God Becomes an Enemy

Never, though, should we presume upon God's loving-kindness. Isaiah continues:  "They themselves rebelled and made his holy  spirit feel hurt.  He now was changed into an enemy of theirs; he himself warred against them." (Isaiah 63:10)  Jehovah warned that although he is a God merciful and gracious, "by no means will he give exemption from punishment."  (Exodus 34:6, 7) The Israelites put themselves in line for punishment by establishing a pattern of rebellion.  "Do not forget how you have provoked Jehovah your God in the wilderness," reminded Moses.  "From the day that you wen tout of the land of Egypt until your coming to this place you people have proved rebellious in your behavior with Jehovah."  (Deuteronomy 9:7)  By resisting the wholesome effects of God's spirit, they have hurt, or grieved it. (Ephesians 4:30)   They have forced Jehovah to become an enemy of theirs. -Leviticus 26:17; Deuteronomy 28:63.

In the midst of their affliction, some Jews are move to reflect on their past.  Says Isaiah:  "One began to remember the days of long ago, Moses his servant: 'Where is the One that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? The One splitting the waters from before them in order to make an indefinitely lasting name for his own self; the One making them walk through the surging waters so that, like a hours in the wilderness, they did not stumble?  Just as when a beast itself goes down into the valley   plain, the very spirit of Jehovah proceeded to make them rest.' "-Isaiah 63:11-14a.

Yes, suffering the results of disobedience, the Jews long for the days when Jehovah was their Deliverer instead of their enemy.  They recall how their "shepherds," Moses and Aaron, led them safely through the Red Sea.  (Psalm 77:20; Isaiah 51:10)  They recall a time when instead of hurting God's spirit, they were led by it through the guidance given by Moses and other spirit-appointed older men. (Numbers 11:16, 17)  They also remember seeing  Jehovah's " beautiful arm" of strength being used in their behalf through Moses! In time, God took them out of the great and fear-inspiring wilderness and led them into a land flowing with milk and honey-a place of rest.  (Deuteronomy 1:19; Joshua 5:6; 22:4) Now, though, the Israelites suffer because of having lost their favorable relationship with God!

Next time: 'A Beautiful Name for Himself'

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