Opposition to the Prophet's Message

Jehovah tells Isaiah to write down the message that he has just delivered so that  "It may serve for a future day, for a witness to time indefinite."  (Isaiah 30:8) Jehovah's disapproval of putting alliances with man above reliance on Him must be recorded for the benefit of future generations-including our generation today.  (2 Peter 3:1-4)  But there is a more immediate need for a written record.   "It is  a rebellious people, untruthful sons, sons who have been unwilling to hear the law of Jehovah." (Isaiah 30:9) The people have rejected God's counsel.  Hence, it must be written down so that later they cannot deny that they received a proper warning. -Proverbs 28:9; Isaiah 8:1, 2.

Isaiah now offers an example of the people's rebellious attitude.  They "have said to the one seeing, 'You must not see,' and the ones having visions, 'You must not envision for us any straightforward things.  Speak to us smooth things; envision deceptive things.' "  (Isaiah 30:10)  By ordering faithful prophets to stop speaking what is "straightforward," or true, and to speak  instead of what  is "smooth" and  "deceptive," or false, the leaders of Judah show that they want to have their ears tickled.  They want to be praised, not condemned.  In their opinion, any prophet not willing to prophesy according to their taste should "turn aside from the way; deviate from the path."  (Isaiah 30:11a)  He should either speak ear-pleasing things or stop preaching altogether!

Isaiah's opponents insist:  "Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease just on account of us." (Isaiah 30:11b)  Let Isaiah stop speaking in the name of Jehovah, "the Holy One of Israel!"  This very title irritates them because Jehovah's exalted standards show up their contemptible condition.  How does Isaiah react?  He declares:  "This is what the Holy One of Israel has said." (Isaiah 30:12a)  Without hesitation, Isaiah speaks the very words his opposers hate to hear.  He will not be intimidated.  What  fine example for us!  When it comes to proclaiming  God's message, Christians must never compromise.  (Acts 5:27-29) Like Isaiah they keep on proclaiming:  'This is what Jehovah has said'!

Next time: The Consequences of Rebellion

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