom. They will not walk in the light the L ORD provides, rather they will
provide for themselves their own “flaming torches” to light their way. The LORD exhorts such
people to go their own way, if that is what they insist upon doing; but He warns them of what
their final end will be: “this is what you shall receive from my hand: you shall lie down in torment.”
To “lie down in torment,” or “affliction,” signifies a position of defeat and permanently being
given over to the judgment of God.
Often times we neglect to avail ourselves of our heavenly Father’s willingness to impart His
wisdom and offer His guidance. Do we seek His counsel, or because of pride or stubbornness or
impulsiveness, do we neglect to look to God our heavenly Father, choosing rather to seek our
own way? He issues this promise and warning:
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over
you. 9Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding … 10Many are the woes
of the wicked, but Jehovah’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trust in him. (Psl. 32:8-10)
Do we seek and accept the LORD’s counsel with confidence and a willingness to comply with it?
Or do we simply go through the formality of seeking His counsel with the intention of going our
own way no matter how that way may deviate from the counsel of God? Let us consider the
exhortation of the Apostle James:
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding
fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he
who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think
he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does …
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who
listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror
24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But
the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this,
not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. (Jas. 1:58,22-25)
Do you feel a sense of confusion in your Christian life? Rely upon the LORD your God—look to
Him, confide in Him, seek His counsel, wait upon Him—knowing that He is able to counsel you.
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom else shall we go? You have the words of eternal
life.” (Jn. 6:68)
Conclusion
Verse 10 of Isaiah chapter 50 gives us this exhortation: “He who walks in darkness, without a ray of
light, let him trust in the name of Jehovah and rely upon his God.” As a Christian, it is your privilege and
your obligation to rely upon the LORD your God. This present passage of Scripture supplies us with
three reasons why we should do so: 1) the LORD is able to deliver us—He will not abandon us, He will
restore us; and He will minister His grace and victory when we are confronted with temptations and
27
spiritual conflicts; 2) the LORD is able to uphold us—He will impart His strength of endurance when
we are confronted with trials and hardships; and 3) the LORD is able to counsel us—Hewill impart His
wisdom when we look to Him and wait upon Him in times of decision and dilemma.
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
As a Christian it is your privilege and your obligation to _______ upon the LORD your God, knowing
that He is fully able to meet your needs. Fill in the blank
2.
The following illustration provides an accurate and biblical description of the Christian life: By
means of a “divine helicopter” from heaven, Christ has delivered us from the shark-infested
waters of sin; only to drop us down on a wild and foreboding island, informing us that we are
now left to our own resources until He someday comes back for us. True or False
3.
At times we are prone to make the same false accusation against the LORD as did His Old
Testament people, charging that He has forsaken us. But what assurance does He give us? Match
the passages listed below with the assurances they provide for the Christian.
a.
b.
c.
Jesus assures us, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18) ___
Jesus promises, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you
forever—17the Spirit of truth”. (John 14:16-17) ___
Jesus informs us, “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him,
he is the one who bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) ___
1. We are not left to our own resources.
2. We are not abandoned.
3. We are not left to fend for ourselves.
4.
One of the reasons we at times feel abandoned by God is because we have a faulty view of the
Christian life. Match the passages listed below with the lessons they teach us about the role of
trials in the Christian life.
a.
b.
c.
d.
In the world you have tribulation. But have courage; I have conquered the world. (John 16:33)
___
They [Paul and Barnabas] returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22confirming the souls of
the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and [teaching] that through many
tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:21-22) ___
The word of Jehovah came to me: 6“O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?”
declares Jehovah. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of
Israel….”. (Jeremiah 18:5-6) ___
The Lord stood by me and strengthened me … and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
The Lord will deliver me out of every evil work and will save me for his heavenly kingdom, to
whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:17-18) ___
1. We are often led through trials, not around them.
2. The LORD will be with us in our trials.
3. We are not exempt from trials.
4. It is the LORD’s right to test us by trials.
28
5.
Match the lessons contained in Isaiah 50 with the situations to which they pertain.
a.
b.
c.
When we feel a sense of defeat in our Christian life we need to rely upon the LORD our God,
knowing that ___.
When we feel a sense of weariness, or even disillusionment, in our Christian life we need to
rely upon the LORD our God, knowing that ___.
When we feel a sense of confusion in our Christian life we need to rely upon the LORD our
God, knowing that ___
1. He has not abandoned us
2. He is able to counsel us.
3. He will uphold us
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What questions does the LORD ask Israel in verse 1a?
2. By means of the questions posed in verse one, the LORD is responding to Israel's unexpressed
accusation that the LORD has abandoned His people. But in the latter part of verse 1 the LORD
confronts Israel with the truth. What does He tell Israel?
3. In verse 6 the servant of the LORD—our Lord Jesus Christ—describes Himself as willingly
submitting to the suffering divinely appointed for Him. What enabled Him to undergo such suffering
and endure such trials? See verse 7
4. What counsel is offered to us in verse 10?
5. Conversely, what warning are we given in verse 11?
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 51:1-16
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part A of Lesson Three.
Part C: How to Avoid Giving in to Fear
51 Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek Jehovah. Look to the rock from which you
were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn. 2Look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah,
who gave you birth. When he was only a single individual I called him; I blessed him and caused him to
multiply. 3Jehovah will comfort Zion, he will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her
wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of Jehovah. Joy and gladness shall be found in her,
thanksgiving and the sound of singing.
4Listen to me, O my people; pay attention to me, O my nation. I will provide instruction and I will
establish my justice as a light for the nations. 5My righteousness is approaching, my salvation has gone
forth. My arm shall judge the nations. The islands look to me in hope and trust in my arm [for salvation].
6Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below—the heavens will vanish like smoke and
the earth will wear out like a garment; likewise, the inhabitants of the world will die. But my salvation
shall last forever and my righteousness shall not be abolished. 7Listen to me, you who are acquainted
with righteousness—the people who have my law in their heart: Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be
alarmed by their reviling; 8for they will become like a moth-eaten garment and the worm will devour
29
them like wool. But my righteousness shall last forever and my salvation shall remain through all
generations.
9Awake, awake! Clothe yourself with strength, O arm of Jehovah! Awake, as [you did] in days gone by,
[as you did] in the generations of long ago. Was it not you who chopped Rahab to pieces? [Was it not
you] who thrust through that monster [with a sword]? 10Was it not you who dried up the sea, the
waters of the great deep? [Was it not you] who turned the depths of the sea into a roadway so that the
redeemed could pass through it? 11Those who have been ransomed by Jehovah will return; they will
enter Zion with singing, and everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them;
sorrow and sighing will flee away. 12I, I am the one who comforts you. Who do you think you are—you
who are afraid of [mortal] man who shall die, [afraid of] a son of man who is made like a blade of grass?
13You have forgotten Jehovah your Maker, the one who stretched out the heavens and laid the
foundations of the earth. [Why do] you live in constant fear every day because of the fury of the
oppressor as he aims to destroy you? [But] what has become of the fury of the oppressor? 14The
cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in the dungeon, nor will they go hungry;
15because I am Jehovah your God, the one who churns up the sea so that its waves roar—Jehovah of
hosts is my name. 16I have put my words in your mouth and covered you in the hallow of my hand—to
set the heavens in place and to lay the foundation of the earth, and [now] to say to Zion, You are my
people. (Isa. 51:1-16)
Introduction
Suppose you found yourself in the middle of this scenario. While on a tour of Israel, your bus is
hijacked by some Palestinian terrorists. You are terror-stricken. You begin to panic. But at that very
moment the LORD shakes you by the shoulders and demands, “How dare you be afraid of these mortal
men!?!”
That is precisely how the LORD deals with Israel’s fears:
Who do you think you are—you who are afraid of [mortal] man who shall die, [afraid of] a son of
man who is made like a blade of grass? 13You have forgotten Jehovah your Maker, the one who
stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. (Isa. 51:12b-13a)
Many times we lose sight of Christ, becoming pre-occupied with the threats we face, and
consequently we give in to our fears. But the message of Isaiah 51 is this: Because the LORD is our
God, we must not deny Him by succumbing to our fears.
I. Be Encouraged by God’s Faithfulness (Isa. 51:1-6)
These Old Testament people of God are instructed to look back to their physical and spiritual
forefather, Abraham: “Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you
were hewn. 2Look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth” (vs. 1b-2a.) They are
to consider their spiritual forefather in order that they may renew their confidence in the LORD,
being reminded of His faithfulness and power. With regard to their forefather Abraham, the LORD
reminds the present generation: "When he was only a single individual I called him; I blessed him
and caused him to multiply" (vs. 2b.) We, too, are being reminded of the fact that the LORD
protected Abraham, preserved him, provided for him, and fulfilled His promises to him. Note the
words of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 22:32, where He quotes the LORD as declaring, "I am the God
of Abraham." The use of the present tense indicates abiding faithfulness on the part of God and a
continuing covenant relationship with Abraham.
Just as the LORD watched over Abraham and fulfilled His promises to him, so shall the LORD do the
same for Abraham’s spiritual descendants—those who, like Abraham, "pursue righteousness" and
"seek Jehovah" (vs. 1a.) The LORD now procedes to assure His covenant people of this truth:
30
Jehovah will comfort Zion, he will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her
wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of Jehovah. Joy and gladness shall be found
in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. (Isa. 51:3)
Isaiah here is envisioning the condition of the land of Israel at the time when God’s people were
taken away into the Babylonian exile. He then looks beyond that ordeal to the time of their
deliverance and restoration to the Promised Land, the time when the LORD will comfort Zion and
restore her. Note: Isaiah views that restoration from the Babylonian captivity as a type, or living
model, of the final restoration of the redeemed to the LORD in a renewed creation, the full and final
manifestation of the kingdom of God, the ultimate Zion. Note, too, that the things God will do for
Zion (His dwelling place and that of His people) are expressed in the past tense as accomplished
facts, thereby expressing the certainty of God’s covenant faithfulness to His people.
Addressing these Old Testament believers as “my people” and “my nation,” the LORD informs them
of what the future holds. “I will establish my justice as a light for the nations” (vs. 4.) In light of New
Testament revelation where there is revealed the fulfillment of this promise, we find that the
LORD’s justice, inflicted upon Christ at Calvary, is revealed to the Gentile peoples as the way of
salvation. “My righteousness is approaching; my salvation has gone forth” (vs. 5a.) His
righteousness is about to be revealed in the act of final judgment (it is “approaching”), but before
that day, His offer of salvation through the gospel shall go forth into all the world. “My arm shall
judge the nations. The islands look to me in hope and trust in my arm [for salvation]” (vs. 5b.) The
LORD shall finally come to judge the whole earth, and when He comes there shall be found, even in
the distant islands, those who have responded to the gospel and are waiting for Him as their
Savior. “The heavens will vanish like smoke and the earth will wear out like a garment; likewise, the
inhabitants of the world will die” (vs. 6a.) This present creation, together with all the people that
are a part of it, shall be swept away in the righteous judgment of God. Revelation 6:12-17 presents
a graphic description of that day:
I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like
sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red 13and the stars in the sky fell to
earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. 14The sky receded like a
scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15Then the kings
of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man
hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16They called to the mountains and the
rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of
the Lamb! 17for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Rev. 6:12-17)
The LORD goes on to declare, “But my salvation shall last forever and my righteousness shall not be
abolished” (vs. 6b.) The LORD assures us that He will save His people with an everlasting salvation;
His covenant faithfulness shall prevail and endure forever.
How do we avoid giving in to our fears? We gain the victory and are enabled to stand faithful
when we are encouraged by God’s faithfulness:
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you;
surely, I will help you; surely, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa.41:10)
II. Heed God’s Command that We Not Give In to Our Fears (Isa. 51:7-8,12-16)
In verse 7 the LORD is again addressing those who “are acquainted with righteousness—the people
who have my law in their heart.” Here is true conversion to Jesus the Messiah, characterized by a
deep affinity with and affection for the righteousness of God. This affinity with Christ and His
righteousness causes us to encounter “reproach” (scorn and censure) and “reviling” (verbal
abuse) at the hands of sinful men. This in turn tempts us to become fearful and dismayed—i.e.; to
experience a loss of ability to carry on because of terror or anxiety or great perplexity. But the
31
LORD’s counsel and command is that we not fear men and not succumb to such emotions: “Do not
fear the reproach of men, nor be alarmed by their reviling.”
In verse 8 the LORD gives His people a two-fold exhortation. On the one hand, they are not to
overestimate the forces aligned against them, for we are told, “they will become like a moth-eaten
garment and the worm will devour them like wool.” That is to say, they shall disintegrate before
the presence and the power of Almighty God, they cannot survive to perpetuate their evil against
us. On the other hand, God’s people must not forget the everlasting righteousness of the LORD our
God: a righteousness that shall prevail against evil, a righteousness that shall uphold us in the
face of evil and cause us to prevail—in His righteousness the LORD will not forsake us, He will
cause us to share in His eternal salvation. By way of example: at a public school graduation, the
American Civil Liberties Union threatened to take legal action against anyone who dared to offer
public prayer on behalf of the graduates. Despite their threats, a pastor led the class in prayer.
His wife later reported that at no time had she ever sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit more
powerfully (Oostburg WI, 1993.)
In verse 12a the LORD emphatically identifies Himself as the One who comforts His people: “I, I
am the one who comforts you”—He is the One who cares for us. As Isaiah has previously testified,
“He will tend his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his
bosom; he will gently lead the nursing ewes” (Isa. 40:11.) Precisely because it is the LORD Almighty
who pledges to comfort us and care for us, He is indignant that we should tremble in fear and
retreat from a stand for righteousness:
Who do you think you are—you who are afraid of [mortal] man who shall die, [afraid of] a son
of man who is made like a blade of grass? 13You have forgotten Jehovah your Maker, the one
who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. (vs. 12b-13a)
Do we fear man? Let us recognize that he is a mere mortal “who shall die,” he is made “like a blade
of grass” that so easily perishes in the heat of the sun. Do we forget the LORD? Let us remember
that He is the Almighty Maker and Sustainer of all things (vs. 13.) Let us be like the Psalmist who
declares, “I have set Jehovah always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be
moved” (Psl. 16:8.)
The LORD goes on to ask, “Why do you live in constant fear every day because of the fury of the
oppressor as he aims to destroy you?” (vs. 13b) Here we find the people of God being exposed to
the savage, demonic fury of an oppressor (the Babylonian empire), one who threatened to
destroy them—but with great indignation the LORD demands, “Why do you fear him?” We so
often fail to realize that both we and our oppressors are subject to the control of the LORD our
God. Our oppressors can do nothing more than what our LORD ordains, and what He ordains is
nothing other than what will contribute to our spiritual good and His glory:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, even for those who
are called according to his purpose … 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall
tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36Even as it
is written, For your sake we are killed all the day long; we were accounted as sheep for the
slaughter. 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38I
am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor
things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:28,35-39)
Once again the LORD goes on to ask, “[But] what has become of the fury of the oppressor?” He
answers His question by asserting, “The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die
in the dungeon, nor will they go hungry” (vs. 13c-14.) The LORD points His people beyond the day
of their oppressor to the day of their redemption; He assures His captive people, who presently
cower before their oppressor, that they shall soon be set free—He further assures His people
32
that they will be preserved and sustained. We are called as Christians to look beyond our
oppressors to the day of our redemption when the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ is revealed in
all of its fullness—and we are to live from that perspective, with that assurance, and draw upon
that source of resurrection power to stand for Christ in the present. As the Apostle Paul exhorts
the church, “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph. 6:10.)
Let us take to heart—as a source of comfort and confidence and courage—the words of verses
14-15. “The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in the dungeon”—those who
belong to the Lord Jesus Christ shall be preserved:
… this is the will of him who sent me, [namely,] that I should lose nothing of all that he has given
me, but should raise it up at the last day. 40My Father’s will is that every one who looks to the
Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (Jn.
6:39-40)
The sure promise of God continues by saying, “nor will they go hungry”—the LORD shall prove
Himself faithful to provide for His children in Christ Jesus. As the Apostle Paul declares, “my God
will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19.) Attached to
these promises is the reason as to why we may have complete confidence in them: “because I am
Jehovah, your God … Jehovah of hosts is my name”—the promises are completely reliable because
they are made by the LORD Himself.
How do we avoid giving in to our fears? We gain the victory and are enabled to stand faithful
when we heed God’s command that we not give in to our fears:
Do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread of it. 13Jehovah of hosts, him you must sanctify; he is
the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread—14and he will be a sanctuary [for you].
(Isa. 8:12b-14a)
III. Call upon the LORD with Confidence (Isa. 51:9-11)
Being reminded of the promises of the LORD (as stated in verses 3-8), Isaiah is encouraged to
call upon the LORD in prayer: “Awake, awake! Clothe yourself with strength, O arm of Jehovah!”
(vs. 9a.) The LORD is viewed as being “spiritual inactive” and His power as lying dormant, but
now Isaiah calls upon the LORD to exert His almighty power on behalf of His people.
Isaiah reminds the LORD of His past works of power and grace on behalf of His people (vs.9b10.) Egypt, (here identified as “Rahab”), had shown itself to be an insolent, arrogant nation, a
great demonic monster; but the LORD slew that monster and cut it into pieces (vs. 9b.) The LORD
has demonstrated Himself fully capable of removing the obstacles that stood in the way of His
people and making a way for their salvation—verse 10 is a reference to the LORD miraculously
parting the waters of the Red Sea at the time of the Exodus.
The plea for the LORD to rise up in power now turns into a prayer of praise. Isaiah expresses his
confidence that the LORD will come to the rescue of His people and bring them safely to Himself:
Those who have been ransomed by Jehovah will return; they will enter Zion with singing, and
everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them; sorrow and
sighing will flee away. (vs. 11)
How do we avoid giving in to our fears? We gain the victory and are enabled to stand faithful
when we call upon the LORD with confidence. Let us consider the LORD’s promise: “Jesus came to
them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me … 20And surely I will be
with you always, to the very end of the age’” (Matt. 28:18, 20.) Let us heed the LORD’s command:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be
33
discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9.) Let us imitate
the Psalmist: “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Psl. 56:3.)
Conclusion
Does the giant specter of fear loom up before you today? Is it defiantly seeking to block your path?
Does it attempt to wrap its tentacles around you in an effort to paralyze you and render you
immobile? Does it threaten to blow you into retreat and into hiding with its sultry breath of
intimidation? Will you allow yourself to be controlled by that specter of fear, rather than being
obedient to Christ? … you who have been set free by Christ in order to be faithful and obedient to
Christ?
How can we avoid giving in to our fears? Isaiah 51 supplies us with three words of counsel: 1) Be
encouraged by God’s faithfulness; 2) Heed God’s command that we not give in to our fears; and 3)
Call upon the LORD with confidence.
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
Which of the following statements accurately describe the teaching of Isaiah 51?
a.
b.
c.
2.
Isaiah 51 teaches that it is sinful for us to ever experience a sense of fear.
Isaiah 51 teaches that it is sinful for us to allow our fears to dominate our lives, causing us to
be disobedience to the LORD.
Isaiah 51 teaches that God understands that it is natural for us to be paralyzed by fear and is
tolerant of it.
As an encouragement not to become overwhelmed by fear, the LORD informs His people of what
the future holds. Match the things He reveals with their appropriate descriptions.
a.
b.
c.
Jehovah will comfort Zion, he will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her
wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of Jehovah. (Isaiah 51:3a) ___
Those who have been ransomed by Jehovah will return; they will enter Zion with singing.
(Isaiah 51:11a) ___
Gladness and joy will overtake them; sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 51:11b) ___
1. The LORD will replace grief with joy.
2. The LORD will renovate His land.
3. The LORD will restore His people.
3.
How does the LORD respond to His people when they tremble with fear before their Babylonian
captors?
a.
b.
c.
4.
He is indignant that they should tremble because of mortal men and have forgotten that He
is the Almighty.
He sympathizes with them and assures them that He understands their reaction to their
present situation.
He mockingly laughs at them and reminds them that what they are experiencing is the just
consequence of their sins.
Which of the following statements accurately describe the contents of Isaiah’s prayer, a prayer
that may well serve as a model for the Christian when we face a fearful situation? (Answers
continued on next page)
a.
Isaiah calls upon the LORD to exert His almighty power on behalf of His people.
34
b.
c.
d.
5.
Isaiah reminds the LORD of His past acts of power and deliverance on behalf of His people.
Isaiah praises the LORD in confident anticipation of what He will do on behalf of His people.
Isaiah pleads with the LORD to spare His people from having to face the fearful encounter
they anticipate with dread.
Complete the sentences listed below that summarize the instruction Isaiah 51 offers as to how
we as Christians are to overcome our fears.
a.
b.
c.
We should be encouraged by God’s ___.
We must heed God’s ___ that we not give in to our fears.
We should solicit God’s ___ by means of prayer.
1. faithfulness
2. assistance
3. command
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is Zion's present condition, but what does the LORD promise He will do for Zion? See verse 3
Note: Zion is here a reference to the city of Jerusalem and the whole land of Israel.
2. The LORD addresses His people as they find themselves to be the terrified captives of Babylon.
What does He instruct them to do? See verses 1-2 Note: Isaiah 51 looks into the future, from Isaiah's
perspective, to the time when the people of God found themselves in the Babylonian exile.
3. How are God's people described in verse 7 and what is happening to them?
4. Of what two things does the LORD remind His faithful people who find themselves attacked by the
world? See verse 8
5. On behalf of all God's people, how does Isaiah respond to the LORD's words recorded in verse 8?
See verse 9-11
35
LESSON THREE:
Isaiah 51:17-53:12
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 51:17-52:12
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part B of Lesson Three.
Part A: God’s Gracious Command: Rise Up!
51 17Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of Jehovah the cup of his
wrath, you who have drained to the dregs the goblet [of wine] that makes men stagger. 18Of all the sons
whom she bore there is none to guide her; of all the sons whom she raised there is none to take her by
the hand. 19These two calamities have come upon you—who can comfort you?—ruin and destruction,
famine and the sword [of war]. How can I comfort you? 20Your sons have fainted; they lie [helpless] at
the head of every street, like an antelope [caught] in a net. They are filled with the wrath of Jehovah, the
rebuke of your God. 21Therefore, hear this, you who are afflicted, you who are drunk—but not with wine.
22This is what your Lord Jehovah says, your God who defends his people: See, I have taken out of your
hand the cup [of wine] that made you stagger, the goblet of my wrath, you will never drink from it
again. 23I will put it into the hands of your tormentors, those who have commanded you, Lie down, so
that we may walk over you! You offered them your back like the ground, like the street, for them to walk
over.
52 Awake, awake, O Zion! Clothe yourself with strength! Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem,
the holy city. From now on the uncircumcised and the [morally] defiled will no longer enter into you.
2Shake the dust off yourself. Rise up and sit [on your throne], O Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains
around your neck, O captive daughter of Zion!—3for this is what Jehovah says, You were sold for
nothing, [therefore,] you will be redeemed without money. 4This is what the Lord Jehovah says, At first
my people went down to Egypt in order to temporarily live there; and then the Assyrians oppressed
them for no [just] reason. 5Now therefore, what am I doing here, says Jehovah, seeing that my people
have been taken away without reimbursement? Those who rule over them howl [with glee], declares
Jehovah, and my name is continually blasphemed all day long. 6Therefore, my people shall know my
name. Therefore, on the day [I act they shall know] that I am the one who says, Here I am!
7How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace,
who brings good news of blessing, who proclaims salvation, who announces to Zion, Your God reigns!
8Listen! Your watchmen raise their voices; together they shout for joy. When Jehovah returns to Zion,
they will see it with their own eyes. 9Burst out with joy, sing together, you ruins of Jerusalem; because
Jehovah has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem! 10Jehovah will lay bare his holy arm in
the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will see the salvation [provided by] our God.
11Depart, depart; go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out of her midst! Cleanse yourselves,
you who carry the vessels of Jehovah! 12But you will not leave in haste, neither will you depart in flight;
because Jehovah will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rearguard. (Isa. 51:17-52:12)
Introduction
For sixteen years John Joseph Kovacs lived in a tunnel. Along with a few other squatters who called
themselves “the mole people,” John lived underground in an abandoned railroad tunnel in New York.
When Amtrak bought the tunnel and prepared to reopen it, John was forced to look for another place
to live.
36
John Kovacs became the first person chosen for a new program designed to “transform homeless
people into homesteaders.” After spending a third of his life living in a railroad tunnel, John Joseph
Kovacs left his underground existence to become an organic farmer in upstate New York. He was
quoted as saying, “The air will be better up there. I’m not going to miss the tunnel. I’m not coming
back.” (Our Daily Bread, 3/20/92)
We must realize that every true child of God is called to a similar experience: as a Christian, you are
called to leave behind a dark, sinful “underground existence,” for a new life of holiness and glory. The
LORD issues His gracious command to Rise Up, and we must respond to that command in faith and
obedience.
I. Rise Up, from Degradation! (Isa. 51:17-23)
Jerusalem (representing the Old Testament people of God) is portrayed as a woman lying in the
gutter in a drunken stupor (vs. 17.) As the text indicates, she is not drunk with wine, but with the
cup of God’s wrath—she has received the judgment of God for her sins. The LORD has caused her
to drink the cup of His wrath in full measure. Thus, because of her sins and the consequence of
those sins, she now finds herself in a disgraceful and pitiable condition.
Jerusalem is further portrayed as a woman who has been utterly abandoned by her children (vs.
18.) She finds herself alone in her drunken, deplorable condition with no one to help her; none of
her children come to help their mother to her feet to guide her home. The worst of calamities has
befallen the city of God and she is beyond the possibility of human comfort and consolation—the
city (representing the entire nation) has suffered desolation and destruction, the means of her
destruction has been famine (resulting from enemy siege) and the sword of war. What has
become of her sons? They have fainted, they lie like exhausted antelope captured in the hunter’s
trap, “They are filled with the wrath of Jehovah, the rebuke of your God” (vs. 20b.)
But the LORD comes to Jerusalem in her deplorable condition and He issues His gracious
command: “Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem” (vs. 17a.) Since there is none other to do so, the
LORD Himself “defends His people” (vs. 22.) The LORD is our Advocate, our defense attorney—not
protesting our innocence, but pleading His own blood on our behalf as the atoning sacrifice for
our sins to satisfy the righteous demands of the law of God, note 1 John 2:1b-2a, “we have an
Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One; 2and he is the propitiation for our sins.” A
“propitiation” is a sacrifice that satisfies the divine justice and appeases the divine indignation
against the sinner.
The LORD now declares, “See, I have taken out of your hand the cup [of wine] that made you stagger,
the goblet of my wrath, you will never drink from it again” (vs. 22b.) God can justly do so because
He has given that cup of righteous judgment to His own Son to drink on behalf of all who believe
in Him: “And [Jesus] went forward a little way and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if
it be possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will’” (Matt.
26:39.) Christ has drunk that cup for us, and we have drunk it in Christ, note Galatians 2: 20, “I
have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live, but Christ living in me; and the life I now
live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” Christian, by
the atoning work of Christ, God has removed from us the curse of our sins and He desires to
remove us from the degradation of our sins. Christian, God graciously commands you to Rise Up
out of degradation:
We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or do you not know that all of us who were
baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him
through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the
glory of the Father, we too may live a new life … 6We know that our old self was crucified with
him so that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we should no longer be slaves to sin
… 12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not
37
offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to
God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him
as instruments of righteousness … 19… Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery
to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness
leading to holiness. (Rom. 6:2-4, 6,12-13,19b)
II. Rise Up, to Glory! (Isa. 52:1-2)
Zion is now summoned, “Clothe yourself with strength! Put on your beautiful garments” (Isa. 52:1.)
Zion has lay silent in a drunken stupor, but now she is commanded to put on her strength—she is
able to do so because the LORD imparts His own divine strength to His people, enabling us to
respond in obedience to His commandments, note Isaiah 40:28b-29,
The everlasting God, Jehovah, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint; neither does
he become weary. No one can fathom his understanding. 29He gives strength to the weary; and
he imparts power to the one who has no might. (Isa. 40:28b, 29)
Zion is commanded to put on her beautiful garments—the garments of righteousness that are in
keeping with her identity as "the holy city." Zion is to put on her beautiful garments of holiness so
that she might become a fit bride for her Lord and a fit dwelling place for His holy presence:
… Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26so that he might sanctify her, having
cleansed her with the washing of water by the word—27so that he might present the church to
himself in glory, without blemish or wrinkle or any other such thing, but being holy and
blameless. (Eph. 5:25-27)
Just as Zion is called to be holy so that she might be the fit dwelling place for her Lord and God;
so, we are also informed that all who are unholy and remain in that state shall finally be removed
from the holy city of God: "From now on the uncircumcised and the [morally] defiled will no longer
enter into you" (52:1b.)
At the command of the LORD, Zion is to throw off her chains and assume her place upon the
throne (vs. 2.) Babylon, representative of the secular kingdom of man, is commanded to evacuate
the throne and sit in the dust: "Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon! Sit on
the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans, for you shall no longer be called tender
and delicate" (Isa. 47:1.) Zion, representing the people of God, is commanded to shake herself
from the dust and occupy the throne. In Revelation 3:21, the Lord Jesus elaborates on this divine
command: "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I
overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne."
The LORD not only commands Zion to get up out of the gutter, He also commands her to occupy a
place of honor, and He further commands her to dress appropriately in royal robes of splendor.
Christian, by virtue of our relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ, God calls us to a life of holiness
and glory: "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in
ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: 'Be holy,
because I am holy'” (1 Pet.1:14-16.)
Christian, God graciously commands you to Rise Up to the glory of holiness. Let us understand
that the new life of righteousness—exhibiting the beauty and glory of holiness—is not an option;
on the contrary, it is the whole purpose and goal of our redemption: "you are 'a chosen people, a
royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people appointed to be [God’s] own possession, so that you might
display the virtues of him' who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1Pet. 2:9.)
38
III. Rise Up, because Your God Reigns! (Isa. 52:3-12)
In the latter part of Isaiah 52:2 the LORD commands His people to throw off their chains—the
chains that bound them and held them in captivity. But how could they heed that
commandment? How could they successfully resist their mighty conqueror? How could they
throw off their chains of captivity and walk away in freedom?
Verse 3 explains that this great transformation from bondage to freedom takes place solely by
the power of the sovereign God who is the Lord of creation and history: “this is what Jehovah
says, ‘You were sold for nothing, [therefore,] you will be redeemed without money.” The point
being made is that the LORD is not in debt to, nor under obligation to, any person or power. By
way of illustration, the LORD did not have to humbly appeal to the United Nations to secure the
release of His people from their Babylonian captivity. All rights reside with Him, all obligations
are owed to Him—and every debt His people have incurred has been paid by Him.
In verses 4-6 the LORD further elaborates upon His rightful claim to His people and His
determination to redeem them and restore them to Himself. It was the LORD who sent His
people down to Egypt “to temporarily live there.” That is to say, He was not permanently
consigning them to Egyptian bondage; they were to be only temporary sojourners there until
the LORD brought them back to the Promised Land of Canaan (vs. 4b.) At a later date in their
history, after their return from Egypt, the Assyrians oppressed His people (vs. 4c.) This, too, was
at the command of the LORD, intended as a chastisement for the sins of His people, note Isaiah
10:5-6,
O Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my indignation! 6I will send him
against a godless nation. I will commission him against a people who incite my wrath, to seize
the spoil and snatch the prey, and to trample them down like mud in the streets. (Isa. 10:5-6)
Now the LORD beholds His people subjected to captivity by the Babylonian empire. He sees how
their oppressors rule over them with glee, and that the LORD’s great Name is being blasphemed.
Therefore, the LORD will act (vs. 5-6.) “Therefore, my people shall know my name;” when the LORD
acts with sovereign, almighty power to release His people, they shall in that day know what it
means that the LORD is God and that He is their God.
Verses 7-10 look forward from Isaiah’s perspective to that day of redemption and restoration
from the Babylonian captivity, and at the same time envision that redemption as a type, or
model, of the final redemption of God’s people. The watchmen are posted upon the top of the
walls, looking for and yearning for the coming of their Lord and Savior (vs. 8.) Those watchmen
now see messengers approaching with good news for Zion, good news of peace and salvation,
and that message is summed up in the one great proclamation, “Your God reigns!” (vs. 7.)
Because the LORD reigns He is able to fulfill all His promises and effect the release and
restoration of His people. The watchmen are informed that they themselves shall see the LORD
coming for the salvation of His people, and upon witnessing His work of redemption they and all
His people shall burst forth into songs of joy and praise (vs. 8b-9.) Just as all the world
witnessed the release of God’s people from their Babylonian captivity, so when He returns in
glory at the end of the age for the consummation of His people’s redemption, “all the ends of the
earth will see the salvation [provided by] our God”—the salvation that He alone can effect and
will enact for those who have trusted in Him (vs. 10.)
In verses 11-12 the command once more goes forth, “Depart, depart; go out from there! Touch no
unclean thing! Come out of her midst!” The LORD’s people can respond in obedience to this
command “because Jehovah will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rearguard.” The
LORD is the sovereign God, the Almighty God, who issues the command to His people to come
forth out of their bondage, and He makes possible our compliance by releasing us from our
captivity. Consider Luke 11:21-22, a parable in which our Lord Jesus Christ refers to His victory
39
over the devil on behalf of His people: “When a strong man [representing the devil], fully armed,
guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22But when someone stronger [representing Christ]
attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the
spoils.” Christian, by virtue of Christ’s victory over the devil and sin, and by relying upon the
grace and power of His Holy Spirit, we can respond to His call for obedience.
