REJOICING FOR THOSE WHO WALK IN THE LIGHT - Dark Times in Israel

Isaiah's words about darkness covering the earth were first fulfilled when Judah lay desolate and her people were in exile in Babylon. However, even before that, in Isaiah's own day, much of the nation was already shrouded in spiritual darkness, a fact that moved him to urge his fellow countrymen:  "O men of the house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of  Jehovah"! -Isaiah 2:5; 5:20.

Isaiah prophesied in Judah "in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah."  (Isaiah 1:1)   It was a turbulent time of political unrest, religious hypocrisy, judicial corruption, and oppression of the poor.  Even during the reigns of faithful kings, such as Jotham, altars of false gods could be seen on many hilltops.  Under the unfaithful kings, the situation was worse.  Wicked  King Ahaz, for example, went so far as to offer up his offspring in a ritual sacrifice to the god  Molech.  That was darkness indeed! -2 Kings 15:32-34; 16:2-4.

The international situation was also gloomy. Moab, Edom, and Philista stood menacingly at Judah's borders.  The northern kingdom of Israel, although related by blood, was an avowed enemy.  Farther north, Syria threatened Judah's peace.  Even more dangerous was cruel Assyria, even on the lookout for opportunities to expand its power.  During the period of Isaiah's prophesying, Assyria took the nation of Israel completely off the map and almost destroyed Judah.  At one time every fortified city in Judah except Jerusalem was in Assyrian hands. -Isaiah 1:7, 8; 36;1.

God's covenant people suffered such disasters because Israel and Judah were disloyal to him.  Like those mentioned in the book of Proverbs, they were "leaving the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness."  (Proverbs 2:13)  Yet, while Jehovah was angry with his people, he did not completely abandon them.  Instead, he raised up Isaiah and other prophets to provide  spiritual light for any in the nations who still sought to serve Jehovah faithfully.  The light provided through these prophets was precious indeed.  It was life-giving.

Next time: REJOICING FOR THOSE WHO WALK IN THE LIGHT  -Times of Darkness Today

The Watchtower, 2001