Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind - A Dirge Over the Beloved City

A Dirge Over the Beloved City

At Isaiah 1:21-23, we see the full extent of the wickedness of Jerusalem at this time.  Isaiah now begins an inspired poem in the style of a dirge, or lament: "O how the faithful town has become a prostitute!  She was full of justice; righteousness itself used to lodge in her, but now murderers." -Isaiah 1:21.

How the city, Jerusalem,  has fallen!  Once  a faithful wife, she has now become a prostitute.  What could more powerfully convey the sense of betrayal and disappointment that Jehovah feels?  "Righteousness itself use to lodge in" this city. When? Well, even before Israel existed, back in Abraham's day, this city was called Salem.  Over it ruled a man who was both king and priest.  His name, Melchizedek, means  "King of Righteousness," and it evidently suited him well.  (Hebrews 7:2; Genesis 14:18-20)  About 1,000 years after Melchizedek, Jerusalem reached a peak, under the king ships of David and Solomon.  "Righteousness itself use to lodge in her," especially when her kings set the example for the people by walking in Jehovah's ways.  By Isaiah's day, though, such  times are a distant memory.

It seems that the leaders among the people are a large part of the problem.  Isaiah goes on with his lament: "Your silver itself has become scummy dross.  You wheat beer is diluted with water.  Your princes are stubborn and partners with thieves.  Every one of them is a lover of a bribe and a chaser of gifts. For a fatherless boy they do not render judgment; and even the legal case of a widow does not get admittance to them." (Isaiah 1:22, 23) Two vivid word pictures in quick session set the tone for what must follow.  The smith at his forge skims the scummy dross from the molten silver and throws  it away.  Israel's princes and judges are like the dross, not the silver.  They need to be discarded.  They have no more use  than beer that has been diluted with water and lost its flavor.  Such a beverage is fit only to be poured down the drain!

Verse 23 shows why the leaders observe such a description. The Mosaic Law ennobled God's people, setting them apart from other nations. It did so, for example by mandating the protection of orphans and widows.  (Exodus 22:22-24)  But in Isaiah's day, the fatherless boy has little hope of any favorable judgment.  As for the widow, she cannot get anyone even to hear her case, let alone strive in her behalf.  No, these judges and leaders are too busy looking after their own interests-seeking bribes, chasing gifts, and serving as partners to thieves, evidently protecting the criminal while allowing their victims to suffer.  Worse yet, they are "stubborn," or hardened, in their course of wrong doing. What a sorry state of affairs!

Next time: Jehovah Will Refine His People

From the Book  Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind

Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind - A Compassionjate, Just Plea

A Compassionate, Just Plea

Jehovah's tone now takes on an even greater warmth and compassion. "Come, now, you people, and let us set matters straight between us,' says Jehovah.  'Though the sins of you people should prove to be as scarlet, they will be made white just like snow; though they should be red like crimson cloth, they will become even like wool.'" (Isaiah 1:18)  The invitation that opens this beautiful verse is often misunderstood. For example, The New English Bible says, "Let us argue it out"- as if both sides must take concessions to reach an accord.  Not so!  Jehovah bears no fault, least of all in his dealings with this rebellious, hypocritical people.  (Deuteronomy 32:34, 5)  The verse speaks, not of a give-and-take discussion between equals, but if a forum to establish justice.  It is as if Jehovah here challenges Israel to a court trial.

That may be a daunting notion, but Jehovah is the most merciful and compassionate Judge.  His capacity for forgiveness is unparalleled.  (Psalm 86:5) He alone can take Israel's sins that are "as scarlet" and cleanse them away, making them "white like snow."  No human effort, no formula of works, sacrifices, or prayers can remove the stain of sin.  Only Jehovah's forgiveness can wash sin away. God grants such forgiveness on terms that he sets, which include genuine, heartfelt repentance. 

So important is this truth that Jehovah repeats it in a poetic variation-"crimson" sins will become like new, un-dyed white wool.  Jehovah wants us to know that he truly is the Forgiver of sins, even very serious ones, as long as he fins us genuinely repentant.  Those who find it hard to believe that this is true in their own case do well to consider such examples as Manasseh.  He sinned horribly-for years.  Yet, he repented and was forgiven.  (2 Chronicles 33:9-16)  Jehovah wants all of us, including those who have committed serious sins, to know that it is not too late to "set matters straight" with him.

