Further Reassurance

Jehovah further reassures his people:  "I -I myself am the One that is comforting you people.  Who are you that you should be afraid of a mortal man that will die, and of a son of mankind that will be rendered as mere green grass?  And that you should forget Jehovah your Maker, the One stretching out the heavens and laying the foundation of the earth, so that you were in dread constantly the whole day long on account of the rage of the one hemming you in, as though he was all set to bring you to ruin?  And where is the rage of the one hemming you in?" (Isaiah 51:12, 13)  Years of exile lie ahead.  Still, there is no  reason to fear the rage of Babylon. Although that nation, the third world power of Bible record, will conquer God's people and seek to 'hem them in,' or block their way of escape, faithful Jews know that Jehovah has foretold the fall of Babylon at the hand of Cyrus.  (Isaiah 44;8, 24-28) In contrast to the Creator-the everlasting God, Jehovah -the inhabitants of Babylon will perish as grass that withers under the sun's intense rays  during the dry season.  Then where will their threats and rage be?  How unwise it is to fear man and forget Jehovah, the one who made heaven and earth! 

Although Jehovah's people will be captive for a while , "stooping in chains," as it were, their release will be sudden.  They will not be exterminated in Babylon or die of starvation as prisoners-rendered lifeless in Sheol, the pit.  (Psalm 30:3; 88:3-5) Jehovah assures them:  "The one stooping in chains will certainly be loosened speedily, that he may not go in death to the pit and that his bread may not be lacking." -Isaiah 51:14. 

Still comforting Zion, Jehovah continues:  "But I, Jehovah, am your God, the One stirring up the sea that its waves may be boisterous.  Jehovah of armies is his name.  And I shall put my words in your mouth, and with the shadow of my hand I shall certainly cover you, in order  to plant the heavens and lay the foundations of the earth and say to Zion, 'You are my people.' " (Isaiah 51:15, 16) The Bible repeatedly mentions God's ability to extend his power over the sea and to control it.  (Job 26:12; Psalm 89:9; Jeremiah 31:35)  He has total control  over the forces of nature, as he displayed when he delivered his people from Egypt. Who can be compared, even in the smallest way, to "Jehovah of armies"? -Psalm 34:10.

The Jews remain God's covenant people, and Jehovah assures them that they will return to their homeland, to live once more under his Law. There they will rebuild Jerusalem and the temple and resume their responsibility under the covenant that he with them through Moses. When the land begins to be repopulated  with the repatriated  Israelites and their domestic animals, "a new earth" will come into existence. Over it will b placed  "new heavens," a new government system.  (Isaiah 65:17-19; Haggai 1:1, 14) Jehovah will again say to Zion: "You are my people."

Next time: A Call to Action

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

Conclusion of Reasons for Confidence in Jehovah

Speaking to the "people who are pursuing after righteousness,"  Jehovah now says:  "Listen to me you the ones knowing righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law.  Do not be afraid of the reproach of mortal men, and do not be struck with terror just because of their abusive words.  For the moth will eat them p just as if wool.  But as for my righteousness, it will prove to be even to time indefinite, and my salvation to unnumbered generations." (Isaiah 51:7, 8) Those trusting in Jehovah will be vilified  and reproached for their courageous stand, but this is not something to be feared.  The reproachers are mere mortals who will be 'eaten up.' just as a woolen garment is consumed by a moth.  Like faithful Jews of old, true Christians of today have no reason to fear any who oppose them.  Jehovah, the eternal God,  is their salvation.  (Psalm 37:1, 2)  Reproach from God's enemies stands as evidence that Jehovah's people have his spirit. -Matthew  5:11, 12; 10:24-31.

As if calling Jehovah to action in behalf of  His captive people, Isaiah says:  "Awake, awake, clothes yourself with strength, O arm of Jehovah! Awake as in the days of long ago, as during the one that broke Rehab to pieces, that pierced the sea monster? Are you not the one that made the depths of the sea a way for the repurchased ones to go across?" -Isaiah 51:9, 10.

