"The Especially Acceptable Time"

Isaiah's prophecy continues with a statement of great significance.  Jehovah tells the Messiah: "In a  time of goodwill I have answered you; and in a day of salvation I have helped you; and I kept safeguarding you that I might give you as a covenant for the people." (Isaiah 49:8a)  A similar prophecy is recorded at Psalm 69:13-18. The psalmist refers to "a time of goodwill," using the expression "an acceptable time."  These terms imply that Jehovah 's goodwill and protection are extended in a special manner but only during a specific and temporary period.

When was that time of goodwill?  In the original setting, the words were part of a restoration prophecy and foretold the Jews' return from exile. The nation of Israel experienced a time of goodwill when they were able to "rehabilitate the land" and repossess their "desolated hereditary possessions." (Isaiah 49:8b) They were no longer  "prisoners" in Babylon. During their journey home, Jehovah made sure that they did not go "hungry" or "thirsty," nor did any  "parching heat or sun strike them."  Scattered Israelites  flocked back to their homeland "from far away . . ., from the north and from the west."  (Isaiah 49:9-12) Notwithstanding this initial dramatic fulfillment, the Bible shows that there are extended applications of this prophecy.

First, on the occasion of Jesus' birth, the angels proclaimed peace and God's goodwill, or favor , toward men.  (Luke 2:13, 14)  this goodwill was offered, not to men in general, but only to those  who exercised faith  in Jesus. Later Jesus publicly read the prophecy of Isaiah 62:1, 2 and applied it to himself as the proclaimer of "Jehovah's acceptable year."  (Luke 4:17-21) The apostle Paul spoke of Christ as receiving Jehovah special protection during the days of his flesh.  (Hebrews 5:7-9) So this time of goodwill applies to God's favor upon Jesus during his lifetime as a human. 

Next time: Conclusion of "The Especially Acceptable Time"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001