Isaiah Looks Further Ahead

The 10th chapter of Isaiah focuses primarily on the way that Jehovah will use the Assyrian invasion to execute judgment upon Israel and on his promise to defend Jerusalem.  Since verses 20 to 23 are located in the middle of this prophecy, they can be viewed as having a general fulfillment during the same period.  (Compare Isaiah 1:7-9) However, the wording indicates that these verses apply more specifically to later periods when Jerusalem too would have to answer for the sins of her inhabitants.

King Ahaz tries to gain security by turning to Assyria for help. The prophet Isaiah foretells that at a future time, the survivors of the house of Israel will never again pursue such a senseless course.  Isaiah 10:20 says that they will  "support themselves upon Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, in trueness"  Verse 21 shows, however, that only a small number will do so: "A mere remnant will return."  This reminds us of Isaiah's son Shear-jashub, who is a sign in Israel and whose name means "A Mere Remnant Will Return."  (Isaiah 7:3)  Verse 22 of chapter 10 warns of a coming "extermination" that has been decided on.  Such an extermination will be righteous because it is just a punishment on a rebellious people.  As a result, from a thickly populated  nation that is "like the grains of sand  of the sea," only a remnant will return.  Verse 23 warns that this coming extermination will affect the whole land. Jerusalem will not be spared this time.

These verses well describe what happened in 607 B.C.E. when Jehovah used the Babylonian Empire as his "rod."  the whole land, including Jerusalem, fell to the invader.  The Jews were taken captive to Babylon after 70 years. After that, though, some-even if only "a mere remnant"-returned to reestablish true worship in Jerusalem.

The prophecy at Isaiah 10:20-23 had a further fulfillment in the first century, as shown at Romans 9:27, 28.  (Compare Isaiah 1:9; Romans 9:29)  Paul explains that in a spiritual sense, a "remnant" of Jews 'returned' to Jehovah in the first century C.E., inasmuch as a small number of faithful Jews became followers of Jesus Christ and began worshiping Jehovah "with spirit and truth."  (John 4:24) These were later joined by believing Gentiles, making up a spiritual nation, "the Israel of God."  (Galatians 6:16)  On this occasion the words of Isaiah 10:20 were fulfilled: "Never again" did a nation dedicated to Jehovah turn away from him to human sources for support.

Next time: Salvation and Rejoicing Under the Messiah's Reign, Chapter Thirteen

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