Were Jeremiah and Paul both set apart by God from their mother’s womb for a mission whereby kings, officials, priests, and people would fight against them? Let’s look at Jeremiah 1.
Was Jeremiah a priest in part of Judah, commissioned as a prophet during the last days of Judah, the southern tribes of Israel?
The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin: To whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month. (Jer 1:1-3 KJV)
What did the Lord, Yahweh in this translation, say as He commissioned Jeremiah a prophet?
Now the word of Yahweh came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the innermost parts I knew you, And before you came out from the womb I set you apart; I have given you as a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Alas, Lord Yahweh! Behold, I do not know how to speak Because I am a youth.” But Yahweh said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares Yahweh. (Jer 1:4-8 LSB)
Though he was worried about being too young, what did God do to Jeremiah to encourage him in his appointment?
Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to tear down, To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant.” (Jer 1:9-10 NASB)
Did Jeremiah see a common tree in that area? Similar to the Hebrew word watchful, does the watchful almond tree symbolize God watching over us?
The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” (Jer 1:11-12 NIV)
In this second vision did God reveal Judah’s threat from Babylon? Have all nations worshipped the works of their own hands instead of God?
And the word of the Lord came to me the second time, saying, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see a boiling pot, and it is facing away from the north.” Then the Lord said to me: “Out of the north calamity shall break forth On all the inhabitants of the land. For behold, I am calling All the families of the kingdoms of the north,” says the Lord; “They shall come and each one set his throne At the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, Against all its walls all around, And against all the cities of Judah. I will utter My judgments Against them concerning all their wickedness, Because they have forsaken Me, Burned incense to other gods, And worshiped the works of their own hands. (Jer 1:13-16 NKJV)
Was Jeremiah’s job to tell people everything from God? Do we modern preachers leave the difficult parts of God’s word out, afraid of the inevitable fight?
“Get up and prepare for action. Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them. For see, today I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land—the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah. They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jer 1:17-19 NLT)
Was Paul also set apart from his mother’s womb and called by God’s grace?
But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood, (Gal 1:15-16 WEB)
Were Jeremiah and Paul both set apart by God from their mother’s womb for a mission whereby kings, officials, priests, and people would fight against them? You decide!
Judgment & Restoration (Isaiah 66)
Do the 66 books of the Protestant Bible parallel the 66 chapters of Isaiah in many ways? Let’s conclude Isaiah in chapter 66.
Where can God be found and to whom will He gladly look?
The Lord says: Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool. So where could you build a house for me, and where could my resting place be? My hand made all these things and brought them into being, says the Lord. But here is where I will look: to the humble and contrite in spirit, who tremble at my word. (Isa 66:1-2 CEB)
Do people still mix worship of God with idolatry? Do people still knowingly do what is wrong?
You sacrifice oxen to me, and you commit murder; you sacrifice lambs to me and dogs to other gods; you offer grain to me and pigs' blood to idols; you burn incense to me and praise your idols. You have made your own choice to do these disgusting things that you enjoy so much. You refused to answer when I called out; you paid no attention to my instructions. Instead, you did what I hated, knowing it was wrong. Now I will punish you in a way you dread the most. (Isa 66:3-4 CEV)
Will those who tremble at the Lord’s word be hated by others? Is God’s plan to eventually bring justice to all?
Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at his word: “Your brothers who hate you and cast you out for my name's sake have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy’; but it is they who shall be put to shame. The sound of an uproar from the city! A sound from the temple! The sound of the Lord, rendering recompense to his enemies!” (Isa 66:5-6 ESV)
Will Jerusalem’s salvation be like a woman suddenly giving birth without pain?
Before Zion was in labor, she gave birth; before she was in pain, she delivered a boy. Who has heard of such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day or a nation be delivered in an instant? Yet as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her sons. “Will I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the Lord; “or will I who deliver, close the womb?” says your God. Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her, all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all who mourn over her—so that you may nurse and be satisfied from her comforting breast and drink deeply and delight yourselves from her glorious breasts. (Isa 66:7-11 HCSB)
Will Jerusalem eventually be comforted by God? Will nations be punished?
This is what the Lord says: “See, I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; and you will nurse, and you will be carried on her hip, and bounced upon her knees. Like a child whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you will be comforted in Jerusalem. And when you look, your hearts will rejoice and your bodies will flourish like grass; and it will be made known that the Lord’s hand is with his servants, but his fury is with his enemies.
“Take notice! The Lord will come with fire, and his chariot will be like a whirlwind, to pay back his anger—yes, his anger!— in fury, and his menacing rebukes in flames of fire. For with fire and with his sword the Lord will proceed to judgment on all humanity, and those slain by the Lord will be many.” (Isa 66:13-16 ISV)
Will God approve of those who believe in abominations?
They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the Lord. For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. (Isa 66:17-18 KJV)
Did Isaiah prophesy the future work of Christian missionaries?
I will set a sign among them and will send those who have escaped from them to the nations: Tarshish, Put, Lud, Meshech, Tubal, and Javan, to the distant coastlands that have neither heard My report nor seen My glory. And they will declare My glory among the nations. Then they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as a grain offering to Yahweh, on horses, in chariots, in litters, on mules, and on camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says Yahweh, “just as the sons of Israel bring their grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of Yahweh. I will also take some of them for priests and for Levites,” says Yahweh. (Isa 66:19-21 LSB)
Will all humanity eventually bow down to God? What will happen to those who rebel?
“For just as the new heavens and the new earth, Which I make, will endure before Me,” declares the Lord, “So will your descendants and your name endure. And it shall be from new moon to new moon And from Sabbath to Sabbath, All mankind will come to bow down before Me,” says the Lord. “Then they will go out and look At the corpses of the people Who have rebelled against Me. For their worm will not die And their fire will not be extinguished; And they will be an abhorrence to all mankind.” (Isa 66:22-24 NASB)
Did Stephen quote this chapter of Isaiah, that God is not limited to a house of worship?
However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?’ (Acts 7:48-50 NIV)
Do the 66 books of the Protestant Bible parallel the 66 chapters of Isaiah in many ways? You decide!
Where can God be found and to whom will He gladly look?
The Lord says: Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool. So where could you build a house for me, and where could my resting place be? My hand made all these things and brought them into being, says the Lord. But here is where I will look: to the humble and contrite in spirit, who tremble at my word. (Isa 66:1-2 CEB)
Do people still mix worship of God with idolatry? Do people still knowingly do what is wrong?
You sacrifice oxen to me, and you commit murder; you sacrifice lambs to me and dogs to other gods; you offer grain to me and pigs' blood to idols; you burn incense to me and praise your idols. You have made your own choice to do these disgusting things that you enjoy so much. You refused to answer when I called out; you paid no attention to my instructions. Instead, you did what I hated, knowing it was wrong. Now I will punish you in a way you dread the most. (Isa 66:3-4 CEV)
Will those who tremble at the Lord’s word be hated by others? Is God’s plan to eventually bring justice to all?
Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at his word: “Your brothers who hate you and cast you out for my name's sake have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy’; but it is they who shall be put to shame. The sound of an uproar from the city! A sound from the temple! The sound of the Lord, rendering recompense to his enemies!” (Isa 66:5-6 ESV)
Will Jerusalem’s salvation be like a woman suddenly giving birth without pain?
Before Zion was in labor, she gave birth; before she was in pain, she delivered a boy. Who has heard of such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day or a nation be delivered in an instant? Yet as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her sons. “Will I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the Lord; “or will I who deliver, close the womb?” says your God. Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her, all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all who mourn over her—so that you may nurse and be satisfied from her comforting breast and drink deeply and delight yourselves from her glorious breasts. (Isa 66:7-11 HCSB)
Will Jerusalem eventually be comforted by God? Will nations be punished?
This is what the Lord says: “See, I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; and you will nurse, and you will be carried on her hip, and bounced upon her knees. Like a child whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you will be comforted in Jerusalem. And when you look, your hearts will rejoice and your bodies will flourish like grass; and it will be made known that the Lord’s hand is with his servants, but his fury is with his enemies.
“Take notice! The Lord will come with fire, and his chariot will be like a whirlwind, to pay back his anger—yes, his anger!— in fury, and his menacing rebukes in flames of fire. For with fire and with his sword the Lord will proceed to judgment on all humanity, and those slain by the Lord will be many.” (Isa 66:13-16 ISV)
Will God approve of those who believe in abominations?
They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the Lord. For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. (Isa 66:17-18 KJV)
Did Isaiah prophesy the future work of Christian missionaries?
I will set a sign among them and will send those who have escaped from them to the nations: Tarshish, Put, Lud, Meshech, Tubal, and Javan, to the distant coastlands that have neither heard My report nor seen My glory. And they will declare My glory among the nations. Then they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as a grain offering to Yahweh, on horses, in chariots, in litters, on mules, and on camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says Yahweh, “just as the sons of Israel bring their grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of Yahweh. I will also take some of them for priests and for Levites,” says Yahweh. (Isa 66:19-21 LSB)
Will all humanity eventually bow down to God? What will happen to those who rebel?
“For just as the new heavens and the new earth, Which I make, will endure before Me,” declares the Lord, “So will your descendants and your name endure. And it shall be from new moon to new moon And from Sabbath to Sabbath, All mankind will come to bow down before Me,” says the Lord. “Then they will go out and look At the corpses of the people Who have rebelled against Me. For their worm will not die And their fire will not be extinguished; And they will be an abhorrence to all mankind.” (Isa 66:22-24 NASB)
Did Stephen quote this chapter of Isaiah, that God is not limited to a house of worship?
However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?’ (Acts 7:48-50 NIV)
Do the 66 books of the Protestant Bible parallel the 66 chapters of Isaiah in many ways? You decide!
New Heaven & Earth (Isaiah 65)
Will there be a new heaven and a new earth? Let’s look in Isaiah 65.
Did people who never sought God find Him while most in Israel sacrificed in pagan gardens, telling God to stay away? Do some people still think that they are holier than God?
I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. (Isa 65:1-5 KJV)
Will God keep silent forever? Will the sins of generations come back upon us too?
“Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will even repay into their bosom, Both their own iniquities and the iniquities of their fathers together,” says Yahweh. “Because they have burned incense on the mountains And reproached Me on the hills, Therefore I will measure their former work into their bosom.” (Isa 65:6-7 LSB)
Who does God choose? Do we choose that in which God delights?
This is what the Lord says: “Just as the new wine is found in the cluster, And one says, ‘Do not destroy it, for there is benefit in it,’ So I will act in behalf of My servants In order not to destroy all of them. I will bring forth offspring from Jacob, And an heir of My mountains from Judah; My chosen ones shall inherit it, And My servants will live there. Sharon will be a pasture land for flocks, And the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, For My people who seek Me. But as for you who abandon the Lord, Who forget My holy mountain, Who set a table for Fortune, And fill a jug of mixed wine for Destiny, I will destine you for the sword, And all of you will bow down to the slaughter. Because I called, but you did not answer; I spoke, but you did not listen. Instead, you did evil in My sight And chose that in which I did not delight.” (Isa 65:8-12 NASB)
Will God provide food and rejoicing for His servants? Will they sing joyfully?
Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; my servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; my servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit. You will leave your name for my chosen ones to use in their curses; the Sovereign Lord will put you to death, but to his servants he will give another name. Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the one true God; whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the one true God. For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes. (Isa 65:13-16 NIV)
Will there be a new heavens and a new earth? Will there be no more crying there?
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, And her people a joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, And joy in My people; The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, Nor the voice of crying.” (Isa 65:17-19 NKJV)
Will people plant vineyards there? Will the nature of wild animals be tamed? Will no one be hurt or destroyed there?
“No longer will babies die when only a few days old. No longer will adults die before they have lived a full life. No longer will people be considered old at one hundred! Only the cursed will die that young! In those days people will live in the houses they build and eat the fruit of their own vineyards. Unlike the past, invaders will not take their houses and confiscate their vineyards. For my people will live as long as trees, and my chosen ones will have time to enjoy their hard-won gains. They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the Lord, and their children, too, will be blessed. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! The wolf and the lamb will feed together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. But the snakes will eat dust. In those days no one will be hurt or destroyed on my holy mountain. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Isa 65:20-25 NLT)
Was the apostle John also given a vision of the new heaven and new earth? Will there be no more death or mourning or crying or pain?
I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more. I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people; and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more. The first things have passed away.” (Rev 21:1-4 WEB)
Will there be a new heaven and a new earth? You decide!
Did people who never sought God find Him while most in Israel sacrificed in pagan gardens, telling God to stay away? Do some people still think that they are holier than God?
I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. (Isa 65:1-5 KJV)
Will God keep silent forever? Will the sins of generations come back upon us too?
“Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will even repay into their bosom, Both their own iniquities and the iniquities of their fathers together,” says Yahweh. “Because they have burned incense on the mountains And reproached Me on the hills, Therefore I will measure their former work into their bosom.” (Isa 65:6-7 LSB)
Who does God choose? Do we choose that in which God delights?
