"For the Sake of My Servants"

Will Jehovah show mercy to faithful ones among his people?  Isaiah explains:  "This is what Jehovah has said: 'In the same way that the new wine is found in the cluster and someone has to say, "Do not ruin it, because there is a blessing in it," so I shall do for the sake of my servants in order  not to bring everybody to ruin. And I will bring forth out of Jacob an offspring and out of Judah the hereditary possessor of my mountain; and my chosen ones  must take possession of it, and my own servants will reside there.' "  (Isaiah 65:8, 9) In comparing his people to a cluster of grapes, Jehovah uses an illustration that they can readily understand. Grapes are abundant in the land, and wine made from grapes is a blessing for mankind. (Psalm 104:15)  The image presented may be that of a cluster on which some, but not all, of the grapes are good.  Or the idea may be that one cluster is good, while other clusters are unripe or rotten.  In either case, the vinedresser will not destroy good grapes.  Jehovah thus reassures his people that he will not utterly  destroy the nation but will spare a faithful  remnant.  He states that this favored remnant will possess his "mountains," that is, Jerusalem  and the land of Judah, the hilly country that Jehovah claimed as his own.

What blessings await this faithful remnant?  Jehovah explains:  "Sharon must become a pasture ground for sheep and the low plain of Achor a resting-place for cattle, for my people who will have looked for me." (Isaiah 65:10)  Flocks play an important role in the lives of many Jews, and abundant grazing land helps to create prosperity during times of peace. Jehovah refers to  two extremities  of the land in order to paint a picture of peace and prosperity.  To the west the Plain of Sharon noted for its beauty and fertility, stretches along the Mediterranean Coast.  The Valley of Achor forms part of the northeastern boundary of the land.  (Joshua 15:7)  During the coming exile, these areas will lie waste, along with the rest of the land. Jehovah promises, however, that after the exile they will become beautiful pasture grounds for the returning remnant. -Isaiah 35:2; Hosea 2:15.

Next time: Trusting in "the God of Good Luck"

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