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!