This is what the Lord says: “Just as the new wine is found in the cluster, And one says, ‘Do not destroy it, for there is benefit in it,’ So I will act in behalf of My servants In order not to destroy all of them. I will bring forth offspring from Jacob, And an heir of My mountains from Judah; My chosen ones shall inherit it, And My servants will live there. Sharon will be a pasture land for flocks, And the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, For My people who seek Me. But as for you who abandon the Lord, Who forget My holy mountain, Who set a table for Fortune, And fill a jug of mixed wine for Destiny, I will destine you for the sword, And all of you will bow down to the slaughter. Because I called, but you did not answer; I spoke, but you did not listen. Instead, you did evil in My sight And chose that in which I did not delight.” (Isa 65:8-12 NASB)
Will God provide food and rejoicing for His servants? Will they sing joyfully?
Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; my servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; my servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit. You will leave your name for my chosen ones to use in their curses; the Sovereign Lord will put you to death, but to his servants he will give another name. Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the one true God; whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the one true God. For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes. (Isa 65:13-16 NIV)
Will there be a new heavens and a new earth? Will there be no more crying there?
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, And her people a joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, And joy in My people; The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, Nor the voice of crying.” (Isa 65:17-19 NKJV)
Will people plant vineyards there? Will the nature of wild animals be tamed? Will no one be hurt or destroyed there?
“No longer will babies die when only a few days old. No longer will adults die before they have lived a full life. No longer will people be considered old at one hundred! Only the cursed will die that young! In those days people will live in the houses they build and eat the fruit of their own vineyards. Unlike the past, invaders will not take their houses and confiscate their vineyards. For my people will live as long as trees, and my chosen ones will have time to enjoy their hard-won gains. They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the Lord, and their children, too, will be blessed. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! The wolf and the lamb will feed together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. But the snakes will eat dust. In those days no one will be hurt or destroyed on my holy mountain. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Isa 65:20-25 NLT)
Was the apostle John also given a vision of the new heaven and new earth? Will there be no more death or mourning or crying or pain?
I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more. I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people; and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more. The first things have passed away.” (Rev 21:1-4 WEB)
Will there be a new heaven and a new earth? You decide!
Come Down (Isaiah 64)
What kind of prayer would we ask of God in a troubled world? Let’s look at Isaiah 64.
Have we ever felt like asking God to come down and wake the world up?
Oh that you would tear the heavens, that you would come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence—as when fire kindles the brushwood, and the fire causes the water to boil. Make your name known to your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at your presence! (Isa 64:1-2 WEB)
Did God make His presence known in ages past? Does He hide when we do wrong?
When you accomplished wonders beyond all our expectations; when you came down, mountains quaked before you. From ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any god but you who acts on behalf of those who wait for him! You look after those who gladly do right; they will praise you for your ways. But you were angry when we sinned; you hid yourself when we did wrong. (Isa 64:3-5 CEB)
Is any one of us really perfect enough to stand before the one true God?
We are unfit to worship you; each of our good deeds is merely a filthy rag. We dry up like leaves; our sins are storm winds sweeping us away. No one worships in your name or remains faithful. You have turned your back on us and let our sins melt us away. (Isa 64:6-7 CEV)
Do we ask our heavenly Father not to be so terribly angry with us?
But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Be not so terribly angry, O Lord, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people. (Isa 64:8-9 ESV)
Are our holiest of places desolate because of neglect and sin? Will God always give us what we deserve or show mercy?
Your holy cities have become a wilderness; Zion has become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and beautiful temple, where our fathers praised You, has been burned with fire, and all that was dear to us lies in ruins. Lord, after all this, will You restrain Yourself? Will You keep silent and afflict severely? (Isa 64:10-12 HCSB)
Are any of us really righteous within ourselves or do we need God’s righteousness?
As it is written, “Not even one person is righteous. No one understands. No one searches for God. All have turned away. They have become completely worthless. No one shows kindness, not even one person! Their throats are open graves. With their tongues they deceive. The venom of poisonous snakes is under their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. They run swiftly to shed blood. Ruin and misery characterize their lives. They have not learned the path to peace. They don’t fear God. (Rom 3:10-18 ISV)
What kind of prayer would we ask of God in a troubled world? You decide!
Have we ever felt like asking God to come down and wake the world up?
Oh that you would tear the heavens, that you would come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence—as when fire kindles the brushwood, and the fire causes the water to boil. Make your name known to your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at your presence! (Isa 64:1-2 WEB)
Did God make His presence known in ages past? Does He hide when we do wrong?
When you accomplished wonders beyond all our expectations; when you came down, mountains quaked before you. From ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any god but you who acts on behalf of those who wait for him! You look after those who gladly do right; they will praise you for your ways. But you were angry when we sinned; you hid yourself when we did wrong. (Isa 64:3-5 CEB)
Is any one of us really perfect enough to stand before the one true God?
We are unfit to worship you; each of our good deeds is merely a filthy rag. We dry up like leaves; our sins are storm winds sweeping us away. No one worships in your name or remains faithful. You have turned your back on us and let our sins melt us away. (Isa 64:6-7 CEV)
Do we ask our heavenly Father not to be so terribly angry with us?
But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Be not so terribly angry, O Lord, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people. (Isa 64:8-9 ESV)
Are our holiest of places desolate because of neglect and sin? Will God always give us what we deserve or show mercy?
Your holy cities have become a wilderness; Zion has become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and beautiful temple, where our fathers praised You, has been burned with fire, and all that was dear to us lies in ruins. Lord, after all this, will You restrain Yourself? Will You keep silent and afflict severely? (Isa 64:10-12 HCSB)
Are any of us really righteous within ourselves or do we need God’s righteousness?
As it is written, “Not even one person is righteous. No one understands. No one searches for God. All have turned away. They have become completely worthless. No one shows kindness, not even one person! Their throats are open graves. With their tongues they deceive. The venom of poisonous snakes is under their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. They run swiftly to shed blood. Ruin and misery characterize their lives. They have not learned the path to peace. They don’t fear God. (Rom 3:10-18 ISV)
What kind of prayer would we ask of God in a troubled world? You decide!
Judgment & Restoration (Isaiah 63)
Will there come a day of God’s wrath against the nations for their sins? In His mercy will God restore those loyal to Him? Let’s look at Isaiah 63.
After dealing with Bozrah, the capital of Edom, will God speak to save?
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. (Isa 63:1 KJV)
Why is God’s clothing red like red grapes? Who did God punish for sins against Israel?
Why is Your clothing red, And Your garments like the one who treads in the wine press? “I have trodden the wine trough alone, And from the peoples there was no man with Me. I also trod them in My anger And trampled them in My wrath; And their lifeblood is sprinkled on My garments, And I stained all My clothes.
For the day of vengeance was in My heart, And My year of redemption has come. I looked, and there was no one to help, And I was astonished, and there was no one to uphold; So My own arm brought salvation to Me, And My wrath upheld Me. I trod down the peoples in My anger And made them drunk in My wrath, And I brought down their lifeblood to the earth.” (Isa 63:2-6 LSB)
Was God merciful to Israel despite their many sins against Him?
I will make mention of the mercies of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has granted us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which He has granted them according to His compassion And according to the abundance of His mercies. For He said, “Certainly they are My people, Sons who will not deal falsely.” So He became their Savior. In all their distress He was distressed, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. (Isa 63:7-9 NASB)
What were some examples of Israel’s rebellion against God?
Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.
Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people—where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them, who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses’ right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown, who led them through the depths? Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble; like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord. This is how you guided your people to make for yourself a glorious name. (Isa 63:10-14 NIV)
When God feels far away what should we do? Do we pray that the LORD returns for His inheritance?
Look down from heaven, And see from Your habitation, holy and glorious. Where are Your zeal and Your strength, The yearning of Your heart and Your mercies toward me? Are they restrained? Doubtless You are our Father, Though Abraham was ignorant of us, And Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, And hardened our heart from Your fear? Return for Your servants’ sake, The tribes of Your inheritance. Your holy people have possessed it but a little while; Our adversaries have trodden down Your sanctuary. We have become like those of old, over whom You never ruled, Those who were never called by Your name. (Isa 63:15-19 NKJV)
Will God’s clothing again be red? Who will God then punish for their sins?
He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. (Rev 19:13-15 NLT)
Will there come a day of God’s wrath against the nations for their sins? In His mercy will God restore those loyal to Him? You decide!
After dealing with Bozrah, the capital of Edom, will God speak to save?
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. (Isa 63:1 KJV)
Why is God’s clothing red like red grapes? Who did God punish for sins against Israel?
Why is Your clothing red, And Your garments like the one who treads in the wine press? “I have trodden the wine trough alone, And from the peoples there was no man with Me. I also trod them in My anger And trampled them in My wrath; And their lifeblood is sprinkled on My garments, And I stained all My clothes.
For the day of vengeance was in My heart, And My year of redemption has come. I looked, and there was no one to help, And I was astonished, and there was no one to uphold; So My own arm brought salvation to Me, And My wrath upheld Me. I trod down the peoples in My anger And made them drunk in My wrath, And I brought down their lifeblood to the earth.” (Isa 63:2-6 LSB)
Was God merciful to Israel despite their many sins against Him?
I will make mention of the mercies of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has granted us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which He has granted them according to His compassion And according to the abundance of His mercies. For He said, “Certainly they are My people, Sons who will not deal falsely.” So He became their Savior. In all their distress He was distressed, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. (Isa 63:7-9 NASB)
What were some examples of Israel’s rebellion against God?
Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.
Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people—where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them, who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses’ right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown, who led them through the depths? Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble; like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord. This is how you guided your people to make for yourself a glorious name. (Isa 63:10-14 NIV)
When God feels far away what should we do? Do we pray that the LORD returns for His inheritance?
Look down from heaven, And see from Your habitation, holy and glorious. Where are Your zeal and Your strength, The yearning of Your heart and Your mercies toward me? Are they restrained? Doubtless You are our Father, Though Abraham was ignorant of us, And Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, And hardened our heart from Your fear? Return for Your servants’ sake, The tribes of Your inheritance. Your holy people have possessed it but a little while; Our adversaries have trodden down Your sanctuary. We have become like those of old, over whom You never ruled, Those who were never called by Your name. (Isa 63:15-19 NKJV)
Will God’s clothing again be red? Who will God then punish for their sins?
He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. (Rev 19:13-15 NLT)
Will there come a day of God’s wrath against the nations for their sins? In His mercy will God restore those loyal to Him? You decide!
Hephzibah & Beulah (Isaiah 62)
How will God bless Jerusalem in a prophecy so far only partially fulfilled in history? Do we look forward to the final fulfillment of this? Let’s look at Isaiah 62.
Does God have plans to bless Zion, a hill in Jerusalem, and the city itself?
For Zion’s sake I won’t keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I won’t sit still until her righteousness shines out like a light, and her salvation blazes like a torch. Nations will see your righteousness, all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name, which the Lord’s own mouth will determine. You will be a splendid garland in the Lord’s hand, a royal turban [crown] in the palm of God’s hand. (Isa 62:1-3 CEB)
Will Jerusalem have some new names which picture a new relationship with God?
Your name will no longer be “Deserted and Childless,” but “Happily Married.” [Hephzibah and Beulah] You will please the Lord; your country will be his bride. Your people will take the land, just as a young man takes a bride. The Lord will be pleased because of you, just as a husband is pleased with his bride. (Isa 62:4-5 CEV)
Will God set watchmen to protect Jerusalem from foreign invaders?
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm:
“I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” (Isa 62:6-9 ESV)
Is this prophecy just for the return from Babylon or also looking far into the future, when Jesus returns?
Go out, go out through the gates; prepare a way for the people! Build it up, build up the highway; clear away the stones! Raise a banner for the peoples. Look, the Lord has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: Look, your salvation is coming, His reward is with Him, and His gifts accompany Him.” And they will be called the Holy People, the Lord’s Redeemed; and you will be called Cared For, A City Not Deserted. (Isa 62:10-12 HCSB)
Is the theme of being given a new name carried elsewhere in scripture?
‘Let everyone listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give some of the hidden manna to everyone who overcomes.’ I will also give him a white stone. On the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the person who receives it. (Rev 2:17 ISV)
How will God bless Jerusalem in a prophecy so far only partially fulfilled in history? Do we look forward to the final fulfillment of this? You decide!
Does God have plans to bless Zion, a hill in Jerusalem, and the city itself?
For Zion’s sake I won’t keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I won’t sit still until her righteousness shines out like a light, and her salvation blazes like a torch. Nations will see your righteousness, all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name, which the Lord’s own mouth will determine. You will be a splendid garland in the Lord’s hand, a royal turban [crown] in the palm of God’s hand. (Isa 62:1-3 CEB)
Will Jerusalem have some new names which picture a new relationship with God?
Your name will no longer be “Deserted and Childless,” but “Happily Married.” [Hephzibah and Beulah] You will please the Lord; your country will be his bride. Your people will take the land, just as a young man takes a bride. The Lord will be pleased because of you, just as a husband is pleased with his bride. (Isa 62:4-5 CEV)
Will God set watchmen to protect Jerusalem from foreign invaders?
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm:
“I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” (Isa 62:6-9 ESV)
Is this prophecy just for the return from Babylon or also looking far into the future, when Jesus returns?
Go out, go out through the gates; prepare a way for the people! Build it up, build up the highway; clear away the stones! Raise a banner for the peoples. Look, the Lord has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: Look, your salvation is coming, His reward is with Him, and His gifts accompany Him.” And they will be called the Holy People, the Lord’s Redeemed; and you will be called Cared For, A City Not Deserted. (Isa 62:10-12 HCSB)
Is the theme of being given a new name carried elsewhere in scripture?
