"The One Taking Refuge in Me Will Inherit the Land"

What, though, if the next words of Isaiah's prophecy?  'The one taking refuge in me will inherit the land and will take possession of my holy mountain." (Isaiah 57:13b) To whom is Jehovah speaking now? He is looking beyond the coming cataclysm and foretelling the liberation of his people from Babylon and the restoration of pure worship in his holy mountain, Jerusalem.  (Isaiah 66:20; Daniel 9:16)  What a source of encouragement this must be to any Jews who remain faithful!  Further, Jehovah says:  "One will certainly say, 'Bank up, you people, bank up!  Clear the way. Remove any obstacle from the way of my people.' " ( Isaiah 57:14)  When the time comes for God to deliver his people, the way will be ready, with all obstacles removed. -2 Chronicles 36:22, 23.

It is at this point that the prophet Isaiah relates the words quoted at the outset:  "This is what the High and Lofty One, who is residing forever and whose name is holy, has said: 'In the height and in the holy place is where I reside, also with the one crushed and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly ones and to revive the heart of the ones being crushed.' " ( Isaiah 57:15)  Jehovah's throne is in the highest heavens.  There is no position higher or loftier.  How comforting to know that from there he sees everything-not only the sins of the wicked but also the righteous acts of those who try to serve him!  (Psalm 102:19; 103:6) Moreover, he hears the groans of the oppressed and revives the hearts of the crushed.  These words must have touched the hearts of repentant Jews in ancient times. They certainly touch our hearts today.

Comforting, too, are Jehovah's further words:  "It will not be to time indefinite that I shall contend, nor perpetually that I shall be indignant; for because of me the spirit itself would grow feeble, even the breathing creatures that I myself have made." (Isaiah 57:16)  None of God's  creatures could survive if Jehovah's wrath were perpetual, without end.  Happily, God's indignation is only for a limited time.  When it has accomplished its purpose, it ceases.  this inspired  insight helps us develop deep appreciation  for Jehovah's love toward his creation. 

We gain more insight as Jehovah continues. First he says: "At the erroneousness of his unjust gain I grew indignant, and I proceeded to strike him, concealing my face, while I was indignant.  But he kept walking as a renegade in the way of his heart."  (Isaiah 57:17)  The wrongs committed because of greed certainly invite God's wrath.  As long as one remains a renegade at heart, Jehovah remains indignant.  But what if the renegade responds to the discipline?   Then Jehovah shows how his love and compassion move him to act:  "I have seen his very ways; and I began to heal him and conduct him and make compensation with comfort to him and to his mourning ones."  (Isaiah 57:18) After taking disciplinary action, Jehovah heals the contrite one and comforts him and those mourning with him.  That is why in 537 B.C.E., the Jews were able to return home. True, Judah was never again an independent  kingdom.  Still, the temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt, and true worship was restored.

"The High and Lofty One,"  Jehovah, also showed concern for the welfare of the anointed remnant in 1919.  Because of their contrite, humble spirit, the great God, Jehovah, kindly noticed their affliction and delivered them from Babylonish captivity.  He removed all stumbling blocks  and led them to freedom so that they could render pure worship to him.  Thus Jehovah's words through Isaiah had a fulfillment then. And behind those words are eternal principles  that apply to each one of us.  Jehovah accepts worship only from those who are lowly in mind. and if one of God's servants should sin, he should be quick to acknowledge  his error, accept reproof, and correct his ways. May we never forget  that Jehovah heals and comforts humble ones but "opposes the haughty ones." -James 4:6.

Next time: 'Peace to Those Far and Near'

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