Category: Isaiah

Isaiah 9:8-10:4 is a poem by the Prophet Isaiah warning God’s people of the great calamities which the LORD was sending because of their sin. Israel’s response was to ignore the LORD’s disciplining wrath and grace.

Therefore, Isaiah poetically indicated that the LORD would bring about the downfall of His rebellious people. The poem is structured into four stanzas: 9:8-12; 9:13-17; 9:18-21; and 10:1-4. The poem’s theme is refrained four times (9:12; 9:17; 9:21; 10:4). It is “For all His anger has not turned away, and His hand is stretched out still.”

Today we examine Isaiah 9:8-12 which says, “⁸ The Lord has sent a word against Jacob, and it will fall on Israel; ⁹ and all the people will know, Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria, who say in pride and in arrogance of heart: ¹⁰ “The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.” ¹¹ But the Lord raises the adversaries of Rezin against him, and stirs up his enemies. ¹² The Syrians on the east and the Philistines on the west devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.”

Through His prophets, the LORD warned the northern kingdom of Israel that His judgment was coming upon them because of their sin. The LORD has sent His word. His oracle was an impending woe upon the people of Jacob. It was a judgment that would come. It was to be a judgment that the people would eventually understand, but too late.

What was the people’s response? 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “ if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” However, Israel did not humble itself as a nation. Israel did not pray and seek God’s face. Israel did not turn from its wicked ways. Therefore, God did not forgive their sin and subsequently heal their land.

Rather, Israel’s response was arrogance. To the LORD’s destructive judgment upon the land and their cities, the people responded that they would rebuild bigger and better cities. They believed they would, and could, overcome the judgment of God. How foolish.

God would bring destruction upon Israel through the military might of the Syrians and the Philistines. God would use these evil nations to bring upon Israel His righteous judgment. God would purpose evil to exist and use it for His glory. See Habakkuk.

Why would God chose to do this? Isaiah 9:12 provides the answer. “For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.” The One, true God who delivered Israel from Egypt was now extended to strike His own people.

What was true of Israel is true for nations today. God hates sin and will bring judgment down upon unrepentant sin. He does so upon not only individuals but also nations. May we individually, and nationally, repent and return to the God of our salvation.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

  

 

² “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ³ You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. ⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Dr. R. C. Sproul states that, “Isaiah 9:6–7 describes this coming king. He would possess unparalleled wisdom, being the “Wonderful Counselor” who would not need advisers or counselors to help guide him. His reign would also be so marked by peace that he would be the “Prince of Peace.” Other kings are known for war, and while this coming king would be a mighty warrior, his rule would establish and maintain permanent peace between God and the king’s loyal subjects. And this king would be more than a mere man. He would be “Mighty God, Everlasting Father”—that is, the Creator Himself incarnate.”

The Messianic prophecy of the incarnate Son of God continues in Isaiah 9:7. Regarding this One who is identified as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, Isaiah goes on to say that, “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

The characteristics of the Messiah’s rule and reign are highlighted in Isaiah 9:7. Let’s look at each one in detail.

“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.” The word increase means greatness and abundance. The greatness and abundance of the Son’s rule and dominion (government) and of complete safety (peace) will be eternal.  

“On the throne of David and over his kingdom.” The Son’s rule and dominion will be centralized on the throne of Israel. This is personified as the throne and kingdom of David ((1 Kings 8:25; Psalm 2:6; 132:11; Jeremiah 3:17, 18; Ezekiel 34:23–26; Luke 1:32, 33; Acts 2:30). The virgin’s Son will be the rightful heir to David’s throne and will inherit the promises of the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12–16; cf. Psalm 89:1–37; Matthew 1:1).

 “To establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” The purpose and character of the Son’s rule and dominion will be to form and sustain His eternal kingdom with righteous judgment.

“The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” The passion and strong desire of Yahweh, who commands a vast host of angels, will accomplish this feat.

 Dr. John Walvoord explains, “The Messiah, seated on David’s throne (Luke 1:32–33), will have an eternal rule of peace and justice. His rule will have no end; it will go on forever (cf. Dan. 7:14, 27; Micah 4:7; Luke 1:33; Rev. 11:15). Following the kingdom on earth, He will rule for eternity. He will maintain righteousness (cf. Jer. 23:5), as His rule will conform to God’s holy character and demands.”