‘Let everyone listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give some of the hidden manna to everyone who overcomes.’ I will also give him a white stone. On the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the person who receives it. (Rev 2:17 ISV)
How will God bless Jerusalem in a prophecy so far only partially fulfilled in history? Do we look forward to the final fulfillment of this? You decide!
Release (Isaiah 61)
Will there be a time when all those oppressed in this unjust world will finally be blessed? Let’s look at Isaiah 61.
Will the brokenhearted, the downtrodden poor and needy finally have a day of joy?
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord anointed me To bring good news to the humble; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim release to captives And freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The cloak of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Isa 61:1-3 NASB)
Will those formerly oppressed by the world rebuild and be promoted to honor?
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. (Isa 61:4-6 NIV)
What will replace the former shame and confusion among the once poor and needy?
Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs. For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant. Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, And their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, That they are the posterity whom the Lord has blessed.” (Isa 61:7-9 NKJV)
Who will give the poor and needy reasons for overwhelming joy?
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere. (Isa 61:10-11 NLT)
What did Jesus say, after He had read part of this passage in the Nazareth synagogue?
He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16–21 WEB)
Will there be a time when all those oppressed in this unjust world will finally be blessed? You decide!
Will the brokenhearted, the downtrodden poor and needy finally have a day of joy?
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord anointed me To bring good news to the humble; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim release to captives And freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The cloak of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Isa 61:1-3 NASB)
Will those formerly oppressed by the world rebuild and be promoted to honor?
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. (Isa 61:4-6 NIV)
What will replace the former shame and confusion among the once poor and needy?
Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs. For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant. Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, And their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, That they are the posterity whom the Lord has blessed.” (Isa 61:7-9 NKJV)
Who will give the poor and needy reasons for overwhelming joy?
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere. (Isa 61:10-11 NLT)
What did Jesus say, after He had read part of this passage in the Nazareth synagogue?
He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16–21 WEB)
Will there be a time when all those oppressed in this unjust world will finally be blessed? You decide!
Your Light (Isaiah 60)
Are we in a time of spiritual darkness around the world? Will there be a time of spiritual light? Let’s look at Isaiah 60.
What darkness covers the nations? What light has come?
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. (Isa 60:1-3 NIV)
Shall all nations look to something glorious in Israel? Will they bring gold and incense?
Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; They shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, And I will glorify the house of My glory. (Isa 60:4-7 NKJV)
Will the exiles of Israel return to their land? Will they honor the Lord?
And what do I see flying like clouds to Israel, like doves to their nests? They are ships from the ends of the earth, from lands that trust in me, led by the great ships of Tarshish. They are bringing the people of Israel home from far away, carrying their silver and gold. They will honor the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has filled you with splendor. (Isa 60:8-9 NLT)
Will foreigners serve in Jerusalem? Will all nations serve God’s kingdom?
Foreigners will build up your walls, and their kings will serve you; for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you. Your gates also shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night, that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations, and their kings led captive. For that nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; yes, those nations shall be utterly wasted. (Isa 60:10-12 WEB)
Will even Lebanon serve God’s nation? Will other former enemies honor Israel?
Lebanon’s glory will come upon you, cypress, elm, and pine, to glorify the site of my sanctuary, and I will honor my royal footstool. The children of your tormenters will come bending low to you; all who despised you will bow down at your feet. They will call you The Lord’s City, Zion, of the holy one of Israel. (Isa 60:13-14 CEB)
Was Israel once hated? Will they know that God saved and rescued them?
You were hated and deserted, rejected by everyone. But I will make you beautiful, a city to be proud of for all time to come. You will drain the wealth of kings and foreign nations. You will know that I, the mighty Lord God of Israel, have saved and rescued you. (Isa 60:15-16)
Will wealth accumulate in the kingdom and will peace and righteousness prevail?
Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, bronze, instead of stones, iron. I will make your overseers peace and your taskmasters righteousness. Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. (Isa 60:17-18 ESV)
What will be different about the sun and moon? Will God reside there?
The sun will no longer be your light by day, and the brightness of the moon will not shine on you; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not fade; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will be over. Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch I planted, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified. The least will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am Yahweh; I will accomplish it quickly in its time. (Isa 60:19-22 HCSB)
Does this chapter refer to the new heaven and new earth?
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and the sea was gone. I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. (Rev 21:1-2 ISV)
What further New Testament description seems to match the passage in Isaiah?
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. (Rev 21:23-25 KJV)
How bright will that time be and what will illuminate us?
And there will no longer be any night, and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them, and they will reign forever and ever. (Rev 22:5 LSB)
Are we in a time of spiritual darkness around the world? Will there be a time of spiritual light? You decide!
What darkness covers the nations? What light has come?
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. (Isa 60:1-3 NIV)
Shall all nations look to something glorious in Israel? Will they bring gold and incense?
Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; They shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, And I will glorify the house of My glory. (Isa 60:4-7 NKJV)
Will the exiles of Israel return to their land? Will they honor the Lord?
And what do I see flying like clouds to Israel, like doves to their nests? They are ships from the ends of the earth, from lands that trust in me, led by the great ships of Tarshish. They are bringing the people of Israel home from far away, carrying their silver and gold. They will honor the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has filled you with splendor. (Isa 60:8-9 NLT)
Will foreigners serve in Jerusalem? Will all nations serve God’s kingdom?
Foreigners will build up your walls, and their kings will serve you; for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you. Your gates also shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night, that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations, and their kings led captive. For that nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; yes, those nations shall be utterly wasted. (Isa 60:10-12 WEB)
Will even Lebanon serve God’s nation? Will other former enemies honor Israel?
Lebanon’s glory will come upon you, cypress, elm, and pine, to glorify the site of my sanctuary, and I will honor my royal footstool. The children of your tormenters will come bending low to you; all who despised you will bow down at your feet. They will call you The Lord’s City, Zion, of the holy one of Israel. (Isa 60:13-14 CEB)
Was Israel once hated? Will they know that God saved and rescued them?
You were hated and deserted, rejected by everyone. But I will make you beautiful, a city to be proud of for all time to come. You will drain the wealth of kings and foreign nations. You will know that I, the mighty Lord God of Israel, have saved and rescued you. (Isa 60:15-16)
Will wealth accumulate in the kingdom and will peace and righteousness prevail?
Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, bronze, instead of stones, iron. I will make your overseers peace and your taskmasters righteousness. Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. (Isa 60:17-18 ESV)
What will be different about the sun and moon? Will God reside there?
The sun will no longer be your light by day, and the brightness of the moon will not shine on you; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not fade; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will be over. Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch I planted, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified. The least will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am Yahweh; I will accomplish it quickly in its time. (Isa 60:19-22 HCSB)
Does this chapter refer to the new heaven and new earth?
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and the sea was gone. I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. (Rev 21:1-2 ISV)
What further New Testament description seems to match the passage in Isaiah?
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. (Rev 21:23-25 KJV)
How bright will that time be and what will illuminate us?
And there will no longer be any night, and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them, and they will reign forever and ever. (Rev 22:5 LSB)
Are we in a time of spiritual darkness around the world? Will there be a time of spiritual light? You decide!
Injustice (Isaiah 59)
Who will protect us from the injustices of a corrupt world? Let’s look at Isaiah 59.
Does God lack power or is He deaf? What would cause Him to ignore our prayers?
Look! The Lord does not lack the power to save, nor are his ears too dull to hear, but your misdeeds have separated you from your God. Your sins have hidden his face from you so that you aren’t heard. (Isa 59:1-2 CEB)
What kinds of sins did God specifically state that Israel was guilty of?
Your talk is filled with lies and plans for violence; every finger on your hands is covered with blood. You falsely accuse others and tell lies in court; sin and trouble are the names of your children. You eat the deadly eggs of poisonous snakes, and more snakes crawl out from the eggs left to hatch. You weave spider webs, but you can't make clothes with those webs or hide behind them. You're sinful and brutal. (Isaiah 59:3-6 CEV)
How quickly did Israel commit sins? Was there any justice to be found among them?
Their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their highways. The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths; they have made their roads crooked; no one who treads on them knows peace. (Isa 59:7-8 ESV)
What happens to those who choose corruption over doing what’s right?
Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we live in the night. We grope along a wall like the blind; we grope like those without eyes. We stumble at noon as though it were twilight; we are like the dead among those who are healthy. We all growl like bears and moan like doves. We hope for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us. (Isa 59:9-11 HCSB)
Can honesty enter a corrupt government? What often happens in a corrupt society to those who choose to turn away from evil?
“For our transgressions before you are many, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities, we acknowledge them: they’ve rebelled in treachery against the Lord, and are turning away from following our God; and they’ve spoken oppression and revolt, and are conceiving lying words from the heart. I’ll [We] drive back justice, and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth has fallen in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. Truth is missing, and whoever turns away from evil becomes a prey. Then the Lord looked, and it displeased him that there was no justice.” (Isa 59:12-15 ISV)
What will God do to those who cause a nation to suffer under corruption?
And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. (Isa 59:16-20 KJV)
Is there a future hope for Israel, even after all their sins?
“As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says Yahweh: “My Spirit which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your seed, nor from the mouth of your seed’s seed,” says Yahweh, “from now and forever.” (Isa 59:21 LSB)
Was putting on the armor of God also alluded to in the New Testament?
Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph 6:14-17 NASB)
Who will protect us from the injustices of a corrupt world? You decide!
Does God lack power or is He deaf? What would cause Him to ignore our prayers?
Look! The Lord does not lack the power to save, nor are his ears too dull to hear, but your misdeeds have separated you from your God. Your sins have hidden his face from you so that you aren’t heard. (Isa 59:1-2 CEB)
What kinds of sins did God specifically state that Israel was guilty of?
Your talk is filled with lies and plans for violence; every finger on your hands is covered with blood. You falsely accuse others and tell lies in court; sin and trouble are the names of your children. You eat the deadly eggs of poisonous snakes, and more snakes crawl out from the eggs left to hatch. You weave spider webs, but you can't make clothes with those webs or hide behind them. You're sinful and brutal. (Isaiah 59:3-6 CEV)
How quickly did Israel commit sins? Was there any justice to be found among them?
Their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their highways. The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths; they have made their roads crooked; no one who treads on them knows peace. (Isa 59:7-8 ESV)
What happens to those who choose corruption over doing what’s right?
Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we live in the night. We grope along a wall like the blind; we grope like those without eyes. We stumble at noon as though it were twilight; we are like the dead among those who are healthy. We all growl like bears and moan like doves. We hope for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us. (Isa 59:9-11 HCSB)
Can honesty enter a corrupt government? What often happens in a corrupt society to those who choose to turn away from evil?
“For our transgressions before you are many, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities, we acknowledge them: they’ve rebelled in treachery against the Lord, and are turning away from following our God; and they’ve spoken oppression and revolt, and are conceiving lying words from the heart. I’ll [We] drive back justice, and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth has fallen in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. Truth is missing, and whoever turns away from evil becomes a prey. Then the Lord looked, and it displeased him that there was no justice.” (Isa 59:12-15 ISV)
What will God do to those who cause a nation to suffer under corruption?
And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. (Isa 59:16-20 KJV)
Is there a future hope for Israel, even after all their sins?
“As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says Yahweh: “My Spirit which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your seed, nor from the mouth of your seed’s seed,” says Yahweh, “from now and forever.” (Isa 59:21 LSB)
Was putting on the armor of God also alluded to in the New Testament?
Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph 6:14-17 NASB)
Who will protect us from the injustices of a corrupt world? You decide!
Fasting (Isaiah 58)
What is the purpose of fasting, just a religious duty, or humility and a change of life? Let’s look at Isaiah 58.
Why do people sometimes perform religious actions, but God takes no notice?
Shout aloud! Don’t hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Declare to my people their rebellions, and to the house of Jacob their sins. They seek me day after day, and are eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practices righteousness and has not forsaken the justice of their God. They ask me to reveal just decisions; they are eager to draw near to God. ‘Why have we fasted,’ they ask, ‘but you do not see? ‘Why have we humbled ourselves,’ they ask, ‘but you take no notice?’” “Look! On your fast day you serve your own interest and oppress all your workers.” (Isa 58:1-3 ISV)
Are our motives and actions in line with our professed faith or are we just hypocrites? Is this the kind of fast that impresses God?
Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? (Isa 58:4-5 KJV)
What kind of fast does God really want, one that is accompanied by repentance, and helping the needy?
Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To release the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry And bring the afflicted homeless into the house; When you see the naked, you cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh? (Isa 58:6-7 LSB)
What will happen when we fast with the right motives, repent and change our ways?
Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your recovery will spring up quickly; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; You will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, And if you offer yourself to the hungry And satisfy the need of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness, And your gloom will become like midday.
And the Lord will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; And you will be called the repairer of the breach, The restorer of the streets in which to dwell. (Isa 58:8-12 NASB)
Was another condition for right fasting Sabbath keeping? How would that apply under the new covenant, which does not require resting in a day, but resting in Jesus?
“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isa 58:13-14 NIV)
How did Jesus instruct us to fast? Was it to be done in private?
Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Mat 6:16-18 NKJV)
Did Jesus even once command a Sabbath day for the Church? Is our rest now in Jesus rather than a day?
