Monday Night Bible Study

This chapter is a natural progression from the grand theme of the suffering servant in chapter 53. What follows Christ’s resurrection is a spiritual reconcilation that includes the population of God’s chosen people the Israelites. Even as God opens the doors of salvation to all people, He cannot and will not forsake His beloved nation.

The theme of God and Israel as husband and wife is strong in this chapter and serves many purposes. Although neither “Zion” nor “Jerusalem” is named between Isaiah chapters 52 and 59, it is evident that the symbolic wife of God described in this chapter is Zion/Jerusalem, or God’s chosen people Israel.

Verses 1-3: A Growing Nation

Israel is at first a barren mother because their status before God has been unholy as the nation followed pagan customs and engaged in idol worship. The tone quickly turns however, because although Israel has been recently childless, they are still “wedded” to God, who will bless them with many children.

The imagery of an expanding tent is both historically congruous and poetically efficient. Historically, the audience would have been familiar with tents and their characteristics. Poetically, the imagery of expanding a tent works well because the supports are specified and the need is coming. The cords and stakes that support this tent are rooted to the power of God, while the people themselves are in charge of expanding the actual tent and curtains. The image of pregnant Israel, giving birth to the countless saved under the law of grace, leads us to understand that need for a larger tent. Jesus is the door to this tent of free people: “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved … ” John 10:9

A final note on this section can perhaps be best understood through a New Testament passage in Galatians. In Galatians 4:21-31, Paul describes the two covenants to the Christians at Galatia. The old law imparted a spirit of bondage on the people, but the new law introduces a spirit of freedom through grace. The new law is possible only with the blood of Christ. Now that God has opened salvation for all, His protection and grace expand to meet the need: “Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband.” Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.” Galatians 4:21-31

Although that passage can be difficult, it distinguishes the old law and the new law based on Abraham’s seed through Isaac being the spiritual seed through which all the nations of the earth shall be blessed. “And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.” Genesis 17:7

Verses 4-8: Shame No More

These verses help us to understand that the salvation discussed in this chapter is primarily of a spiritual nature. Israel is told not to fear or be disgraced because they are created by God. We remember from previous chapters how God described the sorry state of Israel and how they were neglected and forsaken. But now, God says that they will not be ashamed anymore and that they will forget their shame and reproach. That description and those turns of phrase describe an environment of forgiveness rather than judgment. And that forgiveness is only possible through the sacrifice of Jesus.

God was angry and in judgement, but with redemption through Christ, He has established Himself as the husband of Israel and has had mercy: “With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,” Says the LORD, your Redeemer.” Isaiah 54:8

Verses 9-17: Promises Kept

God cannot forsake Israel because He made promises to them that He would never forsake them. He recalls the promise he made in the aftermath of the great flood: “For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; For as I have sworn That the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, So have I sworn That I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you.” Isaiah 54:9

In Ezekiel, there is similar wording from God that He will not desert them: “And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,’ says the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 39:29

Israel had been neglected by God, and given to other nations as slaves, but God now is telling them that they will be adorned and dressed as a beautiful bride. The city of Jerusalem will be decorated with sapphires, rubies, crystals and other precious stones, representive of being adorned with favor and the brilliance of God’s glory. The children of this union will be taught righteousness by God and they will have no need to fear outside threats. Just like God created the blacksmith and the spoiler, He controls weaponry and its’ ability to destroy. God will ensure that Israel is protected, both spiritually and physically, from outside threats. He is pouring great blessings and righteousness onto Israel and the world. With the blood of Christ, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17

To conclude this chapter, let us zoom out to gain an understanding of the expanse of God’s plan and His power.

When God made the promise that all nations world be blessed through his seed, no one could have known that it meant Jesus and spiritual salvation.

When God made the promise to Noah, no one could have guessed that God would associate that promise with Israel’s safety.

When Isaiah was inspired by God, the things in this book that were recorded would have been a mystery….

But all along this was God’s plan. Jesus is the answer: “and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Ephesians 3:9-11

To many Christians the world over, this is the most important and memorable chapter in the book of Isaiah. It is a wonder to read because it so perfectly encapsulates critical aspects of Jesus’s life. Written hundreds of years before Christ’s birth, death and resurrection, the details provided here are astounding because of their accuracy. Christ, the Man of sorrows, the suffering servant, died for everyone that has ever or will ever live.

Verses 1-6:

This passage begins with asking who believes these prophecies of God. Has anyone yet known the work of God? These are rhetorical questions that expect negative responses.

