'A Beautiful Name for Himself'

Still, the material loss of the Israelites pales in comparison with the loss of the privilege they have tossed away, namely, that of sharing in the glorifying of God's name.  Moses promised the Jews:  "Jehovah will establish you as a holy people to himself, just as he swore to you, because you continue to keep the commandments of Jehovah your God, and you have walked in his ways.  And all the peoples of the earth will have to see that Jehovah's name has been called upon you, and they will indeed be afraid of you."  (Deuteronomy 28:9, 10)  When Jehovah acted in defense of Abraham's descendants, rescuing  them from slavery in Egypt, he was not doing so simply  to make life more convenient or pleasant for them. He was acting in behalf of something far more important-his name.  Yes, he was seeing to it that his name was  "declared in all the earth."  (Exodus 9:15, 16) And when God showed mercy after the rebellion of Israel in the wilderness, his reason for doing so was not mere sentiment.  Jehovah himself said: "I went acting for the sake of my own name that it might not be profaned before the eyes of the nations." -Ezekiel 20:8-10.

What a powerful conclusion Isaiah then gives to this prophecy!  He says:  "Thus you led your people in order to make a beautiful name for own self." (Isaiah 63:14b)  Now it can be clearly seen why Jehovah fights mightily in the interests of his people.  It is to make a beautiful name for himself.  Isaiah's prophecy thus serves as a powerful reminder that bearing the name of Jehovah is both an awesome privilege and a great responsibility.  True Christians today love the name of Jehovah more than their own lives.  (Isaiah 56:6; Hebrews 6:10)  They are  loath to do anything that could possibly bring reproach upon that sacred name.  They respond to God's loyal love by remaining loyal to him. And because they love Jehovah's beautiful name, they long for the day when he will trample his enemies in the winepress of his anger-not merely because it will benefit them but because it will lead to the glorification of the name of the God they love. -Matthew 6:9.

Next time: A Prayer of Repentance, Chapter Twenty-Five

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

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

God's Loving-Kindnesses

In times past, the Jews quickly lost appreciation for the things Jehovah did in their behalf.  Appropriately, then, Isaiah reminds them of why Jehovah did such things.  Isaiah declares:  "The loving-kindnesses of Jehovah I shall mention, the praises of Jehovah, according to all that Jehovah has rendered to us, even the abundant goodness to the house of Israel that he has rendered to them according to his mercies and according to the abundance of his loving-kindnesses.  And he went on to say:  'Surely they are my people, sons that will not prove false.' So it was to them that he came to be a Savior.  During all their distress it was distressing to him. And his own personal messenger saved them.  In his love and in his compassion he himself repurchased them, and he proceeded to lift them up and carry them all the days of long ago." -Isaiah 63:7-9.

What an outstanding example Jehovah sets tin demonstrating loving-kindness, or loyal love! (Psalm 36:7; 62:12) Jehovah formed a loving attachment to Abraham.  (Micah 7:20)  He promised the patriarch that by means of his seed, or offspring, all nations of the earth would bless themselves.  (Genesis 22:17, 18)  Jehovah stuck to that promise, showing abundant goodness to the house of Abraham's offspring from slavery in Egypt. -Exodus 14:30.

Following the Exodus, Jehovah brought Israel to Mount Sinai and made this promise: "If you will strictly obey my voice and will indeed keep my covenant, then you will certainly become my property . . .And you yourselves will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."  (Exodus 19:5, 6) Was Jehovah being deceptive in making this offer?  No, for Isaiah reveals that Jehovah said to himself: "Surely they are my people, sons that will not prove false."  One scholar observes:  "The 'surely' is not the fiat of sovereignty or foreknowledge:   It is  the hope and confidence of love."  Yes, Jehovah made his covenant  in good faith, sincerely wanting his people to succeed.  In spite of their obvious shortcomings, he displayed confidence in them.  How wonderful it is to worship a God who places such trust in his worshipers!  Elders today do much to strengthen those entrusted to their charge when the manifest similar confidence in the basic goodness of God's people. -2 Thessalonians 3:4; Hebrews 6:9, 10.