Jehovah reminds his people that hey have a choice to make.  "If you people show willingness and do listen, the good of the land you will eat. But if you people refuse and are actually rebellious, with a sword you will be eaten up; for the very  mouth of Jehovah has spoken it."  (Isaiah 1:19, 20)  Here Jehovah emphasizes attitudes, and he uses another vivid figure of speech to drive his point home.  Judah's choice is this: Eat or be eaten.  If they have an attitude of willingness to listen to and obey Jehovah, they will eat the good produce of the land.  However, if they persist in their rebellious attitude, they will be eaten -by the sword of their enemies!  It seems almost unimaginable that a people would choose the sword of their enemies over the mercy and abundance of a forgiving God.  Nevertheless, such is the case with Jerusalem, as the next verses of Isaiah show.

Next time: A Dirge Over the Beloved City

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

Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind - Conclusion of The Cure for Spiritual Sickness

Conclusion of The Cure for Spiritual Sickness

There is much to learn from the positive actions that Jehovah commands in verse 17 of Isaiah chapter 1.  Notice that he does not merely say "do good" but "learn to do good."  It takes personal study of God's Word to understand what is good in God's eyes and to want to do it.  Further, Jehovah does not merely say "render justice"  but  "search for justice."  Even experienced elders need to make a thorough search of God's Word in order to find the just course in some complex matters.  Theirs too is the responsibility to "set right the oppressor," as Jehovah next commands.  These directives are important to Christian shepherds today, for they want to protect the flock from "oppressive wolves." -Acts 20:28-30.

The final two commands involve some of the more vulnerable of God's people-orphans and widows.  The world is all too ready to take advantage of such individuals; this must not be so  among God's people.  Loving elders "render judgment" for the fatherless boys and girls in the congregation, helping  them to receive justice and protection in a world that wants to take advantage  of them and corrupt them. Elders 'plead the cause" of the widow or, as the Hebrew word can also mean "strive" in her behalf. Really, all Christians want to be a source of refuge, comfort, and justice to the needy among us because they are precious to Jehovah. -Micah 6:8; James 1:27.

What a firm positive message Jehovah conveys through these nine commands! Sometimes those involved in sin convince themselves that it is simply beyond their power to do right.  Such notions are discouraging.  Moreover, they are wrong.  Jehovah knows-and wants us to know -that with His help, any sinner can stop his sinful course, turn around, and do right instead. 

Next time: A Compassionate, Just Plea

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind

Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind -The Cure for Spiritual Sickness

The Cure for Spiritual Sickness

Jehovah, the compassionate God, now shifts to a warmer, more appealing tone.  "Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the badness of your dealings from in front of my eyes; cease to do bad. Learn to do good; search for justice; set right the oppressor; render judgment for the fatherless boy; plead the cause of a widow."  (Isaiah 1:16, 17)   Here we find a string of nine imperatives, or commands.  The first four are  negative in the sense that they involve the removal of sin; the last five are positive actions that lead to receiving Jehovah's blessing. 

Washing and cleanness have always been an important part of true worship.  (Exodus 19:10, 11; 30:20; 2 Corinthians 7:1)  But Jehovah wants the cleansing  to go deeper, into the very heart of his worshipers.   Most important is moral and spiritual cleanliness, and this is what Jehovah refers to.  The first two commands in verse 16 are not mere repetition.  A Hebrew grammarian suggests that the first "wash yourselves," refers to an initial act of cleansing, whereas the second, "make yourselves clean" refers to ongoing efforts to maintain that cleanness.

We can hide nothing from Jehovah.  (Job 34:22; Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13) So his command, "Remove the badness from your dealings from in front of my  eyes," can only mean one thing-to cease doing bad.  That means not attempting to conceal serious sins, for doing so is a sin in  itself.  Proverbs 28:13 warns:  "He that is covering over his transgressions will not succeed, but he that is confessing and leaving them will be shown mercy."