Christ is described as not being beautiful or desirable as a man. Indeed He will be rejected and hated by other men. He will know true and deep sorrow and man will not recognize His divinity.

Verses 4-6 relate to us the special relationship we have with Jesus as Christians. What He has done for us is given us the most valuable gift ever received. Because the sacrifices of the old law (bulls, goats, etc.) were insufficient to appease God’s wrath at our sin, a perfect sacrifice was needed. Jesus Christ, God’s Son was that perfect sacrifice because He was divine and He did not sin. Jesus was God walking the earth as a man, suffering and dying selflessly because He loved and wanted to save us. This passage in Hebrews communicates the message very effectively that Jesus is the sacrifice for the new covenant, and the means by which we are to be saved now:

“But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” Hebrews 9:11-15

Despite Christ suffering and dying for us, many people thought His suffering was brought by God. But His wounds were for the sake of our sins and we are actually healed through His wounds. The “stripes” of Christ in verse 5 indicate the cuts and gashes on His back from being scourged. His perfect suffering nullifies our corruption and Christ bears the weight of all our sins.

Mankind was lost, scattered, a population of souls without an overseer. But after Jesus, we as sheep now have our Shepherd, Christ, who intercedes on our behalf to God so that we may be saved: “For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” I Peter 2:25

There is another passage in Hebrews that is helpful for this study. It explains how Jesus alone is our Priest, and how He intercedes, or is a mediator, on our behalf to God. Because of who Jesus is, His perfect sacrifice and the power of God, these things are possible: “But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.” Hebrews 7:24-28

To make this passage personal, some will read verses 4-6 and replace the pronouns “our,” “we,” and “us” with “my,” “I,” and “me.” Changing the Holy Word of God is not recommended in any case, but making the application of God’s message more powerful by applying it to our personal situation is.

Verses 7-12:

While all the Word of God is precious, it is difficult to read these verses and not feel that they are special. There is sublime revelation here that brings intimate details of Christ’s life to light. These details are such that no one could predict them without divine inspiration from God. After reading the passage, review some of the facts revealed (there is New Testament confirmation for each of these points):

– Humble sufferer

– Did not complain

– Unjustly judged

– Struck for the sins of others

– Killed

– Died with the wicked

– Buried with the wealthy

– Did no violence

– Did not lie

– Pleased God through suffering

– An offering for sin

– Progeny prolonged

– Justified many by His knowledge

– Bore the iniquities of many

– A portion with the great

– Victorious over Satan

– Died deliberately

– Stands with sinners

– Intercedes for sinners

The final verse of chapter 53 paints a grand picture of glory. Because Christ defeated Satan, He gets the spoils of spiritual blessings from God and He shares them with us. Jesus spoke about this in the book of Luke: “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.” Luke 11:21-22

Jesus’s victory over Satan is unquestionable. Jesus had to become a man and live and die sinlessly to defeat Satan. Christians that rightfully take the Lord’s Supper of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine have fellowship with Christ and enjoy the blessings of God’s grace that reach us through the blood of Jesus: “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,” Hebrews 2:14

Christ’s sinless life, death, burial and resurrection are the fruition of God’s plan starting all the way back with Abraham (Genesis 17). One of the amazing things about it is that no one could ever have guessed how the plan would come to pass.

Today I encourage you to appreciate the magnitude of what God has done for us and how He completed it. Now all of the people who follow and obey Christ are God’s chosen people. God no longer restricts His blessings to a single nation; His grace is sufficient and available for all:

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29

This chapter has much hope and encouragement, not only for Israel but also for us. God’s plan to save Israel and man are referred to simultaneously as more is revealed about the suffering servant.

Verses 1-3:

In the dialogue of this prophetic book, the time is fast approaching for God to act. God’s people need to prepare for what He has prepared: physical salvation for them first, then spiritual salvation through Jesus for all. Jerusalem will be released of its’ bonds and God’s people will return to the holy city.

Verses 4-12:

The Lord describes how Israel went into Egypt and was oppressed. God laments their suffering and the blaspheming of His holy name. Due to this neglect, God will make His people know His name and that His is the voice of absolute authority.

In verse 7, there is a statement about feet that might be surprising. Most people do not think of feet as beautiful, but they are described here as such: “How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”” Isaiah 52:7

The feet of the messenger are beautiful because the message itself is beautiful and desired. The delivery of the message is highly valuable because it is the good news of God saving the people. In this verse, it not only applies to God’s saving the remnant of Israel, but it also applies to the good news of Christ’s coming.