One author writes that, “In this fallen world, people long for peace between family members, between coworkers, and between neighbors. Lasting peace is possible, however, only through submission to the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus. When we bow to Him in faith, we are put at peace with our Creator, and we are called to announce His reign so that others may know His peace. Let us seek to tell others about the Prince of Peace this day.”

Soli deo Gloria!

² “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ³ You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. ⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Today, we continue to examine Isaiah 9:6 which says, “⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Four descriptive and compound titles, or names, are given to the Son. Each describe His inner character.

Wonderful Counselor. In an absolute sense, this name means that the Son will be an outstanding and amazing source of wisdom and counsel.

Mighty God. In an absolute sense, this name means that the Son is also the one, true God of the universe who created it and sustains it, is powerful and strong.

Everlasting Father. In an absolute sense, this means that the Son is the head of His covenant people and will be eternally.

Prince of Peace. In an absolute sense, the Son is the commander and ruler of safeness, soundness and welfare for His people.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Wonderful Counselor. In contrast to Ahaz, this King will implement supernatural wisdom in discharging his office (cf. 2 Sam. 16:23; 1 Kings 3:28). Mighty God. As a powerful warrior, the Messiah will accomplish the military exploits mentioned in Isa. 9:3–5 (cf. 10:21; Deut. 10:17; Neh. 9:32). Everlasting Father. The Messiah will be a Father to his people eternally. As Davidic King, he will compassionately care for and discipline them (Isa. 40:11; 63:16; 64:8; Ps. 68:5–6; 103:13; Prov. 3:12). Prince of Peace. The government of Immanuel will procure and perpetuate peace among the nations of the world (Isa. 2:4; 11:6–9; Mic. 4:3).”

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

  

 

 

² “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ³ You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. ⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Today, we examine Isaiah 9:6 which says, “⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Dr. Don Carson explains that, “The mounting relief and joy in vs 1–5 as the trappings of war are abolished prepare us to meet the deliverer; but instead of some latter-day Gideon (cf. v 4), it is the child (6) already foretold as Immanuel in 7:14; 8:8.”

“For to us” within the immediate context this statement refers to Israel. In the ultimate context it refers to all who are children of God by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. This promise is exclusively for those who are in covenant relationship with God.

“A child” specifically refers to a man child. A boy. This is the child prophesied in Isaiah 7:14.

“Is born.” The grammar here in the Hebrew is most interesting because this verb phrase is in the perfect tense. That means it refers to a past completed action which has continuing results. This seems logical to the 21^st century believer because the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 is rooted in an 8^th century B.C. historical context. However, this was a prophecy yet future by approximately 700 years for those believers. The perfect tense indicates the assurance of this prophecy coming to pass as if it already has. This grammatical style is known as the prophetic perfect.

“To us a son is given.” To covenant believers God gives a son. Once again, the phrase “is given” is in the perfect tense. The same sense applies a previously noted.

“And the government shall be upon his shoulder” refers to the Son’s right to rule and have dominion over His people and all of creation. Dr. John Walvoord writes that, “He will rule over God’s people (cf. Micah 5:2) and the world (Zechariah 14:9). The government will be on His shoulders figuratively refers to the kingly robe to be worn by the Messiah. As King, He will be responsible to govern the nation. In Isaiah’s day Judah’s leaders were incompetent in governing the people. But the Messiah will govern properly.”

Dr. John MacArthur explains that, “These terms elaborate further on Immanuel, the child to be born to the virgin (7:14). The virgin’s child will also be the royal Son of David, with rights to the Davidic throne (9:7; cf. Matt. 1:21; Luke 1:31–33; 2:7, 11).In fulfillment of this verse and Psalm 2:9, the Son will rule the nations of the world (Rev. 2:27; 19:15).”

Four descriptive and compound titles, or names, are given to the Son. Each describe His inner character. We will examine each name when next we meet.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

   

 

 

² “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ³ You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. ⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Today, we examine Isaiah 9:4-5 which says, “⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.”

These two verses are filled with images of military instruments of oppression, battle and war. A yoke is an instrument of oppression and burden. A staff may refer to not only a rod, but also an arrow or lance. A rod is a club. The phrase “boot of the trampling warrior” refers to an army on the move. Battle tumult is a riotous, discordant sound that signals chaos and frenzy caused by an approaching army. Garments rolled in blood symbolizes those killed in battle.

All these instruments and images associated with political and military war between nations will cease. The LORD would eventually free national Israel from its bondage to Assyria, Babylon, and every foreign power to follow which would seek to oppress her.