Christian, God graciously commands us to Rise Up, and we can comply with that command
because our God reigns! When confronted by temptation we must no longer view ourselves as a
helpless victim, but rather as being more than conquerors in Christ Jesus:
Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his
death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as
Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life …
12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not
offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to
God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him
as instruments of righteousness. (Rom. 6:3-4,12-13)
When confronted by temptation, in order to gain the victory, we must surrender ourselves and
the temptation to the Holy Spirit, relying upon His power and grace:
… if you live according to the sinful nature, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death
the misdeeds of the body, you will live. (Rom. 8:13)
Conclusion
Remember John Joseph Kovacs. When he was ordered to evacuate the tunnel he had occupied for so
many years that order proved to be a gracious command. He was ordered to abandon a dark, dank,
filthy tunnel—ordered to leave behind a deplorable existence—for the fresh air and natural beauty of
upstate New York. Similarly, the LORD graciously commands us as Christians to give up the
degradations of sin in exchange for the beauty and glory of holiness.
Just as John Joseph Kovacs received abundant assistance in making his transition from underground
tunnel existence to upstate living, so has God promised us the divine assistance of His Holy Spirit to
enable us to heed His gracious command.
John Joseph Kovacs said, “I’m not going to miss the tunnel. I’m not coming back.” By the grace of God,
may we make the same testimony with regard to our life of sin.
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
How is Jerusalem (representing the Old Testament people of God) portrayed in Isaiah 51:17-18?
a.
b.
c.
d.
2.
She is portrayed as a woman lying in the gutter in a drunken stupor.
She is portrayed as a queen seated upon her throne.
She is portrayed as a happy mother surrounded by her children.
She is portrayed as a woman who has been utterly abandoned.
Complete the statements listed below that discuss the spiritual significance of the scene
portrayed in Isaiah 51. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
Jerusalem is drunk, not with wine, but with the cup of God’s ___—she has received the
judgment of God for her sins.
In His ___ the LORD comes to Jerusalem in her deplorable condition and takes away the cup of
wrath that has made her stagger.
40
c.
The LORD can justly deliver His people because, in His ___, He has given that cup of righteous
judgment to His own Son to drink on behalf of all who believe in Him.
1. wrath
2. justice
3. mercy
3.
The LORD not only commands Zion to get up out of the gutter, He also commands Zion to put on
her beautiful garments—garments that are appropriate for her new identity as the _______ city.
Fill in the blank
4.
Complete the sentences listed below that discuss the LORD’s redemption of His people as it is
described in Isaiah 52.
a.
b.
c.
Zion’s great transformation from bondage to freedom takes place solely by the ___ of our
sovereign God who is the LORD of creation and history.
In Isaiah 52:3 the LORD declares of Zion, “You were sold for nothing, therefore, you will be
redeemed without ___.”
The point being made in Isaiah 52:3 is that all ___ reside with the LORD, all debts are owed to
Him—and every debt His people have incurred has been paid by Him.
1. rights
2. money
3. power
5.
Match the commands of the LORD issued to His people with the New Testament passages that
pertain to these commands.
a.
b.
c.
Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing
wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness. (Romans 6:19) ___
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: “Be holy,
because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16) ___
Jesus answered them, I tell you the truth Every one who commits sin is the slave of sin. … 36If the
Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:34,36) ___
1. Rise up by the power of God.
2. Rise up out of degradation.
3. Rise up to holiness and glory.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How is Jerusalem portrayed in Isaiah 51:17?
2. What gracious command does the LORD give Jerusalem? See Isaiah 51:17 What has He done for
her? See Isaiah 51:22
3. What is Zion (i.e.; the people of God) summoned to do in Isaiah 52:1a?
4. What further command does the LORD give Zion in Isaiah 52:2? Contrast this command with the
command the LORD issues to Babylon (see Isaiah 47:1 printed below).
41
Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon! Sit on the ground without a
throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans, for you shall no longer be called tender and delicate. (Isa.
47:1)
5. In Isaiah 52:2b the LORD commands His people to throw off their chains—the chains that bond
them and held them in captivity. But how can they heed this command? See Isaiah 52:5-7,10
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part A of Lesson Four.
Part B: Serve the LORD Faithfully
52 13See, my servant will be successful; he will become high and lifted up, he will be greatly exalted.
14Just as many were appalled at you—he was so disfigured that his appearance was unlike any other
man, his form was unlike the sons of men—15so shall he cause many nations to be shocked. Kings shall
cover their mouths at [the sight of] him; for what was not reported to them they [themselves] will see,
and what was not explained to them they will understand.
53 Who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of Jehovah been revealed?—2for he grew
up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground. He had no beauty or majesty to
attract us to him; and when we looked at him, there was nothing in his appearance that would cause us
to desire him. 3He was despised and rejected by men; [he was] a man of sorrows and acquainted with
suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we did not hold him in esteem.
4Surely he has borne our afflictions and carried our sorrows; but we regarded him as one who was
stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted [as an evildoer]. 5But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment was laid upon him for our peace, and by his wounds
we are healed. 6We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but Jehovah
has laid upon him the iniquity of us all. 7He was oppressed and afflicted, but he did not open his mouth;
like a lamb that is being led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before her shearers, so he did not
open his mouth. 8By persecution and condemnation he was taken away. But who of his generation
considered [the fact] that he was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people
whose punishment was laid on him. 9[Although] he was assigned his burial with wicked men, he was
with a rich man in his death; because he had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in his mouth.
10Yet it was Jehovah’s will to crush him, he caused him to suffer. Even though you have made his life an
offering for sin, he will see his offspring; his days shall continue, and Jehovah’s purpose shall be
accomplished by his hand. 11He will see [the fruit] of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied. By his
knowledge my righteous servant shall justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. 12Therefore, I will
give him a portion with the great, and he will divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his
life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors—he bore the sins of many and interceded for
the transgressors. (Isa. 52:13-53:12)
Introduction
Back in 1964 during a war in the South Pacific islands, Nepalese soldiers were asked if they would be
willing to jump from airplanes into combat against the Indonesian enemy. The Nepalese soldiers
expressed their willingness to do so, asking only that the planes fly slowly over a swampy area and
no higher than one hundred feet.
“But,” explained their commander in chief, “at that low altitude your parachutes will not have
sufficient time to open!”
42
“Parachutes!?!” exclaimed the Nepalese soldiers, “We didn’t know we would be outfitted with
parachutes!”
Now there is an example of commitment. Those Nepalese soldiers thought they were being asked to
jump out of airplanes and into combat without parachutes—and they were willing to do it! (Our Daily
Bread, 1/30/94) In that part of the world those brave Nepalese soldiers have always been known
and honored for their courageous commitment to their commander in chief.
In the life and death of our Lord Jesus Christ we see an even greater example of commitment to the
heavenly Father; and we are made to see how greatly God honors the one who serves Him faithfully.
If we would be honored by God and would receive the honor that only He can bestow, by His grace
we must serve Him faithfully, no matter what we may encounter.
I. Serve the LORD Faithfully, Even When It Means Being Despised by the World (Isa. 53:1-3,7-9)
In Isaiah 53:2 the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, is figuratively compared to a feeble little shoot
sprouting up out of the parched ground: “he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root
out of parched ground.” One certainly does not expect great things from such a plant; one does not
even expect such a plant to survive, let alone grow into a mighty tree or a beautiful flower of the
field
Our Lord is further described as having neither an attractive form nor physical beauty, indeed, “He
had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him; and when we looked at him, there was nothing in his
appearance that would cause us to desire him” (vs. 2b.) In contemporary terms we may say that in
His incarnation, our Lord did not assume the physique of a professional athlete or the strikingly
handsome features of a Hollywood movie star. There was nothing to be seen in our Lord’s
physical appearance and demeanor that would make Him naturally appealing to us. Contrast this
description of our Lord Jesus Christ in His incarnation with that of the young men who were
selected for positions of honor in the courts of Babylon:
Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring some of the Israelites from
the royal family and the nobility—4young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing
aptitude for every kind of learning, well-informed, quick to understand and qualified to serve in
the king’s palace. (Dan. 1:3-4)
From the description given of our Lord in verse 2 it is no wonder that in verse 3 come these
words: “he was despised and rejected by men.” The point is that our Lord in His physical
appearance and demeanor came far short of what pagan men envision their gods and super
heroes would be if they were to assume human form—He did not measure up to what natural
men look for and admire in a leader. Add to the description given in Isaiah, our Lord’s own
testimony, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am meek and humble in heart: and
you shall find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:29.)
Consequently, they looked upon Him with contempt and totally dismissed Him as a potential
leader or as a threat to their rule. “’You are a king, then!’ said Pilate” (Jn. 18:37.) Such was the
Roman governor’s incredulous response to Jesus when He stood trial before him. The Apostle Paul
declares, “we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Cor.
1:23.) The fact that salvation comes by faith in the crucified Christ was an offense to the selfrighteous Jews and foolishness to the proud and mighty Gentiles.
Note: When our Lord displayed His divine and miraculous power, the crowd was attracted by that
power. But when it became clear that He would not employ that power as would a conquering
general, they forsook Him:
43
Now when the people saw the sign that he had performed, they said, “Surely this is the Prophet
who is to come into the world!” 15Jesus, perceiving that they were about to come and take him
by force in order to make him king, withdrew again into the hills by himself. (Jn. 6:14-15)
Such was the peoples’ initial reaction to our Lord’s miracle of feeding the five thousand with just a
few bread biscuits and five small fish—but when He resisted their efforts to be their earthly king
and employ His divine power against the Romans of that day, they soon raised the cry, “Crucify
him!” (Matt. 27:22.)
Our Lord in His state of humiliation in the incarnation is further described as being “a man of
sorrows and acquainted with suffering.” Jesus the Messiah, in His human nature, was not immune
to the effects of the rejection and abuse as He experienced: He knew what it is like to be
overlooked, ignored, discounted, rejected, and left alone. Furthermore, it is said of Him, “like one
from whom men hide their face he was despised, and we did not hold him in esteem” (vs. 3c.) In His
final earthly hour, when it had become fully evident that His chosen course (of submission to the
Father’s will) was at total variance with the expectations of the world, He was totally rejected,
even by those who were His dearest and closest disciples. Matthew 26:56b, 72 reports, “Then all
the disciples deserted him and fled.” This was the response of His disciples in the garden of
Gethsemane when the Lord Jesus refused to resist the soldiers and meekly submitted in allowing
Himself to be arrested. When confronted in the courtyard of the high priest on the night of our
Lord’s trial, Peter declared, “I do not know the man!” (Matt. 26:72.)
Yet our Lord Jesus Christ served His heavenly Father faithfully, even though He knew that it would
mean being despised by the world (vs. 7-9.) As the faithful servant of the LORD, Christ Jesus
willingly submitted Himself unto affliction without raising any protest or making any defense (vs.
7.) By the sinister means of human oppression and unjust judgment He was swept off of the stage
of history and out of this present world (vs. 8.) None of His contemporaries at the time
appreciated the fact that “he was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my
people whose punishment was laid on him” (vs. 8c.)
Having meekly submitted to the mockery of a false trial, and to the cursed death of the cross, His
body was laid to rest in a grave (vs. 9.) “He was assigned his burial with wicked men”—they took
His body down from the cross and buried it, like they did with the two criminals who were
crucified with Him. But “he was with a rich man in his death.” Now something unusual occurred.
His body was laid to rest in the grave of a rich man; He received an honorable burial—this would
be the beginning of the honor that was now to follow upon the successful completion of the
Messiah’s redemptive work.
Christian, in imitation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us serve the LORD faithfully, even
when it means being despised by the world:
Let us focus our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before
him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary
and lose heart. (Heb. 12:2-3)
And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.
13Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. (Heb. 13:12-13)
II. Serve the LORD Faithfully, Even When It Means Enduring Divinely-Administered Affliction
(Isa. 53:4-6)
Verse 4 testifies, “we regarded him as one who was stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted [as
an evildoer].” That is to say, we saw Him as one upon whom the full brunt of the wrath of God
was administered: “stricken, smitten, afflicted.” We witnessed Him being executed as the vilest
44
criminal; according to Deuteronomy 21:22-23), a corpse hung upon a tree was the fate reserved
for the worst of criminals:
If a man guilty of a capital offense is put to death and his body is hung on a tree, 23you must not
leave his body on the tree overnight. Be sure to bury him that same day, because anyone who
is hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not desecrate the land Jehovah your God is
giving you as an inheritance. (Deut. 21:22-23)
We heard Him cry out that He was forsaken by God:
At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34And at the ninth
hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my
God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mk. 15:33-34)
We regarded Him as a man rejected by God, cursed by God, but we came to understand that He
was made to be a curse for us in order to procure our salvation. “Surely he has borne our
afflictions and carried our sorrows” (vs. 4.) He was identifying Himself with us in our state of sin
and misery, taking upon Himself the plagues of body and soul that are part of the consequence of
sin, part of life in this present sinful world that is under the righteous curse of God. Questions
and Answers #17 and #19 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism (quoted below) describe the
state of mankind as a consequence of our rebellion against the Lord our God—it is to this state
that our Lord Jesus Christ submitted Himself for the redemption of all who entrust themselves to
Him as their Lord and Savior.
Into what estate (or condition) did the fall bring mankind?
The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.
What is the misery of that estate whereinto men fell?
All mankind, by their fall, lost communion with God, are under His wrath and curse, and so
made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.
Isaiah goes on to say, “he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the
punishment was laid upon him for our peace, and by his wounds we are healed” (vs. 5.) The
righteous judgment of God and the awesome justice of God were enacted against Him in full
measure on behalf of all those who put their faith in Him:
Him [Christ] who knew no sin he [God the Father] made to be sin on our behalf, so that we
might become the righteousness of God in him. (2 Cor. 5:21)
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written,
“Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” (Gal. 3:13)
Then Isaiah concludes, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way;
but Jehovah has laid upon him the iniquity of us all” (vs. 6.) Here is the statement of universal guilt
and the offer of all-sufficient atonement for all who receive Christ. Note 1 Peter 3:18, “Christ also
died for sins once for all, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones, so that he might bring us to
God.”
The heavenly Father subjected His faithful servant, our Lord Jesus Christ, to affliction in order to
confirm His obedience: “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered” (Heb.
5:8.) Our Lord’s commitment to His Father was tested by every trial He encountered and that
commitment was proven by every act of obedience He rendered in the face of temptation and
trial. Then, as Isaiah 53:4-6 indicates, He accepted that perfect obedience as the atoning sacrifice
for the sins of His people.
45
Christian, in imitation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us serve the LORD faithfully, even
when it means being afflicted by God. At times, the heavenly Father subjects His children to
affliction in order that we may develop in Christ-like obedience and character:
… you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: My son, do not
make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you; 6because the
Lord disciplines those he loves, and scourges everyone he accepts as a son. … 10Our fathers
disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, so that
we may share in his holiness. (Heb. 12:5-6,10)
At times, the sufferings we encounter are a part of entering into “the fellowship of [Christ’s]
sufferings” (Phil. 3:10.)
III. Serve the LORD Faithfully, Because It Is Well Worth It (Isa. 52:13-15; 53:10-12)
In Isaiah 52:13 the LORD pledges that His faithful servant shall be wonderfully exalted: “my
servant will be successful; he will become high and lifted up, he will be greatly exalted.” Despite His
suffering and humiliation and death by crucifixion, indeed, precisely because of His faithful
acceptance of such suffering, the LORD declares that His servant shall be glorified and highly
exalted. The Apostle Paul speaks of the fulfillment of this promise made by the LORD to His
faithful servant, Jesus the Messiah, in Philippians 2:8-11,
… he humbled himself by becoming obedient unto death, even death on the cross. 9Therefore,
God exalted him to the highest position and bestowed upon him the name that is above every
name; 10so that before the name Jesus now possesses “every knee should bow”—in heaven and
on earth and under the earth—11“and every tongue confess” that Jesus Christ is Lord unto the
glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:8-11)
These promises began to attain their fulfillment with Christ’s resurrection and ascension, and
they will yet achieve their ultimate fulfillment with His return in glory: “the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels… 10on the day he shall be glorified in
his holy people and be marveled at by all those who have believed” (2 Thess. 1:7,10.)
In Isaiah 52:14-15 the LORD promises that His servant’s exaltation shall be in direct proportion to
His previous humiliation: “Just as many were appalled at you … so shall he cause many nations to
be shocked.” Note: The primary meaning of the Hebrew word hz2n2 is “to leap” or “to spring.” In
the hiphil form it usually means “to spirt” or “to sprinkle.” But given the present context, the
word as used here is best understood to mean “to be startled,” or "to be shocked." What is in
view here is a leaping or spirting of the emotions when men behold the once battered Christ
when He appears in His divine glory at the end of the age. Whole nations “will tremble with
astonishment within themselves, being electrified, as it were, by the surprising change that has
taken place in the servant of Jehovah.” (Keil & Delitzsch, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol.2, p.309)
At the first, the suffering that befell the LORD’s servant caused many to look upon Him in
astonishment and shock; because His body was so battered and bloodied He presented an
appalling sight, having been beatened, scourged and crucified. But at the last, the honor
bestowed upon Him shall cause the nations to once again look upon Him, this time in speechless
astonishment at His glory. He, in His incarnate state as the servanat of the LORD, shall appear in
the very glory of God, He shall bear the very Name of God, He shall truly be the visible
manifestation of the great God Himself in human form (note again Philippians 2:8-11.) Isaiah
goes on to report, “Kings shall cover their mouths at [the sight o]f him.” At the Second Coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ the very rulers of this present world will be confronted with the
unspeakable and indefinable glory of God as it is revealed in the Person of His Son, our Lord
Jesus Christ.
46
In verse 12 of chapter 53 we are told, “because he poured out his life unto death, and was
numbered with the transgressors,” God the Father makes this testimony concerning His faithful
servant: “Therefore will I give him a portion with the great, and he will divide the spoil with the
strong.” What is here stated figuratively in Old Testament terms is revealed in all of its fullness in
Philippians 2:8-11; (note, too, Revelation 5:11-13,
And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures
and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of
thousands; 12saying with a great voice, Worthy is the Lamb who has been slain to receive the
power, and riches, and wisdom, and might and honor, and glory, and blessing. 13And every
created thing that is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all
things that are in them, I heard saying, Unto him who sits on the throne, and unto the Lamb, be
the blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever. (Rev. 5:11-13)
Christian, in imitation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us serve the LORD faithfully,
knowing that it is well worth it. The Lord Jesus testifies, “If any man would serve me, let him
follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant also be. If any man serves me, the Father will
honor him” (Jn. 12:26.)
Conclusion
I have told you about those Nepalese soldiers who were even willing to jump out of airplanes and
into combat, so great was their commitment to their commander in chief. In that part of the world
those elite Nepalese troops have always been known and honored for their faithful, courageous
service rendered in wartime.
In the life and death of our Lord Jesus Christ we see a far greater example of faithfulness and
commitment to the heavenly Father. And the Scriptures reveal to us how greatly God rewards the
one who serves Him faithfully.
If we would be honored by God and would receive the reward that He alone can bestow, we must
serve Him faithfully. Let us look to Him for the grace to do so.
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
In the life of the servant of the LORD—Jesus the Messiah—we witness a life of commitment to the
heavenly Father, and we are made to see how greatly God honors those who are _______. Fill in the
blank
2.
In His capacity as the servant of the LORD, Jesus remained faithful to His heavenly Father despite
all He had to endure from the world. Complete the sentences listed below that discuss what the
Messiah endured.
a.
b.
c.
The servant of the LORD did not measure up to what the world looks for and admires in a
leader; therefore, ___.
The servant of the LORD experienced a life of ridicule, rejection and isolation; consequently,
___.
The servant of the LORD quietly endured the unjust treatment he suffered; He remained
faithful to his heavenly Father even though ___.
1. he was despised and rejected by men
2. he was oppressed and afflicted
3. he was a man of sorrows and acquainted with suffering
47
3.
Which of the following statements accurately describe the divine affliction that was administered
to His servant by the LORD Himself?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
4.
He was stricken and smitten by God as though he were an evildoer.
He was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.
He was cut off from the land of the living.
He was associated with a rich man in his death.
All of the above
Contrast His former humiliation with the exaltation the LORD bestows upon His servant as a
reward for His steadfast faithfulness.
a.
b.
c.
He was assigned his burial with wicked men. ___
He was despised and rejected by men; we did not hold him in high esteem. ___
Many were appalled at him—he was so disfigured that his appearance was unlike that of any
other man. ___
1. He was with a rich man in his death.
2. He will be greatly exalted.
3. Many nations shall be shocked by his glory.
5.
What lessons are to be learned from this present passage of Isaiah 52:13-53:12?
a.
b.
c.
In the life of the LORD’s servant, Jesus the Messiah, we see that the LORD is faithful to spare
from trials the one who is faithful to Him.
In the life of the LORD’s servant, Jesus the Messiah, we see a life of steadfast faithfulness to
the LORD.
In the life of the LORD’s servant, Jesus the Messiah, we see how greatly God rewards the one
who serves Him faithfully.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How is the LORD's servant described in Isaiah 53:2? Note: The LORD's servant is none other than
Jesus the Messiah.
2. How was the LORD's servant treated by men? See Isaiah 53:3
3. How did the LORD Himself treat His servant? See Isaiah 53:4
4. Why did the LORD treat His faithful servant in this way? See Isaiah 53:5-6
5. What promise does the LORD make to His faithful servant in Isaiah 52:13?
48
LESSON FOUR:
Isaiah 54:1-57:2
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 54:1-17
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part B of Lesson Four.
Part A: Your Christian Heritage
54 Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who never
experienced the labor of childbirth, because the children of the desolate woman are more numerous
than the children of the married woman, declares Jehovah. 2Enlarge the place of your tent, let them
stretch out the curtains of your tent—do not hold back! Lengthen your cords; strengthen your stakes!
3You will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess the nations and settle
in their desolate cities. 4Do not be afraid, for you shall not suffer shame; do not fear disgrace, for you
shall not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth; and you will no longer remember the
reproach of your widowhood—5because your Maker is your husband, Jehovah of hosts is his name, and
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, he is called the God of the whole earth.
6Jehovah has called you [back] like a wife [who was] deserted and distressed in spirit—a wife who
married at a young age, only to be rejected, declares your God. 7For a brief moment I abandoned you,
but with great compassion I will bring you back. 8In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a
moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you, declares Jehovah your Redeemer.
9To me this is [like] the waters of Noah: just as I have sworn that the waters of Noah shall never again
overflow the land, so [now] I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you. 10The
mountains may depart and the hills may shake; but my loving kindness will not depart from you and my
covenant of peace will not be shaken, declares Jehovah, who has compassion on you.
11O afflicted [city], lashed by storms and not comforted, look—I will rebuild you with beautiful stones, I
will lay your foundation with sapphires. 12I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparking
jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. 13All your children will receive instruction from Jehovah,
and the well-being of your children will be great. 14You shall be established by righteousness; tyranny
will be far from you; so you will have nothing to fear. Terror, too, will be far from you; it will not come
near you. 15Listen. They may assemble themselves together [against you], but [they will] not do so at my
command. Whoever assembles against you will fall because of you. 16Listen, I am the one who created
the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and by his work forges a weapon. I have also created the
destroyer [with the mission] to destroy. 17No weapon forged against you will prevail. Furthermore, you
will condemn every tongue that speaks against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of
Jehovah—and their righteousness is from me, declares Jehovah. (Isa. 54:1-17)
Introduction
A bank in Binghamton, New York, had a florist send a bouquet of flowers to a competitor who had
recently moved into a new building. But there was a mix up at the floral shop and the card mistakenly
sent with the bouquet read: With our deepest sympathy. The florist was greatly embarrassed and
offered apologies to both parties. But he was even more embarrassed when he discovered that the
card intended for the bank had been accidentally attached to a floral arrangement sent to a funeral
home. That card read: Congratulations on your new location! (Our Daily Bread, 5/25/92)
Although a card expressing such a sentiment might appear to be out of place attached to a floral
arrangement in a funeral home, there is a sense in which it is very appropriate when addressed to a
Christian. In the future the believer in Christ will be translated into a wonderful new location.
49
For the consolation and encouragement of His Old Testament people—and for our consolation and
encouragement as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ—the LORD reveals the heritage that is in store
for us as His children. Once again, we must bear in mind that these future eschatological realities are
being communicated to the Old Testament people of God in term that would be familiar to them, to
appreciate their import more fully, it is necessary for us to interpret them in light of New Testament
revelation.
I. We Shall Inherit the Full Bounty of God’s Renewed Creation (Isa. 54:1-3)
In verse 1 Jerusalem, personified and portrayed as a barren woman, is instructed to sing for joy—
because the LORD shall bless her with an abundance of children. The tent in which this woman
presently lives in a solitary existence must be enlarged, because it is no longer adequate to house
all the children the LORD will give her (vs. 2). Indeed, the LORD declares, “You will spread out to the
right and to the left;” that is to say, God’s people will expand in every direction. He goes on to say,
“your descendants will dispossess the nations and settle in their desolate cities.” The LORD will finally
remove the nations of the world from His presence and cause His redeemed people to occupy the
new creation.
What is this prophetic picture portraying? First, it is indicating that the LORD’s people shall be
preserved, they shall not be exterminated by their captors; on the contrary, they shall be regathered to their God and dwell with Him in the Promised Land, (which ultimately is the new
creation.) In the Old Testament era the people of Israel were preserved in Babylon, restored to
God’s presence, and resettled in the land of Canaan with the LORD’s blessing. The final fulfillment
of this promise is realized in the fact that, by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the whole body
of believers shall be preserved through the final judgment and welcomed by our heavenly Father
into His new creation, there to glorify and enjoy Him with the fullness of His presence and
blessing. Here we may take note of such a passage as Revelation 22:1-5, which even now is still
compelled to present these eschatological events in figurative terms:
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the
throne of God and of the Lamb 2down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of
the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And
the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3No longer will there be any curse. The
throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4They will see
his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5There will be no more night. They will not need
the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will
reign forever and ever. (Rev. 22:1-5)
This is our Christian heritage: as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be preserved from the
final judgment in order to inherit the fullness of God’s new creation. As the Lord Jesus declares,
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Lk. 12:32.)
Such is the comforting promise He made to all who believe in Him
II. We Shall Enjoy Complete Acceptance with God (Isa. 54:4-10)
The LORD addresses Jerusalem (the city representing all of His covenant people) and declares,
"Do not be afraid, for you shall not suffer shame; do not fear disgrace, for you shall not be
humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth; and you will no longer remember the reproach
of your widowhood" (vs. 4.)
The reason for this sure word of comfort and confidence is given in verse 5. "Your Maker is your
husband"—the very God who made us and to whom we must given an account is also the
Christian’s loving Husband who will receive His people as His precious bride on that last great
50
day. "The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer"—the God who is Himself infinitely holy and who
demands holiness is at the same time the Redeemer of His people. He Himself has satisfied the
demands of His holy law and provided us with His own perfect righteousness, note the testimony
of the Apostle Paul,
… I regard all things as loss on account of the all-surpassing value of the knowledge of Christ
Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have suffered the loss of all things. Indeed, I regard all such
things as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ, 9and be found in him—not having my own
righteousness, which is derived from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the
righteousness that is from God [received] by faith. (Phil. 3:8-9)
The LORD now describes His people as a wife who has been restored to her husband. Israel in her
rebellion is compared to a wife who has been divorced for her unfaithfulness, but now she is
restored and brought back into covenant relationship with her husband (vs. 6.) The LORD
declares,
For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will bring you back. 8In a
surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will
have compassion on you, declares Jehovah your Redeemer. (vs. 7-8.)
In Old Testament terms, here is a reference to Israel’s exile into Babylon and their restoration to
the LORD and His presence in the Promised Land of Canaan. In ultimate terms, here is a reference
to Christ’s atoning death at Calvary and the believer’s union with Christ in His crucifixion and
resurrection. The overflowing wrath of God was poured out upon Christ at Calvary on behalf of
all those who believe in Him. At the same time, all those who believe in Him are united to Him by
faith, and consequently, have entered into His death, as the Apostle declares, "I have been
crucified with Christ" (Gal. 2:20.) Furthermore, just as Christ was raised from the dead on the
third day, so we are united with Him in His resurrection life and will finally experience the
resurrection of the body on the last day:
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was
raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5If we have
been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his
resurrection ... 10The death [Christ] died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives
to God. (Rom. 6:4-5,10)
In verses 9-10 of Isaiah 54 the LORD alludes to His sure covenant with Noah (the divine pledge
that He would never again destroy this present world with a flood) as evidence and assurance
that His restored “wife” can have full confidence in her husband’s renewed marriage vows:
To me this is [like] the waters of Noah: just as I have sworn that the waters of Noah shall never
again overflow the land, so [now] I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you.
10The mountains may depart and the hills may shake; but my lovingkindness will not depart
from you and my covenant of peace will not be shaken, declares Jehovah, who has compassion
on you. (Isa. 54:9-10)
In describing that moment of absolute abandonment (experienced by His people in the
Babylonian Captivity and ultimately experienced at Calvary), the LORD had used the term "a surge
of anger," or, "overflowing wrath" (vs. 8.) Now, picking up on that term, the LORD compares that
outpouring of righteous wrath to "the waters of Noah" (i.e.; the great flood with which He judged
the world in the days of Noah)—and He does so as a further means of providing comfort and
assurance for His people. The LORD swore to Noah that never again would He cause the flood
waters to cover the whole land (vs. 9a.) Likewise, the LORD now swears that He shall never again
inflict His judgment against His people (vs. 9b;) we may also take note of Romans 8:1, "Therefore,
there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Indeed, the promise of God now
51
made to His people is even more sure (i.e.; of longer duration) than the promise made to Noah
(vs. 10.) As recorded in Genesis 8:22, God promised Noah that there would never again be a
universal flood for as long as the earth remains, "As long as the earth remains, seedtime and
harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." But now
the LORD assures His people that even when this present creation is brought to its cataclysmic
end, His covenant faithfulness will continue: "The mountains may depart and the hills may shake;
but my lovingkindness will not depart from you and my covenant of peace will not be shaken,
declares Jehovah" (vs. 10.)
What is this prophetic picture portraying? The LORD’s people will not be ashamed when they
stand before Him, they will not be cast away, for He has redeemed them and established with
them an everlasting covenant of peace. The Old Testament application: because of their spiritual
adultery the LORD had divorced His people Israel, sending them away into the Babylonian
Captivity. But now He has called them back to Himself with the assurance that their shame has
been replaced by a renewed covenant of peace with the LORD their God. The final fulfillment of
this promise: for all those who believe in Jesus the Messiah, the world’s day of judgment shall
prove to be our wedding day; rather than being cast away in shame, we will be received as the
Lord’s bride with whom He makes an everlasting covenant of peace:
… Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26so that he might sanctify her, having
cleansed her with the washing of water by the word—27so that he might present the church to
himself in glory, without blemish or wrinkle or any [other] such thing, but being holy and
blameless. (Eph. 5:25-27)
This is our Christian heritage: as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we shall experience complete
acceptance with God on the day of judgment and for all of eternity in Christ Jesus our Savior. In
the words of The Westminster Shorter Catechism, (Question and Answer #38),
What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly [publicly]
acknowledged and acquitted on the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full
enjoying of God to all eternity.
III. We Shall Participate in the Beauty of Righteousness (Isa. 54:11-14a)
In verses 11-12 of Isaiah 54 the LORD promises to rebuild Jerusalem into a city of priceless and
breath-taking beauty: the foundation stones shall be sapphires; the towers shall be made of
rubies; the gates shall be sparkling jewels; and the walls shall be precious gem stones.
In verses 13-14a the residents of the heavenly city are described in the following terms. They
shall be taught by the LORD; that is to say, they shall willing accept His instruction and walk in
His ways. In consequence, “the well-being of your children will be great;” the LORD’s desire for His
people, as expressed in Isaiah 48:18a, shall be fully realized, “If only you had paid attention to my
commandments, your peace would have been like a river.” Because it shall be a city of
righteousness, inhabited by a people made righteous by the LORD Himself, it shall be established
as an everlasting city (vs. 14a.)
What is this prophetic picture portraying? The LORD’s people shall be completely transformed
into the likeness of Christ and that will be a spectacular display of righteousness and holy
beauty. In Old Testament terms, there was the rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem and the
temple, accompanied by a renewed commitment to the LORD, note Nehemiah 10:28-29,
The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who
separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together
52
with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand— 29all these now
join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law
of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commandments,
regulations and decrees of Jehovah our Lord. (Neh. 10:28-29)
Then, through the prophet Haggai, came the promise of spectacular glory yet to be revealed:
“The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house, declares
Jehovah of hosts” (Hag. 2:9a.)
The fulfillment of this promise in its final form will be realized when the LORD has completed the
process of transforming (re-constructing) His people into the very likeness of Christ His Son, we
shall then be seen to be a spectacular display of the beauty of righteousness, radiating the very
glory of Christ our Savior: “you are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people
appointed to be [God’s] own possession, so that you might display the virtues of him” who called
you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9.)
This is our Christian heritage: as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we shall finally be
transformed into the full brilliance of the spectacular beauty of His righteousness:
Beloved, now we are children of God, but it has not yet been revealed what we shall be. We
know that, if he shall be revealed, we shall be like him, for we shall see him just as he is. (1 Jn.
3:2)
IV. We Shall Experience Perfect Peace and Security (Isa. 54:14b-17)
In verse 14b the LORD promises His people that they shall be far from oppression and terror—
such things shall not come near them. Verse 15 indicates that those who do gather themselves
together against the LORD’s people shall not do so at His command (as did Assyria and Babylon.)
Consequently, any powers that set themselves against God’s people without His consent shall
not prevail: “Whoever assembles against you will fall because of you.” They shall fail in their
efforts against the LORD’s people because the LORD Himself is the Almighty, able to defend His
people: “Listen, I am the one who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and by his
work forges a weapon. I have also created the destroyer [with the mission] to destroy. 17No weapon
forged against you will prevail” (Isa. 54:16-17a.) The blacksmith may be the one who creates the
weapons of war, but it is the LORD who has created both the blacksmith and the destroyer who
wields the weapon made by the smith—they are both under His almighty hand and can do
nothing other than what He permits, and He will not permit the annihilation of His people.