Continuing our review of the analogy, the picture of feet coming over mountains signifies the difficulty of the journey and the endurance needed to deliver the message. Feet coming down from mountains signifies the delivery of a message from on God on high. This singular picture of the beautiful feet of God’s messenger is also used elsewhere in the Bible. The apostle Paul used it to describe taking the gospel of Jesus to (ironically in this case), Israel: “And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”” Romans 10:15

The conclusion of the idea of beautiful feet is that God’s message is something that we need and long for. When it arrives, it is cause for celebration because it will bring peace.

The passage continues with more exposition on God saving Jerusalem. When God saves Jerusalem and re-establishes His people, it will be known. There will be singing and there will be comfort for Israel when God redeems Jerusalem.

The Lord making bare His holy arm represents God revealing His plan to all people. The arm represents the extension of God that has completed His plan of salvation for both Israel and mankind through Jesus.

God admonishes His people to be clean people, “the vessels of the Lord.” As vessels of God, they are receptacles of His message, pouring it out so that others may know God’s awesome plan. At last, the people are comforted to go forth and to not hurry, for God is with them.

Verses 13-15:

Jesus is glorified in these verses and more is revealed about Him. He shall be fair and ultimately He shall be exalted. There is a comparison here of Jesus to Israel that serves to illuminate the power of God: “Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men;” Isaiah 52:14.

People were astonished at the great acts that Israel performed with God’s providence. Jesus will also astonish people with His final appearance. Indeed, on the cross, His appearance must have been unsettling. God is showing us how His work on earth makes an impression, and let there be no mistake that Jesus will leave an impression!

The blood of Jesus and His sacrifice will save many and the news of Him will dumbfound kings. This “new thing” that God brings forth will be surprising, everlasting and invaluable:

“So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider.” Isaiah 52:15

We can never put too high of a value on the words or message of God. When God sent us Jesus, the world changed and mankind changed. God has reached out to all people through His Son. It is up to you what you will do with Him.

Despite His anger at them, God is preparing His people for coming grace and salvation. This anger and punishment will instead be given to the nations that have mistreated Israel.

Verses 1-8

God is calling out Israel in a way that resonates with them. They know from their cultural history that God brought them out from desolation and saved them from misery. The names of Abraham and Sara would speak to them on a familial and cultural level. Ideally, the people will have been familiar with how God blessed Abraham. God is asking them to remember His past performance. He also calls into doubt why they disbelieve now.

Just like God blessed Abraham and Sara and brought them out of desolation, He will do the same for Israel. Zion (Israel) will be comforted and all of its deficiencies will be alleviated. In addition to God telling the people to listen to Him, He also makes the following proclamations, statements and warnings about the future:

– Law will proceed from God

– God’s justice will be as a light to the people

– God’s righteousness is near

– God’s salvation has been sent

– God will judge the people

– The people will wait for God

– The people will trust in His judgment

These things can be understood on a grand scale together. Can we look at these statements in terms of Cyrus’ coming physical salvation of the faithful remnant as well as Christ coming to spiritually save all mankind? Yes. But these verses also suggest something deeper. The mentions of judgment and the fate of the earth bring Judgment Day to mind. Examine verse 6:

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, And look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, The earth will grow old like a garment, And those who dwell in it will die in like manner; But My salvation will be forever, And My righteousness will not be abolished.”

This first passage ends in verse 7 with another entreaty for God’s righteous to listen, as well as the admonition not to fear the insults of men.

The “arm” of God makes a few appearances in this chapter. It is interesting because it is used to represent God interacting with His people and with the world, not unlike how we use our arms to interact with the world. In this chapter, God’s arm is mentioned as the following:

– Instrument of justice

– Place of support

– Strong enforcer

– Defeater of threat

Verses 9-16

This group of verses recognizes that God has allowed His people to languish in sin and suffering at the hand of other nations. But now, it is time to act. God is declaring His power from the beginning as proof that He will save them in the future. The Rahab mentioned here is not the same harlot Rahab from the book of Joshua that saved the messengers. This mention of Rahab is in reference to a Canaanite myth about a serpent named Rahab that resisted God’s creation of the universe (note the absurdity of this myth: how could a serpent exist if God had not yet created the universe?). Suppose that this mythical serpent Rahab did exist: God defeated it. He is calling their bluff that this was an actual creature and confirming that He created the universe despite it. Also, God brought Israel out of Egypt through the Red Sea. Just as He was victorious in these two examples, God will be victorious in achieving His place to save the righteous in the future.