Next time: Conclusion of The Cure for Spiritual Sickness

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind

Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind - Conclusion of "Let Us Set Matters Straight"

Conclusion of "Let Us Set Matters Straight"

No wonder that Jehovah now adopts even stronger language! "Stop bringing in more valueless grain offerings.  Incense-it is something detestable to me.  New moon and Sabbath, the calling of a convention-I cannot put up with the use of uncanny power along with the solemn  assembly.  Your new moons and your festal seasons my soul has hated.  To me they have become a burden; I have become tired of bearing them."  (Isaiah 1:13, 14) Grain offerings, incense, Sabbaths, and solemn assemblies are all part of God's Law to Israel.  As to "new moons," the Law simply directs that these be observed, but wholesome traditions have gradually grown up around the observance.  (Numbers 10:10; 28:11) The New moon is treated as a monthly Sabbath, when the people would desist from work and even gather for instruction from the prophets and priests.  (2 Kings 4:23; Ezekiel 46:3; Amos 8:5)  Such observances are not wrong. The problem lies  in doing them for mere show.  Moreover, the Jews are resorting to "uncanny power," spiritistic practices, right along with their formal observance of God's Law.  Thus, their acts of worship to Jehovah are "a burden to him.

How, though, could Jehovah feel "tired"?  After all, he has an "abundance of dynamic energy . . He does not tire out or grow weary."  (Isaiah 40:26, 28)  Jehovah is using a vivid figure of speech to enable us to understand his feelings.  Have you ever borne a heavy burden for so long  that you were weary to the very bone and just longed to throw it off?  That is how Jehovah feels about his people hypocritical acts of worship.

Jehovah now addresses the most intimate and personal of all acts of worship;. "When you spread out your palms, I hide my eyes from you.  Even  though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled."  (Isaiah 1:15) Spreading out the palms, holding the hands outstretched with palms upward, is a gesture of supplication.  To Jehovah, this stance has become meaningless, for this people have hands full of bloodshed.  Violence is rampant in the land.  Oppression of the weak is commonplace.  For such abusive, selfish people to pray to Jehovah and ask for blessings  is obscene.  No wonder Jehovah says, "I am not listening"!

In our day, Christendom has likewise failed to win God's favor with her ceaseless repetition of vain prayers and her other religious  "works."  (Matthew 7:21-23)  It is of  vital importance that we do not fall into the same trap.  Occasionally, a Christian lapses into a practice of serious sin, then reasons that if he just hides what he is  doing and increases his activity in the Christian congregation, his deeds will somehow counterbalance his sin.  Such formalistic works do not please Jehovah.  There is only one cure for spiritual sickness, as the next verses of Isaiah show.

Next time:  The Cure for Spiritual Sickness

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind

 

Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind -" Let Us Set Matters Straight"

"Let Us Set Matters Straight"

THE inhabitants of Jerusalem may feel inclined to justify themselves after hearing the denunciation recorded at Isaiah 1:1-9.  They no doubt would like to point proudly to all the sacrifices they offer to Jehovah.  However, verses 10 through 15 give Jehovah's withering reply to such attitudes. It begins: "Hear the word of Jehovah, you dictators of Sodom.  Give ear to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah." -Isaiah 1:10.

Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed not only for their perverted sex practices but also for their hardhearted, haughty attitudes.  (Genesis 18:20, 21; 19:4, 5, 23-25; Ezekiel 16:49, 50)  Isaiah's audience must be shocked to hear themselves being compared to the people of those accursed cities.  But Jehovah sees his people just as they are, and Isaiah does  not soften God's message in order to 'tickle their ears.' -2 Timothy 4:3.

Notice how Jehovah feels about the formalistic worship of his people.  " 'Of what benefit to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?'  says Jehovah.  'I have had enough of whole burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed animals; and in the blood of young bulls and male lambs and he-goats I have taken no delight.' " (Isaiah 1:11) The people have forgotten that Jehovah does not depend their sacrifices.  (Psalm 50:8-13) He does not need anything that humans may offer him.  So if the people think that they are doing Jehovah a favor by presenting their half-hearted offerings, they are mistaken.  Jehovah uses a powerful figure of speech.  The expression "I have had enough" may also be rendered "I am satiated" or "I am glutted."  Do you know the feeling of being so full of food that the very sight of  more is repulsive?  Jehovah felt similarly about those offerings-utterly repulsed!