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Mat 11:28 NLT)
What does Hebrews 3-4 tell us about Sabbath rest, rest in the promised land, rest from human efforts, and our eternal rest? If Moses did not give a Sabbath keeping people rest, and Joshua spoke of another day, is there another Sabbathing for the people of God, a rest from our works?
There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his [own] works, as God did from his. (Heb 4:9-10 WEB)
What is the purpose of fasting, just a religious duty, or humility and a change of life? You decide!
Why do people sometimes perform religious actions, but God takes no notice?
Shout aloud! Don’t hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Declare to my people their rebellions, and to the house of Jacob their sins. They seek me day after day, and are eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practices righteousness and has not forsaken the justice of their God. They ask me to reveal just decisions; they are eager to draw near to God. ‘Why have we fasted,’ they ask, ‘but you do not see? ‘Why have we humbled ourselves,’ they ask, ‘but you take no notice?’” “Look! On your fast day you serve your own interest and oppress all your workers.” (Isa 58:1-3 ISV)
Are our motives and actions in line with our professed faith or are we just hypocrites? Is this the kind of fast that impresses God?
Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? (Isa 58:4-5 KJV)
What kind of fast does God really want, one that is accompanied by repentance, and helping the needy?
Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To release the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry And bring the afflicted homeless into the house; When you see the naked, you cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh? (Isa 58:6-7 LSB)
What will happen when we fast with the right motives, repent and change our ways?
Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your recovery will spring up quickly; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; You will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, And if you offer yourself to the hungry And satisfy the need of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness, And your gloom will become like midday.
And the Lord will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; And you will be called the repairer of the breach, The restorer of the streets in which to dwell. (Isa 58:8-12 NASB)
Was another condition for right fasting Sabbath keeping? How would that apply under the new covenant, which does not require resting in a day, but resting in Jesus?
“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isa 58:13-14 NIV)
How did Jesus instruct us to fast? Was it to be done in private?
Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Mat 6:16-18 NKJV)
Did Jesus even once command a Sabbath day for the Church? Is our rest now in Jesus rather than a day?
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Mat 11:28 NLT)
What does Hebrews 3-4 tell us about Sabbath rest, rest in the promised land, rest from human efforts, and our eternal rest? If Moses did not give a Sabbath keeping people rest, and Joshua spoke of another day, is there another Sabbathing for the people of God, a rest from our works?
There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his [own] works, as God did from his. (Heb 4:9-10 WEB)
What is the purpose of fasting, just a religious duty, or humility and a change of life? You decide!
Humility (Isaiah 57)
Is a righteous person sinlessly perfect, or one who is humble and mourns and repents of their sins, with faith in the sacrifice of Christ? Let’s look at Isaiah 57.
When someone seems to die prematurely, do we consider these words?
The righteous person perishes, and no one takes it to heart; And devout people are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous person is taken away from evil, He enters into peace; They rest in their beds, Each one who walked in his upright way. (Isa 57:1-2 NASB)
What does God think of the sexually immoral who mock God, liars who murder their children as offerings to idols?
But you—come here, you children of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! Who are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not a brood of rebels, the offspring of liars? You burn with lust among the oaks and under every spreading tree; you sacrifice your children in the ravines and under the overhanging crags. The idols among the smooth stones of the ravines are your portion; indeed, they are your lot. Yes, to them you have poured out drink offerings and offered grain offerings. In view of all this, should I relent? (Isa 57:3-6 NIV)
Did Israel worship foreign gods with debased practices that only wearied them?
On a lofty and high mountain You have set your bed; Even there you went up To offer sacrifice. Also behind the doors and their posts You have set up your remembrance; For you have uncovered yourself to those other than Me, And have gone up to them; You have enlarged your bed And made a covenant with them; You have loved their bed, Where you saw their nudity. You went to the king with ointment, And increased your perfumes; You sent your messengers far off, And even descended to Sheol. You are wearied in the length of your way; Yet you did not say, ‘There is no hope.’ You have found the life of your hand; Therefore you were not grieved. (Isa 57:7-10 NKJV)
What can a fake idol do in comparison to what the one true God can do?
Are you afraid of these idols? Do they terrify you? Is that why you have lied to me and forgotten me and my words? Is it because of my long silence that you no longer fear me? Now I will expose your so-called good deeds. None of them will help you. Let’s see if your idols can save you when you cry to them for help. Why, a puff of wind can knock them down! If you just breathe on them, they fall over! But whoever trusts in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain. (Isa 57:11-13 NLT)
Will God remove whatever stands in the way between Him and His people? Who will God choose to dwell with?
He will say, “Build up, build up, prepare the way! Remove the stumbling-block out of the way of my people.” For the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, says: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite. For I will not contend forever, neither will I always be angry; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls whom I have made. I was angry because of the iniquity of his covetousness and struck him. I hid myself and was angry; and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart. (Isa 57:14-17 WEB)
Will God heal those who mourn their ways, while the unrepentant wicked lack peace?
I have seen their ways, but I will heal them. I will guide them, and reward them with comfort. And for those who mourn, I will create reason for praise: utter prosperity to those far and near, and I will heal them, says the Lord. But the wicked are like the churning sea that can’t keep still. They churn up from their waters muck and mud. There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked. (Isa 57:18-21 CEB)
Does God choose to dwell with those who have a contrite and humble spirit?
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 5:3 ESV)
What ultimately counts a person as righteous before God, our sinless perfection or faith in Jesus’ blood?
For this is My blood that establishes the covenant; it is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Mat 26:28 HCSB)
Is a righteous person sinlessly perfect, or one who is humble and mourns and repents of their sins, with faith in the sacrifice of Christ? You decide!
When someone seems to die prematurely, do we consider these words?
The righteous person perishes, and no one takes it to heart; And devout people are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous person is taken away from evil, He enters into peace; They rest in their beds, Each one who walked in his upright way. (Isa 57:1-2 NASB)
What does God think of the sexually immoral who mock God, liars who murder their children as offerings to idols?
But you—come here, you children of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! Who are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not a brood of rebels, the offspring of liars? You burn with lust among the oaks and under every spreading tree; you sacrifice your children in the ravines and under the overhanging crags. The idols among the smooth stones of the ravines are your portion; indeed, they are your lot. Yes, to them you have poured out drink offerings and offered grain offerings. In view of all this, should I relent? (Isa 57:3-6 NIV)
Did Israel worship foreign gods with debased practices that only wearied them?
On a lofty and high mountain You have set your bed; Even there you went up To offer sacrifice. Also behind the doors and their posts You have set up your remembrance; For you have uncovered yourself to those other than Me, And have gone up to them; You have enlarged your bed And made a covenant with them; You have loved their bed, Where you saw their nudity. You went to the king with ointment, And increased your perfumes; You sent your messengers far off, And even descended to Sheol. You are wearied in the length of your way; Yet you did not say, ‘There is no hope.’ You have found the life of your hand; Therefore you were not grieved. (Isa 57:7-10 NKJV)
What can a fake idol do in comparison to what the one true God can do?
Are you afraid of these idols? Do they terrify you? Is that why you have lied to me and forgotten me and my words? Is it because of my long silence that you no longer fear me? Now I will expose your so-called good deeds. None of them will help you. Let’s see if your idols can save you when you cry to them for help. Why, a puff of wind can knock them down! If you just breathe on them, they fall over! But whoever trusts in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain. (Isa 57:11-13 NLT)
Will God remove whatever stands in the way between Him and His people? Who will God choose to dwell with?
He will say, “Build up, build up, prepare the way! Remove the stumbling-block out of the way of my people.” For the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, says: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite. For I will not contend forever, neither will I always be angry; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls whom I have made. I was angry because of the iniquity of his covetousness and struck him. I hid myself and was angry; and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart. (Isa 57:14-17 WEB)
Will God heal those who mourn their ways, while the unrepentant wicked lack peace?
I have seen their ways, but I will heal them. I will guide them, and reward them with comfort. And for those who mourn, I will create reason for praise: utter prosperity to those far and near, and I will heal them, says the Lord. But the wicked are like the churning sea that can’t keep still. They churn up from their waters muck and mud. There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked. (Isa 57:18-21 CEB)
Does God choose to dwell with those who have a contrite and humble spirit?
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 5:3 ESV)
What ultimately counts a person as righteous before God, our sinless perfection or faith in Jesus’ blood?
For this is My blood that establishes the covenant; it is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Mat 26:28 HCSB)
Is a righteous person sinlessly perfect, or one who is humble and mourns and repents of their sins, with faith in the sacrifice of Christ? You decide!
Foreigners Included (Isaiah 56)
Is God’s plan to include people from all nations who may worship Him anywhere? Let’s look at Isaiah 56.
Was Sabbath important under the Old Covenant? Why did Jesus only command us to rest in Him, not Sabbath or Sunday?
Yahweh says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is near and my righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast; who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” (Isa 56:1-2 WEB)
Does God include immigrants and eunuchs or exclude them?
Don’t let the immigrant who has joined with the Lord say, “The Lord will exclude me from the people.” And don’t let the eunuch say, “I’m just a dry tree.” (Isa 56:3 CEB)
If Sabbath was the sign of the Old Covenant, are the Lord’s Supper, Baptism and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit signs of the New Covenant?
To them, I, the Lord, say: Respect the Sabbath, obey me completely, and keep our agreement. Then you will be like monuments in my temple with your names written on them. This will be much better than having children, because these monuments will stand there forever. (Isa 56:4-5 CEV)
What blessings did God guarantee to foreigners who join themselves to Him? How does the New Testament address that?
“And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares, “I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.” (Isa 56:6-8 ESV)
Who had religious leaders failed, acting more like dogs instead of discerning shepherds?
All you animals of the field and forest, come and eat! Israel’s watchmen are blind, all of them, they know nothing; all of them are mute dogs, they cannot bark; they dream, lie down, and love to sleep. These dogs have fierce appetites; they never have enough. And they are shepherds who have no discernment; all of them turn to their own way, every last one for his own gain. “Come, let me get some wine, let’s guzzle some beer; and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!” (Isa 56:9-12 HCSB)
How did Jesus quote Isaiah regarding the Temple when merchants had abused it?
Then he began to teach them: “It is written, is it not, ‘My house is to be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you’ve turned it into a hideout for bandits!” (Mark 11:17 ISV)
Though Jesus not once commanded the Sabbath for the new covenant, did He transform it into the Spirit of the law?
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mat 11:28 KJV)
With the Sabbath transformed, is temple worship in Jerusalem also transformed into worshiping God anywhere?
But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24 LSB)
Is God’s plan to include people from all nations who may worship Him anywhere? You decide!
Was Sabbath important under the Old Covenant? Why did Jesus only command us to rest in Him, not Sabbath or Sunday?
Yahweh says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is near and my righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast; who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” (Isa 56:1-2 WEB)
Does God include immigrants and eunuchs or exclude them?
Don’t let the immigrant who has joined with the Lord say, “The Lord will exclude me from the people.” And don’t let the eunuch say, “I’m just a dry tree.” (Isa 56:3 CEB)
If Sabbath was the sign of the Old Covenant, are the Lord’s Supper, Baptism and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit signs of the New Covenant?
To them, I, the Lord, say: Respect the Sabbath, obey me completely, and keep our agreement. Then you will be like monuments in my temple with your names written on them. This will be much better than having children, because these monuments will stand there forever. (Isa 56:4-5 CEV)
What blessings did God guarantee to foreigners who join themselves to Him? How does the New Testament address that?
“And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares, “I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.” (Isa 56:6-8 ESV)
Who had religious leaders failed, acting more like dogs instead of discerning shepherds?
All you animals of the field and forest, come and eat! Israel’s watchmen are blind, all of them, they know nothing; all of them are mute dogs, they cannot bark; they dream, lie down, and love to sleep. These dogs have fierce appetites; they never have enough. And they are shepherds who have no discernment; all of them turn to their own way, every last one for his own gain. “Come, let me get some wine, let’s guzzle some beer; and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!” (Isa 56:9-12 HCSB)
How did Jesus quote Isaiah regarding the Temple when merchants had abused it?
Then he began to teach them: “It is written, is it not, ‘My house is to be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you’ve turned it into a hideout for bandits!” (Mark 11:17 ISV)
Though Jesus not once commanded the Sabbath for the new covenant, did He transform it into the Spirit of the law?
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mat 11:28 KJV)
With the Sabbath transformed, is temple worship in Jerusalem also transformed into worshiping God anywhere?
But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24 LSB)
Is God’s plan to include people from all nations who may worship Him anywhere? You decide!
Invitation to Life (Isaiah 55)
Does God invite us to really live an abundant life, instead of a counterfeit? Let’s look at Isaiah 55.
Does God invite us to come and enjoy something real instead of this world’s fakery?
Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters! Also, you that have no money, come, buy, and eat! Come! Buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why spend your money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in rich food. (Isa 55:1-2 ISV)
Will other nations that have not known God run to Him?
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. (Isa 55:3-5 KJV)
Are the wicked invited to return to God? Will He compassionately and abundantly pardon?
Seek Yahweh while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to Yahweh, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. (Isa 55:6-7 LSB)
Why would God forgive what many of us would not?
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa 55:8-9 NASB)
Does precipitation mirror a divine purpose, planned for all humanity?
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isa 55:10-11 NIV)
Does that divine plan include a blessing pictured by beautiful trees, where once was ugliness?