The historical example of which Isaiah speaks are well chosen. Every Israelite knows of the nation's deliverance from Egypt and passage through the Red Sea.  (Exodus 12:24-27; 14:26-31)  The expressions "Rehab" and  "the sea monster" refer to Egypt under her Pharaoh who opposed Israel's Exodus from Egypt.  (Psalm 74:13; 87:4; Isaiah 30:7) With its head at the Nile Delta and its elongated body stretching hundreds of miles up the fertile Nile Valley, ancient Egypt resembled  a monstrous serpent. (Ezekiel 29:3) But this monster was cut to pieces when Jehovah poured out the Ten Plagues upon it.  It was pierced, sorely wounded, and enfeebled when its army showed the power of his arm in his dealings with Egypt. Will he be any less ready to fight for his people exiled in Babylon?

Now looking ahead to Israel's deliverance from Babylon, the prophecy continues:  "Then  the redeemed ones of Jehovah themselves will return and must come to Zion with a joyful outcry, and rejoicing to time indefinite will be upon their head. To exultation and rejoicing they will attain.  Grief and sighing will certainly flee away."  (Isaiah 51:11)  However sad their situation may be in Babylon, those who seek Jehovah's righteousness have glorious  prospects.  The time will come when grief and sighing will be no more.  A joyful outcry, rejoicing, exultation-these will be heard from lips of the redeemed , or ransomed, ones.  In the modern fulfillment of those prophetic words, the Israel of God was released from Babylonish captivity in 1919. They returned to their spiritual estate with great rejoicing-rejoicing that has continued down until today.

what will be the price of the redemption of the Jews?  Isaiah's prophecy has already revealed  that Jehovah gives "Egypt as a ransom for you, Ethiopia and Seba in place of you."  (Isaiah 43:1-4) This will take place later. After conquering Babylon and releasing the Jewish captives, the Persian Empire will conquer Egypt, Ethiopia, and Seba.  Those will be given in place of the Israelite's souls. This in harmony with the principle stated at Proverbs 21:18: "The wicked is a ransom for the righteous one; and the one dealing treacherously takes the place of the upright ones." 

Next time: Further Reassurance

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

Reasons for Confidence in Jehovah

Calling for renewed attentiveness, Jehovah says: "Pay attention to me, O my people; and you national group of mine, to me give ear.  For from me a law itself will go forth, and my judicial decision I shall cause to repose even as a light to the peoples.  My righteousness is near. My salvation will certainly go forth, and my own arms will judge even the peoples. In me the islands themselves will hope, and for my arm they will wait." -Isaiah 51:4, 5.

Jehovah's call to give ear to him means more than just hearing his message.  It means paying attention with a view to acting on what is heard.  (Psalm 49:1; 78:1) The nation  must appreciate that Jehovah is the Source of instruction, justice and salvation.  He alone is the Source of spiritual enlightenment.   (2 Corinthians  4:6)  he is the ultimate Judge of mankind.  The law and judicial decisions that emanate from Jehovah are a light to those who allow themselves to be guided by them. -Psalm 43:3; 119:105; Proverbs 6:23)

All of this is to be true with regard not only to God's covenant people but also to rightly disposes people everywhere, even on the most distant isles of the sea. Their confidence in God and in his ability to act in behalf  of his faithful servants and to save them will not be disappointed.  His might, or power, represented by his arm, is sure; it cannot be stayed by anyone.  (Isaiah 40:10; Luke 1:51,52) Similarly today, the zealously preaching work of the remaining members of the Israel of God has led millions, many from remote islands of the sea, to turn to Jehovah and put faith in him. 