It was passages such as this which would prompt the Jews during the time of Christ to perceive that the Messiah’s deliverance of Israel was purely political and military. They failed to understand the spiritual implications of Messiah’s coming were far greater and more important.

Puritan Matthew Henry writes, “The design of the gospel, and the grace of it, is to break the yoke of sin and Satan, to remove the burden of guilt and corruption, and to free us from the rod of those oppressors, that we might be brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”

Let us not lose sight of the fact that Jesus Christ’s coming was to free sinners from not only the penalty of sin, and the power of sin, but also from the very presence of sin. This is the ultimate victory by our glorious and victorious Savior.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

² “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ³ You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. ⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes that, “Isaiah 9:1–7 records the famous prophecy of the coming child who would be “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This messianic hope arose because the Lord promised to raise up a son of David who would rule forever and because the failures of David’s line made the people hope for someone to restore that line (2 Sam. 7; Amos 9:11–15). Hezekiah was a good king, but he was not the Messiah. However, during his reign God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, telling the king that after the Assyrian invasion of Judah during Hezekiah’s lifetime, a new king would sit on the throne in Jerusalem.”

Since Isaiah 9:2-7 is such a magnificent oracle, we are going to examine each verse in detail. Today, we examine Isaiah 9:3. My hope is that you will truly be blessed by this study.

Isaiah 9:3 says, “You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.”

The personal pronouns in this verse merit attention. The word ”you”, which is singular, refers to the LORD: Yahweh. The word “they”, which is plural,  refers to the Nation of Israel.

Isaiah credits the LORD with the increase of Israel. Yahweh is the source of Israel becoming great again. He will do so by sending the Messiah who will lead the people out of spiritual darkness and into the light of the Gospel.

Yahweh is also responsible for the increase of Israel’s joy. The word increase means to exalt and to make great. What is exalted and made great in Israel is joy. Joy is an inner attitude of gladness and delight. Joy even transcends unfavorable circumstances because the source of joy is the LORD and not one’s circumstances.

Because of the LORD’s work, the people rejoiced before Him in worship. Rejoicing is the behavior which corresponds to the inner attitude of joy. It is the outward expression of gladness and a merry heart.

Isaiah likens Israel’s joy in the promised Messiah to be like the joy during the annual harvest. As the crops are being gathered from the fields, the people are rejoicing for another year of sustaining food from the gracious hand of God.

The light of the Messiah will increase Israel’s joy like the joy at harvest-time.  “Joy” is another emphasis of the prophet Isaiah. Joy is mentioned more than two dozen times in his prophetical book. This joy will be a supernatural work of God much like the nation’s deliverance when Gideon defeated Midian (Judges 7:1–24; Isaiah 10:26).

Do you possess an inner joy from the LORD? Is your inner gladness and contentment displayed by your outward behavior? May it be so today. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Soli deo Gloria!

 

² “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ³ You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. ⁴ For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)  

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Isaiah 9:1–7 records the famous prophecy of the coming child who would be “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah uttered these words during the reign of King Hezekiah, who lived at the end of the eighth century and the beginning of the seventh century BC. Hezekiah was one of the godliest kings during the old covenant period (2 Kings 18:1–7), but he was no King David. Hezekiah inherited the throne of David his forefather and reigned during a period when the Assyrian Empire was the strongest power in the ancient Near East. David, however, was established on the throne of Israel by the Lord, and he took Israel from being a minor player on the world stage to one of great importance (2 Sam. 5; 1 Chron. 18:4). Because of the glories of David’s reign, David became the prototype of the ideal ruler, and the prophets looked forward to the day when a king like David but even better would rule over God’s people once more (Jer. 23:5; 33:14–15; Zech. 12:8).”

Since Isaiah 9:2-7 is such a magnificent oracle, we are going to examine each verse, beginning with Isaiah 9:2, individually. My hope is that you will truly be blessed by this study.

Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” Let’s begin to unpack this verse.

The people. Within the immediate context the people would be both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah in the 8^th century B.C. The entire nation was existing and living in darkness. The word darkness refers to a time and condition of terror, ignorance, sadness, confusion and evil.

The coming of the Messiah was and is synonymous with the coming of light to remove the darkness of captivity (42:16; 49:6; 58:8; 60:1, 19–20). However, the condition of the Jewish people walking in darkness politically and culturally in the 8^th century B.C. mirrors the spiritual darkness all unredeemed people experience without Christ.