For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; And it shall be to the Lord for a name, For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. (Isa 55:12-13 NKJV)
Did Jesus repeat the invitation of this passage, when He said that anyone who is thirsty may come?
On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) (John 7:37-39 NLT)
Does God invite us to really live an abundant life, instead of a counterfeit? You decide!
Does God invite us to come and enjoy something real instead of this world’s fakery?
Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters! Also, you that have no money, come, buy, and eat! Come! Buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why spend your money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in rich food. (Isa 55:1-2 ISV)
Will other nations that have not known God run to Him?
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. (Isa 55:3-5 KJV)
Are the wicked invited to return to God? Will He compassionately and abundantly pardon?
Seek Yahweh while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to Yahweh, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. (Isa 55:6-7 LSB)
Why would God forgive what many of us would not?
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa 55:8-9 NASB)
Does precipitation mirror a divine purpose, planned for all humanity?
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isa 55:10-11 NIV)
Does that divine plan include a blessing pictured by beautiful trees, where once was ugliness?
For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; And it shall be to the Lord for a name, For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. (Isa 55:12-13 NKJV)
Did Jesus repeat the invitation of this passage, when He said that anyone who is thirsty may come?
On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) (John 7:37-39 NLT)
Does God invite us to really live an abundant life, instead of a counterfeit? You decide!
Rejoice (Isaiah 54)
Despite any suffering in this life, do we trust that God has prepared incredible joy awaiting us? Let’s look at Isaiah 54.
Who is the childless woman that will rejoice, because she now has more children than a married woman?
“Sing, O childless woman, you who have never given birth! Break into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, you who have never been in labor. For the desolate woman now has more children than the woman who lives with her husband,” says the Lord. “Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities.” (Isa 54:1-3 NLT)
Will the childless woman forget the shame of her youth because God has decided to be her husband?
“Don’t be afraid, for you will not be ashamed. Don’t be confounded, for you will not be disappointed. For you will forget the shame of your youth. You will remember the reproach of your widowhood no more. For your Maker is your husband; Yahweh of Armies is his name. The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer. He will be called the God of the whole earth. For Yahweh has called you as a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, even a wife of youth, when she is cast off,” says your God. (Isa 54:4-6 WEB)
Though God had punished Israel in the past for her many sins, would He love them forever?
For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great mercy I will bring you back. In an outburst of rage, I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting love I have consoled you, says your redeemer, the Lord. (Isa 54:7-8 CEB)
What had God promised Noah? What does God promise His people?
I once promised Noah that I would never again destroy the earth by a flood. Now I have promised that I will never again get angry and punish you. Every mountain and hill may disappear. But I will always be kind and merciful to you; I won't break my agreement to give your nation peace. (Isa 54:9-10 CEV)
When we are suffering is it easy to believe that God doesn’t care? Do we trust that in His time we will be vindicated by God?
“O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of agate, your gates of carbuncles [garnet], and all your wall of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.
In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you.
Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon for its purpose. I have also created the ravager to destroy; no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” (Isa 54:11-17 ESV)
Explaining how we are not under the law of Moses, did Paul quote this passage?
For it is written: Rejoice, childless woman, who does not give birth. Burst into song and shout, you who are not in labor, for the children of the desolate are many, more numerous than those of the woman who has a husband. Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. (Gal 4:27-28 HCSB)
Despite any suffering in this life, do we trust that God has prepared incredible joy awaiting us? You decide!
Who is the childless woman that will rejoice, because she now has more children than a married woman?
“Sing, O childless woman, you who have never given birth! Break into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, you who have never been in labor. For the desolate woman now has more children than the woman who lives with her husband,” says the Lord. “Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities.” (Isa 54:1-3 NLT)
Will the childless woman forget the shame of her youth because God has decided to be her husband?
“Don’t be afraid, for you will not be ashamed. Don’t be confounded, for you will not be disappointed. For you will forget the shame of your youth. You will remember the reproach of your widowhood no more. For your Maker is your husband; Yahweh of Armies is his name. The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer. He will be called the God of the whole earth. For Yahweh has called you as a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, even a wife of youth, when she is cast off,” says your God. (Isa 54:4-6 WEB)
Though God had punished Israel in the past for her many sins, would He love them forever?
For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great mercy I will bring you back. In an outburst of rage, I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting love I have consoled you, says your redeemer, the Lord. (Isa 54:7-8 CEB)
What had God promised Noah? What does God promise His people?
I once promised Noah that I would never again destroy the earth by a flood. Now I have promised that I will never again get angry and punish you. Every mountain and hill may disappear. But I will always be kind and merciful to you; I won't break my agreement to give your nation peace. (Isa 54:9-10 CEV)
When we are suffering is it easy to believe that God doesn’t care? Do we trust that in His time we will be vindicated by God?
“O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of agate, your gates of carbuncles [garnet], and all your wall of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.
In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you.
Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon for its purpose. I have also created the ravager to destroy; no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” (Isa 54:11-17 ESV)
Explaining how we are not under the law of Moses, did Paul quote this passage?
For it is written: Rejoice, childless woman, who does not give birth. Burst into song and shout, you who are not in labor, for the children of the desolate are many, more numerous than those of the woman who has a husband. Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. (Gal 4:27-28 HCSB)
Despite any suffering in this life, do we trust that God has prepared incredible joy awaiting us? You decide!
Despised & Rejected (Isaiah 53)
Why did Jesus choose to be humiliated and die for our sins? Let’s look at Isaiah 53.
Did Jesus appear any different to anyone else? Was He despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows?
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Isa 53:1-3 KJV)
Is this a description of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross for us?
Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our peace fell upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But Yahweh has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. (Isa 53:4-6 LSB)
Is Jesus called the Lamb of God for a reason? Does Passover foreshadow His self-sacrifice?
He was oppressed and afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away; And as for His generation, who considered That He was cut off from the land of the living For the wrongdoing of my people, to whom the blow was due? And His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth. (Isa 53:7-9 NASB)
Did Jesus bear the sins of many and then see the light of life?
Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isa 53:10-12 NIV)
Did Philip preach Jesus to the Ethiopian Eunuch beginning with this same chapter?
The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.” So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. (Acts 8:32–35 NKJV)
Why did Jesus choose to be humiliated and die for our sins? You decide!
Did Jesus appear any different to anyone else? Was He despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows?
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Isa 53:1-3 KJV)
Is this a description of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross for us?
Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our peace fell upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But Yahweh has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. (Isa 53:4-6 LSB)
Is Jesus called the Lamb of God for a reason? Does Passover foreshadow His self-sacrifice?
He was oppressed and afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away; And as for His generation, who considered That He was cut off from the land of the living For the wrongdoing of my people, to whom the blow was due? And His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth. (Isa 53:7-9 NASB)
Did Jesus bear the sins of many and then see the light of life?
Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isa 53:10-12 NIV)
Did Philip preach Jesus to the Ethiopian Eunuch beginning with this same chapter?
The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.” So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. (Acts 8:32–35 NKJV)
Why did Jesus choose to be humiliated and die for our sins? You decide!
Awake, Awake! (Isaiah 52)
Does the message of salvation move from Jerusalem to the whole world? Let’s look at Isaiah 52.
Is this talking of physical circumcision only or is it possibly being circumcised of heart?
Awake, awake! Put on your strength, Zion. Put on your beautiful garments, Jerusalem, the holy city, for from now on the uncircumcised and the unclean will no more come into you. Shake yourself from the dust! Arise, sit up, Jerusalem! Release yourself from the bonds of your neck, captive daughter of Zion! For Yahweh says, “You were sold for nothing; and you will be redeemed without money.” (Isa 52:1-3 WEB)
With a checkered history of slavery and captivity, did God have a purpose behind it, that Israel would know His name?
The Lord God proclaims: Long ago my people went down to reside in Egypt. Moreover, Assyria has oppressed them without cause. And now what have I here? says the Lord. My people are taken away for nothing. Their rulers wail, says the Lord, and continually all day long my name is despised. Therefore, my people will know my name on that day; I’m the one who promises it; I’m here. (Isa 52:4-6 CEB)
Did Isaiah foresee the Good News, the Gospel, for Jerusalem and all nations?
What a beautiful sight! On the mountains a messenger announces to Jerusalem, “Good news! You're saved. There will be peace. Your God is now King.” Everyone on guard duty, sing and celebrate! Look! You can see the Lord returning to Zion. Jerusalem, rise from the ruins! Join in the singing. The Lord has given comfort to his people; he comes to your rescue. The Lord has shown all nations his mighty strength; now everyone will see the saving power of our God. (Isa 52:7-10 CEV)
Are coming out of Egypt and Babylon symbolic of eternal victory?
Depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who bear the vessels of the Lord. For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (Isa 52:11-12 ESV)
Who is this Servant who was so disfigured and who sprinkled the nations?
See, My Servant will act wisely; He will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted. Just as many were appalled at You—His appearance was so disfigured that He did not look like a man, and His form did not resemble a human being—so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him, For they will see what had not been told them, and they will understand what they had not heard. (Isa 52:13-15 HCSB)
Did Paul quote this last verse in explaining his desire to proclaim the gospel where the name of the Messiah is not known?
Rather, as it is written, “Those who were never told about him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” (Rom 15:21 ISV)
Does the message of salvation move from Jerusalem to the whole world? You decide!
Is this talking of physical circumcision only or is it possibly being circumcised of heart?
Awake, awake! Put on your strength, Zion. Put on your beautiful garments, Jerusalem, the holy city, for from now on the uncircumcised and the unclean will no more come into you. Shake yourself from the dust! Arise, sit up, Jerusalem! Release yourself from the bonds of your neck, captive daughter of Zion! For Yahweh says, “You were sold for nothing; and you will be redeemed without money.” (Isa 52:1-3 WEB)
With a checkered history of slavery and captivity, did God have a purpose behind it, that Israel would know His name?
The Lord God proclaims: Long ago my people went down to reside in Egypt. Moreover, Assyria has oppressed them without cause. And now what have I here? says the Lord. My people are taken away for nothing. Their rulers wail, says the Lord, and continually all day long my name is despised. Therefore, my people will know my name on that day; I’m the one who promises it; I’m here. (Isa 52:4-6 CEB)
Did Isaiah foresee the Good News, the Gospel, for Jerusalem and all nations?
What a beautiful sight! On the mountains a messenger announces to Jerusalem, “Good news! You're saved. There will be peace. Your God is now King.” Everyone on guard duty, sing and celebrate! Look! You can see the Lord returning to Zion. Jerusalem, rise from the ruins! Join in the singing. The Lord has given comfort to his people; he comes to your rescue. The Lord has shown all nations his mighty strength; now everyone will see the saving power of our God. (Isa 52:7-10 CEV)
Are coming out of Egypt and Babylon symbolic of eternal victory?
Depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who bear the vessels of the Lord. For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (Isa 52:11-12 ESV)
Who is this Servant who was so disfigured and who sprinkled the nations?
See, My Servant will act wisely; He will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted. Just as many were appalled at You—His appearance was so disfigured that He did not look like a man, and His form did not resemble a human being—so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him, For they will see what had not been told them, and they will understand what they had not heard. (Isa 52:13-15 HCSB)
Did Paul quote this last verse in explaining his desire to proclaim the gospel where the name of the Messiah is not known?
Rather, as it is written, “Those who were never told about him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” (Rom 15:21 ISV)
Does the message of salvation move from Jerusalem to the whole world? You decide!
Salvation (Isaiah 51)
Is salvation conditional upon obeying the entire law of Moses, or having the faith of Abraham? Let’s look at Isaiah 51.
Is Moses or Abraham the rock from which we were hewn?
Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, that I might bless him and multiply him. For the Lord comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song. (Isa 51:1-3 ESV)
Is the ultimate salvation just Israel being saved from slavery and captivity, or all nations saved forever?
Pay attention to Me, My people, and listen to Me, My nation; for instruction will come from Me, and My justice for a light to the nations. I will bring it about quickly. My righteousness is near, My salvation appears, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The coastlands [far off lands] will put their hope in Me, and they will look to My strength. Look up to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never be shattered. (Isa 51:4-6 HCSB)
When hatefully insulted for our faith in God’s salvation, what should we focus on?
Listen to me, you who know righteousness, you people who have my instruction in their hearts. Don’t fear the insults of mortals, and don’t be dismayed at their hateful words. For moths will eat them up just like a garment, and worms will devour them like wool; but my deliverance will last forever, and my salvation to all generations. (Isa 51:7-8 ISV)
Did God defeat the dragon and will He again grant the redeemed gladness and joy?
Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab [a proud monster], and wounded the dragon? Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over? Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. (Isa 51:9-11 KJV)
Is there distress in life, caused by politicians, dishonest businesses, wars, etc?
I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies And of the son of man who is made like grass, That you have forgotten Yahweh your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens And laid the foundations of the earth, That you tremble in dread continually all day long because of the wrath of the one who brings distress, As he makes ready to bring ruin? But where is the wrath of the one who brings distress? (Isa 51:12-13 LSB)
Are those who love the Lord sometimes persecuted and imprisoned in this world? Will God set them free?
The exile will soon be set free, and will not die in the dungeon, nor will his bread be lacking. For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar (the Lord of armies is His name). And I have put My words in your mouth and have covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’” (Isa 51:14-16 NASB)
Whether we suffer because of our own sins or the sins of the world, does God encourage us to look to and trust Him?