God reveals that the righteous remnant will return to Jerusalem with joy and singing and without sorrow and sighing.

This section of verses shows us that God will comfort Israel and that fear in fleeting man is not justified. God is the Creator and God will destroy the oppressor for the sake of His people, in whatever form the oppressor takes. The righteous that God will save will not need to fear that they will not escape or that they will go hungry; God is all powerful and He will protect and save them!

Verses 17-23

The concluding verses of this chapter paint a picture of how God had punished Israel because of their waywardness, but is now ready to save and guide them. On the other hand, this punishment, or the “cup of trembling,” will now be given to those nations that have abused Israel.

Israel had been in the midst of desolation, destruction, famine, violence and and the lack of a competent and godly leader. Their state was one of drunkenness from the cup of trembling, meaning that God had punished them in abundance. His grace, just a peek of which we witness here, is present and manifests symbolically as a transfer of the cup of trembling:

“But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, Who have said to you, ‘Lie down, that we may walk over you.’ And you have laid your body like the ground, And as the street, for those who walk over.”” Isaiah 51:23

This chapter, although dark, provides us with hope. Because despite His anger and the neglect of His name, God has still chosen to save. It is an easy application for us to make today: despite our sins and fickle hearts, God still chooses to save us through His Son Jesus Christ.

This chapter is special. It contains prophecy from God, a soliloquy by Christ and an appeal to heed the messages of God.

Prophecy: verses 1-3

The prophecy spoken by God through Isaiah in this passage is not one that tells the future, but is simply a group of messages from God to His people.

God knows that Israel thinks that He has forgotten them. God uses two analogies to communicate that He has not forgotten Israel. The first is divorce and the second is the sale of a debtor to a creditor. Both instances will include a proof of separation if they had occurred: a certificate of divorce for the first and a creditor to whom the debtor had been sold for the second. God is asking Israel for these proofs; He knows that they do not exist and He knows that it is only Israel’s lack of faith that makes them certain that God has forgotten them.

In fact, God states that it is Israel that has sold and divorced themselves from God. Israel’s “payment” for selling themselves from God is their sins. God came to Israel and called them but Israel did not do their part. God reminds them of His divinity and providence: He has power and ability over earth and space, so it follows that He certainly has the power to save Israel. But sadly, His people were unwilling to meet Him on His terms.

God’s warning to Israel reminds us of the nature and main deception of sin: it seems like a good idea at the time, but consequences are always attached. For Israel in particular the consequences for rebelling against God were enslavement, suffering and dejection.

Soliloquy: verses 4-9

In these verses, we have the third “servant song” of Christ in Isaiah. This is a beautiful attestation by Christ of how God will help and support Him through His life and trials on earth.

Christ recognizes that God has given Him an ear and a tongue. With the tongue, Jesus will be able to speak with wisdom and with the ear, He will be able to listen to wisdom. The quality of listening to wisdom is a divergence from what we have heard from Isaiah on Israel. On the whole, Israel has been unwilling to listen to and heed wisdom. Verse 5 makes the contrast between Israel and Jesus even more apparent: “The Lord GOD has opened My ear; And I was not rebellious, Nor did I turn away.”

Jesus knows that He will willingly suffer physical abuse, shame and spitting, yet His trust is in God and He will not be disgraced or ashamed. Christ’s confidence in God is strong and attractive because we get the sense that there is nothing that Christ will not do in service of His Father.

Jesus’s prime adversary was Satan, who tempted Him in the desert. Jesus, relying on this deep well of trust and certitude that God would support and justify Him, was successful in resisting all temptations while a man. He was sinless and He is the only One to have accomplished it. This is the prime reason why Jesus was the perfect sacrifice.

Those that challenge Jesus will grow old and waste away.

Appeal: verses 10,11

After these words from God and the Savior Jesus, the final two verses bear an appeal and a warning. Whomever fears God and obeys Jesus, but currently walks in darkness should trust in the name of the Lord and truly upon God.

Those that live by the light of their own fire rather than by the light of God will suffer in torment by His hand.

This chapter contains two main themes that bring to light several nuances of both Jesus’ life and the abiding love God has for His chosen people.