Nevertheless, the psalmist says regarding the Israelites:  "They forgot God their Savior, the Doer of great things in Egypt."  (Psalm 106:21) Their disobedient stiff-necked attitude often resulted in their coming  into dire circumstances.  (Deuteronomy 9:6)  Did Jehovah cease showing them loving-kindness?  On the contrary, Isaiah relates  that "during all their distress it was distressing to him." What empathy Jehovah has!  As with any loving father, it pained God to see his children suffer, even when the suffering was due to their own foolishness.  As foretold  and in evidence of his love, he sent his "personal messenger," likely Jesus in his pre-human existence to lead them into the Promised Land.  (Exodus 23:20)  Thus Jehovah lifted the nation up and carried it, "just like a man carries his son."  (Deuteronomy 1:31; Psalm 106:10)  Today we can be confident  that Jehovah is equally aware of our sufferings and that he feels for us when we are in dire straits. we can confidently  'throw all out anxieties upon him because he cares for us.' -1 Peter 5:7.

Next time: God Becomes an Enemy

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

The Winepress

Isaiah asks the returning warrior:  "Why is it that your clothing is red, and your garments are like those of one treading in the winepress?"  Jehovah replies:  "The wine trough I have trodden by myself, while there was no man with me from the peoples. And I kept treading them in my anger, and I kept trampling them down in my rage. And their spurting blood kept splattering upon my garments, and all my clothing I have polluted." -Isaiah 63:2, 3.

These graphic words describe a bloodbath.  Why, even God's elegant garments are stained, like the garments of one treading a winepress! A winepress is a fitting symbol of the trapped condition in which enemies of Jehovah God find themselves when he moves to destroy them.  When will this symbolic winepress be trodden?  The prophecies of Joel and of the apostle John also speak of a symbolic winepress. The winepress of those prophecies is to be trodden when Jehovah treads down his enemies to destruction at Armageddon.  (Joel 3:13;  Revelation 14:18-20; 16:16) The prophetic winepress of Isaiah points forward to the same time.

Why, though, does Jehovah say that he trod this winepress by himself, while there was no man with him from the peoples?  Will not Jesus Christ, as God's representatives, take the lead in treading the winepress?  (Revelation 19:11-16)  Yes, but Jehovah is referring to humans, not spirit creatures.  He is saying that no human is equal to the task of ridding the earth of Satan's followers.  (Isaiah 59:15, 16)  It is left to God Almighty to keep treading them in his anger, until they have been completely crushed.

Jehovah further explains why he performs this task personally, saying:  "The day of my vengeance  is in my heart and the very year of my repurchased ones has come." (Isaiah 63:4)  Only Jehovah has the right to execute vengeance upon those who harm his people.  (Deuteronomy 32:35)  In ancient times the   "repurchased  ones"   were the Jews who suffered at the hands of the Babylonians.  (Isaiah 35:10; 43:1; 48:20)  In modern times they are the anointed remnant.  (Revelation 12:17)  Like their ancient counterparts, they have been repurchased from religious captivity.  And like those Jews, the anointed, along with  their "other sheep" companions, have been the victims of persecution and opposition.  (John 10:16)  Isaiah prophecy  thus assures Christians today that at God's appointed time, He will intervene in their behalf.

Jehovah continues: "I kept looking, but there was no helper; and I began to show myself astonished, but there was no one offering support.  So my arm furnished me salvation, and my rage was what supported me. And I kept stamping down peoples in my anger, and I proceeded to make them drunk with my rage and to bring down to the earth their spurting blood." -Isaiah 63:5, 6.

No human helper can claim credit for Jehovah's grand day of vengeance.  Nor does Jehovah need any human support to carry out his will.  His immeasurably powerful arm of strength is sufficient for the task.  (Psalm 44:3; 98:1; Jeremiah 27:5)  Moreover, his rage supports  him. How?  In that God's rage is not uncontrolled emotion but righteous indignation.  Since Jehovah always acts on the basis of righteous principles, his rage supports and motivates him in bringing  "down to the earth" the "spurting blood" of his enemies, to their humiliation and defeat. -Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 25:10; 26:5.