Awake, awake! Rise up, Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of his wrath, you who have drained to its dregs the goblet that makes people stagger. Among all the children she bore there was none to guide her; among all the children she reared there was none to take her by the hand. These double calamities have come upon you—who can comfort you?—ruin and destruction, famine and sword—who can console you? Your children have fainted; they lie at every street corner, like antelope caught in a net. They are filled with the wrath of the Lord, with the rebuke of your God. (Isa 51:17-20 NIV)
Though we may be drunk with pain from persecution, does God encourage us to trust His rescue, His salvation from those who walk all over us?
Therefore please hear this, you afflicted, And drunk but not with wine. Thus says your Lord, The Lord and your God, Who pleads the cause of His people: “See, I have taken out of your hand The cup of trembling, The dregs of the cup of My fury; You shall no longer drink it. But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, Who have said to you, ‘Lie down, that we may walk over you.’ And you have laid your body like the ground, And as the street, for those who walk over.” (Isa 51:21-23 NKJV)
Who are the real children of Abraham spiritually speaking?
The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. (Gal 3:7 NLT)
Is salvation conditional upon obeying the entire law of Moses, or having the faith of Abraham? You decide!
Is Moses or Abraham the rock from which we were hewn?
Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, that I might bless him and multiply him. For the Lord comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song. (Isa 51:1-3 ESV)
Is the ultimate salvation just Israel being saved from slavery and captivity, or all nations saved forever?
Pay attention to Me, My people, and listen to Me, My nation; for instruction will come from Me, and My justice for a light to the nations. I will bring it about quickly. My righteousness is near, My salvation appears, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The coastlands [far off lands] will put their hope in Me, and they will look to My strength. Look up to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never be shattered. (Isa 51:4-6 HCSB)
When hatefully insulted for our faith in God’s salvation, what should we focus on?
Listen to me, you who know righteousness, you people who have my instruction in their hearts. Don’t fear the insults of mortals, and don’t be dismayed at their hateful words. For moths will eat them up just like a garment, and worms will devour them like wool; but my deliverance will last forever, and my salvation to all generations. (Isa 51:7-8 ISV)
Did God defeat the dragon and will He again grant the redeemed gladness and joy?
Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab [a proud monster], and wounded the dragon? Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over? Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. (Isa 51:9-11 KJV)
Is there distress in life, caused by politicians, dishonest businesses, wars, etc?
I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies And of the son of man who is made like grass, That you have forgotten Yahweh your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens And laid the foundations of the earth, That you tremble in dread continually all day long because of the wrath of the one who brings distress, As he makes ready to bring ruin? But where is the wrath of the one who brings distress? (Isa 51:12-13 LSB)
Are those who love the Lord sometimes persecuted and imprisoned in this world? Will God set them free?
The exile will soon be set free, and will not die in the dungeon, nor will his bread be lacking. For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar (the Lord of armies is His name). And I have put My words in your mouth and have covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’” (Isa 51:14-16 NASB)
Whether we suffer because of our own sins or the sins of the world, does God encourage us to look to and trust Him?
Awake, awake! Rise up, Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of his wrath, you who have drained to its dregs the goblet that makes people stagger. Among all the children she bore there was none to guide her; among all the children she reared there was none to take her by the hand. These double calamities have come upon you—who can comfort you?—ruin and destruction, famine and sword—who can console you? Your children have fainted; they lie at every street corner, like antelope caught in a net. They are filled with the wrath of the Lord, with the rebuke of your God. (Isa 51:17-20 NIV)
Though we may be drunk with pain from persecution, does God encourage us to trust His rescue, His salvation from those who walk all over us?
Therefore please hear this, you afflicted, And drunk but not with wine. Thus says your Lord, The Lord and your God, Who pleads the cause of His people: “See, I have taken out of your hand The cup of trembling, The dregs of the cup of My fury; You shall no longer drink it. But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, Who have said to you, ‘Lie down, that we may walk over you.’ And you have laid your body like the ground, And as the street, for those who walk over.” (Isa 51:21-23 NKJV)
Who are the real children of Abraham spiritually speaking?
The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. (Gal 3:7 NLT)
Is salvation conditional upon obeying the entire law of Moses, or having the faith of Abraham? You decide!
Human Solutions (Isaiah 50)
Do human solutions naturally cause us grief? Should we trust God? Let’s look at Isaiah 50.
Has God divorced Israel or has she sold herself into her own iniquities? Why did nobody answer when God called?
Thus says the Lord: “Where is the certificate of your mother’s divorce, Whom I have put away? Or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? For your iniquities you have sold yourselves, And for your transgressions your mother has been put away. Why, when I came, was there no man? Why, when I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Indeed with My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; Their fish stink because there is no water, And die of thirst. I clothe the heavens with blackness, And I make sackcloth their covering.” (Isa 50:1-3 NKJV)
Is this a prophecy of Jesus, who submitted to suffering because of His love for us?
The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away. I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting. (Isa 50:4-6 NLT)
Do we have confidence in God’s help, setting our face hard “like flint” towards God alone, as did Jesus?
For the Lord Yahweh will help me. Therefore I have not been confounded. Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I won’t be disappointed. He who justifies me is near. Who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord Yahweh will help me! Who is he who will condemn me? Behold, they will all grow old like a garment. The moths will eat them up. (Isa 50:7-9 WEB)
Does the Servant bid us to trust in the Lord as He does? Will those who choose human solutions, to light their own fires instead of trusting God, naturally suffer grief?
Who among you fears the Lord? Who listens to the voice of his servant, who walks in darkness and has no light? They will trust in the Lord’s name, and rely upon their God. Look! All of you are kindling fire, igniting torches. Walk by the light of your fire, by the torches you have ignited. This is what will happen to you by my hand: you will lie down in grief. (Isa 50:10-11 CEB)
Do we keep our eyes on human solutions to humanity’s problems or Jesus?
We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God's throne! (Heb 12:2 CEV)
Do human solutions naturally cause us grief? Should we trust God? You decide!
Has God divorced Israel or has she sold herself into her own iniquities? Why did nobody answer when God called?
Thus says the Lord: “Where is the certificate of your mother’s divorce, Whom I have put away? Or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? For your iniquities you have sold yourselves, And for your transgressions your mother has been put away. Why, when I came, was there no man? Why, when I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Indeed with My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; Their fish stink because there is no water, And die of thirst. I clothe the heavens with blackness, And I make sackcloth their covering.” (Isa 50:1-3 NKJV)
Is this a prophecy of Jesus, who submitted to suffering because of His love for us?
The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away. I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting. (Isa 50:4-6 NLT)
Do we have confidence in God’s help, setting our face hard “like flint” towards God alone, as did Jesus?
For the Lord Yahweh will help me. Therefore I have not been confounded. Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I won’t be disappointed. He who justifies me is near. Who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord Yahweh will help me! Who is he who will condemn me? Behold, they will all grow old like a garment. The moths will eat them up. (Isa 50:7-9 WEB)
Does the Servant bid us to trust in the Lord as He does? Will those who choose human solutions, to light their own fires instead of trusting God, naturally suffer grief?
Who among you fears the Lord? Who listens to the voice of his servant, who walks in darkness and has no light? They will trust in the Lord’s name, and rely upon their God. Look! All of you are kindling fire, igniting torches. Walk by the light of your fire, by the torches you have ignited. This is what will happen to you by my hand: you will lie down in grief. (Isa 50:10-11 CEB)
Do we keep our eyes on human solutions to humanity’s problems or Jesus?
We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God's throne! (Heb 12:2 CEV)
Do human solutions naturally cause us grief? Should we trust God? You decide!
Light to the Nations (Isaiah 49)
Was Israel meant to be insular and exclusive or a light to the nations? Let’s look at Isaiah 49.
Is the Messiah tasked with what Israel failed to do as a nation?
Listen to me, coastlands; pay attention, peoples far away. The Lord called me before my birth, called my name when I was in my mother’s womb. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, and hid me in the shadow of God’s own hand. He made me a sharpened arrow, and concealed me in God’s quiver, saying to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I show my glory.” But I said, “I have wearied myself in vain. I have used up my strength for nothing.” Nevertheless, the Lord will grant me justice; my reward is with my God. (Isa 49:1-4 CEB)
Was the Messiah chosen to not only lead Israel back but to save the whole world?
Even before I was born, the Lord God chose me to serve him and to lead back the people of Israel. So the Lord has honored me and made me strong. Now the Lord says to me, “It isn't enough for you to be merely my servant. You must do more than lead back survivors from the tribes of Israel. I have placed you here as a light for other nations; you must take my saving power to everyone on earth.” (Isa 49:5-6 CEV)
Will the Messiah be someone despised and rejected by people?
Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” (Isa 49:7 ESV)
Is Jesus not just the mediator of a new covenant, but is He the new covenant?
This is what the Lord says: I will answer you in a time of favor, and I will help you in the day of salvation. I will keep you, and I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to make them possess the desolate inheritances, saying to the prisoners: Come out, and to those who are in darkness: Show yourselves. They will feed along the pathways, and their pastures will be on all the barren heights.
They will not hunger or thirst, the scorching heat or sun will not strike them; for their compassionate One will guide them, and lead them to springs of water. I will make all My mountains into a road, and My highways will be raised up. See, these will come from far away, from the north and from the west, and from the land of Sinim [a distant Oriental region]. Shout for joy, you heavens! Earth, rejoice! Mountains break into joyful shouts! For the Lord has comforted His people, and will have compassion on His afflicted ones. (Isa 49:8-13 HCSB)
Doubting, did Zion think that God has abandoned her?
But Zion said, ‘The Lord has abandoned me, and my God has forgotten me.’ “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or have no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these mothers may forget; But as for me, I’ll never forget you! Look! I’ve inscribed you on the palms of my hands, and your walls are forever before me. Your builders are working faster than your destroyers, and those who devastated you go away from you. Lift up your eyes and look around—they have all gathered together and are coming to you. “As surely as I live,” says the Lord, “you will clothe yourself with all of them like ornaments, and tie them on like a bride.” (Isa 49:14-18 ISV)
Will the number of descendants of Israel be overwhelmingly large?
For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants, and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away. The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place is too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell. Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been? (Isa 49:19-21 KJV)
Will nations rescue our children? Will those who hope in God not be put to shame?
Thus says Lord Yahweh, “Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations And make high My standard to the peoples; And they will bring your sons in their bosom, And your daughters will be lifted up on their shoulders. Kings will be your guardians, And their princesses your nurses. They will bow down to you with their faces to the earth And lick the dust of your feet; And you will know that I am Yahweh; Those who hope in Me will not be put to shame. Can the prey be taken from the mighty man, Or the captives of the righteous be granted escape?” (Isa 49:22-24 LSB)
Will God rescue the prey from tyrants and save our children from their oppressors?
Indeed, this is what the Lord says: “Even the captives of the mighty man will be taken away, And the prey of a tyrant will be rescued; For I will contend with the one who contends with you, And I will save your sons. I will feed your oppressors with their own flesh, And they will become drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine; And humanity will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” (Isa 49:25-26 NASB)
Did Paul and Barnabas quote verse 6 to explain their mission to the Gentiles?
For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 13:47 NIV)
Was Israel meant to be insular and exclusive or a light to the nations?
Is the Messiah tasked with what Israel failed to do as a nation?
Listen to me, coastlands; pay attention, peoples far away. The Lord called me before my birth, called my name when I was in my mother’s womb. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, and hid me in the shadow of God’s own hand. He made me a sharpened arrow, and concealed me in God’s quiver, saying to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I show my glory.” But I said, “I have wearied myself in vain. I have used up my strength for nothing.” Nevertheless, the Lord will grant me justice; my reward is with my God. (Isa 49:1-4 CEB)
Was the Messiah chosen to not only lead Israel back but to save the whole world?
Even before I was born, the Lord God chose me to serve him and to lead back the people of Israel. So the Lord has honored me and made me strong. Now the Lord says to me, “It isn't enough for you to be merely my servant. You must do more than lead back survivors from the tribes of Israel. I have placed you here as a light for other nations; you must take my saving power to everyone on earth.” (Isa 49:5-6 CEV)
Will the Messiah be someone despised and rejected by people?
Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” (Isa 49:7 ESV)
Is Jesus not just the mediator of a new covenant, but is He the new covenant?
This is what the Lord says: I will answer you in a time of favor, and I will help you in the day of salvation. I will keep you, and I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to make them possess the desolate inheritances, saying to the prisoners: Come out, and to those who are in darkness: Show yourselves. They will feed along the pathways, and their pastures will be on all the barren heights.
They will not hunger or thirst, the scorching heat or sun will not strike them; for their compassionate One will guide them, and lead them to springs of water. I will make all My mountains into a road, and My highways will be raised up. See, these will come from far away, from the north and from the west, and from the land of Sinim [a distant Oriental region]. Shout for joy, you heavens! Earth, rejoice! Mountains break into joyful shouts! For the Lord has comforted His people, and will have compassion on His afflicted ones. (Isa 49:8-13 HCSB)
Doubting, did Zion think that God has abandoned her?