Verses 1-13:

In these verses we have the second song of the Suffering Servant (the first was in Isaiah 42:1-13). God is unmistakably pleased with the coming of His Son and what He will accomplish. The themes and deeper meanings in verses 1 and 2 describe Christ:

– Virgin birth

– Sharp sword protruding from His mouth (describes the truth of His speech)

– Hidden plan in a quiver; the ultimate thwart to sin

Verses 1 and 2 decidedly concern Jesus, while verses 3 and 4 mention Israel by name. But a case can be made that the description in verses 3 & 4 still applies to Jesus; Jesus being referred to as Israel may be interpreted as Israel being the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan to redeem His people. Because Jesus would be born through the faithful remnant of Israel and would ultimately save all mankind, the moniker “Israel” is used here to assign meaning to God’s plan to save all mankind. Verse 4 imparts the idea that Jesus “labored in vain,” which is a prophecy of how the nation of Israel will reject Him, but that in the end, Jesus will know that “my just reward is with the LORD, And my work with my God.” Jesus could say this because He would finally realize that His efforts on earth to save mankind from sin were what God wanted and would introduce the way for every person to be saved, not just the Israelites.

Also notable in verses 1-4 is the fact that the words are spoken in the first person, as if by Christ. The personification made by God through Isaiah is wonderful to behold.

Christ’s glory is such to God that to save the remnant of Israel is insufficient; He will also save the gentiles. Verses 5-13 begin to reveal some facts about Christ’s life:

– God shall provide Christ’s strength

– Christ’s glory and holiness is such that it is not enough that His sacrifice only save Israel; He will save the gentiles as well

– Man will despise and the nation of Israel will abhor Him

– Christ will be protected and given (sacrificed) for the people in order to redeem them

– Even though the nation of Israel will reject Him, He will garner the respect of kings and princes alike – an indication of God’s favor

This passage continues on to explain those that wandered the earth in spiritual desolation without guidance from God will now be led to safety and abundance from all over the ends of the earth. Israel is encouraged by Isaiah to leave Babylon and come out of hiding because Christ will be the Shepherd to lead their descendants to spiritual food. As God creates salvation through Christ, all people, Israelites and gentiles alike will rejoice and be led from confusion and fear to grace and salvation.

Verses 14-26:

Put simply, this passage is a love letter to Israel. The faithful remnant believes that God has forgotten them, but this is far from true.

Would it be possible for a nursing mother to forget her child? Most would say that it is impossible. God says that even if a mother did forget their nursing child, He could never forget Israel. God assures the nation of Israel that He will protect and deliver them.

His blessing and assurance is such to them that God continuously reminds Himself of them (vs. 16) and He makes an oath unto Himself that He will bring these things to pass for them (vs. 18). The land will be too small for them because they will grow in number. God proclaims in His oath to the nations that kings and queens will be their foster parents and will bow down to them.

God’s message is His followers will be proud and the He will ultimately prevail. Israel is the “prey” in the final verses of this chapter and God is claiming Israel as His and His alone. He may have allowed other nations to enslave and abuse Israel for a time, but now God is reclaiming captive Israel and will punish the other nations:

“But thus says the LORD: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, And the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children. I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, And they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine. All flesh shall know That I, the LORD, am your Savior, And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”” Isaiah 49:25-26

God’s grace is wonderful and saves man from sin, but His wrath is a terrible thing that strikes fear into our hearts and should compel us to learn and obey.

Isaiah 48 is both a proclamation of God’s coming plan and an arraignment of His people. God’s distaste at the nation of Israel is palpable and painful at times, but these declarations are paired with the absolute certainty that God will redeem His people through new and hidden things.

Verses 1-11

God brings forth the things He has promised because He knows that Israel needs to see the proof of His providence in order to believe. God knows their hearts, that many of them have sworn by Him and mentioned Him, “but not in truth or in righteousness.”

God has done and will do the things He has promised; He provides assurance that these things were planned and will be done because He knows that Israel (and mankind overall) cannot be successful without His help and the implementation of His plan.

The references elsewhere in the New Testament of Israel as a “stiff-necked people” are elaborated upon in verses 4 and 5: “Because I knew that you were obstinate, And your neck was an iron sinew, And your brow bronze, Even from the beginning I have declared it to you; Before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, Lest you should say, ‘My idol has done them, And my carved image and my molded image Have commanded them.’” The comparison of the people to iron and bronze is meant to indicate rebelliousness, or “stubborn rebels” as found in Jeremiah 6:28: “They are all stubborn rebels, walking as slanderers. They are bronze and iron, They are all corrupters.”