Jehovah next refers to a truth that Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon will have to learn. Nothing in heaven or on earth can stop Jehovah from carrying out his will.  (Daniel 4:34, 35)  We read:    "Raise your eyes to the heavens themselves, and look at the earth beneath. For the very heavens must be dispersed in fragments just like smoke, and like a garment the earth itself will wear out, and its inhabitants themselves will die like a mere gnat. But as for my salvation, it will prove to be to time indefinite, and my own righteousness will not be shattered." (Isaiah 51:6)  Although it is against the policy of the Babylonian monarchs to allow captives to return home, Jehovah's saving of his people will not be thwarted.   (Isaiah 14:16, 17) The Babylonian  "heavens,"  or ruling powers, will be broken in defeat. The Babylonian "earth," the subjects of those ruling powers, will gradually come to an end. Yes, even the greater power of the day cannot stand against Jehovah's might or prevent his acts of salvation. 

How encouraging it is for Christians today to know that these prophetic words were completely fulfilled! Why? Because the apostle Peter used similar expressions regarding a yet future event. He spoke of the rapidly  approaching day of Jehovah, "through which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved and the elements being intensely hot will melt!   Then he said:  "There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."  (2 Peter 3:12, 13; Isaiah 34:4; Revelation 6:12-14)  Although the mighty nations and their lofty starlike rulers may stand in defiance  of Jehovah, in his due time they will be brought to nothing-crushed  as easily as a mere gnat.  (Psalm 2:1-9) Only God's righteous government will rule forever, over a righteous human society. -Daniel 2:44; Revelation 21:1-4.

Next time: Conclusion of Reasons for Confidence in Jehovah

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

Conclusion of Comfort for God's People

Abraham and Sarah were beyond their procreative years and were childless.  Yet, Jehovah promised  to bless Abraham and "to make him many."  (Genesis 17:1-6, 15-17)  By divine restoration of their procreative powers, Abraham and Sarah brought forth a child in their old age, and from him God's covenant nation sprang. Thus Jehovah made that one man father of a great nation whose number turned out to be as unaccountable as the stars in the heavens.  (Genesis 15:5; Acts 7:5)  If Jehovah could thus take Abraham from a distant land and form him into a mighty nation, he can certainly carry out his promise to free a faithful remnant from bondage in Babylon, restore them to their homeland and once again form them into a great nation. God's promise  to Abraham was fulfilled; his promise to those captive Jews will also be carried out.

The symbolic quarrying of Isaiah 51:1, 2 likely has a further application. Deuteronomy 32:18 calls Jehovah "the Rock" who fathered Israel and  "the One bringing [Israel]forth with childbirth pains."  In the later expression, the same Hebrew verb is used as that which appears  at Isaiah 51:2 with regard to Sarah giving birth to Israel.  Hence, Abraham stands as a prophetic type of Jehovah, the Greater  Abraham.  Abraham's wife, Sarah, well pictures Jehovah's universal  heavenly organization of spiritual creatures, represented in the Holy Scriptures as God's wife, or woman.  (Genesis 3:15; Revelation 12:1, 5)  In the final fulfillment of these words of Isaiah's prophecy, the nation that springs from "the rock' is  "the Israel of God," the congregation of spirit-anointed Christians, which was born at Pentecost 33 C.E. As discussed in previous chapters in 1918 but was restored in 1919 to a state of spiritual prosperity. -Galatians 3:26-29; 4:28; 6:16. 

Jehovah's comfort for Zion, or Jerusalem, includes more than just a promise  to produce a populous  nation. We read:  "Jehovah will certainly comfort Zion. he will for certain comfort all her devastated places, and he will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert plain like the garden of Jehovah. Exultation and rejoicing themselves will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of melody."  (Isaiah 51:3)  During the 70 years  of desolation, the land of Judah will revert to a wilderness, overrun with thornbushes, brambles, and other wild vegetation.  (Isaiah 64:10; Jeremiah 4:26; 9:10-12) In addition to resettling of Judah, the restoration will have to include the restoring of the land, which will be converted into an Edenic garden with well-watered productive fields  and fruitful orchards. The ground will appear to rejoice. Compared with its desolate condition during the exile, the land will be paradisiac. The anointed remnant of the Israel of God entered just a paradise in a spiritual sense in 1919. -Isaiah 11:6-9; 35:1-7.