Jehovah continues: "When you people keep coming in to see my face,m who is it that has required this from your hand, to trample my courtyards?"   (Isaiah 1:12) Is it not Jehovah's own law that requires the people to 'come in to see his face," that is, to be in attendance at his temple in Jerusalem?  (Exodus 34:23, 24)  Yes, but they come there out of mere formalism, simply going through the motions of pure worship, without pure motives.  To Jehovah, their numerous visits to his courtyards amount to 'mere trampling,' accomplishing nothing more than wearing  away the floor.

Next time: Conclusion of "Let Us Set Matters Straight"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light  for all Mankind

Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind - A Desolated Land

A Desolated Land

In the first century, Israel went through its final crisis as God's covenant people.  When Jesus presented himself as the promised Messiah, the nation rejected him, and as a result, Jehovah rejected them. (Matthew 21:43; 23:37-39; John 1:11) Was this the end of Jehovah's having a special nation on earth? No. The apostle Paul showed that Isaiah 1:9 had yet another fulfillment. Quoting from the Septuagint version, he wrote:  "Just as Isaiah had said aforetime: 'Unless Jehovah of armies had left a seed to us, we should have become just like Sodom, and we should have been made just like Gomorrah.' " -Romans 9:29.

This time the survivors were the anointed Christians, who put faith in Jesus Christ.  These were, first of all, believing Jews.  Later they were joined  by believing Gentiles.  Together they made up a new Israel, "the Israel of God."  (Galatians 6:16; Romans 2:29)  This "seed" survived the destruction of the Jewish system of things in 70 C.E. Indeed, "the Israel of God" is still with us today.  It has now been joined by millions of believing individuals of the nations who make up "a great crowd, which no man [is] able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues." -Revelation 7:9.

Soon this world will face the battle of Armageddon.  (Revelation 16:14, 16)  While  this will be a crisis greater than either the Assyrian or the Babylonian invasion of Judah, greater than even  the Roman devastation of Judea in 70 C.E., there will be survivors.  (Revelation 7:14)  How vital, then, that all consider carefully Isaiah's words to Judah! They meant survival for faithful ones back then. And they mean survival for believing ones today.

Next time: "Let Us Set Matters Straight"

From the Book Isaiah's  Prophecy Light for all Mankind

Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind - Continue with A Desolated Land

A Desolated Land

Amid all the devastation, "the daughter of Zion," Jerusalem, will be left standing.  But she will look very vulnerable-like a shanty in a vineyard or a watchman's booth in a cucumber field.  In a journey down the Nile, one    19th century scholar was reminded of Isaiah's words when he saw similar booths, which he describes as "little more than a fence against  a north wind."  In Judah when the harvest was over, these booths were allowed to fall apart and collapse.  Still, as flimsy as Jerusalem might appear before the all-conquering Assyrian army, she will survive.

Isaiah concludes this prophetic statement:  "Unless Jehovah of armies himself had left remaining to us just a few survivors, we should have become  just like Sodom, we should have resembled Gomorrah itself." (Isaiah 1:9) Against the might of Assyria, Jehovah will finally come to Judah's aid.  Unlike Sodom and Gomorrah, Judah will not be obliterated. It will live on.

More than 100 years later, Judah was again under threat.  The people had no learned from the discipline inflicted through Assyria.  "They were continually making jest at the messengers of the true God and despising  his words and mocking at his prophets."  As a result, "the rage of Jehovah came up against his people, until there was no healing."  (2 Chronicles 36:16)  The Babylonian monarch Nebuchadnezzar conquered  Judah, and this time, there was nothing remaining "like a booth in a vineyard."  Even Jerusalem was destroyed.  (2 Chronicles 36:17-21)  Still, Jehovah 'left a few remaining.'  Even though Judah endured 70 years in exile, Jehovah ensured the continuance of the nation and especially of the Davidic line, which would produce the promised Messiah.