What is this prophetic picture portraying? The LORD’s people shall be preserved and finally
delivered from all demonic tyranny and delivered into a state of perfect peace and rest. The Old
Testament fulfillment of this promise is seen in the fact that even though the surrounding
nations opposed the rebuilding of the temple and the city of Jerusalem in the days following the
return from the Babylonian Captivity, the LORD caused that opposition to be frustrated and His
temple and city to be reconstructed—thus His people were re-established in the Land of
Promise and in their fellowship with the LORD their God. The final fulfillment of this promise is
found in the fact that the LORD shall preserve our souls and finally bring us into a state of
everlasting peace and tranquility in His own immediate presence, having once and for all
banished the devil and all his hosts to the final judgment of the lake of fire. Again, in the words
of The Westminster Shorter Catechism, (Question and Answer #26),
How does Christ execute the office of a king?
Christ executes the office of a king, … in ruling and defending us and in restraining and
conquering all his and our enemies.
53
This is our Christian heritage: as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be guarded for the
kingdom of God where we shall enjoy perfect peace and tranquility by virtue of the victory and
reign of Christ our King:
… the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength … And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
18The Lord will rescue me out of every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly
kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Tim. 4:17-18)
Conclusion
Christian, when you find yourself discouraged or in need of consolation, look to the heritage reserved
for you in Christ: 1) We shall inherit the full bounty of God’s renewed creation; 2) We shall enjoy
complete acceptance with God; 3) We shall participate in the beauty and glory of righteousness; and
4) We shall experience perfect peace and security. As the concluding verse of this passage testifies,
“This is the heritage of the servants of Jehovah.”
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
For the consolation and encouragement of His Old Testament people—and for our consolation
and encouragement as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ—the LORD reveals the _______ that is in
store for us as His children. Fill in the blank
2.
In Isaiah 54:1-3 Jerusalem, portrayed as a desolate and childless woman, is instructed to sing for
joy because the LORD shall bless her with an abundance of children. What is this prophetic
picture portraying?
a.
b.
c.
3.
In Isaiah 54:7 the LORD declares, “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion
I will bring you back.” To what does this refer?
a.
b.
c.
4.
God’s Old Testament people, whose removal to Babylon left the land of Israel desolate, will
be redeemed and will once again flourish in the Promised Land of Canaan.
Mary, who was an unmarried woman, would miraculously give birth to Jesus the Messiah
and the multitude of His disciples would become for her an abundance of children.
Jesus the Messiah, together with all those who believe in Him, will flourish in God’s renewed
creation.
Here is a reference to Israel’s exile in Babylon and their restoration to the LORD and His
presence in the Promised Land of Canaan.
Here is a reference to Christ’s atoning death at Calvary and the believer’s union with Christ
in His crucifixion and resurrection.
Here is a reference to Christ’s ascension, at which time He departed from His disciples, and
our final reunion with Him in the kingdom of heaven.
Complete the construction of the re-built Jerusalem by filling in the blanks. From the picture that
emerges it becomes evident that what is being referred to is the heavenly city of God, radiating
with the divine beauty of the LORD and His glorified people. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
d.
Jerusalem’s foundation stones will be ___.
The towers of the city will be made of ___.
Her gates will be sparkling ___.
Her walls will be precious ___.
54
1. jewels
2. sapphires
3. gem stones
4. rubies
5.
Complete the sentences listed below that discuss the peace and security promised to the people
of God in Isaiah 54:14-17.
a.
b.
c.
The LORD declares, “Tyranny will be far from you; so you will ___.”
Those who gather together against the LORD’s people shall not do so at His command;
consequently, they shall ___.
The LORD’s people shall be preserved and finally ___ from any demonic tyranny.
1. be delivered
2. have nothing to fear
3. not prevail
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How is Jerusalem portrayed in Isaiah 54:1-3?
2. How does the LORD (Jehovah) describe His people and His relationship to them in verses 6-8?
3. To what previous promise does the LORD refer His people as evidence that they can trust the
promise He has now made to them as recorded in verses 7-8? See Isaiah 54:9-10
4. What promise does the LORD make with regard to Jerusalem in Isaiah 54:11-12?
5. What does the LORD say about the residents (the children) of the re-built Jerusalem? See Isaiah
54:13-14a
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 55:1-13
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part C of Lesson Four.
Part B: Seek the LORD
55 Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without cost! 2Why do you spend money for that which is
not bread, and your wages for that which does not satisfy? Listen to my counsel, and eat what is good,
and let your soul enjoy the richest food. 3Incline your ear and come to me; listen to me, and your soul
shall live—I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [one that is in accordance with] the
unchangeable mercies [I showed] David. 4See, I have made him to be a witness to the [Gentile] peoples, a
leader and commander for the peoples. 5You will call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that
did not know you will run to you; because of Jehovah your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has honored
you.
6Seek Jehovah while he may be found; call to him while he is near. 7Let the wicked man forsake his way,
and let the unrighteous man [forsake] his thoughts. Let him return to Jehovah, and he will have mercy
on him. [Let him return] to our God, for he will abundantly pardon—8for my thoughts are not [like] your
55
thoughts, neither are your ways [the same as] my ways, declares Jehovah. 9As the heavens are higher
than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts [higher] than your thoughts.
10As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there again, but water the earth,
causing it to flourish and bud so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11so shall [it be
with] my word that proceeds from my mouth: it shall not return to me without [having the desired]
effect—it will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12You will go out
with joy and be led out in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the
trees of the field will clap their hands. 13The pine tree will grow instead of the thorn bush, and the myrtle
tree will grow instead of the briers. This will be for Jehovah’s honor, an everlasting tribute that shall not
be destroyed. (Isa. 55:1-13)
Introduction
One day a minister preached about the story of the blind beggar, Bartimaeus. He related how Jesus
approached this poor, helpless man, and inquired, “What do you want me to do for you?” The
preacher pointed out that Jesus certainly knew the man’s desire, but He wanted him to express it: Sir,
I want to receive my sight.
That story touched the heart of a young man that day. He was deeply moved when the preacher
related that episode between the Lord Jesus and the blind beggar. For the first time that young man
saw the necessity of actually putting his faith in Jesus—instead of just knowing about God. He learned
that just as blind Bartimaeus had to ask for sight, so he had to ask Jesus for salvation. That young man
went on to become an Olympic medal winner, but none of his athletic success could even begin to
compare with the salvation he experienced that day he realized that it was necessary for him to
personally ask the Lord to save him. (Our Daily Bread, 7/31/93)
The LORD confronts us with the same truth in the passage of Scripture presently before us: Because
the Lord Jesus is gracious and desires our salvation, He invites us to seek Him and receive the
blessing of forgiveness and new life that He offers.
I. Seek the LORD, While He May Be Found (Isa. 55:6)
In verse six the call is issued, “Seek Jehovah while he may be found; call to him while he is near.” The
LORD makes a gracious offer that requires a response; there is the need to respond to the LORD’s
call. Quoting from the Old Testament prophet Joel, Apostle Paul asserts, “Whoever shall call upon
the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13.)
There is also a note of urgency: there is a time when the LORD calls—and this is the time to
respond, for that divine call of sovereign grace might not continue to be addressed to your heart
indefinitely. Consider our Lord’s teaching as it is presented in John 12:35-36a,
Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light,
before the darkness descends upon you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he
is going. 36While you have the light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.”
(Jn. 12:35-26a)
In verse 35 of John 12 Jesus presents a mini-parable. The sun is setting; therefore, do not linger
along the roadside. Use the remaining sunlight left in the day to find your way home. Do not allow
the darkness to descend upon you while you are still on the road. If you allow that to happen you
will never find your way home and you will be lost forever. The message of the parable is this:
Exercise faith in Christ, respond to the Lord’s call, while you have the opportunity, do not delay.
Often times we assume that we have allotted to us a life span of 70-80 years of sound mind—but
such is not necessarily the case, note the admonition given by the Apostle James,
56
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there,
carry on business and make money.” 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.
What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you
ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (Jas. 4:13-15)
We must be prepared in the event God should speak these words to us: “This very night your life
will be demanded from you” (Lk. 12:20b.)
Many times we presume that the opportunity to respond to Christ and His offer of salvation will
always be available—but such is not necessarily the case, note what occurs at the conclusion of
Jesus’ mini-parable. “When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them” (Jn.
12:36b.) Having taught them publicly and having continuously offered Himself to them as the
Messiah sent by God, but without their acceptance of Him, the Lord Jesus now withdrew Himself
from the Jewish leaders and the people. By so doing He emphasized the point He had just made in
verses 35-36a, namely, the need to respond to the LORD while He is near. It is the LORD who
graciously and sovereignly extends the call to believe and be saved; and it is the LORD who has the
divine prerogative to withdraw that divine invitation at His own discretion.
Notice that in verse 36 of John 12 Jesus indicates that greater spiritual understanding follows
faith, it does not precede it. He is saying, You see the light of God in Me, do not wait until you have
the fullness of the light before you will believe. On the contrary, it is by believing that you enter
into the light and become “a son of the light” (i.e.; a partaker of the light). Jesus is urging us to
respond to Him, rather than holding back and waiting for more light (more proof, more
assurance.) Sometimes this desire for “greater assurance” arises out of fear; we are afraid to
relinquish our life to Christ, but consider our Lord’s encouraging promise, “Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell
you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’” Then consider, too, the testimony of His
disciples: “Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord … 69We have believed and know that you are the
Holy One of God’” (Jn. 6:69.) Sometimes this desire for “greater assurance” is merely concealing a
defiant will that has no intention of relinquishing itself to Christ, but is looking for an excuse or
rationalization to justify its resistance.
There is always the temptation to put off dealing with the LORD until a later time. The temptation
to say such things like: “I shall entrust my life to Christ at a later date, at present I am a child
enjoying my childhood; or, at present I am a teenager getting my education; or, at present I am a
young man/woman establishing my career and family; or, at present I am in the prime of my life,
occupied with my business; or, at present I am newly retired, enjoying my leisure time.”
But it is an extremely dangerous thing to put off the LORD’s invitation to another time; it is
extremely dangerous to put off Christ until a later date, to toy with and resist the grace of God as it
is offered to you, to resist the call of the LORD. Consider the warning issued in Proverbs 1:24-26 by
the wisdom of God, (whom seems to be a personification of Christ Himself):
But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand,
25since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, 26I in turn will laugh at your
disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you. (Prov. 1:24-26)
The message of Isaiah 55, addressed note only to Old Testament Israel, but even more so to the
Gentile nations at large, is this: Seek the LORD, while He may be found. As the writer to the
Hebrews exhorts: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Heb. 3:15.)
II. Seek the LORD, With Repentance (Isa. 55:7a)
In verse seven, through the prophet Isaiah, the LORD proclaims, “Let the wicked man forsake his
way, and let the unrighteous man [forsake] his thoughts. Let him return to Jehovah, and he will
have mercy on him.”
57
True faith in Christ goes hand in hand with repentance. When we respond to Christ’s invitation,
we must entrust our whole life to Him—we hand over to Him our sins (in deed and thought) in
order to take hold of Him and the new life He provides.
Consider this account of two conversions, the one genuine, the other not:
The Hollywood of the late 1940’s was tinsel town at the height of its glamour … Film stars
were larger than life … Celebrities measured their status by the number of morning
headlines devoted to their exploits the night before.
And within this gilded world ruled a short figure with a receding hairline and an abrupt New
York accent …
Meyer Harris Cohen, known to friends and enemies alike as Mickey, mobster, and “numberone bad boy” of Los Angeles … Born poor in New York City, he had once been a New Jersey
punk and strong-arm man. Later he moved to the West Coast and became a self-styled
gangster in the tradition of Al Capone, whose work he greatly admired …
By 1949, Cohen was top man in the Los Angeles underworld …
Late one night in that same year, 1949, Cohen received a phone call from one of his
employees, a man named Jim Vaus. Vaus was an electronics wizard … He had first worked
for the police in criminal investigations, then for Hollywood stars seeking evidence in
divorce proceedings, and finally for Cohen and other under world figures … The gangster
invited Jim and his wife, Alice, to come to his home in Brentwood immediately.
In Cohen’s living room, Jim Vaus explained that he had attended something called a Billy
Graham Crusade in downtown L.A. and had become a Christian. Mickey … said he didn’t
understand what Vaus was talking about. Jim explained that becoming a Christian involved a
personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord …
“I’m giving up everything,” Vaus said.
“Everything” meant Jim Vaus’s renunciation of his criminal life …
Jim Vaus’s conversion let him to make restitution for the crimes he had committed. He had
stolen $15,000 worth of electronic equipment from the telephone company and a local radio
station. He sold his house and automobile in order to pay back the money. When a notice of
his actions appeared in the paper, he received a call from Cohen.
“How you going to get around without no car, Jim?” Mickey asked.
“Well, the buses and street cars are still running.”
“Sure, but look, let me loan you a car.”
“Thanks, Mickey, but no.”
“Why not?” his former boss asked.
“I’m working for a new boss now, Mickey. There are new rules. I can’t take something that
somebody got through crime.” …
Vaus told Mickey not to worry about him, that God could supply all his needs …
Cohen said, “But if you need me, you don’t be stupid … you call.”
58
As it turned out, Mickey was the one needing help … eventually he was indicted for tax
evasion … In 1951, Cohen was convicted and sentenced to five years in jail …
Mickey came out of prison in October of 1955 …
Before Mickey went to prison, Vaus had introduced him to a leading Christian layman in Los
Angeles, W.C. Jones … Bill Jones took Mickey on as a special project after he came out of
prison, devoting hours to cultivating their friendship.
Mickey seemed to be changing …
Seeing this new current within Mickey, and after spending hours with him, Bill Jones urged
him to commit his life to Christ …
Jones … called Jim Vaus and discussed the possibility of flying Mickey to New York to meet
Billy Graham, who was soon to begin a crusade in Madison Square Garden. Vaus agreed to
help pay for Mickey’s expenses in New York …
Mickey showed up two days later at the Graham Crusade in the Garden, along with several
bodyguards and a flock of reporters. Speculation was rife. Would Cohen go forward, making
public his commitment? …
No matter what Cohen’s motives were for attending, he stayed … And he was thoroughly
uncomfortable, for the Spirit of God was at work; Graham’s message seemed particularly
appropriate for the disgruntled gangster …
“You and I deserve hell,” thundered Graham. “You and I deserve to spend eternity separated
from God … Oh, yes, the Scriptures teach that you’re a sinner. And so am I …
“Tonight you have to make your choice. Every man, every woman, every boy and every girl,
you will have to make your choice … Whatever is keeping you from the kingdom of God, you
will have to make a choice tonight, and if you refuse to make the choice, that very act means
you have already made it.”
For one wild, impetuous, holy moment, Mickey Cohen wanted to make the right choice. But
in the next moment he found himself … wanting to get out of the presence of God as fast as
he could.
After he returned to Los Angeles, Mickey dropped Bill Jones and contacted Jim Vaus less
frequently. He began hanging around with his underworld cronies again. This perplexed and
upset Jones, who went to Mickey and told him that as a new Christian he ought to be putting
as much mileage between himself and his mob connections as possible.
“Jones,” Mickey replied, “you never told me that I had to give up my career. You never told
me that I had to give up my friends. There are Christian movie stars, Christian athletes,
Christian businessmen. So what’s the matter with being a Christian gangster?
“If I have to give up all that—if that’s Christianity—count me out.” (Charles Colson, Loving
God, Zondervan Publish. Co. Grand Rapids, MI. pp.81-92)
Consider Jesus’ parable recorded in Matthew 22:8-13,
Then he said to his servants, “The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve
to come. 9Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.” 10So the servants
went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and
59
the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11But when the king came in to see the guests, he
noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12“Friend,” he asked, “how did you
get in here without wedding clothes?” The man was speechless. 13“Then the king told the
attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will
be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” (Matt. 22:8-13)
Here is the account of someone who failed to appreciate the fact that the baggage of our sins
must be checked at the door if we are to be received into the life and fellowship of Christ and
God. The guest without the proper wedding attire is representing the man who understands the
dynamics of salvation by grace, the fact that is it received by faith apart from human merit. But
he fails to appreciate the purpose of salvation, namely, that it is intended to bring the believer
into a new relationship with God, one in which the holy character of God is reproduced in the
converted sinner. The teaching of Scripture with regard to the way of salvation and the purpose
of salvation is summarized in Ephesians 2:8-10,
It is by grace that you have been saved through faith—and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift
of God—9it is not of works, therefore no one can boast. 10We are his handiwork, created in
Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance in order for us to walk in them.
(Eph. 2:8-10)
The message of Isaiah 55, addressed note only to Old Testament Israel, but even more so to the
Gentile nations at large, is this: Seek the LORD, with repentance. The consistent teaching of
Scripture is that faith in Christ and repentance of sin go hand in hand: “I have declared to both
Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus” (Acts
20:21.) This is the testimony of the Apostle Paul with regard to the New Testament preaching of
the gospel. The Scriptures also teach that throughout the Christian life, just as there is the need
for continuing faith in Christ, so, too, there is the need for a continuing repentance. In the Lord’s
Prayer Jesus teaches us to pray: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt. 6:12-13.)
III. Seek the LORD, With Confidence (Isa. 55:1,7-13)
The latter part of Isaiah 55:7 gives the assurance that when we approach Christ with faith and
repentance we are greeted with mercy and pardon:
Seek Jehovah while he may be found; call to him while he is near. 7Let the wicked man forsake
his way, and let the unrighteous man [forsake] his thoughts. Let him return to Jehovah, and he
will have mercy on him. [Let him return] to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isa. 55:67)
As verses 8-9 indicate, that assurance is grounded in the very character of God: “for my thoughts
are not [like] your thoughts, neither are your ways [the same as] my ways, declares Jehovah. 9As
the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts
[higher] than your thoughts.” Our Lord is moved with compassion towards a contrite sinner;
against such a one the LORD does not harbor a desire for vengeance and retribution:
Say to them, “’As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord Jehovah, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of
the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways!
Why will you die, O house of Israel?’” (Ezek. 33:11)
I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
(Lk. 15:10)
Verses 10-13 provide further incentive for faith and repentance, namely, the certainty of
participating in God’s promised blessing. Just as the rain sent by God fulfills its purpose, so shall
60
the Word of God be fulfilled, those who come to Christ on His terms shall experience the
promised blessing. Those blessings are once again enumerated in terms familiar to the people
of the Old Testament era: 1) there shall be joy and peace (vs. 12a); 2) there shall be life in the
new creation filled with the joy and song of the LORD (vs. 12b); 3) the blessing of the LORD shall
be experienced instead of the righteous curse of the LORD (vs. 13a.) All this shall be to the LORD’s
honor; it will all be ultimately to His glory (vs. 13b.)
The message of Isaiah 55, addressed note only to Old Testament Israel, but even more so to the
Gentile nations at large, is this: Seek the LORD, with confidence.
Conclusion
The divine invitation of Isaiah 55 is extended to “everyone who is thirsty” and to “him who has no
money.” That is to say, everyone and anyone who desires the gracious blessing of the LORD’s salvation
is invited to receive it, with the assurance that it is graciously given by the LORD—the price having
been paid in full by the blood of His one and only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The LORD implores us not to foolishly spend our lives and our labors on those things that cannot
satisfy the soul, “Why do you spend money for that which is not bread, and your wages for that which
does not satisfy? Listen to my counsel, and eat what is good, and let your soul enjoy the richest food” (vs.
2.) On the contrary, we are urged to listen to Him and let our soul delight itself in the fatness of the
salvation He alone can provide.
The LORD exhorts us to listen to Him and to come to Him, promising that by so doing our souls shall
live, and the LORD will make an everlasting covenant with us: “Incline your ear and come to me; listen
to me, and your soul shall live—I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [one that is in accordance
with] the unchangeable mercies [I showed] David”(vs. 3.)
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
To whom does the LORD extend His invitation to come to Him and receive the thirst-quenching
“water” (the salvation) He offers?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
His invitation is extended to His Old Testament people.
His invitation is extended to the Gentile nations.
His invitation is extended to everyone who is thirsty.
His invitation is extended to those who are “respectable” sinners.
His invitation is extended to the wicked.
2.
We need not feel a great sense of urgency to immediately respond to Christ as soon as the Holy
Spirit prompts us to do so; because the LORD is a gracious God, His offer of salvation is a standing
invitation that is extended to us at all times, and is one to which we can respond whenever we
are inclined to do so. True or False
3.
Expounding upon the note of urgency contained in the divine invitation recorded in Isaiah 55:6,
the commentary refers us to the teaching of Jesus found in John 12:35-36. Match His words with
the message they convey. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
You may not be granted an unlimited number of opportunities to respond to the LORD’s
gracious offer of salvation. ___
If you do not avail yourself of the offer of salvation when it is extended to you, you may
forfeit the opportunity to your own eternal peril. ___
Now is the time the Lord Jesus is extending to you the offer of salvation; now is the time to
receive Him as your Savior. ___
61
1. The Light is with you for a little while longer.
2. While you have the Light, believe in the Light.
3. Walk while you have the Light, before the darkness descends upon you.
4.
The commentary relates the account of Mickey Cohen, a Los Angeles mobster who heard the
gospel and decided to become “a Christian gangster.” What did Mickey fail to understand?
a.
b.
c.
5.
When you come to Jesus you must surrender your sins to Him.
When you believe in Jesus He will forgive your sins.
When you come to Jesus He will give you your calling, it is not for you to decide what you will
be.
Why can even the worst of sinners come to the LORD with the confidence that that will be
received?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Because, unlike men, the LORD does not delight in harboring a desire for vengeance.
Because the LORD is moved with compassion towards a contrite sinner.
Because the sacrificial death of Jesus the Son of God is able to atone for any sin.
All of the above
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What invitation does the LORD extend in Isaiah 55:1?
2. What is the spiritual significance of this invitation (see Isaiah 55:1) as it pertains to the LORD's
people who were presently estranged from Him because of their sins?
3. Is this invitation only limited to the LORD's Old Testament people? Note again verse one and also
verses 4-5
4. What urgency do we find in the gracious command the LORD issues in Isaiah 55:6?
5. What encouragement does the LORD provide for those who fear that the LORD will not receive them
because their sins are too great? See Isaiah 55:7-9
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 56:1-57:2
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part A of Lesson Five.
Part C: Live for Jesus
56This is what Jehovah says, Maintain justice and practice righteousness; for my salvation is coming
soon and my righteousness is about to be revealed. 2Blessed is the man who does this, the man who
adheres to these things, the one who observes the Sabbath and does not profane it, the one who
restrains his hand from doing any evil thing.
3Do not let the foreigner who has committed himself to Jehovah say, Jehovah will surely separate me
from his people. Neither let the eunuch say, Look, I am a dry tree. 4This is what Jehovah says about the
eunuchs who observe my Sabbaths, and who choose the things that please me, and adhere to my
covenant: 5I will give to them in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name [that is] better
62
than sons and daughters—I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. 6And the
foreigners who commit themselves to Jehovah to minister to him, and to love the name of Jehovah, to be
his servants, everyone who observes the Sabbath and does not profane it, and who adheres to my
covenant—7these I will bring to my holy mountain and I will make them joyful in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house will be called “a
house of prayer for all nations.” 8The Lord Jehovah, who gathers the exiles of Israel, says, I will still
gather others to him, besides his own [people] who have [already] been gathered.
9All you beasts of the field, come to devour! Come, all you beasts in the forest! 10[Israel’s] watchmen
are blind, all of them lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark. They lie around
dreaming; they love to sleep. 11Indeed, [these] dogs are greedy, they are never satisfied. They are
shepherds who are unable to understand; they have all gone their own way, each one seeks his own gain
from every quarter. 12Come, [they say, let us] get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer! Tomorrow will be
like today, or even better!
57 The righteous man perishes, but no one takes it to heart; devout men are removed, but no one
understands that the righteous are removed [in order that they may be spared] from the [coming]
calamity. 2The righteous enters into peace; they rest in their [death] beds, each one who walked in the
way of righteousness. (Isa. 56:1-57:2)
Introduction
During his entire four-year career at West Point, Cadet Ben Davis lived in a room by himself. He ate
every meal alone, and was spoken to only in the line of duty. He swam alone and was unable to earn
his Red Cross Life Saving Certificate because no one was willing to be his buddy.
Ben Davis was black. The color of his skin was the only reason for his ostracism. He entered West
Point in 1932, appointed by the only black representative in Congress. It was an era when military
leaders were convinced that a black man could not and should not command white soldiers. But Ben
Davis persevered. “The more difficult they made it for me,” he said, “the more determined I became
to succeed.” Ben Davis graduated near the top of his class, became a highly decorated combat pilot in
World War II, and went on to become the first black three-star general in the United States Air Force.
(POWER, 3/8/82, p.8)
Will you and I endure that kind of abuse for the sake of Christ? Will we keep going despite closed
doors and personal slander or worse, just because we are Christians? The next passage of Isaiah
confronts us with this very message: Despite the opposition and difficulties we encounter, let us
continue to live for the LORD, because that is God’s command and that is the life that will receive God’s
blessing.
I. Live for the LORD Even Though You May Suffer for It (Isa. 56:9-57:2)
The ungodly state of the nation is evidenced in the conduct of its leaders, who are here referred to
as “watchmen.” They are described as being “blind” and “lacking knowledge” (vs. 10.) The very
ones whose responsibility it is to guard the nation and be on the alert for its well-being are found
to be incompetent and not capable of doing the job entrusted to them. They are characterized by
an utter inability to discern the state of the nation and the peril to which it has made itself
vulnerable.
What accounts for this deplorable condition? According to verse 10b, the leaders are selfindulgent; they are described as lazy dogs, idly lying around, daydreaming and snoring. These
“leaders” enjoy their ease and are averse to exerting themselves; rather than address the evils and
the problems of the day and seek to provide solutions, they find it more convenient to ignore
those problems and not disturb their own tranquility. According to verse 11, these leaders are
greedy; they are described as dogs with mighty appetites that are never satisfied, always seeking
after greater personal gain. Rather than fulfilling their calling to be servants of God and servants
of the nation, they have disgracefully allowed themselves to become the servants of their own
63
appetites, using their power and position to increase their own wealth. They are further described
as shepherds who have lost their understanding; they fail to appreciate that their role is to
promote the welfare of the sheep, not their own welfare. They have become like lost sheep
themselves, turning to their own way, seeking their own gain, using their power and position to
increase their own wealth at the expense of the nation. According to verse 12, these leaders are
immoral; they love their parties and they are confident that the party will go on forever,
tomorrow shall be like today, or even better!
Verses 3-10 of Isaiah 57 describe the conduct of the majority of the people of the nation of Israel
at this time in history:
But you, come here—you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes!
4Whom are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not the
children [who are the fruit] of transgression, the offspring of deceit—5you who burn with lust
among the oaks and under every green tree, you who sacrifice your children in the ravines and
under the overhanging crags? 6[The idols] among the smooth stones of the ravines are your
portion; they are your lot. Yes, to them you have poured out drink offerings, to them you have
presented grain offerings. Should I accept these things? 7You have made your bed atop a high
and lofty hill; and there you went up to offer your sacrifices. 8And you have hung my memorial
plaques behind the doors and the doorposts; for you have uncovered yourself to lovers other
than me. You have climbed into your bed and made it available; you have made a covenant
with them, you have loved their bed, you have looked at their nakedness. 9You went to the king
[of Assyria], bearing gifts of olive oil and an abundance of spices. You sent your ambassadors to
a distant land, and you abased yourself, bowing down as far as Sheol. 10You were tired out by
the distance of your journey, yet you did not say, It is hopeless. You found renewed strength;
therefore you did not faint. (Isa. 57:3-10)
These people are described as forsaking the LORD and giving themselves over to every form of
pagan practice, no matter how immoral, “You who burn with lust among the oaks”—they were
engaging in pagan cultic prostitution, or hideous, even sacrificing their children to pagan deities—
“you who sacrifice your children in the ravines and under the overhanging crags.”
It is little wonder that sandwiched in between the description of the leaders in chapter 56 verses
9-12 and the description of the people in chapter 57 verses 3-10, we find the words: "The
righteous man perishes ... the righteous are removed" (Isa. 57:1.) In such an ungodly society there
was the silencing, the persecuting, and the exterminating of those who demonstrated dedication
to the LORD their God, those who practiced righteousness (Isa. 56:1.)
But note the commentary given in Isaiah 57:1b-2. "No one understands that the righteous are
removed [in order that they may be spared] from the [coming] calamity." Unbeknown to the
apostate nation, the righteous are being mercifully removed (delivered by death) from the
catastrophic judgment that was about to befall the nation. The righteous "enters into peace; they
rest in their [death] beds." Death for the righteous—those who are united to Jesus the Messiah,
covered by His righteousness and being conformed to that righteousness—is the entrance into
peace, it is described as a resting in their beds, peacefully waiting the day of resurrection.
Let us live for the LORD, even though we may suffer for it. Let us heed the exhortation the Apostle
Paul gives to the Philippian church:
Live your life only in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that if I come and see you—
or if I remain absent what I will hear about you is that you are standing firm in one spirit, and
with one soul are contending for the faith of the gospel; 28and that you are in no way being
intimidated by those who oppose you. (Phil. 1:27-28a)
64
II. Live for the LORD, Because He Desires Obedience, Not Religion (Isa. 56:1-8)
Addressing those who have remained faithful to Him within the apostate nation of Israel, the
LORD commands, "Maintain justice and practice righteousness" (vs. 1.) That is to say, the
command is to preserve what justice still remained in the land and to do so by practicing
righteousness—the moral law of God being the standard of righteous conduct.
In verse 2 the LORD defines faithfulness to Himself in terms of keeping the Sabbath. The Old
Testament Sabbath was a sign of the covenant—almost a kind of sacrament, declaring that the
LORD’s people were set apart to be devoted to Him in worship and to enjoy His rest:
I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I, Jehovah, made them
holy. (Ezek.20:12)
Then Jehovah said to Moses, 13Say to the Israelites, You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be
a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am Jehovah,
who makes you holy ... 16The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the
generations to come as a lasting covenant. 17It will be a sign between me and the Israelites
forever. (Ex. 31:12-13,16-17a)
Today, in the midst of present day pagan society, our honoring the LORD by worshiping Him on
the Lord’s Day and honoring His day as sacred is a witness to the world; a witness that we belong
to Christ and that He is Lord.
In verses 3-7 the LORD addresses a special word to the foreigner who has come into His covenant
and to the eunuch. The concern of the foreigner and of the eunuch was that because of their race
(the foreigner being a non-Israelite by birth) or their physical condition, they might be
unacceptable to the LORD. With regard to the physical condition of the eunuch, note Deuteronomy
23:1, "No one who has been emasculated by crushing or cutting may enter the assembly of
Jehovah." But now the LORD addresses a word of assurance, first to the committed eunuch (vs. 5),
and then to the committed foreigner (vs. 6-7),
I will give to them in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name [that is] better
than sons and daughters—I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. 6And
the foreigners who commit themselves to Jehovah to minister to him, and to love the name of
Jehovah, to be his servants, everyone who observes the Sabbath and does not profane it, and
who adheres to my covenant—7these I will bring to my holy mountain and I will make them
joyful in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my
altar, for my house will be called “a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isa. 56:5-7)
There is a two-fold reason for this special address to the committed foreigner and eunuch. First
and foremost, to assure them of their acceptance with the LORD despite their non-Jewish identity
or their physical defect. But secondly it was also intended to impress upon the nation of Israel
that what is of ultimate importance is not mere religious heritage or religious formality, but
personal faith in the LORD and the outworking of that faith in the form of obedience to His
commandments.
These verses are confronting us with the biblical truth that true religion is a matter of the heart,
and does not merely consist in the performance of religious rituals. The LORD had previously
expressed His displeasure with the outward displays of religion presented by a people who had
removed their heart from Him:
Then the Lord said, Because these people [only] approach me with their mouth and [only]
honor me with their lips, but have removed their heart far from me, and their reverence for me
is [nothing more than] a tradition they have learned by rote; 14therefore, take note, I will
65
proceed to do an astonishing thing to these people, an amazingly astonishing thing. The
wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the discernment of their intelligent men will vanish.
(Isa. 29:13-14)
But furthermore, true religion is not merely a matter of the heart, it must express itself in a life of
commitment to the LORD. Tthe command of verse one is, "practice righteousness."
Let us live for the LORD, because He desires obedience, not religion.
To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams; 23for rebellion is like
the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. (1 Sam. 15:22b-23a)
III. Live for the LORD, Because He Promises a Sure Reward (Isa. 56:1)
In verse one of Isaiah 56 the LORD urges and exhorts the faithful to remain faithful, because "my
salvation is coming soon and my righteousness is about to be revealed." He is assuring them that
He will be faithful to honor and reward their commitment to Him.
True to His Word, that day of repayment and reward surely came. When the Babylonians
conquered the apostate nation of Israel, those who had maintained their faithful commitment to
the LORD inherited the land:
The Babylonians set fire to the royal palace and the houses of the people and broke down the
walls of Jerusalem. 9Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard carried into exile to
Babylon the people who remained in the city, along with those who had gone over to him, and
the rest of the people. 10But Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard left behind in the land
of Judah some of the poor people, who owned nothing; and at that time he gave them
vineyards and fields. (Jeremiah 39:8-10) These poor were the faithful remnant who had
previously suffered at the hands of their apostate countrymen.
What the LORD did in the days of Old Testament Israel is just one example of His commitment to
those who are committed to Him. In His Sermon on the Mount, our Lord Jesus Christ declares,
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven. 11Blessed are you when men shall reproach you and persecute you and say all kinds
of evil things against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is
your reward in heaven; for that is how they persecuted the prophets that were before you.
(Matt. 5:10-12)
Let us live for the LORD, because He promises a sure reward:
A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared Jehovah and
honored his name.17They will be mine, declares Jehovah of hosts, in the day when I make up my
treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves
him. 18And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between
those who serve God and those who do not. (Mal. 3:16-18)
Conclusion
Cadet Ben Davis graduated near the top of his class, became a highly decorated World War II combat
pilot, and then went on to become the first black three-star general in the United States Air Force. All
along the way he had to overcome racial bias and discrimination. “The more difficult they made it for
me,” he said, “the more determined I became to succeed.”