But Zion said, ‘The Lord has abandoned me, and my God has forgotten me.’ “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or have no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these mothers may forget; But as for me, I’ll never forget you! Look! I’ve inscribed you on the palms of my hands, and your walls are forever before me. Your builders are working faster than your destroyers, and those who devastated you go away from you. Lift up your eyes and look around—they have all gathered together and are coming to you. “As surely as I live,” says the Lord, “you will clothe yourself with all of them like ornaments, and tie them on like a bride.” (Isa 49:14-18 ISV)
Will the number of descendants of Israel be overwhelmingly large?
For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants, and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away. The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place is too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell. Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been? (Isa 49:19-21 KJV)
Will nations rescue our children? Will those who hope in God not be put to shame?
Thus says Lord Yahweh, “Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations And make high My standard to the peoples; And they will bring your sons in their bosom, And your daughters will be lifted up on their shoulders. Kings will be your guardians, And their princesses your nurses. They will bow down to you with their faces to the earth And lick the dust of your feet; And you will know that I am Yahweh; Those who hope in Me will not be put to shame. Can the prey be taken from the mighty man, Or the captives of the righteous be granted escape?” (Isa 49:22-24 LSB)
Will God rescue the prey from tyrants and save our children from their oppressors?
Indeed, this is what the Lord says: “Even the captives of the mighty man will be taken away, And the prey of a tyrant will be rescued; For I will contend with the one who contends with you, And I will save your sons. I will feed your oppressors with their own flesh, And they will become drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine; And humanity will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” (Isa 49:25-26 NASB)
Did Paul and Barnabas quote verse 6 to explain their mission to the Gentiles?
For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 13:47 NIV)
Was Israel meant to be insular and exclusive or a light to the nations?
Peace Like a River (Isaiah 48)
Could Judah have had lasting peace all along? Let’s look at Isaiah 48.
What did God say about the obstinate hearts of Judah?
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness. For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The Lord of hosts is his name. I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass. Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass; I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them. (Isa 48:1-5 KJV)
How long has Judah been a transgressor and her ear not open to listen to God?
You have heard; look at all this. And you, will you not declare it? I caused you to hear new things from this time, Even hidden things which you have not known. They are created now and not long ago; And before today you have not heard them, Lest you say, ‘Behold, I knew them.’ Indeed, you have not heard; indeed, you have not known. Indeed, even from long ago your ear has not been open Because I knew that you would deal very treacherously; And you have been called a transgressor from the womb. (Isa 48:6-8 LSB)
Why did God delay His wrath and restrain it from cutting Judah off?
For the sake of My name I delay My wrath, And for My praise I restrain it for you, In order not to cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another. (Isa 48:9-11 NASB)
Who is the real God of the Universe? Will God direct Cyrus to carry out His purpose against Babylon?
Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last. My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they all stand up together.
Come together, all of you, and listen: Which of the idols has foretold these things? The Lord’s chosen ally will carry out his purpose against Babylon; his arm will be against the Babylonians. I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission. (Isa 48:12-15 NIV)
What would have given Israel peace like a river, and righteousness like the waves of the sea?
“Come near to Me, hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; From the time that it was, I was there. And now the Lord God and His Spirit Have sent Me.” Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.
Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Your descendants also would have been like the sand, And the offspring of your body like the grains of sand; His name would not have been cut off Nor destroyed from before Me.” (Isa 48:16-19 NKJV)
Will Israel leave Babylonian captivity with singing and shouting?
Yet even now, be free from your captivity! Leave Babylon and the Babylonians. Sing out this message! Shout it to the ends of the earth! The Lord has redeemed his servants, the people of Israel. They were not thirsty when he led them through the desert. He divided the rock, and water gushed out for them to drink. “But there is no peace for the wicked,” says the Lord. (Isa 48:20-22 NLT)
Why have the nations been unable to find lasting peace on earth?
The way of peace, they haven’t known. (Rom 3:17 WEB)
Could Judah have had lasting peace all along? You decide!
What did God say about the obstinate hearts of Judah?
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness. For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The Lord of hosts is his name. I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass. Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass; I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them. (Isa 48:1-5 KJV)
How long has Judah been a transgressor and her ear not open to listen to God?
You have heard; look at all this. And you, will you not declare it? I caused you to hear new things from this time, Even hidden things which you have not known. They are created now and not long ago; And before today you have not heard them, Lest you say, ‘Behold, I knew them.’ Indeed, you have not heard; indeed, you have not known. Indeed, even from long ago your ear has not been open Because I knew that you would deal very treacherously; And you have been called a transgressor from the womb. (Isa 48:6-8 LSB)
Why did God delay His wrath and restrain it from cutting Judah off?
For the sake of My name I delay My wrath, And for My praise I restrain it for you, In order not to cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another. (Isa 48:9-11 NASB)
Who is the real God of the Universe? Will God direct Cyrus to carry out His purpose against Babylon?
Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last. My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they all stand up together.
Come together, all of you, and listen: Which of the idols has foretold these things? The Lord’s chosen ally will carry out his purpose against Babylon; his arm will be against the Babylonians. I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission. (Isa 48:12-15 NIV)
What would have given Israel peace like a river, and righteousness like the waves of the sea?
“Come near to Me, hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; From the time that it was, I was there. And now the Lord God and His Spirit Have sent Me.” Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.
Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Your descendants also would have been like the sand, And the offspring of your body like the grains of sand; His name would not have been cut off Nor destroyed from before Me.” (Isa 48:16-19 NKJV)
Will Israel leave Babylonian captivity with singing and shouting?
Yet even now, be free from your captivity! Leave Babylon and the Babylonians. Sing out this message! Shout it to the ends of the earth! The Lord has redeemed his servants, the people of Israel. They were not thirsty when he led them through the desert. He divided the rock, and water gushed out for them to drink. “But there is no peace for the wicked,” says the Lord. (Isa 48:20-22 NLT)
Why have the nations been unable to find lasting peace on earth?
The way of peace, they haven’t known. (Rom 3:17 WEB)
Could Judah have had lasting peace all along? You decide!
Babylon Judged (Isaiah 47)
Is Babylon symbolic of this world’s greed-motivated system that enslaves people to debt and abandons the poor? Let’s look at Isaiah 47.
Speaking to Babylon like a young woman, will she be uncovered and shamed?
Come down and sit in the dust, virgin daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, daughter of the Chaldeans. For you will no longer be called tender and delicate. Take the millstones and grind flour. Remove your veil, lift up your skirt, uncover your legs, and wade through the rivers. Your nakedness will be uncovered. Yes, your shame will be seen. I will take vengeance, and will spare no one. Our Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies is his name, is the Holy One of Israel. (Isa 47:1-4 WEB)
When God used Babylon to punish His people for their sins, did they go too far, acting without pity?
Sit silent and go into darkness, Daughter Chaldea, because they will no longer call you Queen of Kingdoms. I was enraged with my people; I made my inheritance impure and put them under your power. You took no pity on them. You made your yoke heavy even on the elderly. You said, “I’m forever; I’m the eternal mistress.” You didn’t stop and think; you didn’t consider the outcome. (Isa 47:5-7 CEB)
Will Babylon’s self-deluded sense of power suddenly fail?
You think that you alone are all-powerful, that you won't be a widow or lose your children. All you care about is pleasure, but listen to what I say. Your magic powers and charms will suddenly fail, then you will be a widow and lose your children. (Isa 47:8-9 CEV)
Did Babylon feel secure and strong in her power? Is this a warning for our nations?
You felt secure in your wickedness; you said, “No one sees me”; your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” But evil shall come upon you, which you will not know how to charm away; disaster shall fall upon you, for which you will not be able to atone; and ruin shall come upon you suddenly, of which you know nothing. (Isa 47:10-11 ESV)
How did God challenge those who use spells, sorcery, and astrology?
So take your stand with your spells and your many sorceries, which you have wearied yourself with from your youth. Perhaps you will be able to succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! You are worn out with your many consultations. So let them stand and save you—the astrologers, who observe the stars, who predict monthly what will happen to you. Look, they are like stubble; fire burns them up. They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. This is not a coal for warming themselves, or a fire to sit beside! This is what they are to you—those who have wearied you and have traded with you from your youth—each wanders on his own way; no one can save you. (Isa 47:12-15 HCSB)
Did John also predict what would similarly happen to a future symbolic Babylon?
Just as she glorified herself and lived in luxury, inflict on her just as much torture and misery. In her heart she says, ‘I am a queen on a throne, not a widow. I will never see misery.’ For this reason, her diseases that result in death, misery, and famine will come in a single day. She will be burned up in a fire, because powerful is the Lord God who judges her.” The kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality with her and lived in luxury with her, will cry and mourn over her when they see the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. Frightened by the torture that she experiences, they will stand far away and cry out, “How terrible, how terrible it is for that great city, the powerful city Babylon, because your judgment arrived in a single hour!” (Rev 18:7-10 ISV)
Is Babylon symbolic of this world’s greed-motivated system that enslaves people to debt and abandons the poor? You decide!
Speaking to Babylon like a young woman, will she be uncovered and shamed?
Come down and sit in the dust, virgin daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, daughter of the Chaldeans. For you will no longer be called tender and delicate. Take the millstones and grind flour. Remove your veil, lift up your skirt, uncover your legs, and wade through the rivers. Your nakedness will be uncovered. Yes, your shame will be seen. I will take vengeance, and will spare no one. Our Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies is his name, is the Holy One of Israel. (Isa 47:1-4 WEB)
When God used Babylon to punish His people for their sins, did they go too far, acting without pity?
Sit silent and go into darkness, Daughter Chaldea, because they will no longer call you Queen of Kingdoms. I was enraged with my people; I made my inheritance impure and put them under your power. You took no pity on them. You made your yoke heavy even on the elderly. You said, “I’m forever; I’m the eternal mistress.” You didn’t stop and think; you didn’t consider the outcome. (Isa 47:5-7 CEB)
Will Babylon’s self-deluded sense of power suddenly fail?
You think that you alone are all-powerful, that you won't be a widow or lose your children. All you care about is pleasure, but listen to what I say. Your magic powers and charms will suddenly fail, then you will be a widow and lose your children. (Isa 47:8-9 CEV)
Did Babylon feel secure and strong in her power? Is this a warning for our nations?
You felt secure in your wickedness; you said, “No one sees me”; your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” But evil shall come upon you, which you will not know how to charm away; disaster shall fall upon you, for which you will not be able to atone; and ruin shall come upon you suddenly, of which you know nothing. (Isa 47:10-11 ESV)
How did God challenge those who use spells, sorcery, and astrology?
So take your stand with your spells and your many sorceries, which you have wearied yourself with from your youth. Perhaps you will be able to succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! You are worn out with your many consultations. So let them stand and save you—the astrologers, who observe the stars, who predict monthly what will happen to you. Look, they are like stubble; fire burns them up. They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. This is not a coal for warming themselves, or a fire to sit beside! This is what they are to you—those who have wearied you and have traded with you from your youth—each wanders on his own way; no one can save you. (Isa 47:12-15 HCSB)
Did John also predict what would similarly happen to a future symbolic Babylon?
Just as she glorified herself and lived in luxury, inflict on her just as much torture and misery. In her heart she says, ‘I am a queen on a throne, not a widow. I will never see misery.’ For this reason, her diseases that result in death, misery, and famine will come in a single day. She will be burned up in a fire, because powerful is the Lord God who judges her.” The kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality with her and lived in luxury with her, will cry and mourn over her when they see the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. Frightened by the torture that she experiences, they will stand far away and cry out, “How terrible, how terrible it is for that great city, the powerful city Babylon, because your judgment arrived in a single hour!” (Rev 18:7-10 ISV)
Is Babylon symbolic of this world’s greed-motivated system that enslaves people to debt and abandons the poor? You decide!
Empty Idolatry (Isaiah 46)
What is the difference between powerless idols and the all-powerful God? What idols does our culture worship? Let’s look at Isaiah 46.
Could the Babylonian idols Bel and Nebo protect Israel from going into captivity?
Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast. They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity. (Isa 46:1-2 KJV)
Did idols or God carry Israel from birth into old age and promise to rescue them?
Hear Me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of the house of Israel, You who have been burdening Me from birth And have been carried from the womb; Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you, and I will rescue you. (Isa 46:3-4 LSB)
Did Isaiah expose the futility of worshiping idols? Can an idol answer shouts and save anyone from distress?
To whom would you liken Me And make Me equal, and compare Me, That we would be alike? Those who lavish gold from the bag And weigh silver on the scale, Hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; They bow down, indeed they worship it. They lift it on the shoulder, carry it, And set it in its place, and it stands there. It does not move from its place. Though one may shout to it, it cannot answer; It cannot save him from his distress. (Isa 46:5-7 NASB)
Who alone makes known the end from the beginning? Who summons Cyrus, a bird of prey from the east, to fulfill His purpose?
Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. (Isa 46:8-11 NIV)
Is God’s righteousness near and will His salvation linger or be delayed?
Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, Who are far from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory. (Isa 46:12-13 NKJV)
Did Paul criticize the fake manufactured gods of the world?
Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. (Rom 1:21–23 NLT)
What is the difference between powerless idols and the all-powerful God? What idols does our culture worship? You decide!
Could the Babylonian idols Bel and Nebo protect Israel from going into captivity?
Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast. They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity. (Isa 46:1-2 KJV)
Did idols or God carry Israel from birth into old age and promise to rescue them?
