Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind - A Compassionjate, Just Plea

A Compassionate, Just Plea

Jehovah's tone now takes on an even greater warmth and compassion. "Come, now, you people, and let us set matters straight between us,' says Jehovah.  'Though the sins of you people should prove to be as scarlet, they will be made white just like snow; though they should be red like crimson cloth, they will become even like wool.'" (Isaiah 1:18)  The invitation that opens this beautiful verse is often misunderstood. For example, The New English Bible says, "Let us argue it out"- as if both sides must take concessions to reach an accord.  Not so!  Jehovah bears no fault, least of all in his dealings with this rebellious, hypocritical people.  (Deuteronomy 32:34, 5)  The verse speaks, not of a give-and-take discussion between equals, but if a forum to establish justice.  It is as if Jehovah here challenges Israel to a court trial.

That may be a daunting notion, but Jehovah is the most merciful and compassionate Judge.  His capacity for forgiveness is unparalleled.  (Psalm 86:5) He alone can take Israel's sins that are "as scarlet" and cleanse them away, making them "white like snow."  No human effort, no formula of works, sacrifices, or prayers can remove the stain of sin.  Only Jehovah's forgiveness can wash sin away. God grants such forgiveness on terms that he sets, which include genuine, heartfelt repentance. 

So important is this truth that Jehovah repeats it in a poetic variation-"crimson" sins will become like new, un-dyed white wool.  Jehovah wants us to know that he truly is the Forgiver of sins, even very serious ones, as long as he fins us genuinely repentant.  Those who find it hard to believe that this is true in their own case do well to consider such examples as Manasseh.  He sinned horribly-for years.  Yet, he repented and was forgiven.  (2 Chronicles 33:9-16)  Jehovah wants all of us, including those who have committed serious sins, to know that it is not too late to "set matters straight" with him.

Jehovah reminds his people that hey have a choice to make.  "If you people show willingness and do listen, the good of the land you will eat. But if you people refuse and are actually rebellious, with a sword you will be eaten up; for the very  mouth of Jehovah has spoken it."  (Isaiah 1:19, 20)  Here Jehovah emphasizes attitudes, and he uses another vivid figure of speech to drive his point home.  Judah's choice is this: Eat or be eaten.  If they have an attitude of willingness to listen to and obey Jehovah, they will eat the good produce of the land.  However, if they persist in their rebellious attitude, they will be eaten -by the sword of their enemies!  It seems almost unimaginable that a people would choose the sword of their enemies over the mercy and abundance of a forgiving God.  Nevertheless, such is the case with Jerusalem, as the next verses of Isaiah show.

Next time: A Dirge Over the Beloved City

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000