Next time: Reasons for Confidence in Jehovah

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

Comfort for God's People, Chapter Twelve

SEVENTY years-a normal human life span-that is how long the nation of Judah will be captive in Babylon.  (Psalm 90:10; Jeremiah 25:11; 29:10)  Most  Israelites taken captive will grow old and die in Babylon.  Think how humiliated they will be by the taunts and jeers of their enemies.  Think, too, of the reproach that will be heaped upon their God, Jehovah, when the city on which he placed his name lies desolate for so long.  (Nehemiah 1:9; Psalm 132:13; 137:1-3)  The beloved temple, which was filled with God's glory when it was dedicated  by Solomon, will be no more.  (2 Chronicles 7:1-3)  What bleak projects!  But Jehovah, through Isaiah, prophesies a restoration.  (Isaiah 43:14; 44:26-28) In chapter 51 of the book of Isaiah, we find further prophecies on this theme of comfort and reassurance.

To those in Judah who incline their hearts toward him, Jehovah says:  "Listen to me, you people who are pursuing after righteousness, you who are seeking to find Jehovah."  (Isaiah 51:1a) "Pursuing after righteousness" implies action.  Those 'pursuing after righteousness' will not merely claim to be God's people.  They will zealously  strive to be righteous and to live in harmony with God's will.  (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 21:21)  They will look to Jehovah as the only Source of righteousness, and they will 'seek to find Jehovah.'  (Psalm 11:7; 145:17) It is not that they will already know who Jehovah is or how to approach him  in prayer.  Rather, they will endeavor to draw closer to him, worshiping him, praying to him, and seeking his direction in all they do.

However, those who truly pursue righteousness are comparatively few in Judah, and this may cause them to be faint-hearted and despondent.  So using the illustration of a quarry, Jehovah encourages them:   "Look to the rock from which you were hewn  out, and to the hollow of the pit from which you were dug out. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who gradually brought you forth with childbirth pains.  for he was one when I called him, and I proceeded to bless him and to make him many." (Isaiah 51:1b, 2)  "The rock" from which the Jews  were hewn is Abraham, a historical figure in whom the nation of Israel takes much pride.  (Matthew 3:9; John  8:33, 39)  He is the progenitor, the human source, of the nation.  "The hollow pit" is Sarah, from whose womb came Israel's ancestor Isaac.

Next time: Conclusion of Comfort for God's People, Chapter Twelve

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

Trust in the Name of Jehovah

Now note a striking contrast:  "Who among you people is in fear of Jehovah, listening to the voice of his servant, who has walked in continual darkness and for whom there has been no brightness?  let him trust in the name of Jehovah and support himself upon his God.'  (Isaiah 50:10)  Those who listen to the voice of God's Servant, Jesus Christ, walk in the light. (John 3:21)  No only do they use the divine name, Jehovah, but they also put their trust in the one who bears that name. Even if at one time they walked in darkness, now they do not fear men.  They support themselves on God. However, those who persist in walking in darkness are gripped by the fear of man. Such is the case with Pontius Pilate.  Although he knows that Jesus is innocent of the false charges that have been brought against him, fear prevents that Roman official from releasing Jesus.  Roman soldiers kill the Son of God, but Jehovah resurrects him and crowns him with glory and honor. What of Pilate? According to the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus a mere four years after Jesus' death, Pilate was replaced as Roman governor and ordered to return to Rome to answer charges of serious wrongdoing. What of the Jews  who brought about Jesus' death?  Less than four decades later, the armies of Rome destroyed Jerusalem and caused her inhabitants to be slain or taken into slavery. There is no bright light for those who prefer the darkness! -John 3:19.