66
Despite the opposition and difficulties we encounter as Christians, let us, in reliance upon divine
grace, live for the LORD, because that is God’s commandment, and that is the life that will receive
God’s blessing.
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
What happens when the righteous find themselves living in the midst of an apostate society?
a.
b.
c.
d.
They encounter opposition and persecution even to the point of death.
They turn many back to the LORD by means of their godly example.
The LORD delivers them by means of death.
The LORD does not permit them to suffer at the hands of the ungodly.
2.
Even when the righteous encounter opposition, and especially when they encounter opposition
because they are living out a life of devotion to their God, the LORD exhorts them to be _______. Fill
in the blank
3.
Match the LORD’s words with the incentives they provide for the righteous to remain faithful to
their God.
a.
b.
c.
My righteousness shall be revealed. ___
My salvation shall come. ___
My salvation is coming soon. ___
1. The time you must endure is short.
2. There will be a day of justice.
3. There will be a day of deliverance.
4.
Complete the sentences listed below that discuss one of the ways in which the righteous were
instructed to honor the LORD.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The LORD instructs His people to display their commitment to Him by observing the ___.
The Old Testament Sabbath was a sign of the ___.
The Sabbath was almost a kind of ___, depicting the fact that the LORD’s people were called to
reverence Him and be devoted to Him.
In our present day secular society, observing the Lord’s Day, by worshiping God and
abstaining from our labors, is a ___ to the world that Jesus is Lord.
1. sacrament
2. Sabbath
3. witness
4. covenant
5.
Why does the LORD address a special word of commendation and assurance to the foreigners and
eunuchs who were devoted to Him?
a.
b.
c.
d.
He does so in order to assure them of His acceptance of them despite their non-Israelite
identity or physical defect.
He does so in order to make the nation of Israel understand that they are no longer His
people.
He does so in order to impress upon the nation of Israel that what is of utmost importance is
not mere religious heritage or religious formality, but a true relationship with the LORD.
He does so in order to impress upon the nation of Israel that what the LORD requires is a
devotion that expresses itself in obedience to His commandments.
67
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How are Israel's watchmen described (see Isaiah 56:10-12)? Note: The watchmen are the leaders
of the nation.
2. How is the society as a whole described? See Isaiah 57:3,5-6 (printed below)
But you, come here—you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! ... 5you
who burn with lust among the oaks and under every green tree, you who sacrifice your children
in the ravines and under the overhanging crags? 6The idols among the smooth stones of the
ravines are your portion; they are your lot. Yes, to them you have poured out drink offerings, to
them you have presented grain offerings. Should I accept these things? (Isa. 57:3,5-6)
3. Sandwiched in between the description of the leaders of the nation (Isaiah 56:10-12) and the
description of the society itself (Isaiah 57:3-10) is a description of the righteous—those within the
society who are faithful to the Lord their God. What happens to them and why? See Isaiah 57:1-2
4. What does the LORD say to the foreigner and the eunuch who are committed to Him? See Isaiah
56:3-7 Why do you suppose the LORD addresses these words to them?
5. What instructions does the LORD give to those who are faithful to Him? See Isaiah 56:1a What
incentive or encouragement does the LORD provide? See Isaiah 56:1b
68
LESSON FIVE:
Isaiah 57:3-58:14
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 57:3-21
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part B of Lesson Five.
Part A Can God’s Mercy Reach Me?
57 3But you, come here—you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! 4Whom are
you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not the children [who are the
fruit] of transgression, the offspring of deceit—5you who burn with lust among the oaks and under every
green tree, you who sacrifice your children in the ravines and under the overhanging crags? 6[The idols]
among the smooth stones of the ravines are your portion; they are your lot. Yes, to them you have
poured out drink offerings, to them you have presented grain offerings. Should I accept these things?
7You have made your bed atop a high and lofty hill; and there you went up to offer your sacrifices. 8And
you have hung my memorial plaques behind the doors and the doorposts; for you have uncovered
yourself to lovers other than me. You have climbed into your bed and made it available; you have made
a covenant with them, you have loved their bed, you have looked at their nakedness. 9You went to the
king [of Assyria], bearing gifts of olive oil and an abundance of spices. You sent your ambassadors to a
distant land, and you abased yourself, bowing down as far as Sheol. 10You were tired out by the distance
of your journey, yet you did not say, It is hopeless. You found renewed strength; therefore you did not
faint. 11Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have been false to me, that you have not
remembered me nor [even] given me a thought? Have I not been silent for a long time, [so therefore] you
do not fear me? 12I will expose your “righteousness;” and your deeds shall be of no benefit to you.
13When you cry [for help], let your collection of idols save you! But the wind will sweep them away;
a [mere] breath will blow them away. But the man who takes refuge in me shall possess the land and
inherit my holy mountain. 14It will be said, Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles
out of the way of my people! 15This is what the high and lofty One—who inhabits eternity, whose name is
holy—says, I dwell in the high and holy place, [I] also [dwell] with the man who has a contrite and
humble spirit, in order to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite. 16I will
not contend [against you] forever, neither will I continue to be angry, otherwise your spirit would faint
before me—the very souls whom I have made.
17Because of his sinful greed, I was angry and I struck him; I hid my face and was angry. Then he
returned with [all] his heart. 18I have seen his ways, and I will heal him. I will guide him and restore
comfort to him, 19creating praise for the lips of those who mourned. Peace, peace to those who are near
and to those who are far, proclaims Jehovah. I will heal them. 20But the wicked are like the tossing sea;
it cannot rest, and its waters churn up mire and mud. 21There is no peace, declares my God, for the
wicked. (Isa. 57:3-21)
Introduction
A tall man with a dark complexion walked into the little chapel on the boardwalk. He wore a black
leather jacket and mirror teardrop sunglasses. His hair was greasy and disheveled. He took a seat in
the back row. At the front of the chapel the speaker was addressing a group of volunteers who had
come to work at the chapel for the summer, eager to share the gospel with the people who would be
spending their vacation at the Jersey shore.
Suddenly, the man with the dark complexion stood up. His voice was loud and searing. “Hey man, I
got a question. I killed six men in Vietnam. Where does that put me with God?”
69
Everyone sat stunned. No one moved. The man stood there, waiting for an answer. The speaker at the
front of the chapel did not address the man; he simply continued to speak to the group of volunteers
huddled around him.
The tall dark man shouted again, this time louder. “Hey man! You! I’m talkin’ to you! I killed six men
in Vietnam with my bare hands. You hear that? I want to know, where does that put me with God?”
That tall dark man wanted to know, he needed to know: How far does God’s mercy reach? Can God’s
mercy reach to me in my sin? In this passage of Scripture presently before us, we find the answer to
our question: The greatness of your sin cannot put you beyond the mercy of God, if you return to Him
with a contrite spirit.
I. God’s Mercy Can Reach You, No Matter How Great Your Sin (Isa. 57:3-13)
In verse 3 the LORD addresses the people of Israel, commanding them to draw near to Him. Their
hearts and lives were far from Him, even though they had been dwelling in His land, note Isaiah
29:13,
Then the Lord said … these people [only] approach me with their mouth and [only] honor me
with their lips, but have removed their heart far from me, and their reverence for me is [nothing
more than] a tradition they have learned by rote. (Isa. 29:13)
The LORD now proceeds to describe these people in the following terms. He begins by calling them
“sons of a sorceress.” Here is a reference to the fact that they have forsaken their confidence in the
LORD and have turned to pagan astrologers and soothsayers for guidance, a sin for which He
rebukes them in Isaiah 2:6, “You have forsaken your people, the house of Jacob, because they are full
of the customs of the East and practice divination like the Philistines. They clasp hands with the
children of foreigners, making covenants with them.” The Word of God forbids any unhealthy
interest and interaction with the unholy spiritual powers of darkness. The LORD now proceeds to
address these people an “offspring of adulterers and prostitutes!” He is describing them as
spiritually illegitimate children; they are not true spiritual descendants of Abraham, possessing
his faith and commitment to the LORD; they are not true children of God, trusting, loving and
serving their heavenly Father.
In verse 4 the LORD charges these people with mocking Him and defying Him—they make faces at
God and stick out their tongues at Him. Then, in verses 5-8 the LORD condemns the practice of
idolatry, which was rampant throughout the nation. They pursue their idolatries with great
passion (“you who burn with lust among the oaks”), even succumbing to the practice of sacrificing
their own children (vs. 5.) We should note that the New Testament also defines covetousness and
materialism as being forms of idolatry: “Of this you can be certain, no immoral or impure person
nor any greedy man—who is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God”
(Eph. 5:5.) It is just as wrong in the sight of God to sacrifice our children to the idolatry of
materialism; setting for them an example of devotion to money and to things instead of a devotion
to the LORD, setting them aside for the pursuit of things and personal pleasures.
These people have offered their worship and their sacrifices to their multitude of idols, and now
the LORD scornfully inquires, Do you suppose that such offerings appease Me? Have they not
rather provoked Me? (vs. 6) Here is a vivid indictment against the false teaching that all religions
are the same, they are merely worshiping the same God under different names and in different
ways. In further refutation of this teaching, note the Apostle Paul’s testimony concerning the
conversion of the Thessalonians, “you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from
the coming wrath.” The practice of idolatry (false religion) is viewed by the LORD God as an act of
70
spiritual adultery (vs. 7-8.) Furthermore, as these verses indicate in not so subtle terms, the
practice of pagan religion involved a great deal of sexual promiscuity.
As the people gave themselves over to idolatry, involving both spiritual and physical immorality,
they removed the remembrance of God and His law from before their eyes. The memorial plaques
were now fastened behind the doors and the posts, instead of being prominently displayed as a
constant reminder of the law of God, note Deuteronomy 6:4,8-9,“These commandments that I give
you today are to be upon your hearts … 8Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your
foreheads. 9Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
In verses 9-10 the LORD condemns the political policies of Israel. Rather than looking to the LORD
their God as their King and Defender, they trusted in their own diplomacy and looked to their
neighboring nations for security. Verse 10 is referring to the fact that Israel spared no effort in
seeking to secure peace by means of their foreign diplomacy; they exerted the utmost degree of
effort and put great hopes in their endeavors.
In verse 11 the people are described as a nation that has lost all fear of God. The LORD sarcastically
inquires, “Of whom have you been afraid? What fear has caused you to commit such immoral and
abominable acts (as those described in the previous verses)?” The point being made is that they
are devoid of that holy fear of God, which serves to restrain evil; having no fear of God before their
eyes, they now plunge into every form of evil. The patience and longsuffering of God have been
misinterpreted as acceptance of their sins, or indifference to their immoral conduct, or even
impotence on the part of God. Having lost their fear of God, they have become emboldened in their
sin; note the earlier indictment the LORD brought against them through the prophet Isaiah, "The
look on their faces testifies against them; they display their sin like Sodom, they do not hide it. Woe to
them! They have brought calamity upon themselves" (Isa. 3:9.)
But the LORD now warns them (and us) that the day is coming when He will act (vs. 12.) On that
day, declares the LORD, "I will expose your 'righteousness.'” That is to say, the LORD will examine
and evaluate the nation’s claim to righteousness in the light of His own divine righteousness, and
expose their “righteousness” as being in fact unrighteousness. Furthermore, the LORD asserts,
“your deeds shall be of no benefit to you.” Their works, which shall be exposed as works of sin, not
works of righteousness, shall not speak in their defense; on the contrary, those works will testify
against them. From the language employed in verse 12 there is conveyed the impression that
there was present within the people an incredible and misguided sense of self-righteousness; the
accusation found in Proverbs 30:12 would apply to this people: “those who are pure in their own
eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth.”
On the day when the LORD reveals Himself in His righteous justice and takes action against this
sinful nation (vs. 13.) Those who cling to their idolatry shall cry out (presumably to the LORD), but
the LORD will simply direct them to their idols in which they have trusted—idols that themselves
shall be swept away by the wind of holy judgment. But those who acknowledge their sin, return to
the LORD, and take refuge in Him, shall possess the land—they shall be saved to gain a share in the
LORD’s everlasting inheritance.
The scene presented to us in this passage is that of a people whose lives are far removed from God
and His commandments; a people who exhibit no fear of God, but yet possess an unfounded sense
of self-righteousness. Here is a people who are destined to have an encounter with God that will
result in condemnation (vs.13a); but, as verse 13b indicates, those who are awakened to their
present condition, repent, and take refuge in the LORD, shall be spared—despite the greatness of
the sins they have committed. Note, again, the LORD’s promise recorded back in Isaiah 55:7,
Let the wicked man forsake his way, and let the unrighteous man [forsake] his thoughts. Let
him return to Jehovah, and he will have mercy on him. [Let him return] to our God, for he will
abundantly pardon. (Isa. 55:7)
71
God’s mercy can reach each one of us, no matter how great our sin—provided that we are
awakened to our true condition before God and seek the forgiveness and restoration He offers
through the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary:
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jn.
1:8-9)
II. God’s Mercy Can Reach You, If You Are Contrite (Isa. 57:14-21)
The LORD commands the construction of a great highway by means of which the contrite shall
return to their God and to His blessed presence: “It will be said, ‘Build up, build up, prepare the
road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people’” (vs. 14.)
The LORD reveals Himself to be a God of great compassion and condescension to those who are
contrite:
This is what the high and lofty One—who inhabits eternity, whose name is holy—says, I dwell in
the high and holy place, I also dwell with the man who has a contrite and humble spirit, in
order to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isa. 57:15)
God reveals Himself to be “the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity.” Here is a reference to His
incomprehensible majesty and exaltation, and yet He is a God who condescends to minister His
refreshing life-giving grace to the contrite. God reveals Himself to be the One “whose name is
Holy.” Here is a reference to His absolute moral purity, a purity that is as infinite as the eternity
He inhabits, and yet He is the God who delights to minister His forgiveness and mercy to the
contrite.
What does it mean to be contrite? It means to honestly acknowledge our sins to God—as
opposed to denying them, rationalizing them, minimizing them, or ignoring them. It means to
express regret for those sins; acknowledging them to be an offense to our holy God, and that they
have made a separation between us and our God, and that they will drag us to hell if we do not
part company with them. To be contrite means to give our sins over to God, asking forgiveness
by virtue of Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary, and seeking to lead a new life by God’s grace; note
Proverbs 28:13, “Whoever covers his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoever confesses and
forsakes them shall obtain mercy.” The LORD graciously condescends to show mercy on the
contrite, as the Psalmist testifies, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite
heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psl. 51:17.)
In verses 17-18 there is revealed to us the divine process that produces contrition in the hearts
of God’s children. The LORD declares, “Because of his sinful greed (or, selfishness), I was angry.”
The practice of sin, which literally is defined in terms of covetousness or selfishness—selfcenteredness as opposed to God-centered living—causes the LORD to become indignant with a
holy anger. Consequently, the LORD continues, “I struck him; I hid my face.” His righteous
indignation caused the LORD to take punitive measures against the sinner and break off
fellowship with him. Then as a result of the LORD’s act of judgment, “he returned with all his
heart.” Such divine disciplinary measures have the effect of causing the child of God to return to
his heavenly Father with all his heart—because he cannot bear the prospect of eternally being
alienated and separated from the divine presence of God. Note: The Hebrew word, bWv, meaning
“to turn,” and rendered, “turning away,” in the original ASV version, also has the meaning “to
return,” which is preferable in this context. Now the LORD declares, “I have seen his ways [i.e.; his
repentance], and I will heal him … and restore comfort to him.” When the LORD witnesses this
contrition—this returning to the heavenly Father with sorrow, seeking forgiveness and
72
restoration—He is moved with compassion and ministers His mercy in restoring the repentant
sinner to covenantal fellowship.
Verse 19 reveals to us the extent of God’s mercy. Not only does the Lord pronounce the blessing
of peace “to those who are near” (i.e.; those who are living in fellowship with God), He also
pronounces the same blessing of peace “to those who are far.” From verses 17-18 it becomes
clear that this is a reference to the contrite sinner who returns to the LORD. Referring to the
Prodigal Son, the Lord Jesus declares, “he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a
long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his
arms around him and kissed him” (Lk. 15:20.)
Verse 19 indicates that in the final analysis there is no distinction between the righteous (that is
to say, the man who possesses the righteousness of Christ his Savior and is devoted to Him) and
the repentant (the man who turns to Christ the Savior with all his heart)—the former is living in
fellowship with God, while the latter is restored to that holy fellowship, both alike receive God’s
blessing of peace. As the Lord Jesus teaches in His parable of The Lost Sheep, “I tell you … there is
more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who
do not need to repent” (Lk. 15:7.)
But the following verses reveal to us the limitation of God’s mercy. Verses 20-21 indicate that
there is a vast distinction between the righteous and the unrepentant. Whereas, according to
Isaiah 57:2, the righteous “enter into peace,” according to Isaiah 57:21, “there is no peace for the
wicked.”
God’s mercy can reach each one of us, if we are contrite. That is to say, if we honestly
acknowledge our sins before God; if we surrender them and ourselves to God; and if we ask for
God’s forgiveness based upon Christ’s atoning sacrifice upon the cross of Calvary.
Conclusion
How far does God’s mercy reach? Can God’s mercy reach to me and to you in our sin? This 57 th
chapter of Isaiah presents the answer to that question: The LORD is gracious to show mercy and grant
restoration to all who exhibit a contrite spirit. The greatness of our sin—no matter what it might
be—cannot put us beyond the mercy of the LORD, if we return to Him with a contrite heart.
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
Complete the sentences listed below that describe the state of the nation of Israel at the time
Isaiah 57 was written.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The people were steeped in the practice of ___.
They were a nation who had lost the ___.
They were a people who entertained a misguided sense of ___.
They were a nation that was about to encounter the ___.
1. fear of God
2. judgment of God
3. idolatry
4. self-righteousness
2.
What will happen on the day the LORD reveals Himself in His justice and takes action against this
sinful nation? (Answers continued on next page)
a.
Those who cry out to their idols will find those idols to be of no help to them.
73
b.
c.
Those who flee from the land of Israel and seek shelter in the wilderness will avoid the
judgment.
Those who acknowledge their sins, return to the LORD, and take refuge in Him will inherit
God’s holy mountain.
3.
The message presented to us in Isaiah 57 is this: The greatness of our sin cannot put us beyond
the mercy of God if we return to Him with a _______ spirit. Fill in the blank.
4.
According to the commentary, what does it mean to be contrite?
a.
b.
c.
d.
5.
It means to honestly acknowledge our sins to God; confessing that we have violated His
moral law.
It means to express regret for our sins; recognizing them to be an intolerable offense to our
holy God.
It means to repent of our sins; surrendering them to Jesus and asking for His forgiveness.
It means to perform acts of penance; showing God that we are sincerely sorry and willing to
accept the punishment we deserve.
Isaiah 57:17-18 reveals the divine process that produces contrition in the hearts of God’s people.
Match the various elements of that process with the appropriate descriptions.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The practice of sin—which is self-centered as opposed to God-centered living—arouses the
LORD’s righteous indignation. ___
In His righteous indignation the LORD takes punitive measures against the sinner and breaks
off fellowship with him. ___
The punitive measures employed by the LORD have the effect of causing the child of God to
return to his heavenly Father, because he cannot bear being separated from Him. ___
When the LORD witnesses contrition—the sinner returning to Him in sorrow, seeking
forgiveness and restoration—He is moved with compassion and ministers His mercy. ___
1. I have seen; I will heal and restore comfort to him.
2. Because of his selfishness, I was angry.
3. Then he returned with all his heart.
4. I struck him; I hid my face.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. The people who were called to be the LORD's people, how are they described in Isaiah 57:3?
2. What sin does the LORD condemn in verses 5-8, and how does He describe it?
3. How are these people described in Isaiah 57:11 and why has this become true of them?
4. What will the LORD do? See Isaiah 57:12
5. Describe the two different responses of the people and their respective results when the LORD
takes action against the sinful nation. See Isaiah 57:13
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
Read Isaiah 58:1-14
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
74
4.
Proceed to Part A of Lesson Six.
Part B The Practice of True Religion
58 Shout aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their
transgressions; [declare] to the house of Jacob their sins. 2Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my
ways, like a nation that practices righteousness and has not forsaken the commandments of their God.
They ask me for righteous judgments; they delight in drawing near to God.
3[They ask,] Why have we fasted, but you have not taken notice of it? Why have we afflicted our soul,
but you do not acknowledge it? Look, on the day of your fast you conduct your business and you exploit
all of your laborers. 4Look, as you fast you are contending and quarreling [with one another], and even
striking each other maliciously with your fists. [At present] you are not fasting in a way that will cause
your voice to be heard on high. 5Is this the kind of fast that I desire—a day for a man to afflict his soul;
[a day for a man] to bow his head like a reed and to spread out sackcloth and ashes for a bed? Will you
call this a fast, a day that is acceptable to Jehovah? 6Is not this the kind of fast I desire, [namely, to cut
loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set free the oppressed and break every
yoke [of bondage]? 7Is it not to share your food with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your
house? [Is it not] to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from [helping] your own
flesh and blood?
8[If you do these things] then your light will break forth like the day, and your healing will quickly
appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of Jehovah will be your rearguard.
9Then you will call and Jehovah will answer; you will cry for help, and he will answer, Here I am! If you
do away with the yoke of oppression, [if you stop threateningly] pointing the finger and uttering
malicious threats, 10if you have compassion for the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then
your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like noonday. 11Then Jehovah will
continually guide you; he will satisfy your soul [even] in a sun-scorched land and give strength to your
bones. You will be like a well-watered garden and like a spring of water that never runs dry. 12Your
children will rebuild the ancient ruins and will re-construct the age-old foundations. You will be called,
The Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets in which to Dwell.
13If, to avoid breaking the Sabbath, you keep your feet from going about your business on my holy day;
if you call the Sabbath a delight—the holy day of Jehovah honorable; if you will, [indeed,] honor it—not
going your own way, or conducting your own business, or conversing [about business] matters; 14then
you will find your joy in Jehovah; and I will cause you to ride upon the heights of the land and to feast on
the inheritance of your father Jacob. [This will surely be the case,] because the mouth of Jehovah has
spoken it. (Isa. 58:1-14)
Introduction
Suppose we are gathered in the sanctuary for worship one Sunday morning. You have barely
managed to crawl out of bed to get to church because you had been out carousing until the wee hours
of the morning, but somehow you manage to get here. You have been screaming at your wife all the
while you have been putting on your Sunday suit, and the children have been fighting with each other
all the way to church, but somehow you manage to walk into the sanctuary hand in hand with polite
smiles on your faces and your children in tow.
As you backed out of the garage, under your breath you cursed the newspaper delivery boy for
carelessly throwing the Sunday paper in the driveway. While driving down the street you made an
obscene gesture at a motorist who thoughtlessly pulled out in front of you. In the church parking lot
you avoided old Mr. Smith to whom you have not spoken ever since he cheated you in a business deal
ten years ago. But now you have a warm handshake for the greeters at the door.
As the organist plays the opening prelude, in your mind you replay last night’s ballgame, play by play,
all the while your head is reverently bowed and your face displays an expression of pious solitude.
Now the pastor steps forward to announce the opening hymn, now we all stand to sing, and now, at
this very moment, the Lord Jesus physically appears at the back of the sanctuary: STOP THE MUSIC!
75
He shouts. DO YOU CALL THIS WORSHIP!?! DO YOU CALL THIS RELGION!?! Then He walks to the
front of the sanctuary and steps to the pulpit. Now He opens the Bible to Isaiah 58 and based upon
that passage declares, “True religion does not consist in the outward observance of religious
formalities, but in the sincere observance of the commandments of the LORD your God.”
Let us give heed to what our Lord has to say to us from Isaiah 58 about The Practice of True Religion.
I. True Religion Consists of More than Mere Religious Formalities (Isa. 58:1-5)
Isaiah 58 confronts us with a paradoxical situation: the people of Israel are gathered together for
worship, but the prophet of the LORD is commanded to rebuke them in the strongest terms. The
LORD commands Isaiah, “Shout aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to
my people their transgressions; declare to the house of Jacob their sins.”
Verse 2 reveals the condition that is displeasing to the LORD and meets with His stern rebuke.
There is the outward appearance of godliness, even accompanied by a deep display of interest in
spiritual things. The LORD acknowledges,“they seek me daily”—here is the diligence observance of
the outward forms of worship. “[They] delight to know my ways”—here is a desire to hear the
Word of God expounded and explained. “They ask me for righteous judgments”—here is a desire to
know the truth of God and even how it applies to life. “They delight in drawing near to God”—here
is a desire and even the enjoyment of being in the presence of God. But all of this is divorced from
a life of obedience. God’s criticism and chastisement of the people results from the fact that they
are not practicing righteousness in their lives; on the contrary, they are forsaking the law of God
in their daily living.
In verse 3 these bewildered worshipers raise the question, "Why is it that the LORD does not
acknowledge our fasting (or our worship)?" It appears that, perhaps in the face of the economic
and military crisis they faced, there had gone out the call for a national day of fasting, (similar to
what is described in Judges 2:24-26,
Then the Israelites drew near to Benjamin the second day. 25This time, when the Benjamites
came out from Gibeah to oppose them, they slaughtered another eighteen thousand Israelites,
all of them armed with swords. 26Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, and there
they sat weeping before Jehovah. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt
offerings and fellowship offerings to Jehovah. (Judg. 20:24-26)
The nation has responded to the call for a national day of prayer and fasting, and have done so
with earnestness: “we have afflicted our soul” (vs. 3.) But there has been no response from God: no
relief, no healing of their land, and no dispersing of the enemy. Now the people were asking, ‘Why
not?”
In verses 3b-4 the LORD explains: “Look, on the day of your fast you conduct your business and you
exploit all of your laborers.” Even as they engaged in sincere religious worship they were
disregarding the commandments of God; they were doing as they pleased rather than what God
commanded, one example being the unrighteous way in which they treated those who labored for
them. By way of illustration: in the old T.V. movie Roots, in one scene the plantation owner is seen
piously and devotedly reading his Bible while his slaves are being beaten and exploited. The
Apostle James (5:4-5) presents a severe warning to employers not to exploit their employees as a
means of gaining for themselves a measure of the “good life” at the expense of those laborers; he
warns against getting the most out of them, giving the least to them, so that the owner can get rich
at their expense:
Behold! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out
against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5You have
lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of
slaughter. (Jas. 5:4-5)
76
The LORD continues to bring charges against the way in which His people are worshiping, “Look, as
you fast you are contending and quarreling [with one another], and even striking each other
maliciously with your fists.” Even as they sincerely engaged in acts of religious worship, they were
at odds with one another. They were in conflict with one another; they were at enmity with one
another and harbored bitterness towards one another; they bore grudges against one another and
refused to be reconciled. We must take very seriously the words of our Lord Jesus Christ when He
says, “if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But
if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matt. 6:14-15.) Also, the
Apostle Paul admonishes the church,
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever
grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all
these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Col. 3:12-14)
In the latter part of verse 4 the LORD sums up their present condition by stating: “[At present] you
are not fasting in a way that will cause your voice to be heard on high.” He goes on to inquire, “Is
this the kind of fast that I desire—a day for a man to afflict his soul, [a day for a man] to bow his
head like a reed and to spread out sackcloth and ashes for a bed? Will you call this a fast, a day that
is acceptable to Jehovah?” The LORD makes clear that He does not consider the mere offering of the
formalities of religious observance—no matter how sincerely they may be offered—as acceptable
worship, if they are not accompanied by obedience in all areas of life.
Are we practicing true religion? Or does our religion consist of mere formalities, however sincere
those formalities may be? If we are a saint in matters of worship, but a practical infidel in matters
of everyday life, our religion is not acceptable to God; on the contrary, it meets with His stern
rebuke:
Does Jehovah delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of
Jehovah? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams; 23for
rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. (1 Sam. 15:22-23a)
II. True Religion Involves the Observance of God’s Commandments (Isa. 58:6-10,13)
What is the kind of religion that is acceptable to God and pleasing to Him? According to verse 6,
true religion involves the practice of justice in our dealings with our fellow man. The picture
presented in Isaiah 58:6 is that of a man (or a class or race of people) held captive by injustice;
they are enslaved by a system that oppresses them and denies them equal opportunity. It
appears to be much the same as the situation outlined in Jeremiah 34:13-16,
This is what Jehovah, the God of Israel, says: I made a covenant with your forefathers when I
brought them out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. I said, 14Every seventh year each of you
must free any fellow Hebrew who has sold himself to you. After he has served you six years, you
must let him go free. Your fathers, however, did not listen to me or pay attention to me.
15Recently you repented and did what is right in my sight: Each of you proclaimed freedom to
his countrymen. You even made a covenant before me in the house that bears my Name. 16But
now you have turned around and profaned my name; each of you has taken back the male and
female servants you had set free to go where they wished. You have forced them to become your
servants again. (Jer. 34:13-16)
The people of Israel had abused the laws dealing with indentured servitude, making it impossible
for a man to escape that condition and advance in the society. In contemporary terms, it would
be the equivalent of making entry level and “dead end” jobs available to certain classes or races
of people, but denying them the open opportunity for economic and social advancement—the
77
way being barred by a convenient legal apparatus controlled by those who possess the wealth
and power and are determined to keep it as their own special domain.
The Word of God defines injustice and oppression in these terms: The gaining of wealth by
exploiting other men and/or preventing them from having an equal opportunity to gain wealth
for themselves. As Christians, we need to be sensitive to acts of injustice and be indignant against
such acts and practices. We need to oppose such acts and practices in the name of Christ; and
God forbid that we should ourselves engage in such acts or support them. We must take seriously
and put into practice the admonitions of the prophets of the LORD:
These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound
judgment in your courts; 17do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear
falsely. I hate all this, declares Jehovah. (Zech. 8:16-17)
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? [He requires
that] you act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with your God. (Mic. 6:8)
According to verse 7, true religion involves the practice of mercy towards our fellow man: “Is it
not to share your food with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house? [Is it not] to
clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from helping your own flesh and blood?”
The LORD declares that this is the kind of fasting and worship He desires. According to verse 10
we are to “have compassion for the hungry.” In Jesus’ parable, the Good Samaritan is moved with
compassion when he comes upon the man who was stripped and beaten by robbers—it was his
compassion that moved him to come to the man’s aid:
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him [i.e.; the
man who had been beaten by robbers], he was moved with compassion, 34and came to him,
and bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, and
brought him to an inn, and took care of him. (Lk. 10: 33-34)
May the LORD help us to look upon those in need with godly compassion, instead of looking upon
them with contempt or fear. The instruction of Ephesians 4:28 is to have a portion of our income
available for the purpose of helping those in need: “He who has been stealing must no longer steal;
rather, let him labor, doing honorable work with his own hands, so that he may have something to
share with the one who is in need.” Note that the Ephesians passage is speaking about a whole
change of outlook and attitude; an attitude that shows tangible concern for those in need, as
opposed to the old sinful attitude that put one’s self first and sought opportunity to exploit
others—the attitude of the thief is to give way to the attitude of Christ-like compassion.
Then, according to verse 13, true religion involves honoring the Lord’s Day:
If, to avoid breaking the Sabbath, you keep your feet from going about your business on my holy
day; if you call the Sabbath a delight—the holy day of Jehovah honorable; if you will, indeed,
honor it—not going your own way, or conducting your own business, or conversing about
business matters … (Isa. 58:13)
The Hebrew word, ;p6j4, rendered “pleasure” in the A.S.V. also has the meaning “business,” which
is the preferable meaning in this present passage. Taking the word in the sense of “business”
would cause the Hebrew phrase, which literally reads, “speaking your own words,” to be
understood as a reference to pursuing business negotiations or conversing on the topic of
business on the LORD’s holy Sabbath. The commentary of Jeremiah 17:21-22 confirms this
interpretation:
78
This is what Jehovah says: Be careful not to carry a load on the Sabbath day or bring it through
the gates of Jerusalem. 22Do not bring a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath,
but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your forefathers. (Jer. 17:21-22)
Old Testament Israel was commanded as the holy nation to sanctify the Sabbath by refraining
from their normal course of business on that day—it was meant to be a covenantal sign of their
devotion to the LORD their God and the testimony that He occupied the place of first priority in
their lives. As New Testament Christians we are to honor the LORD by honoring His day—
gathering for corporate worship on the Lord’s Day and abstaining from our everyday business
affairs.
Are we practicing true religion? Doing so by observing the commandments of the LORD our God?
We must take to heart the rebuke the Lord Jesus issued against the Pharisees of His day:
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—
mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice,
mercy and integrity. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. (Matt.
23:23)
According to the Apostle James, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:
to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the
world” (Jas. 1:27)
Conclusion
What benefits and blessings does the LORD confer upon those who practice true religion?
Isaiah 58:8 lists the following national (as they pertained to the Old Testament theocracy) and
community (as they pertain to the New Testament church’s congregations) blessings as these: “Your
light will break forth like the day” (vs. 8a.) The favor of the LORD will shine upon the nation (or the
community), lifting it to a position of honor and prominence; with regard to the Old Testament form
of this blessing, note Deuteronomy 28:1-6,
If you fully obey Jehovah your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today,
Jehovah your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2All these blessings will come
upon you and accompany you if you obey Jehovah your God: 3You will be blessed in the city and
blessed in the country. 4The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and
the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. 5Your basket
and your kneading trough will be blessed. 6You will be blessed when you come in and blessed
when you go out. (Deut. 28:1-6)
Another blessing enumerated in Isaiah 58 is the LORD’s promise, “your healing will quickly appear.”
Just as wounded flesh is restored to health, so will that nation or community be restored to
wholeness—that is to say, it will experience the life and blessing of moral and spiritual soundness.
The LORD further promises, “your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of Jehovah will be your
rearguard.” The Old Testament theocratic nation, would enjoy the benefit of the invincible strength of
righteousness and the guardian presence of the LORD, note Deuteronomy 11:8a,25,
Observe therefore all the commandments I am giving you today, so that you may have …
strength … 25No man will be able to stand against you. Jehovah your God, as he promised you,
will put the terror and fear of you on the whole land, wherever you go. (Deut. 11:8a, 25)
For the New Testament church community, this promise would translate into the assurance of the
LORD’s sustaining presence, even in the most difficult of times and situations.