It is heartbreaking to think about God knowing that His people would attribute His work for them to a carved or molded image. When we take a moment to consider what God did for us and the suffering of Jesus, the human guilt evident is especially acute. Even more convicting is the fact that God knew of the betrayal in their hearts all along. In verse 8 He says, “Surely you did not hear, Surely you did not know; Surely from long ago your ear was not opened. For I knew that you would deal very treacherously, And were called a transgressor from the womb.” Isaiah 48:8

God also says that He is making them aware of new things. These new things God has spoken now because He wants them to know from whom they are coming.

In verse 9, God has deferred His anger for the sake of His name. God is saving Israel, and Israel alone, for His name’s sake. Many times in Isaiah we have read of how God’s love for His people prompts His grace and the physical and spiritual salvation. While that reason holds true, we also know from Isaiah 42:8-12 that God does all things to contribute to and magnify His glory:

“I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images. Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise from the ends of the earth, You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, You coastlands and you inhabitants of them! Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voice, The villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing, Let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory to the LORD, And declare His praise in the coastlands.”

Indeed, God echoes what He said from Isaiah 42 in verse 11 of this chapter: “For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another.” The message that He is imparting remains one of strength, dominance and power. Even though God allowed Israel to languish in sin and defiance towards Him, there evidently was a limit. God has reached that limit at this point and is letting us witness the motivation behind the salvation of His beloved people.

Before we go to the next passage, let us take a closer look at verse 10: “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” This verse posits a theme that is found throughout the Word of God. Precious metals are separated from impure elements when heated high enough to melt. This process is compared to God putting His people through the fire of temptation, the fire of sin’s consequence and the fire of the trials of life, to name a few examples. After going through these episodes, the weak parts of our spirit and our personality are burned away because we have succeeded through the strength of our faith and our reliance on God. This is a great analogy to remember when we are in the midst of life’s challenges: if we give up and turn our back on God, we are lost and will never receive the excellence of His richest blessings, as well as an improved version of ourselves:

“He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3

“that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” I Peter 1:7

Verses 12-22

If there is nothing that we can take from these verses, it is that God loves the ones that know Him and know what He has done. This also implies living in a way that demonstrates that one knows and is confident of Almighty God.

God makes mention of Cyrus again in verses 14 & 15 and the meaning and application for us gets even deeper with verse 16, which is an allusion to the coming Christ: “Come near to Me, hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; From the time that it was, I was there. And now the Lord GOD and His Spirit Have sent Me.”

God is communicating to His people and to us that He is the fullness of everything and we only need follow Him in order to save ourselves. The one that God has saved will prosper.

For a time, Israel lost their way and with it, the peace that only God can provide. Nevertheless, God will still save them from the threats of Babylon. He encourages them to go forth and spread the news that God has saved Israel.

The final statements from Isaiah 48 distribute the blessings and consequences alike determined by how people choose to react to the Word and commandments of God:

“And they did not thirst When He led them through the deserts; He caused the waters to flow from the rock for them; He also split the rock, and the waters gushed out. “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.”” Isaiah 48:21-22

In Isaiah 47, God quickly and assertively removes all honor from the large and prosperous city of Babylon. This chapter is known as a funeral song for Babylon with four stanzas: 1-4, 5-7, 8-11 and 12-15.

God is calling the consequence of Babylonian sin due. He invites them to come off their throne and sit in the dust. The moniker “virgin daughter” is sarcastic because Babylon had given itself up to all manner of false gods and corrupt practices. Their esteemed place in the world as a prosperous and successful nation is passing away. Because of their sin, their true fate is to sit in the dust, naked and working, with their shame exposed for all to see. Removing the veil, taking off the skirt and uncovering the thigh are to be in preparation for menial labor, something that the nation as a whole was unaccustomed to. The nakedness implies exposure to all of Babylon’s true state, which was one of depravity.

The interlude in verse four introduces Christ, the Redeemer, the Lord of Hosts, the Holy One of Israel. This is not Cyrus. Christ is mentioned here as contrast. Babylon is humiliated, but Israel would be ultimately redeemed.

For a time, God allowed Babylon to enslave and abuse Israel because He was so unhappy with Israel’s rebellion: “I was angry with My people; I have profaned My inheritance, And given them into your hand. You showed them no mercy; On the elderly you laid your yoke very heavily.” Isaiah 47:6

Among other things, God is angry at Babylon for how they treated Israel and He wants to punish them. Babylon believes that it will remain established as a strong empire, but this is untrue. God will punish and destroy it.