Next time: God's Loving-Kindnesses

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

The March of the Victorious Warrior

In Isaiah chapter 62, we read on of the liberation of the Jews from captivity in Babylon and their restoration to their homeland.  Naturally, the question arises: Will the restored remnant of Jews need to fear further devastation from other enemy nations?   Isaiah's vision does much to allay their fear.  The prophecy begins:  "Who is this one coming from Edom, the one with garments of glowing colors from Bozrah, this one who is honorable in his clothing, marching in the abundance of his power?" -Isaiah 63:1a.

Isaiah sees a warrior, energetic and triumphant, marching toward Jerusalem.  His magnificent clothing  indicates  that he is of the very highest rank.  He comes from the direction of Edom's most prominent city, Bozrah, suggesting that he has won a great victory over that enemy land. Who can this warrior be?  Some scholars identify him with Jesus Christ.  Others believe him to be the Jewish military leader Judas Maccabaeus.  However, the warrior himself indicates his own identity when he answers the following questions by saying: "I the One speaking in righteousness, the One abounding in power to save." -Isaiah 63:1b.

There is little question that this warrior is Jehovah God himself. Elsewhere, he is described as having an "abundance of dynamic energy" and as  "speaking what is righteous." (Isaiah 40:26; 45:19, 23)  The warrior's magnificent garments remind us of the psalmist's words: "O Jehovah my God, you have proved very great.  With dignity and splendor you have clothed yourself."  (Psalm 104:1) While Jehovah is the God of love, the Bible shows that he takes on the mantle of a warrior when necessary.-Isaiah 34:2; 1 John 4:16.

Why, though, is Jehovah returning from a battle in Edom?  The Edomites, perpetuators of an animosity that began with their forefather, Esau, are age-old enemies of God's covenant people.  (Genesis 25:24-34; Number 20:14-21)  The depth of Edom's hatred fro Judah became particularly evident during the desolation of Jerusalem when the Edomites cheered on the Babylonian soldiers.  (Psalm 137:7)  Jehovah takes such animosity as an offense against him personally.  No wonder that he determined to unleash his sword of vengeance against Edom! -Isaiah 34:5-15; Jeremiah 409:7-22.

Isaiah's vision is therefore of much encouragement to the Jews returning  to Jerusalem.  It assures them of safe dwelling in their new home. Indeed, by the days of the prophet Malachi, God made Edom's "mountains a desolate waste and his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness."  (Malachi 1:3) Does this mean, then, that Isaiah's prophecy was completely fulfilled by Malachi's day?   No, for in spite of its desolate condition, Edom was determined to rebuild its devastated places, and Malachi continue to call Edom "the territory of wickedness" and "the people whom Jehovah has denounced to time indefinite."  (Malachi 1:4, 5)  Prophetically, however, Edom encompasses more than the descendants of Esau.  It serves as a symbol of all the nations that prove themselves to be enemies of Jehovah's worshipers.  The nations of Christendom have been particularly prominent in this regard.  What will happen to this modern-day Edom?

Next time: The Winepress

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

Jehovah Makes a Beautiful Name for Himself, Chapter Twenty-Four

FOR nearly two thousand years, Christians have been "awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah."  (2 Peter 3:12; Titus 2:13)  It is understandable that they are anxious for that day to come.  After all, it will mark the beginning of their relief from the ravages of imperfection.  (Romans 8:22) It will also mean an end to the pressures they suffer these "critical times hard to deal with." -2 Timothy 3:1.

However, while Jehovah's day will bring relief for righteous ones, it will also mean destruction for "those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus."  (2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8) This is sobering to contemplate.  Will God really bring about the destruction of the wicked simply to rescue his people from distressing conditions?  The 63rd chapter of Isaiah shows that there is a far loftier issue involved, namely, the sanctification of God's name.

Next time: The March of the Victorious Warrior

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

"Your Salvation Is Coming"!

The new name that Jehovah grants to his wife-like organization  has to do with the eternal salvation of her children.  Isaiah writes: "Look! Jehovah himself has caused it to be heard to the farthest part of the earth:  'Say, you people, to the daughter of Zion, "Look! The reward he gives is with him, and the wages he pays are before him." ' " (Isaiah 62:11)  Salvation came to the Jews  when Babylon fell and they returned to their homeland.  But these words point to something greater.  Jehovah's declaration brings to mind Zechariah's prophecy regarding Jerusalem:  "Be very joyful, O daughter of Zion, shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem.  Look! Your king himself comes to you.  He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass, even upon a full-grown animal the son of a she-ass." - Zechariah 9:9.

Three and a half years after Jesus was baptized in water and anointed with God's spirit, he rode into Jerusalem and cleansed its temple.  (Matthew 21:1-5; John 12:14-16)  Today, Jesus Christ is the one bringing salvation from Jehovah to all  of those having faith in God.  Since his enthronement in 1914, Jesus is also Jehovah's appointed Judge and Executioner.  In 1918, three and a half years after his enthronement, he cleansed Jehovah's spiritual temple, as represented on earth by the congregation of anointed Christians.  (Malachi 3:1-5)  His being raised as a signal marked the beginning of a great ingathering of people from all over the earth, in support of the Messianic Kingdom.  Following the ancient patter,  "salvation" came to the Israel of God when they were liberated  from Babylon the Great in 1919.  "The reward" or "the wages" in store for the self-sacrificing harvest workers is either immortal life in heaven or eternal life  on earth.  All who stay faithful can be confident that their "labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord." -1 Corinthians 15:58.

How positive the outlook is for Jehovah's heavenly organization, for its anointed representatives here on earth, and for everyone  actively associated with them!  (Deuteronomy 26:19)  Isaiah prophesied:  " Men will certainly call them the holy people, those repurchased by Jehovah; And you yourself will be called Searched For, a city Not Left Entirely." (Isaiah 62:12) At one time "Jerusalem above," represented by the Israel of God, felt forsaken.  She will never feel that way again.  Jehovah's people will forever be the object of his protective care, enjoying his continuing smile of approval.

Next time: Jehovah Makes a Beautiful Name for Himself, Chapter Twenty-Four

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

Concluson of Service to God Will Be Rewarded

Since 1919, anointed Christians have been set apart for divine service and are traveling "the Way of Holiness." (Isaiah 35:8)  They were the first to walk on the spiritual highway out of Babylon the Great.  (Isaiah 40:3;  48:20)  God gave them the privilege of taking the lead in declaring his might works and in showing others the way onto the highway. Ridding it of stones -clearing away stumbling blocks-was mainly for their own benefit.  (Isaiah 57:14)   They needed to see God's purposes and teachings clearly.  False beliefs are stumbling stones on the pathway to life, but Jehovah's Word is "like a forge hammer that smashes the crag."  With it, anointed Christians shattered stumbling stones that could trip those who wanted to serve Jehovah. -Jeremiah 23:29.

In 537 B.C.E., Jerusalem became the signal that beckoned the Jewish remnant to return and rebuild the temple.  (Isaiah 49:22)  In 1919 when the anointed remnant were delivered from bondage to false religion, they did not wander aimlessly.  They knew their destination, for Jehovah has established a signal for them.  What signal?  The same signal foretold at Isaiah 11:10m  which reads:  "It must occur in that day that there will be the root of Jesse that will be standing up as signal for the peoples."  The apostle Paul applies these words to Jesus.  (Romans 15:8, 12) Yes, the signal is Christ Jesus, reigning as King on heavenly Mount Zion! -Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 14:1.

Around Jesus Christ, both the anointed Christians and the other sheep are gathered to engage in the unifying worship of the Most High God.  His rulership serves to vindicate Jehovah's universal sovereignty and to bless honesthearted ones out of all nations of the earth.  Is this not reason for every one of us to join in exalting him with praise? 

Next time: "Your Salvation Is Coming"!