79
The passage also lists a number of personal blessings, to be enjoyed by the believer in his
relationship with the LORD. The first of which is the promise, “Then you will call and Jehovah will
answer” (vs. 9.) The result of the practice of true religion is true communion and fellowship with
Christ and with God His Father, note John 14:23, “Jesus responded to him by saying, ‘If a man loves me,
he will obey my teaching; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and live with him.’”
Then there is the promise, “Your children will rebuild the ancient ruins and will re-construct the ageold foundations” (vs.12a.) That is to say, your life becomes a testimony and a benefit to succeeding
generations, and you will have the pleasure of seeing them walking in the truth. As covenant
faithfulness is lived out and passed on to succeeding generations, and they in turn receive Christ,
abide in Him and adhere to His commandments, there is the continued experience of God’s covenant
faithfulness in blessing. Finally, there is the promise, “You will be called, The Repairer of the Breach,
The Restorer of Streets in which to Dwell” (vs. 12b.) In New Testament terms, this promise translates
into the assurance that you will have the honor and distinction of being one of those who maintains
and restores the integrity and the witness of the church at a time when it is collapsing into
conformity with the sinful world around it.
In verses 9b-10a the LORD reiterates the elements of true religion—what it truly means to live out the
Christian life. Remove the yoke of oppression. Do away with the pointing of the finger and speaking
maliciously—i.e.; angry accusations and threats of vengeance. Have compassion on the hungry, and
satisfy the afflicted soul.
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
Match the LORD’s words with the statements listed below that describe the religion of the people
at the time the prophecy of Isaiah 58 was written.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The people were diligent in attending worship services. ___
The people desired to hear the Word of God expounded and explained. ___
The people enjoyed coming into the house of the LORD and being in His presence. ___
The people were not abiding by the commandments of God in their everyday lives. ___
1. They delight to know my ways.
2. Declare to my people their transgressions.
3. They seek me daily.
4. They delight in drawing near to God.
2.
The people to whom the words of Isaiah 58 are addressed had made a divorce between their
religious observance and their everyday conduct. Even as they were engaged in a solemn
religious fast, what else were they doing?
a.
b.
c.
3.
They were exploiting their workers.
They were at enmity with one another.
They were failing to offer the required sacrifices.
One element of true religion that is mentioned in Isaiah 58 is the practice of social justice.
Complete the sentences listed below that discuss this subject. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
The LORD commands His people to cut loose the chains of ___ and set free the oppressed.
The people of Israel were abusing the laws dealing with ___, making it impossible for a man
to escape that condition and advance in society.
A modern day equivalent to Israel’s unjust practice would be making ___ available to certain
classes or races of people, but denying them the opportunity for economic and social
advancement.
80
d.
e.
The Word of God defines injustice in these terms: gaining wealth by ___ others and/or
preventing others from having an equal opportunity to gain wealth for themselves.
As Christians, we must be found ___ injustice in the name of Christ; neither engaging in nor
condoning such practices.
1. entry level jobs
2. indentured servants
3. opposing
4. injustice
5. exploiting
4.
Another element of true religion that is mentioned in Isaiah 58 is carrying on a ministry of _______
to those who are in need. Fill in the blank
5.
What blessings and rewards does the LORD promise to those who, by His grace, honor Him by
practicing the type of religion that is pleasing to Him?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Such people will have fellowship with the LORD their God.
Such people will be a testimony to their children and a godly example for them to emulate.
Such people will receive an abundance of material prosperity from the hand of the LORD.
Such people will have the honor and distinction of being those who maintain and restore the
integrity of the church at a time when it is collapsing into conformity with the sinful world
around it.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What paradoxical situation is presented in Isaiah 58:1-2?
2. What question do the bewildered people of Israel ask? See Isaiah 58:3a
3. What answer does the LORD give to His people? See Isaiah 58:3b-5
4. According to verses 6-7, what kind of fasting (i.e.; what kind of religion) is acceptable to God and
pleasing to Him?
5. What are some of the benefits and blessings the LORD confers upon those who practice true
religion? See Isaiah 58:8-9
81
LESSON SIX:
Isaiah 59:1-61:11
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 59:1-21
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part B of Lesson Six.
Part A Three Reasons to Practice Repentance
59 Listen, Jehovah’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is his hearing so poor that he cannot
hear. 2On the contrary, your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins
have caused him to hide his face from you, so that he refuses to hear [you]. 3Your hands are stained with
blood, and your fingers [are stained] with iniquity. Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters
wicked things. 4No one calls for justice; no one pleads [his case] with integrity. They rely upon worthless
arguments and speak lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. 5They hatch the eggs of
vipers and spin a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; and when one [of those eggs] is broken,
a viper is hatched. 6Their webs cannot become garments, neither can they clothe themselves with their
deeds—their deeds are evil, and acts of violence are in their hands. 7Their feet run to evil and they
hasten to shed innocent blood. They think evil thoughts; ruin and destruction are in their paths. 8They
do not know the way of peace; there is no justice in their paths. They have made crooked roads for
themselves; whoever travels along them will not know peace.
9Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but [all is]
darkness; [we look for] brightness, but we walk in dark shadows. 10We grope along the wall like a blind
man; indeed, we grope along like those who have no eyes. At midday we stumble as if it were twilight.
We are like dead men among the living. 11We all growl like bears and moan mournfully like doves. We
look for justice, but there is none; we look for salvation, but it is far from us—12because our
transgressions are many before you, and our sins testify against us; our transgressions are with us, and
we acknowledge our iniquities: 13apostasy and denial of Jehovah, turning back from following our God,
plotting extortion and fraud, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. 14Justice is driven away and
righteousness stands at a distance; for truth has fallen in the marketplace and honesty cannot enter.
15Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil makes himself a prey. Jehovah saw [all] this and
it displeased him that there was no justice.
16He saw that there was no one—he was astonished that there was no one to intercede; therefore, his
own arm helped him and his [own] righteousness sustained him. 17He put on righteousness as his
breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head. He dressed himself in the garments of vengeance
and wrapped himself with zeal as though it were a cloak. 18He will repay [them] according to what they
have done: wrath to his enemies, retribution to his foes; he will repay the islands what they deserve.
19Therefore, from the west men will fear the name of Jehovah, and from the rising of the sun [they will
revere] his majesty; for he will come like a rushing flood driven by the breath of Jehovah. 20But a
redeemer will come to Zion, [he will come] to those in Jacob who repent of their sins, declares Jehovah.
21As for me, this is my covenant with them, declares Jehovah. My Spirit, who is upon you, and my words
that I have put into your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouths of your children
nor from the mouths of their descendants, from this time forth and forever, declares Jehovah. (Isa. 59:121)
Introduction
Back in 1919 eight members of the Chicago White Sox baseball team conspired to throw the World
Series. One member of the team, the first baseman, conceived the plot and presented it to an East
Coast gambler. The big sinister first baseman assured his seven teammates that there was big money
82
to be made; they would share $80,000 between them. With their share of the money they could pay
off their debts, buy a business, and be financially set for life. He assured his crooked teammates that it
would be all so easy; nobody would ever know.
But they were wrong. They didn’t get away with it—the scandal was exposed, and the consequences
of their iniquity were devastating. There was a Grand Jury investigation; the eight players sat in a
Chicago courtroom in guilt and shame. Most of them never got to enjoy any of the $80,000 they had
hoped to share; what each of them did get was a lifetime suspension from baseball.
The course that at first appeared to be easy, profitable, and secure, for these eight men proved to be
devastating; resulting in disgrace and irreparable lost. Here is just one public example of the
devastating effects of sin; may it impress upon our consciences the realization of the devastating
effects our iniquities have upon our lives and our relationship with God.
In Isaiah 59 we are confronted with three dimensions of the devastating effect of sin—three good
reasons why we must practice repentance.
I. We Must Practice Repentance, Because Our Sins Cause a Separation Between Us
and Our God (Isa. 59:1-8)
The people of Israel wondered why the LORD did not answer their prayers, why He did not come
to their rescue. The LORD now gives His answer to their perplexing questions:
Listen, Jehovah’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is his hearing so poor that he
cannot hear. 2On the contrary, your iniquities have made a separation between you and your
God, and your sins have caused him to hide his face from you, so that he refuses to hear [you].
(Isa. 59:1-2)
Following upon the charge stated in verses 1-2 there comes the presentation of the evidence in
verse 3. "Your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers [are stained] with iniquity." Crimes of
violence polluted the land: murder, rape, armed robbery, children sacrificed to pagan idols. “Your
lips have spoken lies.” Dishonesty had become a way of life, an accepted practice. There was no
respect for truth and no commitment to it; the sanctity of covenants and contracts was not
respected—in marriage, in business, in personal affairs. “Your tongue mutters wicked things.”
What came forth from the mouth was profanity, vulgarity, cursing; the suggesting and the plotting
of unscrupulous schemes, character assassination and gossip.
In verse 4 the LORD confronts the people with a further accusation: “No one calls for justice; no one
pleads [his case] with integrity. They rely upon worthless arguments and speak lies; they conceive
mischief and give birth to iniquity.” They called upon the LORD, but not in righteousness—their
hearts and lives were devoid of the righteousness and truth that are the prerequisites for
answered prayer. The charge brought against the nation of Israel in Isaiah’s day is that they relied
upon worthless arguments, and spoke lies—they had a false confidence in their religious heritage
as the children of Abraham and their religious status as those who bore the name of being the
people of the LORD, but there was no true personal faith in the LORD, no commitment to Him. It
amounts to the same charge that would be brought once more against the nation in the days of the
prophet Jeremiah,
This is what Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I
will let you live in this place. 4Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of
Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah!” 5If you really change your ways and
your actions and deal with each other justly, 6if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or
the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to
your own harm, 7then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers forever
and ever. 8But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless. (Jer. 7:3-8)
83
As verse 4 describes their approach to God, verse 5 describes their conduct towards one another.
“They hatch the eggs of vipers and spin a spider’s web” —their dealings with one another were
poisonous and treacherous. “Whoever eats their eggs will die” —i.e.; the naïve and unsuspecting
are victimized. “When one of those eggs is broken, a viper is hatched” —i.e.; those who oppose their
unscrupulous practices find themselves viciously attacked and persecuted. Verse 6 speaks about
the ultimate futility of their unrighteous works: a spider’s web, designed to ensnare its victims,
cannot be fashioned into a durable garment; likewise, a society that forsakes the fundamentals of
honesty, integrity, commitment, cannot survive.
In verses 7-8 Isaiah presents a general description of the society. “Their feet run to evil”—all moral
restraints are broken, the people have given themselves over to evil conduct with a passion. “They
think evil thoughts”—the society described here has degenerated to the level of that just prior to
the universal flood, note Genesis 6:5, “And Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great upon
the earth, and that every conception of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis
6:5) Isaiah now goes on to present the consequence of such a life. “Ruin and destruction are in
their paths”—what lies ahead, what awaits them and what they will eventually encounter on this
road of unrighteousness they have chosen to travel is desolation and destruction. “They do not
know the way of peace”—when a man or society travels the crooked pathway that is devoid of and
opposed to truth and righteousness, he shall find that it is also devoid of peace. With regard to
such lives the LORD declares, “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God”
(vs. 2.)
Here then is the first reason why we must practice repentance; namely, the fact that our sins
cause a separation between us and our God. May our prayer be that of the Psalmist:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.
wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psl. 139:23-24)
24See
if there is any
Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10Create in me a pure heart, O God, and
renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psl. 51:9-10)
II. We Must Practice Repentance, Because Our Sins Rob Us of Strength and Light (Isa. 59:9-15)
Verses 9-11 describe a people who are powerless before the forces aligned against them. “We are
like dead men among the living.” Their adversaries and oppressors (mostly likely the Assyrians)
were mighty, while they themselves had the power of a dead man. “We all growl like bears and
moan mournfully like doves”—but to no avail. Whether they assert themselves like bears, or
mournfully plead like doves, it does no good; they have no strength in themselves, and they find
no pity with their oppressors and no answer from the LORD their God. “We look for justice, but
there is none; we look for salvation, but it is far from us.” “Justice,” or, “judgment,” here is used in
the sense of vindication and deliverance by the LORD their God. They looked for the LORD to come
to their defense, but it did not happen—they are left to themselves and they are left powerless
before the adversaries and oppressors aligned against them.
Verses 9-11 describe a people who are groping in the darkness of confusion and despair. “We
look for light, but all is darkness; we look for brightness, but we walk in dark shadows. They looked
for the sun to rise, but it set instead; rather than the anticipated illumination and redemption,
there came increased confusion and isolation. “We grope along the wall like a blind man; indeed,
we grope along like those who have no eyes.” They stumble about in the darkness of confusion,
having no direction and without hope. What is described here is the experience of the foretold
covenantal curse that would come upon the nation for their disobedience to the LORD their God:
… if you do not obey Jehovah your God and do not carefully follow all his commandments and
decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you …
28Jehovah will afflict you with madness, blindness and confusion of mind. 29At midday you will
84
grope about like a blind man in the dark. You will be unsuccessful in everything you do; day
after day you will be oppressed and robbed, with no one to rescue you. (Deut. 28:15, 28-29)
In verses 12-13 their condition is traced directly back to their iniquities. On behalf of the people,
Isaiah himself defines the cause of their dilemma: “our transgressions are many before you, and
our sins testify against us; our transgressions are with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities” (vs.
12)—there is a consciousness of the sins being practiced, but there is a deep attachment to them.
The transgressions that plagued the nation are enumerated as follows: “apostasy and denial of
Jehovah, turning back from following our God, plotting extortion and fraud, uttering lies our hearts
have conceived” (vs. 13.)
The Scriptures teach that on both a national level as well as an individual and personal level,
there is a connection between spiritual strength and righteous living, note Deuteronomy 11:8,2225,
Observe therefore all the commandments I am giving you today, so that you may have the
strength to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess … If you
carefully observe all these commandments I am giving you to follow—to love Jehovah your God,
to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him—23then Jehovah will drive out all these nations
before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you. 24Every place where
you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from
the Euphrates River to the western sea. 25No man will be able to stand against you. Jehovah
your God, as he promised you, will put the terror and fear of you on the whole land, wherever
you go. (Deut. 11:8,22-25)
When we lead a righteous life we are blessed with moral and spiritual strength. But when we
practice iniquity instead of righteousness, we lose that moral and spiritual strength, note Joshua
7:10-12,
Jehovah said to Joshua … 11Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I
commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they
have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12That is why the Israelites cannot
stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made
liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is
devoted to destruction. (Josh. 7:10-12)
The Scriptures also teach that there is a connection between spiritual light/enlightenment and
righteous living:
… the path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until
the full light of day. 19The way of the wicked is like darkness; they cannot see the things over
which they stumble. (Prov. 4:18-19)
I have greater insight than all my teachers, because I meditate on your statutes.
understanding than the elders, because I obey your precepts. (Psl. 119:99-100)
100I
have more
When we walk with Christ in His righteousness, we gain a greater degree of spiritual light and
enlightenment. But when we travel the route of iniquity, we are turning our backs upon the light
and journeying into the darkness.
According to verse 14, the moral and spiritual condition of the people made their deliverance
impossible: “Justice is driven away and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth has fallen in
the marketplace and honesty cannot enter.” Justice is turned away, indeed, driven away by the
peoples’ immoral and ungodly lives; it is turned away by their devotion to injustice, by their
“plotting extortion and fraud, uttering lies our hearts have conceived” (vs. 13.) Righteousness is
85
portrayed as standing at a distance, refusing to come to the rescue of such a society. Truth has
fallen in the streets, and honesty is refused admission into the society.
Here then is the second reason why we must practice repentance; namely, the fact that our sins
rob us of strength and light.
III. We Must Practice Repentance, Because Our Sins will Bring upon Us the Judgment
of God (Isa. 59:15-21)
Consider carefully the description of the LORD as it is given in verse 17; it is the description of a
mighty warrior. He wears “righteousness as a breastplate;” i.e.; the action He is about to take is
done in righteousness and is justified by His righteousness. He puts on “garments of vengeance;”
the LORD will surely avenge the desecration of His law and the intolerable offenses against His
holiness.
Consider carefully the word of warning issued in verse 18. The LORD will repay men “according
to what they have done.” The Apostle Paul echoes these words in Romans 2:6-8,
God will give to each person according to what he has done: 7to those who by persistence in
doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8But for those who are
self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. (Rom. 2:68)
Furthermore, the LORD will repay “wrath to his enemies.” In the New Testament, the Apostle
James warns,
You adulterous people, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity toward God?
Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. (Jas. 4:4)
Verse 19 reports the effect it has upon the world when the LORD lays bear His arm and judges a
nation for its sins: “Therefore, from the west men will fear the name of Jehovah, and from the
rising of the sun they will revere his majesty; for he will come like a rushing flood driven by the
breath of Jehovah.” Men are taught to fear the LORD as they are confronted with His glory and
majesty; as Isaiah had proclaimed earlier, “Jehovah of hosts will be exalted by his judgment, and
God—the Holy One—will be sanctified by his act of righteousness” (Isa. 5:16.) In His longsuffering
and patience the LORD has restrained His righteous indignation, but on the appointed day it will
burst forth like a mighty river that has broken its dam; indeed, it will be driven along by the
gale-like winds of God’s breath.
Consider carefully the promise given in verse 20: “’But a redeemer will come to Zion, [he will
come] to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,’ declares Jehovah.”
Here then is the third reason why we must practice repentance; namely, because our sins will
bring upon us the judgment of God if we do not repent.
Conclusion
Remember those eight members of the 1919 Chicago White Sox baseball team; the reward they got
for their iniquity was disgrace and lifetime banishment from the game they loved. Here is just one
public example of the devastating effects of sin; may it impress upon our consciences the realization
of the devastating effects our iniquities have upon our lives and our relationship with God.
In Isaiah 59 we are confronted with three devastating effects of sin—three good reasons why we
must practice repentance. May the LORD give us the grace to practice repentance in our lives.
86
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
In Isaiah 59 we are confronted with three devastating effects of sin—three reasons why we must
not tolerate sin in our lives, three reasons why we must be diligent to practice _______ whenever it
is needed. Fill in the blank
2.
Why does the LORD not answer the prayers of His people and come to their rescue?
a.
b.
c.
d.
3.
Because the LORD’s hand is so short that it cannot save.
Because the LORD’s hearing is so poor that He cannot hear them.
Because the LORD is so busy that He does not have time to help them.
Because the LORD has hidden His face from them on account of their sins.
Having stated the reason as to why He does not respond to the prayers of His people, the LORD
now presents the evidence to support His charge against them. Match the descriptions with the
sins being practiced by the people.
a.
b.
c.
Crimes of violence polluted the land: murder, rape, armed robbery, infants being sacrificed
to pagan idols. ___
Dishonesty had become a way of life for them, an accepted practice among them: there was
no respect for truth or commitment to it; the sanctity of covenants and contracts was not
respected. ___
What came forth from their mouths was profanity, cursing, threats of violence, slander and
the plotting of unscrupulous and malicious schemes. ___
1. Your hands are stained with blood.
2. Your tongue mutters wicked things.
3. Your lips have spoken lies.
4.
How would the people of Israel describe themselves?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
5.
Perplexed
Powerless
Religious
Ignored by the LORD
Sinful
Match the verses listed below with the three reasons they supply as to why we must practice
repentance.
a.
b.
c.
We must practice repentance because our sins cause a separation between ourselves and
our God. ___
We must practice repentance because our sins rob us of spiritual strength and light. ___
We must practice repentance because our sins will bring upon us the judgment of God. ___
1. He will repay them according to what they have done.
2. Your sins have caused him to hide his face from you.
3. We are like dead men among the living.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What question is the LORD answering in Isaiah 59:1-2? What answer does He give?
2. How does the LORD, through the prophet Isaiah, describe the society in verses 7-8?
87
3. What is one consequence of the people's sinful conduct and estrangement from the LORD their
God? See Isaiah 59:9b-10a
4. What is another consequence that has come upon the people as the result of their sins? See Isaiah
59:10b-11 Note: "Justice," or, "Judgment," as it occurs in verse 11 is used in the sense of vindication
and deliverance by the LORD their God.
5. How is the LORD described in Isaiah 59:17? What warning is given in verse 18? What promise is
given in verse 20?
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 60:1-22
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part C of Lesson Six.
Part B Three Reasons Why You Can Live in Hope
60 Arise, shine, for your light has dawned; indeed, the glory of Jehovah has risen upon you. 2Look,
darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the people; but Jehovah rises upon you, and his
glory appears over you. 3Nations will come to your light, and kings will come to the brightness of your
dawn. 4Lift up your eyes and look around: they all assemble themselves, they come to you—your sons
shall come from a distance and your daughters shall be carried in the arms. 5Then you will see this and
be radiant [with joy], your heart will throb and swell [with happiness]; because the riches [of the earth]
will be brought to you over the sea, the wealth of the nations will come to you. 6Herds of camels will
cover your land, the young camels of Midian and Ephah. All the men of Sheba shall come to you,
bringing gold and frankincense, and they shall proclaim the praises of Jehovah. 7All the flocks of Kedar
will be gathered for you, the rams of Nebaioth will be at your service; they will be accepted as offerings
on my altar, and I will glorify my temple with my glory. 8Who are these that fly along like a cloud [in the
sky], who fly like doves to their nests? 9Surely the islands will be at my service; in the lead are the
[merchant] ships of Tarshish, bringing your sons from a distant land with their silver and gold; on
account of the name of Jehovah your God, the Holy One of Israel, because he has honored you.
10Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you; for, although I struck you in my
wrath, [now] with my favor I will have mercy on you. 11Your gates will continually stand open, they will
not be shut day or night, so that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations—and their kings
presented [to you] as captives. 12The nation or kingdom that refuses to serve you will perish; indeed,
those nations shall be utterly destroyed. 13The glory of Lebanon will be given to you—the pine, the fir,
the cypress, all of them—to beautify the area around my sanctuary; I will glorify the place where my
feet rest. 14The sons of your oppressors will come bowing before you; all those who despised you will bow
down at the soles of your feet. They will call you, The City of Jehovah, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
15Whereas [formerly] you had been forsaken and hated, so that no one traveled through your land, I
will make you become an eternal splendor, a [sight that inspires] rapture in all generations. 16You will
suck the milk of the nations, you will nurse upon the breasts of kings. Then you will know that I, Jehovah,
am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 17Instead of brass I will bring gold, and instead
of iron I will bring silver, and instead of wood [I will bring] brass, and instead of stones [I will bring]
iron. Furthermore, I will make peace [to be] your governor and righteousness to be your ruler.
18Violence will no longer be heard of in your land, nor [will there be any reports of] ruin or destruction
within your borders. On the contrary, you will name your walls Salvation and your gates [you will call]
Praise. 19The sun shall no longer be your light by day, neither shall the brightness of the moon be your
source of light [in the night]; Jehovah will be your everlasting light, and your God shall be your
brightness. 20Your sun will never set again, and your moon will no longer wane; for Jehovah will be your
everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. 21Your people will be completely righteous, they will
inherit the land as an everlasting possession. [They are] the shoot I have planted, the work produced by
88
my hand, so that I may be glorified. 22The least [of you] will become a thousand, and the smallest [of you
will become] a mighty nation. At the [appointed] time, I, Jehovah, will cause it to happen suddenly. (Isa.
60:1-22)
Introduction
A woman who did a lot of research work at home began to have difficulty with her vision, so she went
to see an eye doctor. After a thorough exam, he said, “Your eyes are extremely tired. They need a
rest.”
“But that is impossible,” replied the woman. “My work requires me to do very much reading.”
After thinking for a moment, the doctor asked, “Do you have any wide views of the countryside from
your home?”
“Yes,” answered the woman. “From my front porch I can see the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
“The next time your eyes get tired,” instructed the physician, “gaze steadily at the mountains for ten
to twenty minutes. The far look will rest your eyes.”
What is true in the physical realm is also true in the spiritual—the eyes of your soul grow tired from
focusing on your problems and the sinfulness of this present world. But if you turn your attention to
the far horizon of the fulfillment of God’s promises, you gain a new and refreshing perspective. (Our
Daily Bread, 11/24/92) Because of the great and sure promises of the LORD, we as Christians can live
our lives in hope. As we study Isaiah 60, let us consider Three Reasons Why We Can Live in Hope.
I. Live in Hope, Because You Shall Inherit the Blessings of God (Isa. 60:4-9,16)
Verse 4 is describing a great re-gathering of God’s people, a great “homecoming,” a joyful “family
reunion.” Jerusalem (as a personification of the nation) is commanded to lift up her eyes, look
around, and see what the LORD is doing, “Lift up your eyes and look around: they all assemble
themselves, they come to you—your sons shall come from a distance and your daughters shall be
carried in the arms.” As Jerusalem responds to God’s command, she sees a great re-gathering of
her exiled sons and daughters as they are brought back home to their city and their land. Just as
surely as the LORD brought His people out of the Babylonian captivity and back home to Israel, so
He will bring all His redeemed into His heavenly home and eternal kingdom:
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep [in death], or to grieve
like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we
believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the
Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord,
will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep—16for the Lord himself will come down
from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call
of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will
be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be
with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words. (1 Thess. 4:13-18)
According to verse 5, Jerusalem shall “be radiant [with joy], her heart will throb and swell [with
happiness]—i.e.; Jerusalem shall beam with delight when she beholds the wealth of the world
being brought to her. The merchant vessels are portrayed as sailing to Judah's ports on the
Mediterranean, filled with their cargo (vs. 5b.) As she looks to the east, Jerusalem sees the
caravans crossing the desert to bring her their treasures; the camels are loaded down with gold
and frankincense (vs. 6a.) All the flocks of Kedar and the rams of Nebaioth are gathered to
Jerusalem, where they are offered up as a great and acceptable sacrifice of praise and
thanksgiving to the LORD (vs. 7a.) As she looks west, out across the Mediterranean Sea, Jerusalem
89
sees the merchant ships of the nations with their white sails—compared to swift moving clouds
and white doves flying to their nests—coming to deliver their cargoes to her. The great ships of
Tarshish, that traveled the world, are now bringing their silver and gold to Jerusalem (vs. 8.) The
LORD has caused all these great merchant ships and caravans to do His bidding (like servants
waiting upon their master;) they act “on account of the name of Jehovah your God, the Holy One of
Israel, because he has honored you” (vs. 9.) That is to say, their action is compelled by the LORD and
by the fact that He has chosen to make His people the object of His favor and glory, bestowing
upon them the wealth of the world.
What this passage is poetically portraying, using terms familiar to God’s Old Testament people
Israel, is the abundance of wealth and blessing that the LORD will finally bestow upon His people at
the end of this present age; as well as their expression of praise and thanksgiving to the LORD their
God, and the acceptance of their person and worship by the LORD, as they finally dwell with Him
when heaven and earth are united in the renewed creation. It is the teaching and the promise of
Scripture that the LORD shall finally “repossess” the wealth of the world and shall bestow it all
upon His people in blessing forever:
… a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. (Prov. 13:22b)
Here is the fate God allots to the wicked: … Though he heaps up silver like dust and clothes like
piles of clay, 17what he lays up the righteous will wear, and the innocent will divide his silver. (Job
27:13,16-17)
To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he
gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.
(Eccl. 2:26)
When Jerusalem shall be “nourished” with the wealth of the nations, she shall know that the LORD
is her Savior and that her Redeemer is the Mighty One of Jacob. The LORD’s people shall finally
come to inherit and enjoy a prosperity that is abundant and of the finest quality (vs. 17a,) the
peace and tranquility that is the fruit of righteousness (vs.17b), and the security that is provided
by the LORD Himself (vs. 18.)
As a Christian, here is the first reason why you can live in hope, namely, the fact that we shall
inherit the blessings of God.
II. Live in Hope, Because You Shall Share in the Honor of Christ (Isa. 60:10-15)
Verse 10 contains the promise, “foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you.”
Here is a complete reversal of the time when foreigners destroyed the city:
Your foes roared in the place where you met with us; they set up their standards as signs. 5They
behaved like men wielding axes to cut through a thicket of trees. 6They smashed all the carved
paneling with their axes and hatchets. 7They burned your sanctuary to the ground; they defiled
the dwelling place of your Name. (Psl. 74:4-7a)
Historically, verse 10 of Isaiah 60 is a reference to Cyrus the Persian king sponsoring the rebuilding of the temple and the city of Jerusalem:
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of Jehovah spoken by
Jeremiah, Jehovah moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout
his realm and to put it in writing: 2This is what Cyrus king of Persia says, Jehovah, the God of
heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple
for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3Anyone of his people among you—may his God be with him, and
let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of Jehovah, the God of Israel, the God
90
who is in Jerusalem. 4And the people of any place where survivors may now be living are to
provide him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the
temple of God in Jerusalem. (Ezra 1:1-4)
The final and complete fulfillment of this prophecy will be revealed with the final submission of
the nations before the LORD God and His people—acknowledging the LORD to be the true and only
God. Note Revelation 2:26-27, to the one who remains faithful to Him the Lord Jesus makes the
promise: “to him will I give authority over the nations: 27and he shall rule them with a rod of iron,
as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces; as I also have received [authority] from my Father.”
As verse 10b indicates, this is all due to the LORD’s mercy to His people, it is not due to our own
power or goodness: “for … [now] with my favor I will have mercy on you.”
Verse 11 continues the promise that there shall be brought into Jerusalem “the wealth of the
nations—and their kings presented to you as captives.” Here is a complete reversal of the time
when the nations plundered Jerusalem and foreign kings led away the people into captivity:
The Babylonians set fire to the royal palace and the houses of the people and broke down the
walls of Jerusalem. 9Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard carried into exile to
Babylon the people who remained in the city, along with those who had gone over to him, and
the rest of the people. (Jer. 39:8-9)
Nebuchadnezzar also took to Babylon articles from the temple of Jehovah and put them in his
temple there. (2 Chron. 36:7)
Verse 12 proclaims that the “nation or kingdom that refuses to serve you will perish.” Here is a
prophecy of the Scriptural promise that the nations of the world shall finally bow before the LORD
in subservience to Him, as was previously announced by the prophet Isaiah, “The arrogance of
man shall be brought low, and the pride of man shall be humbled; and Jehovah alone shall be
exalted on that day” (Isa. 2:17.) Furthermore, as those who are the people of God, united by faith
to Jesus the Messiah, the redeemed shall share in the dominion of their Lord and Savior. As the
Apostle Paul declares, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him;
12if we endure, we will also reign with him” (2 Tim. 2:11-12.)
Verse 14 prophesies, “all those who despised you will bow down at the soles of your feet.” The
Messiah, on behalf of His people, was “despised and rejected by men” (Isa. 53:3.) His Old
Testament people shared in His suffering and humiliation, being treated in the same way by the
world: “[formerly] you had been forsaken and hated, so that no one traveled through your land”
(Isa. 60:15.) Likewise, the New Testament believer shares in “the fellowship of [Christ’s]
sufferings” (Phil. 3:10.) The Lord Jesus informs us as His disciples,
If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before you. 19If you belonged to the world, the
world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, but I chose you out of the
world, therefore the world hates you. (Jn. 15:18-19)
But now Isaiah 60:14 informs us that God’s people, all who have been redeemed by Jesus the
Messiah and belong to Him, shall share in the honor and glory and dominion of the LORD. Note
the testimony of the Apostle Paul, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory”
(Rom. 8:17.)
As a Christian, here is the second reason why you can live in hope; namely, the fact that we shall
share in the honor of Christ:
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and
sat down with my Father on his throne. (Rev. 3:21)
91
III. Live in Hope, Because You Shall See the Glory of the LORD (Isa. 60:1-3,19-20)
Looking forward to the conclusion of the long seventy year “night” of the Babylonian captivity—
and all the way forward to the end of this present age of spiritual darkness—the LORD commands
Jerusalem, “Arise, shine” (vs. 1.) The city of God, again, as a personification of the people of God, is
commanded to become like the morning sun: to arise and shine with a brightness that is seen
throughout the world. The city of God is enabled to heed the LORD’s command because “your light
has dawned; indeed, the glory of Jehovah has risen upon you” (vs. 1b.) Like the morning sun
dispelling the darkness of the night, so the LORD Himself shines forth in His glory; He shines upon
His people, awakening us by that glory and causing us to participate in it.
Verse 2 describes the state of the world as being comparable to the night—all is enveloped in
moral and spiritual darkness. But the LORD shines upon His people like the morning sun, and
that divine glory shines forth like a beacon to the dark world. Verse 3 relates the results of the
LORD’s shining upon His people. “Nations will come to your light”—Gentile peoples are converted
to God through the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; note Isaiah 42:6-7, and 1 Thessalonians 1:910,
I, Jehovah, have called you by my righteousness, and I will hold your hand. I will watch over you
and appoint you to be the covenant [representative] for the people [of Israel] and a light for the
Gentiles. 7[I have appointed you] to open the eyes of the blind, to free the captives from prison,
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. (Isa. 42:6-7;) this is the LORD’s
commission to Jesus the Messiah
… you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from
heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. (1
Thess. 1:9-10;) here is the Apostle Paul’s reminder to the Thessalonians as to what they
experienced when they put their faith in Jesus the Messiah
Isaiah 60:3 goes on to say, “kings will come to the brightness of your dawn.” Ultimately, here is a
reference to the powers and the rulers of the world submitting to the Lord and His Christ—and
to His people as they are united to their Savior and share in His glory.
What is the overall meaning and significance of this prophecy of Isaiah 60:1-3? The passage’s
first level of fulfillment is seen in the LORD’s coming to redeem His people from the “night” of
their Babylonian captivity. But it looks beyond that act of Old Testament redemption to His
coming in the incarnation to redeem His people from the bondage of our sins, and it then looks
all the way forward to our LORD’s final coming in glory to accomplish the full redemption of His
people.