To look to men for salvation is the height of folly. Isaiah's prophecy explains why:  "Look!  All you people who are igniting a fire, making sparks  light up, walk in the light of your fire, and amid the sparks that you have set ablaze.  From my hand you will certainly come to have this:  in sheer pain you will lie down." (Isaiah 50:11)  Human leaders come and go. A charismatic individual may capture the imagination of the people for awhile. But even the most sincere human is limited in what he can accomplish. Instead of light a roaring fire, as his supporters expect, he may succeed in only in igniting a few "sparks," which give off a small measure of light and heat but soon die out. On the other hand, those who put their trust in Shiloh, God's promised Messiah, will never be disappointed. 

Next time: Comfort for God's People, Chapter twelve

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

Conclusion of He Is Not Rebellious

When Jesus stands before Pilate, he does not beg for his life to be spared but maintains quiet dignity, knowing that he must die in order for the Scriptures to be fulfilled.  When the Roman governor points out that he has the power to condemn Jesus to death or to release him, Jesus fearlessly replies:  "You would have no authority at all against me unless it had been granted to you from above."  (John 19:11)   Pilate's soldiers subject  Jesus to inhuman treatment, but they fail to shame him.  Why should he feel ashamed?  he is not being justly punished for some transgression. Rather, he is being persecuted for righteousness' sake.  In this respect, Isaiah's further prophetic words are fulfilled: "The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself will help me. That is why I shall not have to feel humiliated.  That is why I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed." -Isaiah 50:7.

Jesus' courage is rooted in his complete confidence in Jehovah.  His comportment shows him to be in full harmony with the words of Isaiah: "The One declaring  me righteous is near.  Who can contend with me?  Let us stand up together. Who is my judicial antagonist?  Let him approach me. Look! The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself will help me. Who is there that can pronounce me wicked?  Look! All of them, like a garment, will wear out. A mere moth will eat them up."  (Isaiah 50:8, 9)  On the day of Jesus' baptism, Jehovah declares him righteous as a spiritual son of God. In fact, God's own voice is heard on that occasion, saying: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved."  (Matthew 3:17)  Near the end of his earthly life, as Jesus kneels in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, 'an angel from heaven appears to him and strengthens him.'  (Luke 22:41-43) So Jesus knows that this Father approves of his life course.  This perfect Son of God has committed no sin.  (1 Peter 2:22)  His enemies falsely accuse him of being a Sabbath breaker, a drunkard, and a demonized person, but Jesus is not dishonored by their lies.  God is with him, so whey can he be against him? -Luke 7:34; John 5:18; 7:20; Romans 8:31; Hebrews 12:3.

Jesus warns his disciples:  "If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also."  (John 15:20)  Events  soon prove this true. At Pentecost 33 C.E., holy spirit comes upon Jesus' faithful disciples, an the Christian congregation is born. Almost immediately religious leaders try to suppress the preaching work of  these faithful men and women who are now associated with Jesus as part of "Abraham's seed" and adopted as spiritual sons of God.  (Galatians 3:26, 29; 4:5, 6)  From the first century until now, anointed Christians, while taking a firm stand for righteousness, have to contend with lying propaganda and bitter persecution from Jesus enemies.

Still, they remember Jesus' encouraging words:  "Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake.  Rejoice  and leap for joy, since your reward is great in the heavens."  (Matthew 5:11, 12) Hence, even under the most bitter of attacks, anointed Christians hold their heads high. Whatever their opponents might say, they know that they have been declared righteous by God. In his sight they are "unblemished and open to not accusation." -Colossians 1:21, 22. 

In modern times anointed Christians are supported by 'a great crowd" of "other sheep."  These too, take a stand for righteousness. Consequently, they have suffered along with their anointed brothers and have "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."  Jehovah has declared them righteous with a view  to survival of "the great tribulation."  (Revelation 7:9, 14, 15; John 10:16; James 2:23)  Even if their opponents seem strong right now, Isaiah's prophecy says that in God's due time,  those opponents will prove to be discarded. Meanwhile, both anointed Christians and  "other sheep"  keep strong through regular prayer, study of God's Word, and attendance at meetings for worship. Thus they are taught by Jehovah and learn to speak with the tongue of the taught ones.