Ephesians 5:8-11 says, “⁸ for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), ¹⁰ and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

I John 1:5-7 says, “⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”  

Dr. John MacArthur writes that, “Darkness describes the character of the life of the unconverted as void of truth and virtue in intellectual and moral matters (cf. 1 John 1:5–7). The realm of darkness is presided over by the “power of darkness” (Luke 22:53; Col. 1:13), who rules those headed for “outer darkness” (Matt. 8:12; 2 Pet. 2:17). Tragically, sinners love the darkness (John 3:19–21). It is that very darkness from which salvation in Christ delivers sinners (see John 8:12; Col. 1:13; 1 Pet. 2:9; cf. Ps. 27:1).”

Those in Israel who lived in spiritual darkness now understood a great light would come. This light would be the source of guidance, health, life and prosperity. It would be a great, important and excellent light. The light is the Messiah and His coming symbolizes not only the removal from political captivity of the Jewish nation then, but also, and more importantly, the spiritual captivity of the soul for all time.

Much like Israel during Isaiah’s day, do you recall your life when it was in darkness? How has the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ changed your life? Take time to thank the LORD for delivering you from darkness and bringing you into the light.

Soli deo Gloria!    

“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.” (Isaiah 9:1)

 Dr. R. C. Sproul writes that, “Scripture does not tell us about people and events that are divorced from history. It explains that God has worked out His salvation in space and in time. One of the clearest examples of this is the Bible’s use of prophecy that is set firmly in one historical setting while predicting events in another. Prophecies of the coming Messiah fill the Old Testament, with the book of Isaiah featuring some of the most well-known predictions of the future.”

Zebulun and Naphtali were two geographic regions in the northern kingdom of Israel. Both regions were located to the west, northwest of the Sea of Galilee. They were both located west of the Jordan River and contained fertile land suitable for raising crops and for grazing livestock. This remains so today.

These two regions were the first to suffer from the invading forces of Assyria (2 Kings 15:29). This marked the beginning of the dark days for the northern kingdom of Israel.

However, the LORD provided a glimmer of hope and confidence for the people of the land. While in the former days of judgment there would be doom and gloom, in the latter days the LORD would transform the land into glory. He would make it the “glorious way of the sea.”

The New Testament amplifies and applies this prophecy of the returning honor of Galilee to the period of Jesus Christ’s first advent. Matthew 4:12-16 says, “¹² Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. ¹³ And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, ¹⁴ so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ¹⁵ “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— ¹⁶ the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”

Matthew 4:15-16 quotes directly from Isaiah 9:1-2. While the initial fulfillment of Isaiah 9:1-7 would occur during the incarnation of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago, the ultimate fulfillment will take place at His second advent. It will be then that the LORD will expel all foreign invaders from the land.

Dr. John Walvoord writes that, “Galil in Hebrew is a “circle,” or “circuit,” and from it came the name Galilee. North of Naphtali, inhabited by a mixed race of Jews and Gentiles of the bordering Phoenician race (Judges 1:30; 1 Ki 9:11). Besides the recent deportation by Tiglath-pileser, it had been sorely smitten by Ben-hadad of Syria, two hundred years before (1 Kings 15:20). It was after the Assyrian deportation colonized with heathens, by Esar-haddon (2 Kings 17:24). Hence arose the contempt for it on the part of the southern Jews of purer blood (John 1:46; 7:52).”

“The same region which was so darkened once, shall be among the first to receive Messiah’s light (Matthew 4:13, 15, 16). It was in despised Galilee that He first and most publicly exercised His ministry; from it were most of His apostles. Foretold in Deuteronomy 33:18, 19; Acts 2:7; Psalm 68:27, 28, Jerusalem, the theocratic capital, might readily have known Messiah; to compensate less favored Galilee, He ministered mostly there; Galilee’s very debasement made it feel its need of a Saviour, a feeling not known to the self-righteous Jews (Mt 9:13). It was appropriate, too, that He who was both “the Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the Glory of His people Israel,” should minister chiefly on the border land of Israel, near the Gentiles.”

More to come.

Soli deo Gloria!

^16” Bind up the testimony; seal the teaching among my disciples. ¹⁷ I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him. ¹⁸ Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. ¹⁹ And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? ²⁰ To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. ²¹ They will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. ²² And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness.” (Isaiah 8:16-22)

A much quoted portion of Scripture concerning a nation’s repentance towards God is 2 Chronicles 7:14. “^14 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” It was the LORD’s response to King Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple of God in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 7:1-10) and is part of the broader context of 2 Chronicles 7:11-21.