The passage explains to us the results of the LORD’s coming. At the time when He will reveal a full
manifestation of Himself, His glory is revealed. With regard to His coming at the time of His
incarnation, the apostle John writes of our Lord Jesus Christ, “The Word became flesh, and
tabernacled among us. We [those to whom the Father revealed His true identify] saw his glory, his
glory as the one and only Son who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14.) But
with regard to His final coming at the end of the age, our Lord Jesus Himself testifies, “then shall
appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and
they shall see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt.
24:30.)
Furthermore, on the day when He will reveal a full manifestation of Himself, His people shall be
caught up into His glory, participating in it and radiating it from our lives. That process (known
as sanctification) is even now, although sometimes almost imperceptively, being carried out by
the Holy Spirit as He works in the lives of the redeemed: “we … beholding … the glory of the Lord,
are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Cor. 3:18.) When that process is
92
brought to its completion with the day of our Lord’s final appearing in glory, we shall be
completely transformed and perfectly radiate His divine glory: “Beloved, now we are children of
God, but it is not yet revealed what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be revealed, we shall be
like him, for we shall see him even as he is” (1 Jn. 3:2.)
Finally, on the day when He will reveal a full manifestation of Himself, the nations shall be
confronted with the divine glory of the LORD and will be compelled to respond to it. They are
made to acknowledge that the LORD is God, that He reigns, and that men must submit to Him—
willingly by conversion in this present time, or unwillingly by conquest on the day of His final
appearing.
Verses 19-20 go on to promise that the light of the sun and the moon will be replaced by the
glory of the LORD:
The sun shall no longer be your light by day, neither shall the brightness of the moon be your
source of light [in the night]; Jehovah will be your everlasting light, and your God shall be your
brightness. 20Your sun will never set again, and your moon will no longer wane; for Jehovah will
be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. (Isa. 60:19-20)
The presence of the LORD and His glory will illuminate the heavenly city, and that glory shall
everlastingly shine upon His people in blessing. The desire of God’s people shall finally be
realized: we shall see the King in His glory. Moses expressed the desire within the hearts of all of
God’s people when he requested of the LORD, “Show me your glory” (Ex. 33:18.) The people of God
living in the new Jerusalem of the kingdom of God, shall experience the joy and blessing of living
in the fullness of God’s light and truth, note Revelation 21:23, a passage that pictorially gives a
further glimpse in the eschatological manifestation of the kingdom of God: “The city does not need
the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”
As a Christian, here is the third reason why you can live in hope; namely, the fact that we shall
see and experience in blessing the glory of the LORD:
Father, I desire that those whom you have given me may also be with me where I am, so that they
may see my glory—[the glory] that you have given me because you loved me before the creation of
the world. (Jn. 17:24)
Conclusion
The passage closes with these words: “At the [appointed] time, I, Jehovah, will cause it to happen
suddenly.” The point being made is that there is an appointed day for the fulfillment of all these
things, and the LORD will see to it that nothing prevents the coming of that day. When that appointed
day has come, the LORD will act swiftly, without any further delay, to bring to fulfillment the promises
He has made to His people.
This passage has presented to us, as Christians, three great reasons as to why we can and should live
in hope: 1) because we shall receive the blessings of God; 2) because we shall share in the honor of
Jesus the Messiah; and 3) because we shall see the glory of the LORD.
Indeed, added to those reasons there is this further reason: the fact that the LORD is guiding history to
the appointed day of the fulfillment of these promises—and He guarantees that nothing can prevent
the coming of that great day.
93
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
The message conveyed to us from Isaiah 60 is that, because of the great and sure promises of the
LORD, we as Christians can live our lives in _______. Fill in the blank
2.
Isaiah 60:1 declares, “Arise, shine, for your light has dawned; indeed, the glory of Jehovah has risen
upon you.” According to the commentary, what is the fulfillment of this prophecy?
a.
b.
c.
d.
3.
This prophecy is referring to the LORD’s coming to redeem His people from the “night” of
their Babylonian captivity.
This prophecy is referring to the LORD’s coming to redeem His people from the bondage of
their sins by His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
This prophecy is referring to the LORD’s coming in glory to bring His people into His eternal
kingdom there to fully and eternally share in His own divine glory.
All of the above
Isaiah 60:10-14 prophesy a great reversal in the fortune of God’s people because He will redeem
them and cause them to share in His own glory and honor. Contrast their previous state with the
promises contained in these verses.
a.
b.
c.
The conquering Babylonian armies destroyed the city and burned it to the ground. ___
The Babylonians ransacked the city, looting its treasures and taking its wealth for
themselves. ___
The residents of Jerusalem were subjected to every form of humiliation and led away into
captivity by the Babylonians. ___
1. Foreigners will rebuild your walls.
2. Those who despised you will bow down at your feet.
3. The wealth of the nations shall be presented to you.
4.
Isaiah 60:17-18 enumerate some of the blessings the LORD’s people shall enjoy to the fullest
extent in His everlasting kingdom. Match the passages with the blessings of which they speak.
a.
b.
c.
Instead of brass I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver, and instead of wood [I
will bring] brass, and instead of stones [I will bring] iron. (Isaiah 60:17a) The LORD’s people
shall enjoy ___.
Violence will no longer be heard of in your land, nor [will there be any reports of] ruin or
destruction within your borders. (Isaiah 60:18a) The LORD’s people shall enjoy ___.
The sun shall no longer be your light by day, neither shall the brightness of the moon be your
source of light [in the night]; Jehovah will be your everlasting light, and your God shall be your
brightness. (Isaiah 60:19) The LORD’s people shall enjoy ___.
1. a prosperity of the finest quality
2. a state of peaceful tranquility
3. the Lord’s glorious presence
5.
Complete the sentences listed below that enumerate the reasons why we as believers in the Lord
Jesus Christ can live a life of hope. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
We can live in hope because we shall inherit the ___.
We can live in hope because we shall share in the ___.
We can live in hope because we shall see the ___.
94
1. glory of the LORD
2. blessings of God
3. honor of Christ
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What command does the LORD give to Jerusalem? See verse 1 Contrast the state of Jerusalem with
that of the world. See verse 2
2. According to Isaiah 60:3, what is the result of the LORD shining upon His people and causing them
to share in His divine light?
3. What kind of scene is being described in verse 4? When was this prophecy fulfilled in Israel's
history? What will be the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy?
4. What blessing is promised to Jerusalem (as the city represents God’s people) in Isaiah 60:5-7?
When will this prophecy have its ultimate fulfillment?
5. Having made all the promises contained throughout this chapter, what word of assurance does the
LORD give at the conclusion? See verse 22
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 61:1-11
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part A of Lesson Seven.
Part C Two Reasons to Rejoice
61 The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me, because Jehovah has anointed me to preach good news to
those who are afflicted. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the
captives, and freedom to the prisoners. 2[He has sent me] to proclaim the year of Jehovah’s favor and the
day of our God’s vengeance. [He has sent me] to comfort all who mourn—3to minister to those who
mourn in Zion: to bestow on them a crown of beauty in place of ashes, the oil of joy in place of mourning,
the garment of praise in place of the spirit of despair. Then they will be called Oaks of Righteousness,
planted by Jehovah, so that he may be glorified.
4They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places that were formerly devastated; they will
repair the ruined cities that have lain devastated for generations. 5Strangers will stand watch over your
flocks and feed them; foreigners will work your fields and your vineyards. 6But you will be called The
Priests of Jehovah; men will identify you as The Ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of the
nations, and you will boast in their riches. 7In place of your shame [you will receive] a double portion—
instead of [suffering] disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance. They will possess a double portion in
their land and everlasting joy will be bestowed upon them; 8because I, Jehovah, love justice; I hate
robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with
them. 9Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All
who see them will acknowledge that they are a family whom Jehovah has blessed.
10I rejoice greatly in Jehovah, my soul exults in my God; because he has clothed me with the garments
of salvation, he has wrapped me in a robe of righteousness—like a bridegroom adorns his head [with a
turban] like a priest and like a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11As the soil makes the sprouts to
come up and a garden causes the seeds sown in it to grow, so will the Lord Jehovah cause righteousness
and praise to spring up before all nations. (Isa. 61:1-11)
95
Introduction
In Isaiah 61 a messenger from the LORD suddenly appears and announces his divine calling: “The
Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me.” Here is someone anointed and empowered by the Holy Spirit in
order to carry out the divine calling entrusted to him.
This messenger now describes his calling in the following terms. He has been commissioned “to
preach good news to those who are afflicted.” The Hebrew word, wn2e2, often rendered “the poor” also
has the meaning “the afflicted,” which is preferable in this context. He has a message of good news
from the LORD God for those who are afflicted, those who are suffering the consequences and burden
of their sins. He has been sent “to bind up the broken-hearted.” That is to say, he is sent to minister
healing and soothing comfort to those who are of a broken spirit and a contrite heart, as Psalm 34:18
indicates, “Jehovah is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a contrite
spirit.” His ministry is one of proclaiming “liberty to the captives.” He has come to announce release
and freedom for those held prisoner and enslaved by a hostile, tyrannical, and demonic power;
indeed, he has come to announce that the door of their dungeon cell has been opened and they are
called to come forth into the light of divine freedom and life.
This divine messenger goes on to assert that he has been called “to proclaim the year of Jehovah’s
favor and the day of our God’s vengeance.” He announces that the date has arrived at which time the
LORD will show mercy and favor to His people, and take vengeance upon those who oppress them and
hold them captive. He has come “to minister to those who mourn.” Again it is emphasized that his
calling is to minister the comfort and assurance of the LORD to those who grieve over their sins and
their estrangement from God. Finally, his calling is “to bestow on them a crown of beauty in place of
ashes, the oil of joy in place of mourning, the garment of praise in place of the spirit of despair.” His task
is to remove their mourning apparel, their humiliation and shame, their spirit of depression, and in
exchange cause them to receive a crown of beauty and honor—to become filled with the joy of the
LORD, and to be filled with praise to God.
The results of the Messiah’s redeeming work, and the effect it has upon God’s people, are now
declared in verse 3b and verses 10-11. In verse 3b we are told, “Then they will be called Oaks of
Righteousness, planted by Jehovah, so that he may be glorified.” With their God-given righteousness
the redeemed will resemble mighty oaks. They shall be planted by the LORD in His land, rooted into
the life of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. These stately oaks of righteousness shall adorn the
kingdom of God and shall be for His own glory—redeemed by Him, planted by Him, reflecting His
glory by their fruit and in their stature.
Verses 10-11 go on to further express the results of the Messiah’s work:
I rejoice greatly in Jehovah, my soul exults in my God; because he has clothed me with the garments
of salvation, he has wrapped me in a robe of righteousness—like a bridegroom adorns his head
[with a turban] like a priest and like a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11As the soil makes the
sprouts to come up and a garden causes the seeds sown in it to grow, so will the Lord Jehovah cause
righteousness and praise to spring up before all nations. (Isa. 61:1011)
Let us now consider these Two Reasons to Rejoice as they are presented to us in Isaiah 61.
I. Rejoice in the LORD, Because He has Clothed You with Righteousness (Isa. 61:10)
It is a terrible thing to stand before God exposed in the nakedness of our sin, as Isaiah discovered
on the occasion when he suddenly found himself standing in the immediate presence of the LORD:
“Then I declared, ‘Woe to me! I am ruined!—for I am a man with unclean lips and I live among a
people with unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of hosts’” (Isa. 6:5.) Note the
reaction of mankind on that great and awesome day when the LORD appears as the Judge of all the
earth:
96
Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and
every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16They called to the
mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and
from the wrath of the Lamb! 17for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
(Rev. 6:15-17)
Throughout the ages men have sought for ways to conceal their sinful nakedness from the sight of
God. Some have sought to do so by denying their sin. Proverbs 30:11-14 speaks of people who
engage in the vilest and cruelest of sins, and yet they protest their own innocence, they “are pure
in their own eyes,”
There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers; 12those who are pure in
their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth; 13those whose eyes are ever so haughty,
whose glances are so disdainful; 14those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with
knives to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from among mankind. (Prov. 30:11-14)
Others have sought to excuse their sin. Rather than taking full responsibility for her sin, Eve
sought to shift the blame completely upon the serpent: “And Jehovah God said to the woman, ‘What
is this you have done?’ And the woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate’” (Gen. 3:13.) In the
same way, rather than taking personal responsibility for his failure to heed the LORD’s command
to wait for Samuel to offer the appointed sacrifice, Saul blames the people for pressuring him into
offering the sacrifice:
“What have you done?” asked Samuel. Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering,
and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash,
12I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought
Jehovah’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” (1 Sam. 13:11-12)
Still others have sought to minimize their sin. Of those in this category, some, like the Pharisees,
have sought to do so by comparing themselves favorably to a notorious sinner:
The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: “God, I thank you that I am not like other
men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and
give a tenth of all I get.” (Lk. 18:11-12)
Others have sought to do so by limiting the demands of God’s moral law to mere external actions,
a mistake the Lord Jesus corrects when He taught the true depths of the law’s requirements upon
our lives:
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not murder, and anyone who
murders will be subject to judgment.” 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother
will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, “Raca,” is answerable to the
Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell … 27You have
heard that it was said, “Do not commit adultery.” 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a
woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matt. 5:21-22,27-28)
Then there are those who have sought to establish their own personal righteousness. The Apostle
Paul, prior to his conversion, tried his utmost to establish a personal righteousness before God:
… although I certainly have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks that he has
reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more reason. 5I was circumcised on the eighth day, I
come from the nation of Israel, I am of the tribe of Benjamin, I am a pure Hebrew; with regard
to the law, I was a Pharisee. 6As far as zeal is concerned, I persecuted the church. With regard
to the righteousness that a man can attain by the law, I had become blameless. (Phil. 3:4-6)
97
But his sincere efforts all the more confronted him with the presence and the depth of his sinful
human nature, as he confesses,
I would not have known what sin was except through the law; for I would not have known what
coveting really was if the law had not said, “Do not covet.” 8But sin, seizing the opportunity
afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. (Rom. 7:7-8)
When Paul was confronted with Christ in His absolute righteousness, Paul was compelled to
abandon the effort of producing his own righteousness as the way of salvation: “whatever things
were gains to me [his personal merits and endeavors listed in verses 4-6], these things I now
regard as losses on account of Christ. 8But much more than that, I regard all things as losses on
account of the all-surpassing value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord (Phil. 3:7-8a.) The
knowledge of Christ Jesus to which Paul refers is Christ’s perfect acquaintance with righteousness.
Recorded in John 8:29 is our Lord’s personal testimony concerning His relationship to His Father
and His Father’s commandments: “The one who sent me is with me; he has not forsaken me; because
I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” Then in John 14:30b, Jesus testifies that the devil
has no accusation whatsoever that he can bring against Him, and can find no point in which the
Lord Jesus is susceptible to sin: “the prince of the world is coming. He finds nothing in me.”
The only solution to our dilemma is to become clothed with the perfect righteousness of the Lord
Jesus Christ—this is what Paul discovered and of which he testifies in Philippians 3:8-9
But much more than that, I regard all things as losses on account of the all-surpassing value of
the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have suffered the loss of all things.
Indeed, I regard all such things as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ, 9and be found in
him—not having my own righteousness that is derived from the law, but that which is through
faith in Christ, the righteousness that is from God received by faith. (Phil. 3:8-9)
This is what Isaiah foresees, this is what he describes in verse 10 of chapter 61, and in this he
rejoices: “I rejoice greatly in Jehovah, my soul exults in my God; because he has clothed me with the
garments of salvation, he has wrapped me in a robe of righteousness—like a bridegroom adorns his
head [with a turban] like a priest and like a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
As believers in the Jesus the Messiah, let us rejoice in the fact that the LORD has clothed us with His
own perfect righteousness. To appreciate the significance of this, contrast Revelation 6:17 with
Revelation 7:9,13-14. On the day of final judgment the nations of the world shall cry out before the
judgment throne of God and of the Lamb, “the great day of their wrath has come; and who is able to
stand?” (Rev. 6:17) But those who have received the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ shall
be able to stand on that great day, (note: the white robes symbolize cleansing from sin by the
blood of Christ and being covered with Christ’s righteousness):
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from
every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.
They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands … 13Then one of
the elders asked me, These in white robes—who are they, and from where have they come? 14I
answered, Sir, you know. And he said, These are they who have come out of the great
tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Rev.
7:9,13-14)
II. Rejoice in the LORD, Because He will Cause His Righteousness to Triumph (Isa. 61:11)
98
As a Christian, we can look at ourselves and become discouraged. Consider the confession of the
Apostle Paul:
I do not understand what I do. What I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do … 18I know
that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I have the desire to do what is good,
but I cannot carry it out. 19What I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to
do—this I keep on doing … 21So I find this principle at work: When I want to do good, evil is
right there with me. 22In my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23but I see another law at work
in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner
of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me
from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom. 7:15,1819,21-25a)
But as Christians we can be encouraged and rejoice when we consider our destiny as it is defined
for us in Isaiah 61:
The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me, because Jehovah has anointed me to preach good
news to those who are afflicted … [He has sent me] to comfort all who mourn—3to minister to
those who mourn in Zion: to bestow on them a crown of beauty in place of ashes, the oil of joy in
place of mourning, the garment of praise in place of the spirit of despair. Then they will be
called Oaks of Righteousness, planted by Jehovah, so that he may be glorified. (Isa.
61:1,3)
As a Christian, we can look at the state of the world and become frustrated and discouraged to
the point of despair. Consider the testimony of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk:
“Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. 4Therefore the law is
paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted”
(Hab. 1:3b-4.)
But as Christians we can be encouraged and rejoice when we consider the final destiny God has
appointed for His renewed creation as it is defined for us in Isaiah 61: “As the soil makes the
sprouts to come up and a garden causes the seeds sown in it to grow, so will the Lord Jehovah cause
righteousness and praise to spring up before all nations” (vs. 11.) What Isaiah speaks of here is the
same thing the Apostle Peter presents in 2 Peter 3:13, “according to his promise, we look for new
heavens and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”
Prior to the fulfillment of these great promises it is important for us to have a biblical perspective
on why the LORD presently withholds the final judgment that will usher in the revelation of that
righteousness. For one thing, the LORD desires to give men the opportunity to repent; “The Lord is
not negligent in keeping his promise … He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but
everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9.) Furthermore, the Lord is willing to allow evil to
become fully ripe for judgment, as the Psalmist points out:
How great are your works, O Jehovah, how profound are your thoughts. 6The brutish man does
not know, fools do not understand, 7that when the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers
flourish, it is in order that they may be destroyed forever. (Psl. 92:5-7)
Finally, the LORD desires the gospel to go forth into all the world so that men might be introduced
to Christ the Savior and His redeeming grace, as the Lord Jesus testifies in Matthew 24:14,“this
gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then
the end will come.”
But we have the LORD’s sure promise that His righteousness shall at last triumph with an
everlasting triumph—and that is reason for us to rejoice!
99
As the soil makes the sprouts to come up and a garden causes the seeds sown in it to grow, so
will the Lord Jehovah cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all nations. (Isa.
61:11)
Conclusion
As we consider Isaiah 61 we discover two great reasons why the Christian may and should rejoice: 1)
we may rejoice because the LORD has clothed us with His righteousness; and 2) we may rejoice
because the LORD will cause His righteousness to triumph. Together with the prophet Isaiah, may we
testify to one another and sing to the LORD:
I rejoice greatly in Jehovah, my soul exults in my God; because he has clothed me with the garments
of salvation, he has wrapped me in a robe of righteousness … 11 … the Lord Jehovah will cause
righteousness and praise to spring up before all nations. (Isa. 61:10-11)
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
Who is the person speaking in the opening verses of Isaiah 61?
a.
b.
c.
2.
Isaiah the Prophet
John the Baptist
Jesus the Messiah
In is the person speaking in the opening verses of Isaiah 61?
a.
b.
c.
d.
He announces the date has arrived at which time the LORD will show mercy to His people and
minister His redeeming grace to them. ___
He will announce the time when the LORD will carry out His righteous judgment and
retribution against those who have opposed Him and His people. ___
He will bestow comfort and assurance to those who grieve over their sins and their
estrangement from God. ___
He will take away from the LORD’s people their humiliation and sorrow, replacing such with
honor and gladness and praise for the LORD. ___
1. He will minister to those who mourn.
2. He proclaims the year of Jehovah’s favor.
3. He will bestow a crown of beauty in place of ashes.
4. He proclaims the day of our God’s vengeance.
3.
Throughout the ages men have sought to conceal their sinful condition from the sight of God.
Match the passages listed below with the futile efforts they describe. (Answers listed on next
page)
a.
b.
c.
There are those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth.
(Proverbs 30:12) Men seek to conceal their sins by ___.
And Jehovah God said to the woman, What is this you have done? And the woman said, The
serpent deceived me, and I ate. (Genesis 3:13) Men seek to conceal their sins by ___.
The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other
men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and
give a tenth of all I get.’ (Luke 18:11-12) Men seek to conceal their sins by ___.
1. excusing them
2. denying them
3. minimizing them
100
4.
Previously Isaiah trembled in fear before God, being acutely aware of his sinful condition. But
now he rejoices. Why?
a.
b.
c.
5.
Because the LORD has wrapped him in a robe of divine righteousness.
Because he himself has produced a robe of righteousness that makes him acceptable to God.
Because the angels have bestowed upon him their own righteousness which now covers him
like a robe.
Isaiah 61:11 promises the final triumph of righteousness. But why does the LORD presently
withhold the final judgment that, when it comes, will overthrow evil and usher in the reign of
divine righteousness? Match the passages listed below with the reasons they supply.
a.
b.
c.
The LORD is not negligent in keeping his promise … He is patient with you, not wanting anyone
to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) ___
How great are your works, O Jehovah, how profound are your thoughts. 6The brutish man does
not know, fools do not understand, 7that when the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers
flourish, it is in order that they may be destroyed forever. (Psalm 92:5-7) ___
This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations,
and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14) ___
1. God is giving men opportunity to repent.
2. God desires the gospel to be heard worldwide.
3. God is allowing evil to become ripe for judgment.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. In Isaiah 61 a mysterious messenger suddenly appears, very abruptly and without introduction.
What claim does he make in verse 1?
2. Who is this mysterious messenger whom we meet in Isaiah 61? Note Luke 4:16-21 (printed below)
[Jesus] went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into
the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah
was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18The Spirit of the Lord
is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to
proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor. 20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the
attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21and he
began by saying to them, Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. (Lk. 4:16-21)
3. How does Isaiah describe the results of the Messiah's redeeming work and the effect it has upon
God’s people? See Isaiah 61:3b
4. What causes Isaiah to rejoice in the LORD (Jehovah?) See Isaiah 61:10
5. What assurance does the LORD give us in Isaiah 61:11?
LESSON SEVEN:
Isaiah 62:1-63:6
101
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 62:1-12
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part B of Lesson Seven.
Part A Pray for the Coming of God’s Kingdom
62 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, until her
righteousness shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a blazing torch. 2The nations will see your
righteousness, and all kings [will see your] glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of
Jehovah will bestow [upon you]. 3Furthermore, you will be a beautiful crown in the hand of Jehovah, a
royal diadem in the hand of our God. 4You shall no longer be called “Forsaken,” neither shall your land
any longer be called “Desolate.” On the contrary, you shall be called “Hephzibah”—[my delight is in her],
and your land shall be called “Beulah”—[married]; for Jehovah will take delight in you, and your land
will be married. 5As a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, [O land]; and as
a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
6I have posted watchmen upon your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who
are Jehovah’s [palace] recorders, give yourselves no rest, 7and give him no rest, until he establishes
Jerusalem and makes her the praise of [all] the earth. 8Jehovah has sworn by lifting his right hand—and
by his mighty arm—[promising], Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and
foreigners will never [again] drink the new wine you have labored hard to produce. 9On the contrary,
those who harvest [the crop] will eat it and praise Jehovah, and those who gather [the grape]s will drink
[the wine] in the courts of my sanctuary. 10Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the
people! Construct, construct the highway! Remove the stones! Give the signal for the peoples [to come]!
11Listen! Jehovah has made a proclamation to the ends of the earth, Say to the daughter of Zion, Look!
Your Savior is coming! Look, he is bringing his reward with him, and his recompense accompanies him.
12They will be called, “The Holy People,” “Those whom Jehovah has redeemed.” You will be called, “[A
City that is] Desirable,” and, “A City that is No Longer Forsaken.” (Isa. 62:1-12)
Introduction
A survey indicated that four out of five Christians pray at least once a day. The general content of
their prayers was described as follows:







90% thank God for what they have (as does 73% of the non-Christian population)
74% pray for people they know (as does 58% of the non-Christian population)
71% pray for their own spiritual growth (as does 52% of the non-Christian population)
66% pray for their health (as does 61% of the non-Christian population)
31% pray about the events happening in the world (as does 31% of the non-Christian
population)
28% ask for the LORD’s guidance for public leaders (as does 19% of the non-Christian
population)
7% ask for material things they need or want (as does 17% of the non-Christian population)
One observation the researchers made was that the content of the Christian’s prayers is strikingly
similar to that of the non-Christian (Vital Signs, George Barna and William Paul McKay, Crossway
Books, Westchester IL, 1984, pp.111-112.) Another observation that can be made from considering
the Christians’ prayers is the startling omission of any petition for the coming of God’s kingdom. It
appears that many Christians are losing sight of one of the foremost petitions that should be the
primary focus and concern of our prayers: Thy kingdom come.
102
Because of the instruction and incentives provided by God’s Word, let us be sure to make the coming
of God’s kingdom a primary petition—if not the primary petition—in our prayers.
I. Pray for the Coming of God’s Kingdom, Because You are Commanded to Do So
(Isa. 62:6-7)
In verse 6a the LORD declares that He has set watchmen upon the walls of Jerusalem. These
watchmen are not apprehensively on the look out for signs of an approaching enemy; on the
contrary, they are expectantly looking for the coming of the LORD and His kingdom. The LORD
further declares that these watchmen are never to hold their peace day or night. But they are not
constantly crying out a warning to the citizens of an approaching enemy; they are constantly
crying out to God for the fulfillment of His promises to bring His kingdom to its full fruition.
In verse 6b these watchmen are identified as “Jehovah’s [palace] recorders.” The palace recorder,
or remembrancer, was an official position in the ancient Middle Eastern court whose
responsibility was to remind the king of his appointments and commitments—the remembrancer
was a type of royal secretary. These divinely appointed “[palace] recorders” are given this charge:
“give yourselves no rest, 7and give him no rest, until he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the
praise of [all] the earth.” That is to say, the LORD’s remembrancers are to take no rest and give the
LORD no rest until He has fulfilled His promises and brought His kingdom to the earth in all of its
eternal glory.
With this Old Testament passage before us, consider how the New Testament describes what
should be the Christian’s mind:
… the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to deny
ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this
present age, 13as we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God
and Savior, Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:11-13)
Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Phil. 3:20)
… what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives
forward to the day of God and earnestly desire its coming. (2 Pet. 3:11-12)
12as
you look
Let us consider, too, what the New Testament Scriptures indicate should be the foremost focus of
our prayers:
This is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matt. 6:9-10)
10Your
kingdom
He who testifies about these things says, Indeed, I am coming swiftly. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
(Rev. 22:20)
The greeting and the prayer of the New Testament church was, “Maranatha” (1 Cor. 16:22); a
Greek term that means, “O Lord, come!”
Let us expectantly pray for the coming of God’s kingdom, because we are commanded to do so.
II. Pray for the Coming of God’s Kingdom, Being Inspired to Do So by God’s Great Promises
(Isa. 62:1-5)
103
In verse 1a the LORD promises that His people’s righteousness shall “shine out like the dawn, and
her salvation like a blazing torch.” This is not an inherent personal righteousness, as we learn from
Isaiah 64:6, “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” On the contrary, as the Apostle Paul
testifies, it is the righteousness of God we come to possess by faith in Christ, “that I may gain
Christ, 9and be found in him—not having my own righteousness which is derived from the law, but
that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God received by faith” (Phil.
3:9.) This truth was prophesied through Jeremiah, when he indicated that the promised Messiah
would bear the name, “the LORD is our righteousness” (Jer. 23:6.)
At the present time this righteousness is obscure in the Christian’s life; the new heart still dwells
in the old sinful body. There is still a great deal of resistance to the working of the Holy Spirit. The
fruit of the Holy Spirit is planted in the Christian’s life, but it only appears in its immature form.
What is anticipated here in Isaiah 62:1 is the day when the divine righteousness of Christ shall
radiate from our lives with the brilliance of the noon day sun and like a blazing lantern
illuminating a pitch dark cave. The revelation of Jesus’ glory as it was revealed on the mount of
transfiguration is described in this way: “he was transfigured before them; and his face shone like
the sun, and his garments became white as the light” (Matt. 17:2.) On the day of our Lord’s
appearing, when His work of sanctification has been fully realized in His redeemed people, we
shall be like Him: “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matt.
13:43.)
We are furthermore told, “the nations will see your righteousness, and all kings [will see your] glory”
(vs. 2a.) On that day, when the world beholds the church, they shall see Christ—as His people
radiate the splendor of their Savior with whom they are united in glory—and they shall marvel. On
that day the splendor of kings shall be put to shame and be consumed by the all-surpassing glory
of Jesus, the King of kings, as He reveals His divine glory in His people: “he shall come to be
glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at by all those who have believed” (2 Thess. 1:10.)
In verse 2 the LORD promises that His people, who are represented by the personification of the
land of Judah and the city of Jerusalem, shall be identified by a new name. The old name,
“Forsaken,” shall be put away (vs. 4.) “Forsaken” is the name the unrepentant sinner bears as he
clings to his sins and remains outside of the Savior and apart from Him, note Romans 1:28, “even
as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up.” The new name is “Hephzibah,”
meaning, “my delight is in her,” “for Jehovah will take delight in you.” This is the very way in which
the Father addresses His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, note Matthew 3:17, “there came a
voice out of the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” We shall
eternally bear our Savior’s name and enjoy the divine favor of His Father, because on the day of
His return we shall become His bride. At present we are engaged to Christ, as the Apostle Paul
informs the Corinthian church, “I pledged you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you
as a pure virgin to him” (2 Cor. 11:2b.) We are being preparing for and anticipating the day of His
return when we shall be received as His beloved bride, perfectly united to Him in all the holiness
of His divine character: “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26so that he might
sanctify her … 27so that he might present the church to himself in glory, without blemish or wrinkle or
any [other] such thing, but being holy and blameless” (Eph. 5:25-27.) When we believed in the Lord
Jesus Christ, we became “engaged” to Him; we are no longer our own, it is now our duty and desire
to prepare for our great “wedding day.”
In verse 3 the LORD promises that His people shall be a crown of beauty in His hand. Here is the
blessing of being totally possessed by God—being held in the LORD’s hand as His precious jewel
and treasured possession. The church, being the New Testament manifestation of the people of
God, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus the Messiah, is God’s own heritage,
and He shall come to claim His possession. The Apostle Paul expounds on this in Ephesians 1:14.
In that passage he identifies the Holy Spirit as “a ‘deposit’ guaranteeing our inheritance, until the
redemption of [God’s] possession, to the praise of his glory.” The presence of the Holy Spirit in the
104
believer’s heart is the guarantee that we have been purchased by the blood of Christ to be God’s
own possession, and that He shall surely come to claim us for Himself.
At the same time, Isaiah 62:3 is describing the blessing of being a royal honor and glory to the
LORD of glory Himself—a crown of glory and a royal diadem for the LORD. The LORD has graciously
chosen to glorify Himself in us by perfectly reproducing His character in us: “you are ‘a chosen
people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people appointed to be [God’s] own possession, so that you
might display the virtues of him’ who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9.)
Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom, being inspired to do so by God’s great promises.
III. Pray for the Coming of God’s Kingdom, Being Motivated by God’s Own Commitment
(Isa. 62:1,8-12)
In verse 1 the LORD pledges that He will neither hold His peace nor rest until He has fulfilled His
promises: “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet,
until her righteousness shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a blazing torch.” In verse 8
the LORD takes the solemn oath that He will most certainly grant to His people the blessings of
His kingdom. The LORD has sworn “by lifting his right hand—and by his mighty arm;” that is to
say, He is both committed and able to do all that He has spoken. The pledge is presented in Old
Testament terms; namely, that the people of God shall enjoy the blessing of the bountiful fruits of
their labors in the presence of the LORD their God:
Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and foreigners will never [again]
drink the new wine you have labored hard to produce. 9On the contrary, those who harvest [the
crop] will eat it and praise Jehovah, and those who gather [the grapes] will drink [the wine] in
the courts of my sanctuary. (Isa. 62:8b-9)
In verse 10 the LORD Himself oversees the construction of a highway and the removal of all
obstacles, so that His people may return to Him and enter into His kingdom. In Isaiah 40:3 the
way is prepared for the LORD to come to His people; as the command is given, “Prepare the way
for Jehovah! In the desert make level a highway for our God!” Here in Isaiah 62:10 the LORD is
preparing the way for His people: “Prepare the way for the people! Construct, construct the
highway! Remove the stones!” By way of illustration, the scene presented in these chapters of
Isaiah is analogous to the building of the transcontinental railroad in the American west: one
team of workers started laying track in Nebraska and headed west, another team started laying
track in California and headed east, the two teams connected in Utah.
In verse 11 the LORD publicly proclaims in the hearing of all the nations that His kingdom shall
surely come: “Listen! Jehovah has made a proclamation to the ends of the earth, Say to the
daughter of Zion, Look! Your Savior is coming! Look, [he is bringing] his reward with him, and his
recompense accompanies him.” The LORD has gone on “public record,” He has publicly committed
Himself, and He has put it in writing in the Bible. Therefore, we can be assured that for His own
honor, He will certainly fulfill His promise: His kingdom will surely come.
Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom, being motivated by God’s own commitment. By way
of illustration: When your favorite soccer player is coming in all alone on the opposing goal
keeper and is about to score a sure goal, the certainty of his success motivates you to enthusiastic
action (you stand up and cheer him on), not to lethargic complacency, In the same way, the
commitment of God to bring His kingdom should motivate us to enthusiastic prayer, not lethargic
complacency. One dimension of prayer is this: the privilege of being used by God as the means by
which He brings about the fulfillment of His plans—Christian prayer is partnership with God.
Conclusion
105
According to the survey referred to earlier, it appears that many Christians are losing sight of the first
great petition of prayer, the petition that should be the primary focus and concern of our prayers,
namely, the coming of God’s kingdom. Because of the instruction and the incentives provided in the
Word of God, especially in such a passage as Isaiah 62, let us make the coming of God’s kingdom the
primary petition in our prayers.
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
The Introduction to this lesson mentions a survey that was taken on the subject of prayer.
According to the commentary, what did that survey reveal?
a.
b.
c.
2.
The content of the Christian’s prayers is strikingly similar to that of the non-Christian.
The content of the Christian’s prayers is strikingly different from that of the non-Christian.
In the Christian’s prayers there is the startling omission of any petition for the coming of
God’s kingdom.
Complete the sentences listed below that enumerate the promises the LORD makes that should
inspire and motivate us to pray for the coming of His kingdom.
a.
b.
c.
The LORD promises that our lives will radiate with His ___.
The LORD promises that we will be addressed in the same terms as His ___.
The LORD promises that we shall be cherished as His ___.
1. treasured possession
2. divine righteousness
3. beloved Son
3.
What is the duty of the watchmen whom the LORD has stationed atop the walls of Jerusalem?
a.
b.
c.
d.
4.
What commitment has the LORD made that should motivate us to pray for the coming of His
kingdom?
a.
b.
c.
d.
5.
These watchmen are to be constantly on the look out for signs of an approaching enemy.
These watchmen are to be expectantly looking for the coming of the LORD and His kingdom.
These watchmen are to be constantly crying out a warning to the citizens of an approaching
enemy.
These watchmen are to be constantly crying out to God for the coming of His eternal
kingdom.
He has taken a solemn oath that He will bestow His kingdom blessings upon His people.
He has personally overseen the construction of a highway so that His people may gain
entrance into His kingdom.
He has gone on record with a public proclamation that He will come to save His people and
bestow upon them eternal rewards.
He has made a covenant with stipulations guaranteeing the fulfillment of His promise to
establish His kingdom in all of its glory.
Complete the sentences listed below that re-iterate the three reasons why we as Christians
should pray for the coming of God’s kingdom. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
We should pray for the coming of God’s kingdom because we are commanded to do so by ___.
We should pray for the coming of God’s kingdom because we are inspired to do so by ___.
We should pray for the coming of God’s kingdom because we are motivated to do so by ___.
106
1. God’s own commitment
2. God’s great promises
3. God’s sacred Word
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What pledge does the LORD make in Isaiah 62:1?
2. What other promises of God should inspire and motivate us to persistently pray for the coming of
His kingdom? See Isaiah 62:2b-4
3. Whom has the LORD stationed atop the walls of Jerusalem? See verse 6a What else are they called?
See verse 6b
4. What is the task of these watchmen whom the LORD has stationed atop the walls of Jerusalem? See
Isaiah 62:6-7
5. What public proclamation does the LORD make in Isaiah 62:11?
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 63:1-6
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part A of Lesson Eight.
Part B Three Assurances Concerning God’s Judgment
63 Who is this who comes from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? [Who is this,]
this one who is clothed with majesty, striding in the greatness of his strength? [It is] I, the one whose
speech is righteous, [the one who is] powerfully able to save. 2Why are your garments red, like the
garments of him who stomps in the winepress? 3I have stomped in the winepress alone; of [all] the
peoples there was no one with me. Indeed, I stomped upon them in my anger and I trampled upon them
in my wrath. Their blood splattered my garments, and I have stained all my clothing. 4[I trampled upon
them] because the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come. 5I
looked, but there was no one to help; I was astonished that no one could give support; so my own arm
procured salvation for me and my wrath sustained me. 6I trampled down the peoples in my anger; in my
wrath I made them drunk [with their spilt blood], then I poured their blood on the ground. (Isa. 63:1-6)
Introduction
Suppose you are called to serve the LORD as a foreign missionary in the jungles of South America. You
pack up your family, leave your homeland, and re-locate on a mission outpost carved out of the dense
jungles.
One day your little son and daughter come racing into the house. They are terrified! When you calm
them down, they report that they were attacked by a fifteen-foot long snake. You inquire into their
story and discover from the natives that yes, indeed, the compound and the neighboring villages have
been terrorized by a demonic monster of a snake that is their mortal enemy.
Now what do you do about this? Because you do not want to disturb the balance of nature or
endanger the native wild life, do you suggest that if perhaps we leave the snake alone it will leave us
107
alone? Or, as a loving father and faithful protector of the people who have entrusted themselves to
your care, do you get out your machete and go hunting for that snake?
About noon the next day your children and the villagers see you come striding out of the jungle with
your clothes spattered with blood. When they inquire, “Where have you been? Why are your clothes
all splattered with blood?” you inform them that they no longer need fear that snake. You have
dispatched of him and his whole brood. Now at last the compound, the villages, and the whole
surrounding jungle are safe. Now at last you can all live in perfect peace and rest.
Summarizing the teaching of Scripture, the Westminster Shorter Catechism states:
Christ executes the office of a King … by ruling and defending us, and by restraining and
conquering all his and our enemies. (Question and Answer #26).
This is the truth we discover in the passage of Scripture presently before us: Because the LORD is a
faithful Redeemer, we may be assured that there will be a day of final deliverance and of just
retribution. As we consider this passage of Scripture, let us acquaint ourselves with the facts
concerning the administration of God’s judgment as it shall finally be revealed.
I. Be Assured that the LORD will Judge His Enemies
The nation of Edom was the archenemy of Israel. Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through
their land when the Israelites were on the way to the Promised Land of Canaan:
Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying: This is what your brother
Israel says: You know about all the hardships that have come upon us. 15Our forefathers went
down into Egypt, and we lived there many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers,
16but when we cried out to Jehovah, he heard our cry and sent an angel and brought us out of
Egypt. Now we are here at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory. 17Please let us pass
through your country. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any
well. We will travel along the king’s highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we
have passed through your territory. 18But Edom answered: You may not pass through here; if
you try, we will march out and attack you with the sword. (Num. 20:14-18)
Edom was characterized by a perpetual enmity against Israel and the ambition to take Israel’s
land:
The word of Jehovah came to me: 2Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir [a reference to
Edom]; prophesy against it 3and say: This is what the Lord Jehovah says: I am against you,
Mount Seir, and I will stretch out my hand against you and make you a desolate waste …
5because you harbored an ancient hostility and delivered the Israelites over to the sword at the
time of their calamity, the time their punishment reached its climax, … 10because you have said,
“These two nations and countries [i.e.; Israel and Judah] will be ours and we will take
possession of them,” even though I Jehovah was there. 11Therefore, as surely as I live, declares
the Lord Jehovah, I will treat you in accordance with the anger and jealousy you showed in your
hatred of them and I will make myself known among them when I judge you. (Ezek. 35:13,5,10-11)
This is what the Jehovah says: For three sins of Edom, even for four, I will not turn back my
wrath. Because he pursued his brother with a sword, stifling all compassion, because his anger
raged continually and his fury flamed unchecked. (Amos 1:11)
When Israel was invaded by the Babylonians, Edom rejoiced in their defeat and captivity:
“Remember, O Jehovah, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. ‘Tear it down,’ they cried,
‘tear it down to its foundations!’” (Psl. 137:7.)
108
Edom is here presented as the representative of all the enemies of God’s people. Whereas Isaiah
63:1 refers to Edom, verse 6 refers to God’s judgment upon “the peoples.” In this context we
should take note of Jesus’ testimony:
If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before you. 19If you belonged to the world, the
world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, but I chose you out of the
world, therefore the world hates you. (Jn. 15:18-19)
… you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all
nations because of me. (Matt. 24:9)
Since the Garden of Eden there has been a mortal enmity between the LORD and the devil,
involving all of mankind, either aligned with the devil against God or redeemed and restored to
God. In the Garden of Eden, following the fall, the LORD declared to the devil, “I will put enmity
between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall crush your head,
and you shall bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15.) Whereas the offspring of the woman is a reference to the
Lord Jesus Christ and all who believe in Him, offspring of the devil is a reference to all of fallen
humanity in their state of sin, note Ephesians 2:1-3,
And [he raised] you [also], when you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you
once walked in accord with the course of this world, [which is] in accord with the ruling prince
of the air, [that is,] the spirit who is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3Indeed, we all
formerly lived among them in the lusts of our sinful nature, doing the will of the flesh and of the
mind, and we were by nature children of wrath just like the rest [of mankind]. (Eph. 2:1-3) “the
ruling prince of the air” is a reference to the devil who is at work in the lives of sinful
mankind
This enmity between unregenerate mankind and the children of God is played out across the
pages of Scripture and throughout history, beginning with the spiritual conflict between Cain and
Abel: “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother [Abel]. And why
did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. (1 Jn. 3:12.)
That enmity continues in the spiritual conflict between the world and the church: “Do not be
surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you” (1 Jn. 3:13.)
The source of this conflict must be traced back to two distinct heart attitudes towards God: the
enmity against God exhibited by the natural man, as opposed to the love for God, for His
commandmnts, and for His people exhibited by the redeemed: This is how we know who the
children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not practice
righteousness is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. (1 Jn. 3:10) As the
Apostle Paul writes, "the mind of the sinful nature is at enmity against God. It does not submit to
God’s law, nor can it do so" (Rom. 8:7.) In striking contrast to the mind of the sinful nature is the
heart of the converted, as Paul testifies, "in my inner being I delight in God’s law" (Rom.7:22.)
These two distinct heart attitudes towards God manifest themselves in the position they take with
regard to God’s kingdom and rule, either defying God’s holy dominion or reverently submitting to
it and desiring its full revelation. Psalm 2:1-3 describes the attitude of the world against the
rightful rule of the LORD God over their lives:“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
2The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against Jehovah and against
his Anointed One. 3Let us break their chains, they say, and throw off their fetters." Again, in striking
contrast to the attitude of unrepentant mankind, we see the petition the Lord Jesus teaches His
people to make, a petition they willingly express from their hearts that have been regenerated
with new spiritual life: “This is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
10Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:9-10.)
109
The redemption of God’s people inevitably involves the judgment of His and their enemies. This is
necessarily the case in order for the LORD to execute justice. In Revelation 18:24 “Babylon,” the
symbol for the kingdom of man in opposition to God and His people, is described in these terms:
“in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all that have been slain upon the earth.”
Revelation 19:2 provides this commentary on God’s final judgment of “Babylon”: “true and just are
his judgments. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has
avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
Furthermore, the judgment of His enemies is a necessary part of the redemption of God's people
in order to provide perfect security for them; note 1 Chronicles 17:9, “I will provide a place for my
people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be
disturbed. Wicked men will not oppress them anymore.” (1 Chronicles 17:9.) This promise of God
shall be fulfilled in its full dimension when Christ returns to execute final judgment and
deliverance for His people. Note that the deliverance out of Egypt involved judgment upon the
Egyptians; likewise, the deliverance out of Babylon involved judgment upon the Babylonians—
both incidents being types that serve as historical models of the final deliverance of God’s people
and His final judgment of the world.
II. Be Assured that the LORD will Execute a Righteous Judgment
In Isaiah 63:1 the LORD describes Himself as “the one whose speech is righteous, [the one who is]
powerfully able to save.” That is to say, the LORD pronounces a righteous judgment, and He is
powerfully able to perform both an act of judgment as well as salvation.
In verse 3 He declares, “I have stomped in the winepress alone;” and in verse 5 He states, “I looked,
but there was no one to help.” The point being made is that the LORD alone executes His justice,
because it is His sole prerogative to do so: “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for
the wrath [of God]; for it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, declares the LORD” (Rom.
12:19.) Furthermore, He alone is truly righteous and worthy to carry out a righteous judgment;
note Psalm 11:7, “Jehovah is righteous; he loves righteousness.”
Verse 4 speaks of “the day of vengeance. ”Vengeance by definition is “punishment inflicted in
retaliation for an injury or offense. ”The ultimate injury and offense is to transgress the
commandments of the LORD our God and to blaspheme His holy Name in word and in deed—and
He shall finally take the ultimate vengeance, the execution of a perfectly righteous judgment.
We may be assured that the LORD will execute a righteous judgment. In answer to Abraham’s
question, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Gen. 18:25), we have the assurance that
the answer is an emphatic “Yes” based upon the very character of God: “He is the Rock, his works
are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he”
(Deut. 32:4.) We may also take note of the LORD’s testimony to Ezekiel at the time He judged
Israel by means of the Babylonian armies:
… when you see their conduct and their actions, you will be consoled regarding the disaster I
have brought upon Jerusalem—every disaster I have brought upon it. 23You will be consoled
when you see their conduct and their actions, for you will know that I have done nothing in it
without cause, declares the Lord Jehovah. (Ezek. 14:22-23)
Furthermore, let us take note of Revelation 16:5-7,
Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, You are just in these judgments, you who
are and who were, the Holy One, because you have so judged; 6for they have shed the blood of
your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve. 7And I heard
the altar respond, Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments. (Rev. 16:5-7)
110
III. Be Assured that the LORD has Appointed a Day of Judgment
In verse 4 the LORD declares, “the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my
redemption has come.” It appears that here the focus has shifted from Edom to Babylon and the
fact that the LORD had a day appointed at which time He would carry out His righteous judgment
against that empire that set itself in defiance of God and made itself an oppressor of God’s
people.
The New Testament informs us that in the same manner the LORD has an appointed day when
He will execute His final judgment against the world of sinful mankind. Our Lord Jesus Christ
declares, “the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs shall hear his voice 29and shall come
out: they who have done good shall be resurrected to life; but they who have done evil shall be
resurrected to condemnation” (Jn. 5:28-29.) The Apostle Paul testified at Athens, “God …
commands all men everywhere to repent; 31because he has set a day when he will judge the world
with justice by the man he has appointed [the Lord Jesus Christ]. He has given proof of this to all
men by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31.)
We may be assured that the LORD has set a day on which He will carry out His final righteous
judgment of the world and bring about the final and full redemption of all those who have taken
refuge in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. As Proverbs 10:24 proclaims, “What the wicked dreads
will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.”
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
Because the LORD is the faithful God, of what can the Christian be assured?
a.
b.
c.
2.
We can be assured that there will be a day of final deliverance.
We can be assured that there will be a day of just retribution.
Both of the above
Match the passages listed below with the reasons they present as to why the redemption of God’s
people and the coming of God’s kingdom inevitably involves the judgment of His and our
enemies.
a.
b.
c.
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together against Jehovah and against his Anointed One. 3Let us break
their chains, they say, and throw off their fetters. (Psalm 2:1-3) ___
True and just are his judgments. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by
her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants. (Revelation 19:2) ___
I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of
their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked men will not oppress them anymore … (1
Chronicles 17:9) ___
1. Because they stand in opposition to God’s rule
2. In order to execute God’s justice
3. In order to provide perfect security for God’s people
3.
Why does the LORD carry out His judgment against Edom all by Himself without any assistance?
111
a.
b.
c.
Because the LORD alone takes offense at sin and only He is adversely affected by the sinful
conduct of the wicked.
Because it is the LORD’s sole prerogative to carry out judgment in His capacity as the Judge of
all the earth.
Because the LORD alone is worthy to carry out judgment since He alone is truly righteous.
4.
The Apostle Paul informs us that the _______ of Jesus Christ is the proof that God has, indeed, set a
date on which He will carry out His righteous judgment. Fill in the blank
5.
Complete the sentences listed below that re-iterate the assurance given to the Christian with
regard to the Lord’s act of divine judgment.
a.
b.
c.
We may be assured that the LORD will judge ___.
We may be assured that the LORD will execute ___.
We may be assured that the LORD has appointed ___.
1. a day of judgment
2. His enemies
3. a righteous judgment
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Who were the people of Edom, what was their relationship to Israel? Note Ezekiel 35:1-3, 5, 11
(printed below)
The word of Jehovah came to me: 2Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir [a reference to
Edom]; prophesy against it 3and say: This is what the Lord Jehovah says: I am against you,
Mount Seir, and I will stretch out my hand against you and make you a desolate waste ...
5because you harbored an ancient hostility and delivered the Israelites over to the sword at the
time of their calamity, the time their punishment reached its climax ... 11Therefore, as surely as I
live, declares the Lord Jehovah, I will treat you in accordance with the anger and jealousy you
showed in your hatred of them and I will make myself known among them when I judge you.
(Ezek. 35:1-3,5,11)
2. Is the prophecy of Isaiah 63 only referring to the nation of Edom or does it also extend beyond that
individual nation? Note Isaiah 63:6
3. How does the LORD describe Himself in Isaiah 63:1? What does this tell us about the judgment He
carries out against Edom?
4. Does the LORD have any assistance when He carries out His judgment against Edom? What does the
answer to this question tell us? See Isaiah 63:3,5
5. Is the LORD nonchalant and careless as to when He will actually carry out His divine judgment? See
Isaiah 63:4
LESSON EIGHT:
Isaiah 63:7-66:24
112
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 63:7-64:12
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part B of Lesson Eight.
Part A How to Approach an Offended God
63 7I will speak of the lovingkindnesses of Jehovah, [I will sing] the praises of Jehovah, as is fitting,
because of all Jehovah has done for us—the great goodness [he has shown] toward the house of Israel,
[the great goodness] he has bestowed upon them in accordance with his mercies and in accordance with
the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. 8He said, Surely, they are my people, children who shall not lie [to
me]; so he became their Savior. 9In all their anguish, he, too, felt anguish, and the angel of his presence
saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of
old. 10But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore, he turned and became their enemy—he
himself fought against them. 11Then he remembered the days of old, [the time of] Moses [and] his people.
Where is he who brought them through the sea with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who put his
Holy Spirit in their midst? 12[Where is he] who caused his glorious arm to be with Moses’ right hand?
[He] who parted the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting fame? 13[He] who led them
through the depths as one leads] a horse through the desert, so that they would not stumble? 14Like
cattle that go down into the valley, so the Spirit of Jehovah caused them to rest. This is how you led your
people, to make a glorious name for yourself.
15Look down from heaven, observe from your holy and glorious habitation. Where are your zeal and
your mighty acts? The yearning of your heart and your compassions are withheld from me. 16You are
our Father, [even] though Abraham does not recognize us and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O
Jehovah, are our Father; from everlasting your name has been, Our Redeemer. 17O Jehovah, why do you
cause us to wander from your ways—[why do you] harden our hearts so that we do not fear you? Desist,
for the sake of your servants, the tribes that are your inheritance. 18Your holy people possessed [their
inheritance] for only a short time; [but now] our enemies have trampled down your sanctuary. 19We
have become like those over whom you never ruled, like those who did not bear your name.
64 Oh, [Jehovah] [I pray] that you would tear open the heavens, that you would come down, that the
mountains might quake at your presence—2like fire kindles the brushwood, like fire causes water to
boil—[come down] to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake at your
presence! 3When you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains
quaked at your presence. 4From ancient times no one has [known about]—no ear has heard [of], no eye
has seen—any God besides you, [a God] who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. 5You hold
fellowship with the one who rejoices in the practice of righteousness, [you hold fellowship with] those
who remember you by [observing] your ways. But you were angry [with us], because we sinned; for a
long time we have [continued] in [our sins]. How can we be saved?
6All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. All of us
shrivel up like a leaf; and, like the wind, our iniquities sweep us away. 7There is no one who calls on your
name, [no one] who arouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have
delivered us over to the clutches of our iniquities. 8Yet, O Jehovah, you are our Father; we are the clay
and you are our Potter—all of us are the work made by your hand. 9Do not be exceedingly angry with
us, O Jehovah, and do not remember our iniquity forever. Oh, look, we pray, consider that we are all your
people! 10Your holy cities have become a wilderness. Zion has become a wilderness; Jerusalem [has
become] a desolate place. 11Our holy and beautiful temple, [the place] where our fathers praised you,
has been burned with fire; and all that was precious to us lies in ruins. 12[Considering all] these things, O
Jehovah, will you [still] restrain yourself? Will you keep silent and let us suffer to the fullest extent? (Isa.
63:7-64:12)
113
Introduction
One day some little boys were playing baseball in the parking lot of a local bank. One of them hit a
ball that sailed through the big plate glass window of the bank. The window shattered with an awful
sound. A shower of glass fell onto the pavement. A dozen little boys ran for home as fast as they
could.
A contemporary re-play of that scene might go as follows. The little boys would band together in a
support group. They would defiantly demand that the banker give them back their baseball, thereby
affirming their “rights.” They would then proceed to lay the blame on the city for failing to provide
adequate playground facilities, and on the sporting goods manufacturer for making the baseballs too
hard.
Consider some of the responses to sin and guilt that are recorded in the Scriptures. Adam and Eve hid
behind the trees:
Then they heard the voice of Jehovah God walking in the garden in the cool of the day; and the
man and his wife hid themselves among the trees of the garden from the presence of Jehovah
God. (Gen. 3:8)
Aaron invented a fantastic story to excuse his sin:
[The people] said to me, “Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who
brought us up out of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.” 24So I told them,
“Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.” Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the
fire, and out came this calf! (Ex. 32:23-24)
Saul re-interpreted his sin, redefining it as an act of devotion. When Samuel inquired as to why he
heard the bleating of sheep when the LORD had commanded the destruction of all the Amalekites’
possessions,
Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep
and cattle to sacrifice to Jehovah your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.” (1 Sam. 15:15)
What do we do when we have offended the LORD our God?
Let us consider the instructions given to us in Isaiah 63-64 as to how to approach God when we have
offended Him with our sins.
I. You Must Make an Honest Confession of Sin (Isa. 64:5-7)
Isaiah testifies that the LORD is pleased with the man who does what is right and remembers the
commandments by keeping them: “You hold fellowship with the one who rejoices in the practice of
righteousness, [you hold fellowship with] those who remember you by observing your ways” (vs. 5a.)
But Isaiah must confess that he and his people do not fit the description of the man whose life
elicits God’s favor, “You were angry [with us], because we sinned” (vs. 5b.) The Hebrew conjunction,
w, which normally has the meaning “and,” also on occasion has the meaning “since” or “because,”
such may be the preferable rendering here. The latter part of verse 5 contains the confession that
the way of sin has now been practiced for a considerably long time: “for a long time we have
continued in our sins.”
In verse 6 of chapter 64 Isaiah continues to make an honest confession before the LORD. “All of us
have become like one who is unclean.” Here is the confession of universal guilt and moral pollution
without exception and without excuse; note, also, Isaiah’s confession in chapter 53:6a, “We all, like
sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.” The Apostle Paul asserts, “all have
114
sinned, and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23.) Isaiah goes on to confess, “All of us shrivel up
like a leaf; and, like the wind, our iniquities sweep us away.” Here is the confession that we are
overpowered by our sins and swept away by them, as the Lord Jesus declares, “I tell you the truth,
Every one who commits sin is the slave of sin” (Jn. 8:34.)
When we have offended God, we must approach Him with an honest confession of sin. Consider
the experience of David:
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long; 4for day and night
your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5Then I
acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my
transgressions to Jehovah”— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Psl. 32:3-5)
Consider the example of the Prodigal Son, the son declares,
I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and
against you … 20So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his
father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms
around him and kissed him. (Lk. 15:18,20)
Consider the testimony of 1 John 1:8-9,
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1
Jn. 1:8-9)
II. You Must Appeal to the LORD’s Covenant Mercy (Isa. 63:7-19; 64:8-12)
In chapter 63:7-9 Isaiah looks back to the Exodus; the time when “the angel of his presence saved
them.” Isaiah is referring to the Passover, the parting of the Red Sea, the LORD’s miraculous
provisions for His people in the wilderness, His bringing them to Mt. Sinai, and finally bringing
them into the Promised Land of Canaan. When Isaiah reports that the LORD declared that the
people of Israel would be “children who shall not lie to me,” the LORD is declaring the purpose of
their salvation—the “shall not” has the same connotation as the “shall not” found in the Ten
Commandments; it is declaring the divine intention as to how our lives are to be governed.
Furthermore, the LORD, in uttering this declaration, is also looking to the final, finished product of
His work of grace in His people, namely, devotion to Him, note, for instance, Revelation
22:3b,“The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.”
In verses 10-11a Isaiah recalls that in later days, when Israel rebelled and the LORD’s anger was
provoked against them, He remembered the Exodus and the events that followed thereafter. The
LORD remembered Moses and his intercession, He remembered the fact that Israel is His people
(here Isaiah seems to be specifically referring to the time when Moses interceded on behalf of the
people after they had provoked the LORD by making the golden calf)—and He did not cast them
away.
Reminiscing upon those past displays of pity and compassion, and the restraining of divine
judgment, Isaiah implores the LORD to again remember His love for His people and to not forsake
them utterly. Recalling how the LORD had previously looked down upon His people in their
affliction and bondage, Isaiah beseeches Him to do so again: “Look down from heaven” (vs.15a.)
Isaiah inquires, “Where are your zeal and your mighty acts?” Isaiah questions, “Has the LORD lost
His zeal for His people?” Isaiah’s question is not one of doubt; rather it is intended to move the
LORD to once again display His zeal for His people. Isaiah is bold to complain to the LORD, “the
yearning of your heart and your compassions are withheld from me.” He is protesting and pleading
115
that the LORD is not allowing His compassion to flow forth and move Him to act on behalf of His
people.
In verses 16-17 Isaiah reminds the LORD of the relationship that exists between Himself and His
people, a relationship that is in jeopardy. “You, O Jehovah, are our Father; from everlasting your
name has been, Our Redeemer.” That is to say, continuously since the time of the Exodus, the LORD
has shown Himself to be a compassionate father to Israel and a faithful redeemer; indeed, in His
eternal counsel and purposes, the LORD ever assumed the role of redeemer of His chosen
covenant people.
Isaiah goes on to inquire, “O Jehovah, why do you cause us to wander from your ways—[why do
you] harden our hearts so that we do not fear you?” The people’s departure from the LORD caused
Him in holy indignation to depart from them. This divine withdrawal in turn “caused” the people
to indulge themselves in their sins, because the divine restraint of holy fear caused by the LORD’s
immediate presence was removed. There then followed a judicial hardening of the peoples’
hearts—as a form of judgment, by withdrawing His restraints, the LORD was in effect consigning
the people to walk in the way they had determined to take, the way of sin, which ultimately leads
to condemnation. When there is persistent defiance against God’s commandments and the
stubborn hardening of the heart against God, there eventually comes the divine judgment of God
hardening the heart in the way of sin, giving the sinner over to the unrestrained pursuit of his
sins. Such was the case with Pharaoh. After having hardened his heart against God, God
eventually undertook the divine judgment of hardening Pharaoh’s heart, confirming him in the
way that he himself had persistently and defiantly chosen.
Now we hear Isaiah pleading with the LORD, “Desist, for the sake of your servants, the tribes that
are your inheritance.” When the LORD withdraws His immediate presence, men lose their fear of
God; conversely, when the LORD draws near, men acutely experience the fear of God; note Isaiah
33:14, “The sinners in Zion are terrified; trembling grips the godless ones. [They ask,] Who among
us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with everlasting burning?” Such is
the reaction when the LORD reveals Himself and makes known His holy presence. As noted, when
the people remove their hearts from God, the LORD responds by removing His presence from
them. When the restraint of God’s holy presence is removed, the people, without the fear of God
before their eyes, become hardened in their sinful conduct and are “caused” to depart from the
ways of God. In the latter part of verse 17 Isaiah is imploring the LORD to reverse this damnable
process for the sake of His people—because they are His “servants” (i.e.; His possession, they
belong to Him) and they are His “inheritance” (i.e.; His treasure.)
In verses 18-19 Isaiah points the LORD to the deplorable state of His land and His people. God’s
people have been removed from the inheritance, and the LORD’s sanctuary has been trampled
down. God’s holy people (those who have been called to be His own possession and to possess
His holy character) are no longer distinguishable from the people of the world—like the
surrounding nations, they, too, were carried away by the Babylonians (who served as the
instrument of God’s) to judgment and punishment. Isaiah is imploring the LORD to act because
the great work of redemption and the fulfillment of its purpose are in danger of being nullified—
if God’s people are not restored, they will finally suffer the same fate as those who are eternally
lost. Thus, throughout this passage Isaiah is appealing to the LORD to act on the basis of His
covenant mercy and faithfulness.
When we have offended God, we must appeal to His covenant mercy and faithfulness. Just as
Isaiah looked back to the Exodus, and pleaded with the LORD on the basis of that great act of
redemption, so we must look back to Calvary and appeal to the LORD on the basis of Christ’s act of
redemption. Our prayer must be: “Father, Your Son’s sacrificial death has satisfied Your justice
and has paid the price, so that I may receive forgiveness. Now Father, restore me, so that the
purpose of Christ’s redemptive work can be accomplished; namely, to make me Your own
possession as a holy child and faithful servant forever.”
116
Conclusion
How do you approach an offended God? In answer to that question, this passage of Scripture
instructs us as follows: when we have offended the LORD our God by our sins, 1) we must approach
Him with honesty; and 2) we must appeal to His covenant mercy and faithfulness. The fourth chapter
of Hebrews instructs us, indeed, exhorts us with these words: “Since we have a great high priest …
Jesus, the Son of God … let us … approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive
mercy” (Heb. 1:14-16.)
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
The commentary mentions several ways in which men seek to deal with their sins. Match the
various responses to sin and guilt listed below with the persons to whom they pertain.
a.
b.
c.
He sought to hide himself from God. ___
He invented a fantastic story in an effort to excuse his sin. ___
He re-interpreted his sin, defining it as an act of devotion. ___
1. Adam
2. Aaron
3. Saul
2.
In Isaiah 64:6 the prophet declares, “All of us have become like one who is unclean … and like the
wind, our iniquities sweep us away.” Which of the following statements are true about his
utterance?
a.
b.
c.
d.
3.
Here is the confession of universal guilt and moral pollution.
Here is the confession that we have an inherently sinful nature.
Our sinful nature is offered as an excuse that explains and allows for our sinful conduct.
Our sinful nature is confessed as an awful and culpable fact that explains but does not excuse
our sinful conduct.
Scripture informs us that when we have offended the LORD we must make and honest confession
of sin. Match the passages listed below with the persons to whom they pertain.
a.
b.
c.
I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and
against you … 20So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his
father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms
around him and kissed him. ___
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ___
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long; 4for day and night
your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5Then I
acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my
transgressions to Jehovah”— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. ___
1. The Prodigal Son’s Experience
2. King David’s Testimony
3. The Apostle John’s Counsel
4.
Just as Isaiah looked back to the Exodus and pleaded with the LORD to be merciful to His people
on the basis of that great act of redemption, so we must look back to _______ and appeal to the
LORD for forgiveness on the basis of Christ’s great act of redemption. Fill in the blank
117
5.
According to Isaiah 63:7-64:12, how must we approach God when we have offended Him by our
sins?
a.
b.
c.
d.
We must make an honest confession of sin.
We must seek to justify our sinful behavior.
We must appeal to our solemn promise to reform.
We must appeal to the LORD’s covenantal mercy.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. With whom does the LORD hold fellowship? See Isaiah 64:5a
2. What is the LORD's present attitude toward His people at the time this passage of Isaiah's prophecy
was written? See Isaiah 64:5b
3. What does Isaiah confess about himself and the nation of Israel? See Isaiah 64:6
4. In previous days when Israel provoked the LORD's righteous anger, what prevented Him from
casting away His people? See Isaiah 63:10-11a
5. What prayer does Isaiah now make on behalf of the LORD's people whose relationship with the
LORD has become strained because of their sins? See Isaiah 63:15-16
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read Isaiah 65:1-25
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Proceed to Part C of Lesson Eight.
Part B Why You Must Prepare to Meet Your God
65 I have revealed myself to those who did not ask [for me]; I allowed myself to be found by those who
did not seek me. To a nation that did not call upon my name, I said, Here I am! Here I am! 2All day long I
have held out my hands to a rebellious people, [a people] who walk in a way that is not good, following
their own thoughts. 3A people who provoke me to my face continually, offering [pagan] sacrifices in
gardens and burning incense upon [altars] of bricks. 4[A people] who sit among the graves and spend
the night in caves, who eat the meat of pigs, and the broth of unclean meat is in their pots. 5[They are a
people] who say, Stay away, do not come near me, for I am holier than you! These [people] are like
smoke in my nostrils, produced by a fire that burns all day long. 6See, [their conduct] has been recorded
in my presence; [therefore,] I will not remain silent, but will pay them what is just; indeed, I will [deliver
their] recompense into their bosom—7[both for] your own iniquities as well as for the iniquities of your
fathers, declares Jehovah—[into the bosom of those] who have burned incense on the mountains and
scorned me on the hills. Therefore I will first measure their recompense into their bosom.
8This is what Jehovah says, As when juice is [still] found in a cluster [of grapes], and men say, Do not
destroy it, for there is [still some] good in it, so will I do for the sake of my servants, so that I will not
destroy them all. 9I will bring forth an offspring from Jacob, and from Judah [I will bring forth] one who
shall inherit my mountains. Indeed, my chosen one shall inherit it and my servants shall dwell there.
10Sharon will become a pasture for flocks and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, [this will be]
for my people who seek me.
118
11But
as for you who forsake Jehovah, you who forget my holy mountain, you who prepare a table
for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny, 12I will destine you for the sword and you shall all
succumb to the slaughter; because, when I called, you did not answer, and when I spoke, you did not
listen. On the contrary, you did what was evil in my sight, and chose those things in which I take no
delight. 13Therefore, this is what the Lord Jehovah says, My servants will eat, but you will be hungry. My
servants will drink, but you will be thirsty. My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. 14My
servants will sing with a joyful heart, but you will cry out with a sorrowful heart and will wail with a
broken spirit. 15You will leave your name to my chosen ones [to be used] for [the pronouncing of] a
curse, and the Lord Jehovah will put you to death; then he will bestow upon his servants another name.