Next time: Trust in the Name of Jehovah

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

He Is Not Rebellious

Jesus never loses sight of his purpose incoming to earth-to do God's will.  His view of matters is foretold: "The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself has opened my ear, and I, for my part, was not rebellious. I did not turn in the opposite direction."  (Isaiah 50:5)  Jesus is always obedient to God. Indeed, he goes so far as to say:  "The Son cannot do a singles thing of his own initiative, but only what he beholds the Father doing."  (John 5:19) In his pre-human existence, Jesus likely worked alongside his Father for millions, even billions of years.  After coming to earth, he continues to follow Jehovah's instructions. How much more should we, Christ's imperfect followers, take care to do as Jehovah  directs!

Some of those who reject Jehovah's only-begotten Son persecute him, and this too is foretold:  "My back I gave to the strikers, and my cheeks to those plucking off the hair. My face I did not conceal from humiliating things and spit."  (Isaiah 50:6)  According to the prophecy, the Messiah will suffer pain and humiliation at the hands of opposers.   Jesus knows this. And he knows how far this persecution  will go.  Yet, as his time on earth draws to a close, he shows no fear.  With flint-like determination he sets out for Jerusalem, where his human life will come to an end.  On the way there, Jesus tells his disciples:  "Here we are, advancing up to Jerusalem, and the son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and will deliver him to men of the nations, and they will make fun of him and will spit upon  him and scourge him and kill him, but three days later he will rise."  (Mark 10:33, 34)  All this wicked mistreatment will be at the instigation of men who should know better-the chief priests and the scribes.

On the night of Nissan 14, 33 C.E., Jesus is in the garden of Gethsemane with some of his disciples. He is praying. Suddenly, a mob appears and takes him into custody. But he is not afraid.  He knows that Jehovah is with him.  Jesus assures his terrified apostles that if he wanted to, he could appeal to his Father to send more than twelve legions of angels to rescue him, but he adds:  "How would the Scriptures be fulfilled?" -Matthew 26:35, 47, 53, 54.

Everything foretold concerning the trials and the death of the Messiah comes to pass.  After a rigged trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus is examined by Pontius Pilate, who has him whipped. Roman soldiers "hit him on the head with a reed and spit upon him."  (sounds like childish behavior)   Thus Isaiah's words are fulfilled.  (Mark 14:65; 15:19; Matthew 26:67., 68) Although the Bible does not state that some of the hair of Jesus' beard is literally pulled out-a gesture of extreme contempt-this no doubt occurs, just as Isaiah foretold. -Nehemiah 13:25.

Next time: Conclusion of He Is Not Rebellious
 
From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001

Shiloh Comes

Centuries pass.  "The full limit of the time" arrives and the one called Shiloh, the Lord Jesus Christ, appears on the earthly scene. (Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 1:1, 2)  The fact that Jehovah has designated his closest companion as his Spokesman to the Jews shows how much Jehovah loves his people. What kind of spokesman does Jesus turn out to be? One of the highest order!  Jesus is more than a spokesman, he is a teacher-a Master Teacher. That is not surprising, for he has a marvelous Instructor -Jehovah God himself.  (John 5:30;  6:45' 7:15, 16, 46 ; 8:26) This is confirmed  by what Jesus  prophetically says through Isaiah:  "The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself has given me the tongue of the taught ones, that I may know how to answer the tired one with a word.  He awakens morning by morning; he awakens my ear to hear like the taught ones." -Isaiah 50:4.