Next time: Conclusion of A Desolated Land

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind

Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind - A Desolate4d Land

A Desolated Land

Isaiah now leaves his medical analogy and turns to the condition of Judah's terrain.  As if he is gazing down on a battle-scarred plain, he says:  "Your land is a desolation, your cities are burned with fire; your ground-right in front of you strangers are eating it up, and the desolation is like an overthrow by strangers."  (Isaiah 1:7)  Some scholars say that although these words are found early in Isaiah's book, they were probably uttered later in the prophet's career, perhaps during the reign of wicked King Ahaz.  They assert that Uzziah's reign was too prosperous to justify such a bleak description.  Granted, it cannot be stated with certainty whether Isaiah's  book is compiled in chronological order.  However, Isaiah's words about desolation are probably prophetic.  In uttering the above statement, most likely Isaiah is employing a technique found elsewhere in the Bible-that of describing a future event as if it has already taken place, thus emphasizing the certainty of a prophecy's fulfillment. -Compare Revelation 11:15.

In any event, the prophetic description of the desolation of Judah should not come as a surprise to this stubborn  an disobedient people.  Centuries earlier Jehovah warned them of what would happen if they rebelled.  He said:  "I, for my part, will lay the land desolate, and your enemies who are dwelling in it will simply stare in amazement over it. And you I shall scatter among the nations, and I will unsheathe a sword after you; and your land must become a desolation, and your cities will become a desolate ruin." -Leviticus 26:32, 33; 1 Kings 9:6-8.

The words at Isaiah 1:7, 8 are apparently fulfilled during the invasions by Assyria that result in the destruction of Israel and widespread destruction and suffering in Judah.  (2 Kings 17:5, 18; 18:11, 13; 2 Chronicles 29:8, 9)  However, Judah is totally wiped out. Isaiah says:  "The daughter of Zion has been left remaining like a booth in a vineyard, like a lookout hut in a field of cucumbers, like a blockaded city." -Isaiah 1:8.

Next time: Continue with A Desolated Land

From the Book  Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind

Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind - Sick from Head to Foot

Sick from Head to Foot

Isaiah next strives to reason with the people of  Judah by pointing out to them their sickly state.  He says:  "Where else will you be struck still more, in that you add more revolt?"  In effect, Isaiah is asking them:  'Have you not suffered long enough? Why bring further harm to yourselves by continuing to rebel?  Isaiah continues:  "The whole head is in a sick condition, and the whole heart is feeble.  From the sole of the feet even to the head there is no sound spot in it."  (Isaiah 1:5, 6a)  Judah is in a loathsome, diseased state-spiritually sick from head to foot.  A grim diagnosis indeed!

Should we feel sorry for Judah! Hardly!  Centuries earlier the entire nation of Israel was duly warned about the penalty for disobedience.  In part, they were told:  "Jehovah will strike you with a malignant boil upon both knees and both legs, from which you will be able to be healed, from the sole of your foot to the crown of your head."  (Deuteronomy 28:35)  In a figurative sense, Judah is now suffering these very consequences of her stubborn course. And all of this could have been avoided if the people of Judah has simply obeyed Jehovah.

Isaiah continues to describe Judah's pitiable state:  "Wounds and bruises and fresh stripes -they have not been squeezed or bound up, nor has there been a softening with oil."  (Isaiah 1:6b )  Here the prophet refers to three types of injuries: wounds (cuts such as those inflicted by a sword or a knife), bruises (welts resulting from beating), and fresh stripes (recent, open sores that seem beyond healing).  The idea presented is that of a man who has been severely punished in every manner imaginable with no part of his body escaping harm.  Judah is truly in a broken-down state.

Does Judah's miserable condition move her to return to Jehovah?  No! Judah is like  rebel described at Proverbs 29:1:  "A man repeatedly reproved but making his neck hard will suddenly be broken, and that without haling."  The nation seems beyond curing. As Isaiah puts it, her wounds "have not been squeezed out or bound up, nor has there been a softening with oil."  In a sense, Judah resembles an open, unbandaged, all-pervasive sore.

Taking a lesson from Judah, we must be on guard against spiritual sickness.  Like physical illness, it can affect any one of us.  After all, who of us is not susceptible to fleshly desires?  Greed and a desire for excessive pleasure  can take root in our hearts.  Hence, we need to train ourselves to "abhor what is wicked" and "cling  to what is good."  (Romans 12:9)  We also need  to cultivate the fruits of God's spirit in our everyday lives.  (Galatians 5:22, 23)  By doing so, we will avoid the condition that plagued Judah-that of being spiritually  sick from head to foot.

Next time: A Designated Land

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