A United People Serve Jehovah

Isaiah next reminds the Israelites that Jehovah once before provided salvation for them when the nation faced oppression by a powerful enemy.  That part of Israel's history-Jehovah's liberation of the nation from captivity in Egypt-is dear to the hearts of all faithful Jews. Isaiah writes:  "It must occur in that day that Jehovah will again offer his hand, a second time, to acquire the remnant of his people who will remain over from Assyria and from Egypt and from Pathros and from Cush and from Elam and from Shinar and from Hamath and from the islands of the sea.  And he will certainly raise up a signal for the nations and gather the dispersed ones of Israel; and the scattered ones of Judah he will collect together from the four extremities of the earth."  (Isaiah 11:11, 12)  As if taking them by the hand, Jehovah will lead a faithful remnant  of both Israel and Judah out from the nations to which they have been scattered and will bring them safely home. In a minor way, this happens in 537 B.C.E. How much more glorious, though, is the major fulfillment!  In 1914, Jehovah raised the enthroned Jesus Christ as  "a signal for the nations."  Starting  in 1919 the remaining ones of   "the Israel of God" began to flock to this signal, eager to share in pure worship under God's Kingdom.  This unique spiritual nation comes "out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation." -Revelation 5:9.

Isaiah now describes the unity of the restored nation. Referring to the northern kingdom as Ephraim and to the southern kingdom Judah, he says:  "The jealousy of Ephraim must depart, and even those showing hostility to Judah will be cut off. Ephraim itself will not be jealousy of Judah, nor will Judah show hostility toward Ephraim. And they must fly at the shoulder of the Philistines to the west; together they will plunder the sons of the East.  Edom and Moab will be those upon whom they will thrust out their hand, and the sons of Ammon will be their subjects."  (Isaiah 11:13, 14)  When the Jews return from Babylon, they will no longer be divided into two nations.  Members from all tribes of Israel  will return unitedly to their land.  (Ezra 6:17)  No longer will they show resentment and hostility toward one another. As a united people, they will take a triumphant stand against their enemies in the surrounding nations.

Still more impressive is the unity of "the Israel of God." The 12 symbolic tribes of Spiritual Israel have for almost 2,000 years enjoyed a unity based on love for God and for their spiritual brothers and sisters. (Colossians 3:14; Revelation 7:4-8) Today, Jehovah's people-both spiritual Israelites and those with an earthly hope-enjoy peace and worldwide unity under the Messiah's rule, conditions unknown  in the churches of Christendom.  Jehovah's Witnesses present a united spiritual  front against Satan's efforts to interfere in their worship. As one people, they carry out Jesus' commission to preach and teach the good news of the Messiah's Kingdom in all the nations. -Matthew 28:19, 20.

Next time: Barriers Will Be Overcome

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