"I Laud Your Name"

In the dark days during which Isaiah lived  and in the even darker days thereafter when the Babylonians carried Jehovah's nation off into captivity, what kind of guidance did Jehovah supply?  Besides supplying moral guidance, he clearly outlined in advance how he would fulfill his purposes with regard to his people.   Consider, for example, the wonderful prophecies contained in  in Isaiah chapters 25 to 27.  The words in these chapters indicate how Jehovah handled matters back then and how he does so today.

First, Isaiah declares: "O Jehovah, you are my God.  I exalt  you. I laud your name." What a heartfelt expression of praise!  But what moved the prophet to utter such a prayer?  A major factor is revealed in the second half of the verse, where we read:  "For you [Jehovah] have done wonderful things, counsel from early times, in faithfulness,in trustworthiness."

By Isaiah's day, Jehovah had done many wonderful things for Israel, and these had been recorded in writing.  Isaiah was evidently familiar with these writings.  He knew, for example, that Jehovah brought his people out of slavery in Egypt and save them from the wrath of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea.  He knew  that Jehovah led his people through  the wilderness and brought them into the Promised Land.  (Psalm 136:, 10-26)  Such historical accounts showed that Jehovah God is faithful and trustworthy.  His "counsels"-all the things he purposes-come true.  Divinely  provided accurate knowledge strengthened Isaiah to keep on walking in the light.  Thus, he was a fine  example for us.  If we carefully study God's written Word and apply it in our lives, we too will remain in the light. -Psalm 119:105; 2 Corinthians 4:6.

Next time: A City IS Destroyed

The Watchtower, 2001