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

Service to God Will Be Rewarded

The new name Jehovah gives his people reassures them that their efforts are not in vain.  "Jehovah has sworn with his right hand and with his strong arm:  'I will no more give your grain as food to your enemies, nor will foreigners drink your new wine, for which you have toiled.  But the very ones gathering it will eat it, and they will be certain to praise Jehovah; and the  very ones collecting it will drink it in my holy courtyards.' " (Isaiah 62:8, 9) Jehovah's right hand and strong arm are symbols of his power and strength.  (Deuteronomy 32:40; Ezekiel 20:5)  His swearing by these shows that he is determined  to change Zion's state of affairs.  IN 607 B.C.E., Jehovah permits Zion's  enemies to rob her and plunder her belongings.  (Deuteronomy 28:33, 51)  But now, Zion's possessions will be enjoyed only by those  who have a right to them.-Deuteronomy 14:22-27.

In the modern-day fulfillment of this promise, Jehovah's restored people experience great spiritual prosperity.  They fully enjoy the fruits of their labor-an increased number of Christian disciples and an abundance of spiritual food.  (Isaiah 55:1, 2; 65:14)  Because his people are faithful, Jehovah does not let their enemies interfere with their spiritual prosperity or rob them of the results of their whole-souled service. None of the work that is done  in the service of Jehovah  is in vain. -Malachi 3:10-12; Hebrews 6:10. 

The new name also makes Jehovah's organization attractive to honesthearted people.  Multitudes flock to it, and the way is kept open for them.  Isaiah's prophecy states:  "Pass out, pass out through the gates, you men. Clear the way of the people.  Bank up, bank up the highway.  Rid it of stones.  Raise up a signal for the peoples."  (Isaiah 62:10) In the first instance, this call likely refers to passing out of the gates of the cities of Babylonia in order to return to Jerusalem.  The returnees are to clear stones out of the way to make the journey easier and to raise up a signal to show the way. -Isaiah 11:12.

Next time: Conclusion of Service to God Will Be Rewarded

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

"Let There Be No SIlence on Your Part"

The figurative new name given by Jehovah makes his people feel secure.  They know that he acknowledges them and that they are owned by him.  Now using a different illustration, Jehovah speaks to his people as to a walled city:  "Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have commissioned watchmen.  All day long and all night long, constantly, let them not keep still.  You who are making mention of Jehovah, let there be no silence on your part,  and do not give him any silence until he fixes solidly, yes, until he sets Jerusalem as a praise in the earth." (Isaiah 62:6, 7)  In Jehovah's due time after the return of the faithful remnant from Babylon, Jerusalem does become "a praise in the earth"-a walled city providing safety to her inhabitants. Day and night, watchmen on those walls are alert to ensure the security of the city and to relay warning messages to her citizens. -Nehemiah 6:15; 7:3;  Isaiah 52:8. 

In modern times Jehovah has used his anointed watchmen to show meek ones the way to freedom from bondage to false religion.  These ones have been invited to come within his organization, where they find protection from spiritual contamination, ungodly influences, and Jehovah's displeasure.  (Jeremiah 33:9; Zephaniah 3:19)  Vital to such protection is the role of the watchmen class, "the faithful and discreet slave," which provides  spiritual "food at the proper time."  (Matthew 24:45-47) Working with the watchmen class, the "great crowd" also plays a significant role in making Zion "a praise in the earth." -Revelation 7:9.

 The service of the watchmen class and their companions continues!  Their whole-souled attitude is seen in the zealous activity of millions of faithful individuals supported by traveling overseers and their wives; volunteers in the various Bethel homes and printing facilities of Jehovah's Witnesses; missionaries; and special, regular, and auxiliary pioneers.  In addition, they work hard in constructing new Kingdom Halls, visiting the sick, assisting individuals who face challenging medical situations,  and providing timely relief of disasters and accidents. Many of these self-sacrificing individuals often serve literally "day and night"! -Revelation 7:14, 15.

Jehovah's servants are encouraged to pray without ceasing to ask God that his "will take place, as in heaven, also upon the earth."  (Matthew 6:9, 10; 1 Thessalonians  5:17)  They are exhorted:  "Do not give [Jehovah]any silence" until the desires and hopes regarding the restoration of true worship are granted.  Jesus stressed the need to pray constantly, urging his followers to "cry out to [God] day and night." -Luke 18:1-8.

Next time: Service to God Will Be Rewarded

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