Before coming to earth, Jesus worked at his Father's side in heaven.  The warm relationship between Father and Son is poetically described at Proverbs 8:30:  "I came to be beside  [Jehovah] as a master worker, . . .being glad before him all the time."  Listening to his Father brought him great joy.  He shared his Father's love for "the sons of men."  (Proverbs 8:31) When he comes to earth, Jesus answers the tired one with a word.'  He begins his ministry by reading a comforting  passage from Isaiah's prophecy:  "Jehovah's spirit is upon me, because he anointed me to declare the good news to the poor, . . .to send the crushed ones away with a release."  (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1)  Good news for the poor!  Refreshment for the weary!  What joy that announcement should bring to the people!  Some do rejoice-but not all. In the end, many refuse to accept Jesus' credentials  as one taught by Jehovah.

However, some want to hear more.  They respond gladly to Jesus' heartwarming invitation:  "Come  to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls."  (Matthew 11:28, 29) Among those who draw near to Jesus are the men who become his apostles.  they know that to get under the yoke with Jesus means hard work for them.  This work involves, among other things, preaching the good news of the Kingdom to the ends of the earth.  (Matthew 24:14)  As the apostles and other disciples get involved in this work, they find that it does indeed bring refreshment to their souls.  The same work is being carried out by faithful Christians today, and sharing in it brings them similar joys.

Next time: He Is Not Rebellious

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

Conclusion of "Do Not Put Your Trust in Nobles"

Is Egypt a more reliable savior than Jehovah?  Those unfaithful Jews have apparently forgotten the events that led up to the birth of their nation centuries earlier.   Jehovah asks them: "Has my hand become in fact so short that it cannot redeem, or is there in me no power to deliver?  Look! With my rebuke I dry up the sea; I make rivers a wilderness.  Their fish stink due tot here being no water, and they die because of  thirst.  I clothe the heavens with obscurity, and I make sackcloth itself their covering." -Isaiah 50:2b, 3.

In 1513 B.C.E., Egypt was the oppressor-not the hoped-for deliverer -of God's people. The Israelites were slaves in that pagan land. But Jehovah delivered them, and what a thrilling deliverance that was!    First he brought Ten Plagues upon the land. Following the particularly devastating tenth plague, Egypt's Pharaoh urged the Israelites to leave the country.  (Exodus 7:14-12:31)  However, soon after they did so, Pharaoh had a change of heart.  he mustered his troops and set out to force the Israelites  to return to Egypt.  (Exodus 14:5-9) With a host of Egyptian soldiers behind them and the Red Sea ahead of them, the Israelites were trapped!  But Jehovah was there to fight for them. 

 Jehovah stopped the Egyptians in their tracks by positioning a pillar of cloud-mass, there was obscurity; on the Israelites side, there was light.  (Exodus 14:20)  Then, with the Egyptian armies held at bay, Jehovah "began making the sea go back by a strong east wind all night long and converting the sea basin into dry ground."  (Exodus 14:21)  Once the waters were parted, all the people-men, women, and children -were able to cross the Red Sea to safety. When his people were well on their way to the  opposite shore, Jehovah lifted the cloud.  In hot pursuit, the Egyptians dashed headlong in to the seabed. When his people were safely on shore, Jehovah released the waters, drowning  Pharaoh and his armies. Thus Jehovah fought for his people. What an encouragement that is for Christians today! -Exodus 14:23-28.

By Isaiah's time, seven hundred years have passed since that divine victory.  Judah is now  a nation in her own right. At times, she enters into diplomatic negotiations with foreign governments, such as Assyria and Egypt. But the Leaders  of these pagan nations cannot  be trusted.  They will always put self-interest ahead of any covenants they make with Judah. Speaking in the name of Jehovah, the prophets warn the people not to put their trust in such men, but the prophet's words fall on deaf ears.  Finally, the Jews will be exiled to Babylon to spend 70 years in servitude. (Jeremiah 25:11)  However, Jehovah will not forget his people, nor will he cast them off  indefinitely. At the appointed time, he will remember them, and he will open the way for their return to their homeland to restore pure worship. To what end? To prepare for the coming of Shiloh, the one to whom the obedience of all the people will belong!

Next time: Shiloh Comes

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