Hear Me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of the house of Israel, You who have been burdening Me from birth And have been carried from the womb; Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you, and I will rescue you. (Isa 46:3-4 LSB)
Did Isaiah expose the futility of worshiping idols? Can an idol answer shouts and save anyone from distress?
To whom would you liken Me And make Me equal, and compare Me, That we would be alike? Those who lavish gold from the bag And weigh silver on the scale, Hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; They bow down, indeed they worship it. They lift it on the shoulder, carry it, And set it in its place, and it stands there. It does not move from its place. Though one may shout to it, it cannot answer; It cannot save him from his distress. (Isa 46:5-7 NASB)
Who alone makes known the end from the beginning? Who summons Cyrus, a bird of prey from the east, to fulfill His purpose?
Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. (Isa 46:8-11 NIV)
Is God’s righteousness near and will His salvation linger or be delayed?
Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, Who are far from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory. (Isa 46:12-13 NKJV)
Did Paul criticize the fake manufactured gods of the world?
Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. (Rom 1:21–23 NLT)
What is the difference between powerless idols and the all-powerful God? What idols does our culture worship? You decide!
God Alone (Isaiah 45)
Who is able to save us, things made by the hands of men or God alone? Let’s look at Isaiah 45.
What did God say prophetically to the future Cyrus, Persian king, who would come along about 150 years later? Was he to be a foretype of the Messiah, the anointed one?
Thus says the LORD to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held—To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: ‘I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. (Isa 45:1-3 NKJV)
Why did God call a man who did not yet even know Him?
And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me? It is for the sake of Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one. I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things. (Isa 45:4-7 NLT)
Can God command the heavens to give either physical or spiritual rain?
Rain, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth open, that it may produce salvation, and let it cause righteousness to spring up with it. I, Yahweh, have created it. (Isa 45:8 WEB)
Is us questioning God as foolish as clay questioning the potter? Can God rebuild Jerusalem by a Persian king?
Doom to the one who argues with the potter, as if he were just another clay pot! Does the clay say to the potter, “What are you making?” or “Your work has no handles”? Doom to one who says to a father, “What have you fathered?” and to a woman, “With what are you in labor?” The Lord, the holy one of Israel and its maker, says: Are you questioning me about my own children? Are you telling me what to do with the work of my hands? I myself made the earth, and created humans upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens. I commanded all their forces. I have a right to awaken Cyrus; I will smooth all his paths. He will build my city and set my exiles free, not for a price and not for a bribe, says the Lord of heavenly forces. (Isa 45:9-13 CEB)
Would Israel one day lead the nations to the one true God?
My people, I, the Lord, promise that the riches of Egypt and the treasures of Ethiopia will belong to you. You will force into slavery those tall people of Seba. They will bow down and say, “The only true God is with you; there are no other gods.” People of Israel, your God is a mystery, though he alone can save. Anyone who makes idols will be confused and terribly disgraced. But Israel, I, the Lord, will always keep you safe and free from shame. (Isa 45:14-17 CEV)
Is God the one true God and is idolatry the worship of things that cannot save us?
For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the Lord, and there is no other. I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I the Lord speak the truth; I declare what is right.
Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you survivors of the nations! They have no knowledge who carry about their wooden idols, and keep on praying to a god that cannot save. Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. (Isa 45:18-21 ESV)
Where should we turn to be saved? In whom alone can we be justified and find glory?
Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am God, and there is no other. By Myself I have sworn; Truth has gone from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow to Me, every tongue will swear allegiance. It will be said to Me: Righteousness and strength is only in the Lord.” All who are enraged against Him will come to Him and be put to shame. All the descendants of Israel will be justified and find glory through the Lord. (Isa 45:22-25 HCSB)
How is the lesson of the potter and the clay discussed by Paul?
On the contrary, who are you—mere man that you are—to talk back to God? Can an object that was molded say to the one who molded it, “Why did you make me like this?” A potter has the right to do what he wants to with his clay, doesn’t he? He can make something for a special occasion or something for ordinary use from the same lump of clay. (Rom 9:20-21 ISV)
Who is able to save us, things made by the hands of men or God alone? You decide!
What did God say prophetically to the future Cyrus, Persian king, who would come along about 150 years later? Was he to be a foretype of the Messiah, the anointed one?
Thus says the LORD to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held—To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: ‘I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. (Isa 45:1-3 NKJV)
Why did God call a man who did not yet even know Him?
And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me? It is for the sake of Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one. I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things. (Isa 45:4-7 NLT)
Can God command the heavens to give either physical or spiritual rain?
Rain, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth open, that it may produce salvation, and let it cause righteousness to spring up with it. I, Yahweh, have created it. (Isa 45:8 WEB)
Is us questioning God as foolish as clay questioning the potter? Can God rebuild Jerusalem by a Persian king?
Doom to the one who argues with the potter, as if he were just another clay pot! Does the clay say to the potter, “What are you making?” or “Your work has no handles”? Doom to one who says to a father, “What have you fathered?” and to a woman, “With what are you in labor?” The Lord, the holy one of Israel and its maker, says: Are you questioning me about my own children? Are you telling me what to do with the work of my hands? I myself made the earth, and created humans upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens. I commanded all their forces. I have a right to awaken Cyrus; I will smooth all his paths. He will build my city and set my exiles free, not for a price and not for a bribe, says the Lord of heavenly forces. (Isa 45:9-13 CEB)
Would Israel one day lead the nations to the one true God?
My people, I, the Lord, promise that the riches of Egypt and the treasures of Ethiopia will belong to you. You will force into slavery those tall people of Seba. They will bow down and say, “The only true God is with you; there are no other gods.” People of Israel, your God is a mystery, though he alone can save. Anyone who makes idols will be confused and terribly disgraced. But Israel, I, the Lord, will always keep you safe and free from shame. (Isa 45:14-17 CEV)
Is God the one true God and is idolatry the worship of things that cannot save us?
For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the Lord, and there is no other. I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I the Lord speak the truth; I declare what is right.
Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you survivors of the nations! They have no knowledge who carry about their wooden idols, and keep on praying to a god that cannot save. Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. (Isa 45:18-21 ESV)
Where should we turn to be saved? In whom alone can we be justified and find glory?
Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am God, and there is no other. By Myself I have sworn; Truth has gone from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow to Me, every tongue will swear allegiance. It will be said to Me: Righteousness and strength is only in the Lord.” All who are enraged against Him will come to Him and be put to shame. All the descendants of Israel will be justified and find glory through the Lord. (Isa 45:22-25 HCSB)
How is the lesson of the potter and the clay discussed by Paul?
On the contrary, who are you—mere man that you are—to talk back to God? Can an object that was molded say to the one who molded it, “Why did you make me like this?” A potter has the right to do what he wants to with his clay, doesn’t he? He can make something for a special occasion or something for ordinary use from the same lump of clay. (Rom 9:20-21 ISV)
Who is able to save us, things made by the hands of men or God alone? You decide!
Redemption (Isaiah 44)
How did God pay the redemption price to set sinners free? Let’s begin in Isaiah 44.
Will God give Israel’s dry land water and their descendants the Holy Spirit?
People of Israel, I have chosen you as my servant. I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. Israel, don't be terrified! You are my chosen servant, my very favorite. I will bless the thirsty land by sending streams of water; I will bless your descendants by giving them my Spirit. They will spring up like grass or like willow trees near flowing streams. They will worship me and become my people. They will write my name on the back of their hands. (Isa 44:1-5 CEV)
Does God explain to Israel why they can rely upon His promises?
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.” (Isa 44:6-8 ESV)
What profit is there in the business of making useless statues to worship as idols?
All who make idols are nothing, and what they treasure does not profit. Their witnesses do not see or know anything, so they will be put to shame. Who makes a god or casts a metal image for no profit? Look, all its worshipers will be put to shame, and the craftsmen are humans. They all will assemble and stand; they all will be startled and put to shame. (Isa 44:9-11 HCSB)
What futility is involved in the various ways of making idols?
The blacksmith prepares a tool and works in the coals, then fashions an idol with hammers, working by the strength of his arm. He even becomes hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint. The carpenter measures it with a line; he traces its shape with a stylus, then fashions it with planes and shapes it with a compass. He makes the idol like a human figure, with human beauty, to be at home in a shrine. He cuts down cedars, or chooses a cypress tree or an oak, and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. Or he plants a cedar, and the rain makes it grow. He divides it up for people to burn. Taking part of it, he warms himself, makes a fire, and bakes bread. Or perhaps he constructs a god and worships it. He makes it an idol and bows down to it. Half the wood he burns in the fire, and over that half he places meat so he can eat. He sits by its coals, warms himself, and says, “Ah! I am warm in front of the fire.” And the rest of it he makes into a god. To blocks of wood he bows down, worships, prays, and says, “Save me, since you are my god.” (Isa 44:12-17 ISV)
What has God done to the deceived eyes and hearts of idolaters?
They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand? (Isa 44:18-20 KJV)
Why should the mountains break forth into a shout of joy? Did God pay the redemption price to set Israel free?
“Remember these things, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me. I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud And your sins like a cloud. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” Shout for joy, O heavens, for Yahweh has done it! Make a loud shout, you lower parts of the earth; Break forth into a shout of joy, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it; For Yahweh has redeemed Jacob And in Israel He shows forth His beautiful glory. (Isa 44:21-23 LSB)
What does our redeemer say about diviners, fortune-tellers and the wisest of us? Did God prophecy of Cyrus rebuilding Jerusalem about 150 years later?
This is what the Lord says, He who is your Redeemer, and the One who formed you from the womb: “I, the Lord, am the Maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself And spreading out the earth alone, Causing the omens of diviners to fail, Making fools of fortune-tellers; Causing wise men to turn back And making their knowledge ridiculous, Confirming the word of His servant And carrying out the purpose of His messengers. It is I who says of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be inhabited!’ And of the cities of Judah, ‘They shall be built.’ And I will raise her ruins again. I am the One who says to the depth of the sea, ‘Dry up!’ And I will make your rivers dry up. It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, And he will carry out all My desire.’ And he says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built,’ And of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’” (Isa 44:24-28 NASB)
Who fulfilled this passage having paid the price for our redemption?
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Eph 1:7 NIV)
How did God pay the redemption price to set sinners free? You decide!
Will God give Israel’s dry land water and their descendants the Holy Spirit?
People of Israel, I have chosen you as my servant. I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. Israel, don't be terrified! You are my chosen servant, my very favorite. I will bless the thirsty land by sending streams of water; I will bless your descendants by giving them my Spirit. They will spring up like grass or like willow trees near flowing streams. They will worship me and become my people. They will write my name on the back of their hands. (Isa 44:1-5 CEV)
Does God explain to Israel why they can rely upon His promises?
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.” (Isa 44:6-8 ESV)
What profit is there in the business of making useless statues to worship as idols?
All who make idols are nothing, and what they treasure does not profit. Their witnesses do not see or know anything, so they will be put to shame. Who makes a god or casts a metal image for no profit? Look, all its worshipers will be put to shame, and the craftsmen are humans. They all will assemble and stand; they all will be startled and put to shame. (Isa 44:9-11 HCSB)
What futility is involved in the various ways of making idols?
The blacksmith prepares a tool and works in the coals, then fashions an idol with hammers, working by the strength of his arm. He even becomes hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint. The carpenter measures it with a line; he traces its shape with a stylus, then fashions it with planes and shapes it with a compass. He makes the idol like a human figure, with human beauty, to be at home in a shrine. He cuts down cedars, or chooses a cypress tree or an oak, and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. Or he plants a cedar, and the rain makes it grow. He divides it up for people to burn. Taking part of it, he warms himself, makes a fire, and bakes bread. Or perhaps he constructs a god and worships it. He makes it an idol and bows down to it. Half the wood he burns in the fire, and over that half he places meat so he can eat. He sits by its coals, warms himself, and says, “Ah! I am warm in front of the fire.” And the rest of it he makes into a god. To blocks of wood he bows down, worships, prays, and says, “Save me, since you are my god.” (Isa 44:12-17 ISV)
What has God done to the deceived eyes and hearts of idolaters?
They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand? (Isa 44:18-20 KJV)
Why should the mountains break forth into a shout of joy? Did God pay the redemption price to set Israel free?
“Remember these things, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me. I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud And your sins like a cloud. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” Shout for joy, O heavens, for Yahweh has done it! Make a loud shout, you lower parts of the earth; Break forth into a shout of joy, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it; For Yahweh has redeemed Jacob And in Israel He shows forth His beautiful glory. (Isa 44:21-23 LSB)
What does our redeemer say about diviners, fortune-tellers and the wisest of us? Did God prophecy of Cyrus rebuilding Jerusalem about 150 years later?
This is what the Lord says, He who is your Redeemer, and the One who formed you from the womb: “I, the Lord, am the Maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself And spreading out the earth alone, Causing the omens of diviners to fail, Making fools of fortune-tellers; Causing wise men to turn back And making their knowledge ridiculous, Confirming the word of His servant And carrying out the purpose of His messengers. It is I who says of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be inhabited!’ And of the cities of Judah, ‘They shall be built.’ And I will raise her ruins again. I am the One who says to the depth of the sea, ‘Dry up!’ And I will make your rivers dry up. It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, And he will carry out all My desire.’ And he says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built,’ And of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’” (Isa 44:24-28 NASB)
Who fulfilled this passage having paid the price for our redemption?
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Eph 1:7 NIV)
How did God pay the redemption price to set sinners free? You decide!
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