Let us investigate some of Babylon’s faults as described by God:

– Love for pleasure

– Live in safety and security without homage to God

– Believe that theirs is the best and only existence

– Arrogance in believing they are above the tragedies of life

– Trust in wickedness

– Believe that no one knows of their wickedness

– Trust too much in earthly wisdom and knowledge

– Believe that they are the only people that matter

Because of these self-consumed and self-reliant beliefs, God will punish Babylon: “But these two things shall come to you In a moment, in one day: The loss of children, and widowhood. They shall come upon you in their fullness Because of the multitude of your sorceries, For the great abundance of your enchantments.” Isaiah 47:9

Also, in another notable verse, Babylon’s punishment will come upon it as a surprise: “Therefore evil shall come upon you; You shall not know from where it arises. And trouble shall fall upon you; You will not be able to put it off. And desolation shall come upon you suddenly, Which you shall not know.” Isaiah 47:11. Although it is doubtful that Babylon heard and believed these warnings, it is a very fearful thing to have the knowledge of upcoming tragedy, but to not know when or where it will strike.

God knows where they will turn when these times of trouble come. They will go to the sources in their sinning culture that they believe hold the power to save: astrologers, stargazers, and monthly prognosticators. This group of people claimed to be able to divine the future through astrology. Similar to today, many people sought meaning in places where there is none, such as the placement and movement of stars in the sky. The ironic point to this idea is always that God’s creation is looking for meaning in God’s creation rather than looking for meaning in the Word and commandments of God Himself.

Does this mean it is a sin to read your horoscope? Yes, if you place the words of the horoscope above the Word of God. We must build and protect the belief that only God’s Word holds true wisdom and meaning; all else is just the supposition of unreliable man.

When Babylon seeks guidance from astrologers and the like, God has a plan for these so-called saviors: they will be weak and they will burn. They will not be able to save themselves and the fire will be exceedingly hot and deadly.

The final verse tells us that even the merchants that grew wealthy by trading with Babylon will not save them; indeed, when God’s wrath is turned on them because of their sin, nothing will be able to save them. God does not make deals with man.

The primary thing we can take away from this chapter is that to live in open disobedience and defiance of God is to eventually earn His wrath. It is good for us to remember the sins in this chapter that God attributes to Babylon lest we find ourselves thinking the same way they did. So from time to time we should ask ourselves:

Do I love pleasure too much?

Do I trust in wicked sources?

Do I think I am above others?

Asking ourselves these questions will help us to keep the right perspective of life. We need to keep our minds on the right things and we need to ensure that we are seeking righteousness. If we are not saved and protective of our faith, there will be consequences for us just as there was for Babylon.

Take encouragement from the words of Christ: “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’ And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— where ‘Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.’ And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’” Mark 9:43-48

It is easy to see the comparison in punishment of Babylon’s in Isaiah 47 and the sinner’s in Mark 9.

This brief chapter adds to the case against idols and also reveals another layer of the tender love and mercy that God has for those He made.

In verses 1-4, God presents another impactful contrast as He has throughout Isaiah. The idols, who were supposed to have delivered the people, are themselves bowed down as they are delivered to captivity. God, as described in verses 3 and 4, has carried, is carrying and will carry the people from birth on. Compared to the nothingness of idols, God does everything for His people. Where the people suppose that idols are helping them in their lives, the idols are really only making their lives more difficult in myriad ways, the example of which here is that the people have to carry them around!

Verses 5-7 confirm once more that there is absolutely no comparison between the idols and Almighty God. The idols, fashioned from earthly minerals, cannot move, cannot answer the people and they cannot save the people. God has repeatedly made this point in many different ways. It comes up so often for the following reasons:

– The people have been repeatedly rebellious

– Different people may need to hear it in different ways

– God is hurt by the people’s continuous trust in the worthless idols

In verses 8-13, God wants His people to remember and consider Him. He wants them to recall all of the things He has done for them. God is sole Sovereign, He is the only God and there is no other like Him. Because He has all-powerful qualities, God can keep the promises He made in ancient times. In verse 11 we have yet another reference to Cyrus, the king that will come from the east to re-establish Israel. God has purposed to use Cyrus to bring back Israel, and He wants us and Israel to know that He keeps his promises, even over the centuries.

The final two verses in this chapter are a combination of frustration and love. God is the only God and He calls out Israel as stubborn for failing so often to realize it. Although He is unhappy with Israel’s choices, it does not change the deep and abiding love He has for them:

“Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, Who are far from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory.” Isaiah 46:12-13

God is the same way with us today. We will sin and neglect and even forget God when are tempted and drawn away. Despite this, God still loves us and wishes for us to return to Him, to obey Him, and to abide in His Word. Our God is a loving and merciful God that tolerates us and accepts us because of how much He loves us. We need only to seek, follow, understand and live for Him.

