Conclusion of 'The Sprouting of Jehovah'

True to Isaiah's words, the storm of judgment arrived in 607 B.C.E. when the Babylonian's  destroyed Jerusalem and many Israelites perished.  Some survived and were taken into exile in Babylon, but if it had not been for God's mercy, there would have been no survivors at all.  (Nehemiah 9:31) Eventually, Judah was left completely desolate.  (2 Chronicles 36:17-21) Then, in 547 B.C.E., the God of mercy allowed "escaped ones" to return to Judah in order to restore true worship;."  (Ezra 1:1-4; 2:1)  The heartfelt repentance of these returning exiles is beautifully expressed in Psalm 137, which was likely written during the captivity or shortly thereafter.  Back in Judah they tilled the soil and sowed seed in the land.  Think of how they must have felt when they saw that  God was blessing their efforts, causing the land to sprout  like the fruitful "garden of Eden"! -Ezekiel 36:24-36.

A similar restoration has taken place in our day.  Early in the 20th century, the Bible Students, as Jehovah's Witnesses were then known, came into spiritual captivity to "Babylon the Great," the world empire of false religion.  (Revelation 17:5)  Although having rejected many false religious teachings, the Bible Students were still tainted by  certain Babylonish ideas and practices.  As a result of clergy-inspired opposition, some of them were literally imprisoned. Their spiritual land-their religious, or spiritual, estate-was left desolate.

But in the spring of 1919, Jehovah had mercy on this remnant of spiritual Israelites.  (Galatians 6:16)  He saw  their repentance and their desire to worship him in truth, so he brought about their release from literal imprisonment and, more important, from spiritual captivity.  These "escaped ones" were restored to their God-given spiritual estate, which he caused to sprout abundantly.  This spiritual estate has presented an inviting, attractive  appearance, which has drawn millions of other God-fearing people to join the remnant in true worship. 

Isaiah's words here magnify the mercy that God has toward his people.  Although the Israelites as a nation turned against Jehovah, he had mercy on a repentant remnant.  We can draw comfort from knowing that even those who err seriously can return to Jehovah  with hope.  Repentant ones need not feel that they are beyond Jehovah's mercy, for he does not reject a contrite heart.  (Psalm 51:17)   The Bible assures us: "Jehovah is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness.  As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to  those fearing him."  (Psalm  103:8, 13)  Surely such a merciful God deserves all our praise!

Next time: A Remnant Becomes Holy to Jehovah

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind