Aglow With the Spirit

The words of Isaiah chapter 15 have a ring of joy.  The prophet is proclaiming a bright future for the repentant nation.  Indeed, he speaks with conviction and optimism.  Two centuries later, at the threshold of their restoration, exiled Jews need the same conviction and optimism.  Through Isaiah, Jehovah prophetically exhorts them:  "Strengthen the weak hands, you people, and make the knees  that are wobbling firm.  Say to those who are anxious at heart:  'Be strong.  Do not be afraid.  Look! Your own God will come with vengeance itself, God even with a repayment.  He himself will come and save you people.' " -Isaiah 35:3, 4.

The end of the long exile is a time for action.  King Cyrus of Persia, the instrument of Jehovah's vengeance against Babylon, has proclaimed that Jehovah's worship is to be restored in Jerusalem.  (2 Chronicles 36:22,23)  Thousands  of Hebrew families need to get organized in order to make the hazardous trip from Babylon to Jerusalem.  When they arrive there, they will have to erect  adequate  living facilities and prepare for the monumental task of rebuilding the temple  and the city.  For some Jews in Babylon, all of this may seem daunti9ng.  However, it is no time to be weak or apprehensive.  The Jews are to strengthen  one another and have confidence in Jehovah.  He assures them that they will be saved. 

Those released from captivity in Babylon will have good reason to rejoice, for a grand future awaits them upon their return to Jerusalem. Isaiah foretells:  "At that  time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped. At that time the lame one will climb up just as the stag does, and the tongue  of the speechless one will cry out in gladness." -Isaiah 35:5, 6a.

Jehovah evidently has in mind the spiritual condition of his people.  They have been punished with 70 years  of exile for their earlier apostasy. Still, in administering his discipline, Jehovah did not strike his people with blindness, deafness, lameness, and muteness.  Hence, restoring the nation of Israel does not require the healing of physical disabilities.  Jehovah restores that which was lost, namely, spiritual health.

Repentant Jews are healed in that they regain their spiritual senses-their spiritual vision and their ability to hear, obey, and speak Jehovah's word.  They become aware of their need to stay close to Jehovah.  By their fine conduct, they "cry out" in joyful praise of their God.  The formerly "lame one" becomes eager and energetic in his worship of Jehovah.  Figuratively, he will "climb up just as a stag does." 

Next time: Jehovah Refreshes His People

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