Cyrus is perhaps the best example in Isaiah of how God uses secular man to accomplish His will. He is recognized in history as Cyrus the Great and is known as being the founder of the first Persian empire. He is also known for many other impressive military and political accomplishments of his time. Cyrus lived from 600-530 B.C. and his reign was from 549 B.C. until his death.

God allowed Babylon to rule Judah for 70 years according to Jeremiah 25:12. Then, in approximately 539 B.C., Cyrus defeated Babylon and decreed that the Jews could return to their homeland and commence rebuilding the temple with money from the treasury.

Although there is no definite record of Cyrus’s religion, ancient writings suggest that he likely worshipped idols. Despite this, Cyrus’s legacy is one of religious tolerance. He is known for allowing the people he conquered to keep their customs and religious practices. Also, it is worth noting that Cyrus is the only non-Jewish figure in the Bible to be given the title, “His anointed.” Being anointed by God suggests one that is shown favor, great blessings, and is set apart from others to do great things in service to God. Others in the Bible that are described as being anointed by God are: King Saul, King David and of course, Jesus Christ.

Not only did Isaiah prophesy about Cyrus, but Jeremiah did as well in Jeremiah 25:11-12 and 29:1-14. The book of Ezra also has detailed accounts of Cyrus’s contribution to the salvation of God’s people in chapters 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6. But there two verses in II Chronicles that summarize Cyrus’s contribution very well: “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people? May the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up!” Chronicles 36:22-23

We have read many references of other nations that God has used to either protect or punish Israel such as Sennacherib. Cyrus, however, is the king that God uses to bring the faithful remnant back to Jerusalem to build the temple. The Savior Christ will be born from this saved lineage. God is blessing Cyrus with the strength and resources to protect the Israelites as well as advance His plan to save all mankind through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is profoundly interesting to read about Cyrus and all his historically significant accomplishments and consider that they are all the result of God working in Cyrus’s life.

Verses 1-14 of Isaiah 45 are a description of how God will bless and make ways for Cyrus to defeat the nations that have abused Israel. God even specifically says in verse 4 that He will do all of these things for Cyrus, despite the fact that Cyrus does not know Him: “I am the LORD, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me.” Isaiah 45:5

God also goes on to proclaim the foolishness of those that strive with their Maker. Creations like pots do not challenge their creator to question whether or not their creators have hands. Also, children should not question their parents, asking what it is they have made. God says, “Woe to him who strives with his Maker!” He is calling out all the idolatry and hypocrisy of the ungodly and Israel (minus the remnant). Their behavior and depraved loyalties have brought on their punishment. And now, God is directing His anointed Cyrus (whom He raised in righteousness (verse 13)) to re-establish the Israelites.

Verses 14-25 comprise a different tone, but the main idea of the chapter established by the preceding verses remains intact. In these verses, God is speaking directly to Cyrus through Isaiah. Keep in mind that Cyrus still would not be born for more than another 100 years. Take a moment to zoom out on what is happening here: God is speaking through a man to a people about a king who will come generations in the future to save them.

God will show His total dominance of earthly powers through Cyrus. “Powerful” nations will give up their treasures, be bound in chains, bow down to Cyrus and follow him. These nations, confounded by their state, will be forced to say: “Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior!” Isaiah 45:15. Another powerful contrast is made here in that the ungodly nations will be ashamed and disgraced while Israel “ … shall be saved by the LORD With an everlasting salvation; You shall not be ashamed or disgraced Forever and ever.” Isaiah 45:17

In the latter verses of this chapter we have an absolutely glorious and relentlessly strong proclamation from God. This is the voice of God that has tolerated unholiness and has chosen His vengeance. He declares Himself as Creator and as the One in control. He establishes His absolute control and His quality to speak righteousness. The foolishness of those that worship idols is mentioned, as is the fact that He is the only God. He is the only source of salvation, and He is the only One worth worshipping:

“Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. He shall say, ‘Surely in the LORD I have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come, And all shall be ashamed Who are incensed against Him. In the LORD all the descendants of Israel Shall be justified, and shall glory.’ ” Isaiah 45:22-25

We are the descendants of Israel through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Consider how He physically saved His people then through Cyrus and how He spiritually saves us now through Jesus Christ….What an awesome God we have!