Jehovah's 'Strange Deed'

The final outcome of affairs will be completely contrary to what Judah's religious leaders are hoping for.  Jehovah will do something strange to the spiritual drunkards of Judah.  "Judah will rise up just as at Mount Perazim, he will be agitated just as in the lower plain near Gibeon, that he may do his deed-his deed is strange-and that he may work his work-his work is unusual."  (Isaiah 28:21)  In the days of King David, Jehovah gave his people notable victories over the Philistines at Mount Perazim and on the low plain of Gibeon.  (1 Chronicles 14:10-16) In the days of Joshua, he even caused the sun to stand still over Gibeon so that the victory of Israel over the Amorites could be complete. (Joshua 10:8-14)  That was must unusual!  Now Jehovah will fight again but this time against those who profess to be his people.  Could anything be more strange or unusual? Not in view of the fact that Jerusalem is the center of Jehovah's worship and the city of Jehovah's anointed king.  Up to now, the royal house of David in Jerusalem has never been overthrown.  Nevertheless, Jehovah will surely carry out his 'strange deed.' -Compare Habakkuk 1:5-7.

Therefore, Isaiah cautions:  "Do not show yourselves scoffers, in order that your hands may not grow strong, for there is a extermination, even something decided upon that I have heard of from the Sovereign Lord, Jehovah of armies, for all the land."  (Isaiah 28:22) Although the leaders scoff, Isaiah's message is true.  He has heard it from Jehovah, with whom those leaders are in a covenant relationship.  Similarly today, the religious leaders  of Christendom scoff when they hear of Jehovah's 'strange deed."  They even rant and rave.  But the message Jehovah's Witnesses proclaim is true.  It is found in the Bible, a book that those leaders claim to represent.

As for sincere individuals who do not follow those leaders, Jehovah will readjust them and restore them to his favor.  (Read Isaiah 28:23-29)  Just as a farmer uses gentler methods to thresh a more delicate grain, such as cumin, so Jehovah adjusts his discipline according to the individual and the circumstances.  He is never arbitrary or heavy-handed but acts with a view to the potential rehabilitation of erring ones.  Yes, if individuals respond to Jehovah's appeal, there is hope.  Similarly today, while the fate of Christendom as a whole is sealed, any individual who subjects himself to Jehovah's Kingdom can avoid the coming adverse judgment.

Next time:  Woe to Jerusalem!

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