16Consequently, whoever pronounces a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth; and whoever
takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth—because the past troubles will be forgotten;
indeed, they will be hidden from my eyes.
17See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will
they come to mind. 18Instead, be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create; for I will create Jerusalem
[to be] a[ place of] rejoicing and her people to experience joy. 19I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take
delight in my people. No longer shall there be heard in [Jerusalem] the sound of weeping and the sound
of crying. 20No longer will there be in it an infant who lives for [only a few] days, nor an old man who has
not lived out the full number of his days; for the man who dies in his youth will be one hundred years old,
and the man who fails to reach the age of one hundred will be [considered] accursed. 21They will build
houses, and inhabit them; they will plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 22They will not build
[houses] only to have others inhabit them; they will not plant [vineyards] only to have others eat [the
fruit of them]; for my people will live as long as a tree, and my chosen ones will enjoy the fruit of their
labors for a long time. 23They will not labor in vain, nor bear [children destined to suffer] calamity; for
[these children] are the offspring of those who are blessed by Jehovah, they and their descendants with
them [shall experience his blessing]. 24Before they call, I will answer; and while they are [still] speaking, I
will respond. 25The wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox; but dust
shall be the serpent’s food. They will neither hurt nor devour [one another] on all my holy mountain,
declares Jehovah. (Isa. 65:1-25)
Introduction
What would you do if you knew that you had only one day left to live? That question was once posed
to 625 German students. A number of them responded by saying that they would spend their last 24
hours drinking, taking drugs, and chasing girls. (Our Daily Bread 4/19/93)That is not a good way to
spend your last day before being ushered into the presence of your God and Judge.
Through the Old Testament prophet Amos, the LORD gives the exhortation, “Prepare to meet your
God.” This same message can be understood to be the theme of Isaiah 65. As we study Isaiah 65, let
us consider Three Reasons Why We Must Prepare to Meet Our God.
I. We Must Prepare to Meet Our God,
…Because We will have an Inevitable Encounter with Him (Isa. 65:1-7)
Verse 1 is describing an unexpected, but inevitable, encounter with God: “I have revealed myself to
those who did not ask [for me]; I allowed myself to be found by those who did not seek me. To a
nation that did not call upon my name, I said, Here I am! Here I am!” The Lord has granted an
audience to a people who did not request an audience with Him. The LORD suddenly revealed
Himself to a people who were not looking for Him. The LORD presented Himself to a people who
were not calling for Him.
God suddenly and inescapably reveals Himself to a thoroughly unresponsive people, as He
indicates in verses 1b-2. “All day long I have held out my hands [as a loving father] to a rebellious
people.” Here are a people who “walk in a way that is not good, following their own thoughts”—
they will not listen to the Word of God, they stubbornly walk in the way that is appealing to them
and appears to them to be wise and profitable. The has suddenly and unexpectantly revealed
119
Himself to “a people who provoke [him] to [his] face continually, offering [pagan] sacrifices in
gardens and burning incense upon [altars] of bricks. 4[A people] who sit among the graves and spend
the night in caves, who eat the meat of pigs, and the broth of unclean meat is in their pots” (vs. 3-4.)
The LORD has continuously demonstrated lovingkindness, patience, and a desire for these people;
but they constantly provoke Him with their idolatry. The LORD goes on to say that He has now
revealed Himself to a people that were characterized by an incredible self-righteousness: “[They
are a people] who say, ‘Stay away, do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’” These people
distanced themselves and stood aloof from others because they considered themselves to be more
holy than their neighbors.
How does God describe such people? He declares, “These [people] are like smoke in my nostrils,
produced by a fire that burns all day long” (vs. 5b;) they are a great source of grief and irritation to
Him on a continual, day-by-day basis. According to verses 6-7, what will God do? First, we are
informed, “See, their conduct has been recorded in my presence.” That is to say, their conduct is
inscribed in writing before the LORD, it is not dismissed or forgotten, it has been recorded as a
testimony against them. Then the LORD informs us, “I will not remain silent.” The LORD will not
remain passive forever and let the sinful, insolent conduct of the people pass by without comment
and without judgment. On the contrary, He “will pay them what is just; indeed, I will deliver their
recompense into their bosom—7both for your own iniquities as well as for the iniquities of your
fathers, declares Jehovah.” The sins of one generation have been passed on to the next; whereas
formerly the LORD abstained from bringing about a totally devastating act of judgment upon the
nation, giving the people warning and time to repent, He will now abstain no longer. “Therefore I
will first measure their recompense into their bosom.” Therefore, because there has been
persistence in sin instead of repentance, now, as a matter of first priority, the LORD will repay
judgment into the very bosom of these people.
The Scriptures assure us that each one of us shall finally and inevitably stand before God when He
reveals Himself to us face to face—we each will have the kind of inevitable encounter with the
LORD God as did the Old Testament people of Israel described in Isaiah 65—note Revelation 1:7,
“Behold, he comes with the clouds; and every eye shall see him.” On that great day when we stand
before the LORD our God nothing shall be hidden, everything shall be exposed to the light of His
truth, as the writer to the Hebrews declares, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb.
4:13.) On that great day every false confidence will perish before the awesome reality of God’s
presence. The false confidence that God entertains an attitude of indifference and tolerance with
regard to the issues of morality shall perish, note Psalm 50:16-21,
… to the wicked, God says … 17You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you. 18When
you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers. 19You use your mouth
for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. 20You speak continually against your brother and
slander your own mother’s son. 21These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I
was altogether like you. But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face. (Psl. 50:16-21)
The false confidence that the passage of millenniums refutes the teaching that there shall be a
final day of judgment shall perish, note 2 Peter 3:3-4, 8-10,
First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following
their own evil desires. 4They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our
fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” … 8But do not forget
this one thing, beloved: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are
like a day … 9The Lord is not negligent in keeping his promise … He is patient with you, not
wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10But the day of the Lord will
come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire,
and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. (2 Pet. 3:3-4, 8-10)
120
Let us prepare to meet our God, because we shall have an inevitable encounter with Him: “it is
appointed for men once to die, and after this [comes] judgment” (Heb. 9:27.)
II. We Must Prepare to Meet Our God,
…Because He will Make a Separation Between the Devout and the Hypocritical
(Isa. 65:8-16)
Using the illustration of harvesting grapes from the vineyard, the LORD shows us the distinction
He makes between those who are spiritually alive and fruitful and those who are not (vs. 8.)
When the harvesters come upon a juicy cluster of grapes in the midst of clusters that have rotted
or are shriveled, they spare that good cluster before chopping down the unproductive vine. Let
us carefully consider such passages as the following that emphasize the LORD’s demand for
spiritual fruit:
Jesus testifies, “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. 2He removes every branch in
me that does not bear fruit. But he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it may bear
more fruit.” (Jn. 15:1-2)
… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, integrity,
self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23a)
23humility,
Verse 10 projects us into the future, describing the renewed land and those who will inherit it:
“Sharon will become a pasture for flocks and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds; [this will
be] for my people who seek me.” From the plain of Sharon on the west to the valley of Achor on the
east, the land to be inherited shall be filled with peace and prosperity—here is a picture of the
new creation employing Old Testament geographical locations. The inheritors are defined as “my
people who seek me;” in contrast to the people described in verse 1, those who are truly God’s
people seek Him and serve Him.
As verses 11-12 declare, a far different future is in store for those who “forsake the LORD” and
“forget [his] holy mountain;” those who neglect the worship of the LORD their God and who
abandon the faith:
But as for you who forsake Jehovah, you who forget my holy mountain, you who prepare a table
for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny, 12I will destine you for the sword and you
shall all succumb to the slaughter; because, when I called, you did not answer, and when I
spoke, you did not listen. On the contrary, you did what was evil in my sight, and chose those
things in which I take no delight. (Isa. 65:11-12)
Such people are described as preparing a banquet table for Fortune and Destiny—they have
given themselves over to pagan superstition and idolatry and to the pursuit of hedonism. The
LORD declares to them, “I will destine you for the sword”—the sword of God’s judgment and
punishment, in this case by means of a foreign invader. The reason for the judgment is stated in
these terms: there was no responsiveness to the LORD when He called; on the contrary, there was
the pursuit of wickedness and all that is abominable to Him (vs. 12b.)
In verses 13-15 the LORD Himself reveals the respective fate and rewards of those whom He
identifies as “my servants” in distinction to those whom, back in verse 2, He has identified as “a
rebellious people.” He declares, “my servants shall eat”—they shall be provided for and be
satisfied, “but you will be hungry” —those who have lived for themselves and in opposition to the
LORD shall at the end be denied His blessing and given over to His judgment. In verses 13b-14 He
goes on to assert, “My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. 14My servants will sing
with a joyful heart, but you will cry out with a sorrowful heart and will wail with a broken spirit.”
The servants of the LORD shall experience the joy of the divine promises being fulfilled, the joy of
discovering that their investment in Christ reaps eternal dividends of blessing; but shame and
121
suffering shall be the consequence of bad, ungodly life choices, the consequences that await those
who have lived for themselves instead of for their LORD and God. In conjunction with these verses
of Isaiah 65 we may note our Lord’s teaching as recorded in Luke 6:20-26,
Looking at his disciples, he said, Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
21Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for
you will laugh. 22Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and
reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. 23Rejoice in that day and leap for joy,
because great is your reward in heaven; for that is how their fathers treated the prophets. 24But
woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. 25Woe to you who are well
fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
26Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false
prophets. (Lk. 6:20-26)
The contrast is between those who have invested their lives in Christ and the kingdom of God
and those who have invested in themselves and this world.
Let us prepare to meet our God, because He will make a distinction and separation between the
devout and the hypocritical:
Then those who feared Jehovah talked with each other, and Jehovah listened and heard. A scroll
of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared Jehovah and honored
his name. 17“They will be mine,” declares Jehovah of hosts, “in the day when I make up my
treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves
him. 18And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between
those who serve God and those who do not.” (Mal. 3:16-18)
III. We Must Prepare to Meet Our God,
…Because Only His Servants will Inherit the New Creation (Isa. 65:9,17-25)
In verse 17 the LORD declares, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things
will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” What is coming is nothing less than a new
creation—a new creation that shall completely replace the present creation, replacing even the
memory of this creation. It will prove to be a creation filled with glories so great that we will
never be tempted to even consider comparing them to the blessings experienced in this present
world.
In verses 18-25 the life and blessing of the new creation are described in terms of this present
creation that are familiar and meaningful to us—especially meaningful to the Old Testament
people of God. As we are projected into the future and made to stand at the threshold of the new
creation, the LORD extends to His people the invitation and issues the command: “be glad and
rejoice forever in what I will create.” The LORD promises that He Himself is going to rejoice with
us and we are going to be a source of joy to Him, and He pledges that all sorrow will be left
behind forever (vs. 19.)
The assurance that there will be no infant mortality nor premature death—he who fails to reach
one hundred years of age will be considered to be accursed—is conveying the promise of eternal
life (vs. 20.) By means of the imagery of building houses and living in them, planting vineyards
and enjoying their fruit, there is conveyed the blessing of enjoying the fruit of our labor free from
futility and oppression (vs. 21-23.) Verse 24 is communicating the blessing of close,
instantaneous fellowship with God, “Before they call, I will answer.” In verse 25 there is conveyed
the blessing of perfect peace throughout God’s new creation: the wolf and the lamb shall feed
together.
Let us prepare to meet our God, because those who serve Him shall inherit His new creation.
122
Conclusion
So very many people are living their lives totally absorbed with gaining riches and success in this
present world without any preparation for their encounter with God. Many other people live their
lives like those young German students, absorbed in the pursuit and experience of the pleasures of
this present world without any preparation for their encounter with God. But the message of Isaiah
65 is this: Be prepared to meet your God.
How do you prepare yourself for that awesome encounter? Receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your
Savior and take refuge in Him if you have never done so. Return to Christ if you have strayed away
from Him. Remain in Christ and, by His grace, continue to be faithful to Him.
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
Complete the sentences listed below that discuss the LORD’s appearance to His people as it is
described in Isaiah 65:1.
a.
b.
c.
The LORD revealed Himself to those who did not ___.
The LORD appeared to those who did not ___.
The LORD presented Himself to those who did not ___.
1. ask for Him
2. call for Him
3. seek Him
2.
In addition to being thoroughly unresponsive to the LORD and constantly provoking Him with
their idolatry, the people of whom Isaiah speaks were also characterized by an incredible _______.
Fill in the blank
3.
What terms does the LORD use in this passage of Isaiah 65 in describing the people who enjoy the
blessing of His favor?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
4.
My servants
A rebellious people
My people who seek me
My chosen ones
A people who provoke me
In Isaiah 65:18-25 the life and blessing of God’s new creation are described in terms of this
present creation that would be familiar and especially meaningful to the LORD’s Old Testament
people. Match the earthly imagery with the future blessing. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
There will be no infant mortality or pre-mature death; God’s people shall live to an
extraordinary old age. ___
God’s people will build houses and live in them; they will plant vineyards and eat the fruit of
them. ___
The wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. ___
1. The blessing of perfect peace and tranquility
2. The blessing of eternal life
3. The blessing of being free from futility and oppression
123
5.
Complete the sentences listed below that instruct us as to how we are to prepare to meet our
God.
a.
b.
c.
___ as your Savior if you have never done so.
___ if you have strayed away from Him.
___ and, by His grace, continue to be faithful to Him.
1. Return to Christ
2. Receive Christ
3. Remain in Christ
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is being described in Isaiah 65:1?
2. How does God describe these people to whom He has expectantly revealed Himself? See Isaiah
65:2-4
3. According to verses 6-7, what will God do?
4. What illustration does the LORD use in verse 8? What is He teaching?
5. How does the LORD describe the respective fate and rewards of those whom He identifies as "my
servants" in distinction from those whom He has identified as "a rebellious people?" See Isaiah 65:1315
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
Read 66:1-24
Study the Commentary on the Passage.
Answer the Questions at the End of the Lesson.
Part C What Kind of Life Are You Building?
66 This is what Jehovah says, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. [Therefore,] what kind
of house will you build for me, and where will be my resting place? 2My hand has made all these things,
so it was that all these things came into being, declares Jehovah. But this is the man I will regard,
[namely,] he who is humble and who has a contrite spirit, he who trembles at my word. 3Whoever
sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a man; and whoever offers a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s
neck. Whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers swine’s blood; whoever burns
frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul
delights in their abominations; 4so I will choose their afflictions and I will bring upon them the things
they dread—because when I called, none of them answered; when I spoke, they did not listen. On the
contrary, they did what was evil in my sight, and chose those things in which I have no delight.
5Hear the word of Jehovah, you who tremble at his word: Your brothers who hate you, who thrust
you away because of my name, they have said, May Jehovah be glorified, so that we may see your joy!
But they are the ones who shall be put to shame. 6Hear the sound of an uproar in the city, a noise from
the temple—it is the sound of Jehovah repaying his enemies what they deserve. 7Before she went into
labor, she gave birth; before the birth pains came upon her, she delivered a son. 8Who has heard of such
a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a country be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth in a
moment? Yet as soon as Zion went into labor she gave birth to her children. 9Shall I bring to the point of
birth and not cause the child to be delivered? asks Jehovah. When I bring [an infant] to [the point of]
delivery, do I shut the womb? asks your God. 10Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who
124
love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her. 11[Be glad for her,] so that you may nurse
and be satisfied with her comforting breasts, so that you may suck out and be delighted with the
abundance of her glory. 12This is what Jehovah says, I will extend peace to her like a river, and [bestow
upon her] the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream. You will be nursed, you will be carried
on the hip, and you will be dandled upon the knees. 13I will comfort you as a mother comforts her child;
indeed, you will be comforted in Jerusalem. 14When you see this, your heart will rejoice and your bones
will flourish like the grass [of springtime]. The hand of Jehovah will be made known to his servants; but
he will exhibit indignation against his enemies.
15See, Jehovah will come with fire, and his chariots will be like the whirlwind; [he will come] to render
his anger with fury and his rebuke with flames of fire. 16With fire and with sword Jehovah will execute
judgment upon all mankind, and those slain by Jehovah will be many. 17Those who consecrate and purify
themselves in order to go into the gardens, following the instructions of the priest who stands among
them, eating swine’s flesh and [other] abominable things, including rats—they will all come to an end
together, declares Jehovah. 18Because of their works and their thoughts I will come to gather all nations
and languages; and they will come, and they will see my glory. 19But I will work a miracle among them,
and those who are delivered [from my judgment] I will send to the nations—to Tarshish, to Put, and to
the famous archers of Lud, to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have neither heard of my
fame nor seen my glory. Those [who have been delivered] shall proclaim my glory to the nations. 20And
these[ messengers] will bring all your brothers from out of all the nations as an offering to Jehovah,
[conveying them] on horses and in chariots and in wagons and upon mules and upon camels to
Jerusalem my holy mountain, declares Jehovah, just as the children of Israel bring their grain offering in
a clean vessel to the house of Jehovah. 21And I will also select some of them to be priests and Levites,
declares Jehovah. 22Just as the new heavens and the new earth, that I will make, shall [always] remain
before me, declares Jehovah, so shall your descendants and your name perpetually endure. 23And it shall
be that from one new moon to the next, and from one Sabbath to the next, all mankind will come to bow
down before me, declares Jehovah. 24And they will go out and view the dead bodies of the men who have
rebelled against me; the worm [that feeds upon their corpses] shall not die, neither shall the fire [that
consumes their corpses] be quenched—they will be an abhorrence to all mankind. (Isa. 66:1-24)
Introduction
On the night of January 10, 1948, a fire broke out in the old First Reformed Church of Paterson, New
Jersey. On that cold and bitter winter night it burned to the ground in a three-alarm blaze.
Suppose the same were to happen to the church you presently attend. One night you are awakened
by the sound of fire engine sirens and discover that your church building is ablaze. When the flames
have finally been extinguished, there is nothing left but charred brick and rubble. Your congregation
must rebuild. You are appointed to the building committee. You and the other members of the
committee meet together to consider the question, What kind of structure shall we build? In the
midst of your deliberations the LORD Himself appears and informs you that He is far more interested
in the kind of life you are building than in any architectural design you may choose.
Such is the message of this last chapter of Isaiah. The setting may have been the occasion when the
people of Israel repaired the temple in the days of Hezekiah. In this setting the LORD comes to the
people by the prophet Isaiah and informs them of what is of primary importance to Him. As we study
this passage of Scripture, let us consider what kind of life the LORD desires for us to be building.
I. Build a Life that is Worthy of the LORD (Isa. 66:1-2a)
The people were in the process of repairing the temple that had been in a state of deterioration
due to neglect. 2 Chronicles 29:3 describes the work of repairing the temple in the days of King
Hezekiah: “In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of
Jehovah and repaired them.” As the people are engaged in this work, the LORD speaks to them by
the mouth of Isaiah the prophet:
125
This is what Jehovah says, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Therefore, what
kind of house will you build for me, and where will be my resting place? 2My hand has made all
these things, so it was that all these things came into being, declares Jehovah. (Isa. 66:1-2a)
The LORD reminds the people of His great majesty: heaven is His throne, the earth is His footstool,
He has made the whole creation with His own hands. The LORD then proceeds to ask the question,
“What kind of house will you build for me?”—He is urging them to realize that there is nothing they
can make that could even begin to contain the greatness of His presence or begin to do justice to
the greatness of His glory. Seeing that heaven itself is God’s throne and the earth is His footstool,
what kind of house is man able to build for God that is worthy of Him and that could contain His
glorious Person? Seeing that the LORD Himself has created the heavens and the earth, what could
man possibly build that would be adequate to serve as a fit dwelling place for our Creator?
If we are to build lives that are worthy of the LORD we must begin by being aware of the majesty
and the awesomeness of who He is: “Jehovah is exalted over all the nations; his glory is above the
heavens. 5Who is like Jehovah our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, 6who stoops down to look
upon the heavens and the earth?” (Psl. 113:4-6.) If we are to build lives that are worthy of the LORD
we must understand what is of paramount interest to Him and what is pleasing to Him: “Jehovah
said to Samuel, … ‘Jehovah does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward
appearance, but Jehovah looks at the heart’” (1 Sam. 16:7.) When the LORD first consecrated Israel
as His covenant people, He informed them what He required of them: “Love Jehovah your God with
all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deut. 6:5.) If we are to build lives
that are worthy of the LORD we must realize that it requires the work of God in us, it is not
something we can manufacture ourselves: “Unless Jehovah builds the house, its builders labor in
vain” (Psl. 127:1a.) We must rely upon the Holy Spirit and the sure promise the LORD makes:
I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26I will give you a new heart
and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of
flesh. 27And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep
my laws. (Ezek. 36:25b-27)
Let us build lives that are worthy of the LORD, yielding our selves to Him and asking Him to do His
gracious work in us.
II. Build a Life that is Characterized by a God-Pleasing Spirit (Isa. 66:2b-6)
The LORD is not impressed by any temple or cathedral that men may build for Him, but He does
look with favor upon the man whom He describes as one “who is humble and who has a contrite
spirit.” The reference here is to the man who is aware of his spiritual need, is humble before the
LORD his God, and exhibits sorrow for sin and a repentant spirit. It is the spirit and attitude
exhibited by the tax collector in Jesus’ parable:
… the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast
and said, God, have mercy on me, a sinner. 14I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went
home justified before God, for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who
humbles himself will be exalted. (Lk. 18:13-14)
As the Psalmist assures us, “Jehovah is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who
have a contrite spirit” (Psl. 34:18.) Furthermore, the man upon whom the LORD looks with favor is
described by Him as the man “who trembles at my word.” Holy fear is a right and proper response
for a man to make to the Person of God: “There is none like you, O Jehovah; you are great, and your
name is mighty in power. 7Who should not fear you, O King of the nations? for to you it appertain”
(Jer. 10:6-7a.) Holy fear of the LORD is a characteristic of a godly man; it was a characteristic of
Christ Himself in His incarnate state. Speaking of Christ, the writer to the Hebrews declares,
“During the days of his life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to
126
the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his godly fear” (Heb. 5:7.) It is
the teaching of Scripture that the man who fears the LORD is the man who experiences the tender
mercies of the LORD:
… for as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him …
13As a father has compassion on his children, so Jehovah has compassion on those who fear him
… 17But from everlasting to everlasting the lovingkindness of Jehovah is upon those who fear
him. (Psl. 103:11,13,17)
As verse 3a of Isaiah 66 indicates, the LORD has no respect for those who offer Him the mere
formalities of worship:
Whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a man; and whoever offers a lamb is like one who
breaks a dog’s neck. Whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers swine’s blood;
whoever burns frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. (Isa. 66:3a)
Worship may be offered to the LORD in strict accordance with the guidelines of Scripture, but if
the worshiper lacks the qualities outlined in verse 2, his worship is considered by the LORD to be
in the same class as idolatry. Those who would build lives that are pleasing to God must be aware
of the majesty and awesomeness of God’s person, must humble themselves before Him in
humility and godly fear, and must worship Him with whole-hearted devotion.
In the latter part of verse three and verse four, the LORD once again describes the people in their
present sinful condition. "They have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their
abominations." Here was a nation of people who were engaged in the practice of the formal
worship of God, while resolutely determined to go their own way and to delight in those very
things that the LORD defines as "abominations." "I will choose their afflictions and I will bring upon
them the things they dread—because when I called, none [of them] answered, when I spoke, they
did not listen." Because they did not fear God, God will therefore bring upon them the things they
dread—in this case a reference to the fear of conquest by a fierce foreign power, a temporal form
of the judgment of God. There now follow words of assurance addressed to those who tremble at
God’s word:
Hear the word of Jehovah, you who tremble at his word: Your brothers who hate you, who
thrust you away because of my name, they have said, May Jehovah be glorified, so that we may
see your joy! But they are the ones who shall be put to shame. 6Hear the sound of an uproar in
the city, a noise from the temple—it is the sound of Jehovah repaying his enemies what they
deserve. (Isa. 66:5-6)
Those persons who are devoted to the LORD their God presently suffer persecution at the hands
of their countrymen: they are hated, they are ostracized, they are mocked for their devotion to
the LORD and their continued confidence in His promises. But there is coming a great reversal:
those who presently engage in mocking the LORD and His servants shall themselves be put to
shame. This great reversal shall be accomplished by the voice of the LORD rendering recompense
to His enemies, causing a voice of tumult to arise throughout the city and the nation. What is
being referred to here is the voice of anguish raised by the vanquished amidst the voice of the
battle cry raised by the invaders—once again, a temporal form of God’s final judgment.
Let us build lives that are characterized by a God-pleasing spirit: lives that are characterized by
godly humility and holy fear, a contrite heart, and a devotion to God’s will.
III. Build a Life that Receives God’s Blessing (Isa. 66:7-24)
As the smoke of war and destruction and judgment clear away, we see the miraculous rebirth of
Zion, the city of God:
127
Before she went into labor, she gave birth; before the birth pains came upon her, she delivered a
son. 8Who has heard of such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a country be born in one
day? Can a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet as soon as Zion went into labor she gave
birth to her children. 9Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause the child to be delivered?
asks Jehovah. When I bring [an infant] to [the point of] delivery, do I shut the womb? asks your
God. (Isa. 66:7-9)
The imagery here is that of a woman giving birth, and the wonder of the effortless swiftness of
the birth, as well as the wonder of the abundance of her offspring (vs. 7-8.) Verse 9 indicates
this to be the work of the LORD, and the LORD will bring to fulfillment the good work He has
begun—the good work of redeeming His people to be His own possession and to inherit His
everlasting kingdom.
Those who have loved Jerusalem and who have mourned for her, are now called to rejoice with
her (Jerusalem here representing the kingdom of God):
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all
you who mourn over her. 11[Be glad for her,] so that you may nurse and be satisfied with her
comforting breasts, so that you may suck out and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.
(Isa. 66:10-11)
As a baby contently feeds upon his mother’s milk, so shall the godly drink in (experience) the
consolations and the abundant glory of (the new) Jerusalem.
The LORD Himself testifies that He will bless His city and His servants in it:
This is what Jehovah says, I will extend peace to her like a river, and [bestow upon her] the
wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream. You will be nursed, you will be carried on the
hip, and you will be dandled upon the knees. 13I will comfort you as a mother comforts her child;
indeed, you will be comforted in Jerusalem. 14When you see this, your heart will rejoice and your
bones will flourish like the grass [of springtime]. The hand of Jehovah will be made known to his
servants; but he will exhibit indignation against his enemies. (Isa. 66:12-14)
The LORD will bless “Jerusalem” with peace like a flowing river and with the wealth of the
nations—just as the nations now reign in glory, so shall the LORD bestow that glory upon His
people (vs. 12.) Christ’s servants shall drink in that abundant blessing like a baby drinking his
mother’s milk, and they shall be comforted by God their Father as a mother comforts her child
(vs. 13.) As verse 14 declares, “the hand of Jehovah will be known to his servants;” they shall
experience His work on their behalf, but He shall have indignation against His enemies.
Having indicated that He will pour out His everlasting indignation upon His enemies just as
surely as He bestows His everlasting favor upon His servants (vs. 14), the scene now shifts back
to the fall of Jerusalem—Jerusalem here referring to the earthly city inhabited by a God-defying
people:
See, Jehovah will come with fire, and his chariots will be like the whirlwind; [he will come] to
render his anger with fury and his rebuke with flames of fire. 16With fire and with sword
Jehovah will execute judgment upon all mankind, and those slain by Jehovah will be many.
17Those who consecrate and purify themselves in order to go into the gardens, following the
instructions of the priest who stands among them, eating swine’s flesh and [other] abominable
things, including rats—they will all come to an end together, declares Jehovah. (Isa. 66:15-17)
The warning is issued (vs. 15.) The judgment about to fall upon Jerusalem is a type of the final
universal judgment that shall take place at the end of history (vs. 16.) It is specifically stated
128
that the LORD’s indignation and judgment is directed against the idolaters—all those who give
their worship and the devotion of their lives to anything other than to the LORD their God,
refusing to give Him the place of supreme pre-eminence in their lives (vs. 17.)
Verses 18-21 speak of a great gathering before the LORD:
Because of their works and their thoughts I will come to gather all nations and languages; and
they will come, and they will see my glory. 19But I will work a miracle among them, and those
who are delivered [from my judgment] I will send to the nations—to Tarshish, to Put, and to the
famous archers of Lud, to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have neither heard
of my fame nor seen my glory. Those [who have been delivered] shall proclaim my glory to the
nations. 20And these [messengers] will bring all your brothers from out of all the nations as an
offering to Jehovah, [conveying them] on horses and in chariots and in wagons and upon mules
and upon camels to Jerusalem my holy mountain, declares Jehovah, just as the children of Israel
bring their grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of Jehovah. 21And I will also select some
of them to be priests and Levites, declares Jehovah. (Isa. 66:18-21)
The LORD has set a date for the whole world to stand before Him; to behold His glory, and to be
confronted with the truth that He alone is God (vs. 18.) Verse 19 indicates that prior to that
appointed day the LORD will “work a miracle among them,” and will send to the nations “those
who are delivered [from my judgment],” and they shall declare the LORD’s glory among the
nations. In the light of New Testament revelation, this appears to be a reference to the day of
Pentecost at which time Jews, (who had been dispersed among the nations,) being gathered
together in Jerusalem at the time of the Passover, heard the gospel and carried the good news of
salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ back with them to the distant reaches of the
Gentile world. Verses 20-21 appear to be a reference (couched in Old Testament terminology)
to the ingathering of all the LORD’s redeemed (believing Jew and believing Gentile alike) by
means of the universal preaching of the gospel—and they shall all serve the LORD in the same
capacity that was once reserved for only the Levites of the Old Testament nation of Israel.
The eternal state that shall characterize the new creation is now outlined in the following terms:
Just as the new heavens and the new earth, that I will make, shall [always] remain before me,
declares Jehovah, so shall your descendants and your name perpetually endure. 23And it shall be
that from one new moon to the next, and from one Sabbath to the next, all mankind will come
to bow down before me, declares Jehovah. 24And they will go out and view the dead bodies of
the men who have rebelled against me; the worm [that feeds upon their corpses] shall not die,
neither shall the fire [that consumes their corpses] be quenched—they will be an abhorrence to
all mankind. (Isa. 66:22-24)
The redeemed of the LORD and their offspring (their believing children) shall remain before the
LORD forever (vs. 22.) Again using terminology familiar to the Old Testament people of God, the
LORD indicates that all flesh (both the saved and the damned) shall acknowledge that He is God
(vs. 23.) Just as the redeemed are destined to experience the eternal blessing of God their
Savior; so, too, the unrepentant sinner is destined to experience the eternal curse of God His
Judge (vs. 24.)
Let us build lives that receive God’s blessing and that shall inherit His everlasting kingdom of
glory.
Conclusion
What kind of life are we building?
129
The Word of God exhorts us to build lives that are worthy of the LORD our God, …to build lives that
have a God-pleasing spirit, …to build lives that shall receive God’s blessing.
As we build our lives in keeping with the divine “blueprint” of Isaiah 66 before us, let us take to heart
the words of the Lord Jesus Christ:
I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice.
48He is like a man building a house; who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a
flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the
one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the
ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its
destruction was complete. (Lk. 6:47-49)
EVALUATING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1.
Complete the sentences listed below that discuss the background for the prophecy recorded in
Isaiah 66.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The people of Israel were repairing the temple in the days of ___.
In the midst of the re-construction project the LORD came to them by ___.
The LORD informed His people that He is not pleased with the offering of ___.
What is pleasing to the LORD is the offering of ___.
1. religious formalities
2. King Hezekiah
3. obedience
4. the prophet Isaiah
2.
Why does the LORD take exception to the worship of the people who are described in Isaiah 66:34?
a.
b.
c.
3.
The LORD is not impressed by any temple or cathedral made by men; but He does look with favor
upon what kind of person?
a.
b.
c.
d.
4.
5.
They were presenting sacrifices divorced from a life of devotion to the LORD.
They were offering their sacrifices to pagan idols instead of offering them to the LORD.
They were failing to offer the sacrifices prescribed by the LORD in His Law.
The person who is humble.
The person who is diligent to attend every worship service.
The person who has a contrite heart.
The person who trembles at His Word.
According to the commentary, based upon this passage of Isaiah 66, what kind of life should we
strive to build?
a. We should strive to build a life that will make us worthy before the LORD.
b. We should strive to build a life that is characterized by a God-pleasing spirit.
c. We should strive to build a life that will receive the LORD’s blessing.
d. We should strive to build a life that is worthy of the LORD.
Complete the sentences listed below that describe what is necessary if we are to build a life that
is worthy of the LORD.
a.
We must be aware that the LORD is the ___.
130
b.
c.
We must appreciate the fact that the LORD desires a ___.
We must rely upon the transforming power that the LORD supplies by the ___.
1. Holy Spirit
2. consecrated life
3. majestic God
DISCUSSSION QUESTIONS
1. Isaiah 66 is addressing the people of Israel at the time when they were repairing the temple in the
days of King Hezekiah. In the midst of this re-construction work the LORD addresses His people by His
prophet Isaiah. Of what does He remind the people? What question does He ask? See Isaiah 66:1-2
What do you think He wants them to understand?
2. What kind of a person does the LORD regard with favor? See Isaiah 66:2b
3. What kind of worship is being described in verse 3? (Note the LORD's comments about the people
who are offering this worship.) How does the LORD regard such "worship?" See verses 3-4
4. In verses 5-6 the LORD turns from those whose worship merely consists of religious formalities to
once again address those who are truly devoted to Him. What assurance does He give them? Why
does He find it necessary to offer such assurance?
5. Verses 18-21 speak of a great gathering before the LORD. How is that gathering described? What do
you think is the fulfillment of this prophecy?
Assignment:
1.
2.
3.
Proceed to Take the Final Exam.
Complete your 300-page Reading Assignment and Turn in your Book Report(s).
Finish and Submit your 8-10-page Essay.