The doctrine contained in 2 Chronicles 7:11-21 is almost completely unique in and of itself. It features the conditions for God’s forgiveness of a nation’s sin. This includes (1) humility; (2) prayer; (3) longing for God; and (4) repentance.

These four qualities were lacking in the Nation of Judah in the 8^th century B.C. during the ministry of Isaiah, the prophet. Instead, the people of Judah were proud, they sought out and worshiped false gods of their own making, and were unrepentant.

Instead of humbly seeking the LORD during time of national difficulty, they became enraged against God and spoke contemptuously of Him. The refused to accept the truth of God’s Word, from God’s spokesperson.

Therefore, Isaiah bound up and sealed the scroll containing the testimony of impending judgment. Why? First, it was to ensure that nothing would be added to, or taken from it. Two, to imply that it related to distant events, and was therefore to be a sealed and not understood testimony (Isaiah 6:9, 10), except in part among God’s disciples.

In a similar vein to Isaiah 8:16-22, Joel 2:12-13 says, “Yet even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting…weeping, and…mourning; and rend your hearts….’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains that, “Those who have been gifted with circumcised hearts repent when the Lord, through His prophets and Apostles, calls them to turn from their sin. But the call must go out, for God ordinarily works through the preaching of His Word; thus, Joel calls for deep and thorough repentance in Joel 2:13–17. He grounds this call to repent in God’s revelation of His mercy and willingness to relent over the disasters He has announced (see Ex. 34:6–7; Jer. 18:5–8). At the same time, Joel’s call to repentance lacks any hint of presumption. Although God’s people can always be confident that He will forgive them when they turn to Him in heartfelt repentance (2 Chron. 7:14; Luke 15:11–32), even the healing that He promises does not always mean that we will escape the earthly consequences that flow from our sin. Joel 2:14 reflects this point, as the prophet leaves it up in the air as to whether God’s forgiveness might include other undeserved blessings.”

May each nation today, and its citizens, take to heart the oracles from two ancient Jewish prophets. The truth they speak continues to resound in our own day and age.

Soli deo Gloria!  

^11” For the Lord spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: ¹² “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. ¹³ But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. ¹⁴ And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. ¹⁵ And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.” (Isaiah 8:11-15) 

The primary sin by the Nations of Israel and Judah was a refusal to trust in, commit to, depend upon and worship the LORD God alone. They preferred, except for a small remnant, to trust, commit, depend and worship objects of their own device and design. In Isaiah 8:11, the LORD instructed Isaiah not to walk in the pattern of life of the people.

There has always been a trend among so-called leaders of either ancient Israel, or the contemporary church, to cater their message and ministry in light of what the people, or congregation, want and desire. Today, it is what is known and referred to as being culturally relevant. It is being like the people and giving the people what they want. It is telling the people what they want to hear and refusing to tell the people what they need to hear. It is framing a philosophy of ministry that will not offend. In others words, it is a philosophy of ministry void of the truth.

Yahweh warned Isaiah not to cater to the people’s whims and wants. He said, “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread.” The majority of people in Israel and Judah considered the prophets Jeremiah, Isaiah and others to be the enemy because they preached against alliances with foreign powers and advocated a reliance upon the LORD alone. Isaiah was not to go along with various political conspiracy theories of the time. Neither was he to fear or reverence what they people feared and reverenced or tremble because of what the people might do to him.

Instead, Isaiah was to honor the LORD as holy and to fear and dread Him alone. As the prophet continued to do this, and the nations refused, the LORD would be a sanctuary for those who trusted in Him alone, while at the same time a stone of offense, a rock of stumbling along with being a trap and a snare for those who did not.

Dr. John MacArthur explains that, “Isaiah found encouragement in the Lord as his holy place of protection from his accusers. The NT applies this verse to corporate Israel in her ongoing rejection of Jesus as Messiah (Luke 2:34; Rom. 9:32–33; 1 Pet. 2:8). Another prediction anticipated the stumbling of Israel, which included her rejection of her Messiah at his first advent (Luke 20:18; Rom. 9:32; cf. Isa. 28:16).”

 It is easy to follow the crowd and capitulate either politically, economically, culturally or spiritually to their whims and ways. The believer in Christ must never do this, even when tempted to do so by many within the church. We must honor the LORD alone as holy and He alone we must fear and dread. We must never fear and dread people.

May we all resolve to follow the LORD’s direction this day.

Soli deo Gloria!