The Book of Isaiah Chapters 40—48

The Book of Isaiah Chapters 40—48
The greatness of God the Father in contrast to the vanity of the heathen idols 9/16/2018 The Book of Isaiah

Chapters 36-39 (historical interlude)
THE BOOK OF ISAIAH Chapters 1-35 Chapters (historical interlude) Chapters 40-66 Note style change: Concepts, vocabulary, perspective dramatically oriented in New Testament terms. The coming of Messiah Mt 8:17; Lk 4:17,18; Jn 12:38-40. All written by the prophet Isaiah. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 40-48 Chapter 40 Israel's Hour of Deliverance has Arrived
Chapter 41 God Holds the Destiny of the Nations Chapter 42 The Servant in Whom the Lord Delights Chapter 43 Jehovah's Abiding Love for Israel Chapter 44 Repentant Israel Promised the Spirit Chapter 45 Cyrus to Deliver Israel Chapter 46 The Idols Contrasted with Jehovah Chapter 47 The Humiliation of Babylon Chapter 48 An Exhortation to the Captivity Bibliography The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Assyrian Empire The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Interlude “The Book of Consolation” Isa 40-66
Chapters can be divided into three parts with the same statement separating the first two sections: “There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked” (48:22; 57:21). Ch 40—48 emphasize the greatness of God the Father in contrast to the vanity of the heathen idols; Ch 49—57 extol the graciousness of God the Son, the Suffering Servant; Ch 58—66 describe the glory of God in the future kingdom, and the emphasis is on the work of the Holy Spirit (59:19, 21; 61:1 ff.; 63:10—11, 14). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Interlude “The Book of Consolation” Isa 40-66
Jewish rabbis have called Isa “The Book of Consolation” Remember that Isaiah was originally addressed to a group of discouraged Jewish refugees. Note how often God says to them, “Fear not!” and how frequently He assures them of His pardon and His presence. God says to all of His people, “Be comforted!” The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

“Behold your God!” (40:9). Look at others and you’ll be distressed.
Look at yourself and you’ll be depressed. Look to God and you’ll be blessed! The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

GOD IS GREATER THAN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES
Isaiah 40 GOD IS GREATER THAN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES Four voices of encouragement are heard, each with a special message for the remnant in Babylon. (1) The voice of pardon (vv. 1—2). (2) The voice of providence (vv. 3—5). (3) The voice of promise (vv. 6—8). “ (4) The voice of peace (vv. 9—11). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The voice of pardon Isa 40:1
1 Comfort you, comfort you, my people, Says your God. Comfort you, comfort you, my people! The Hebrew verb "nalurmu"—"comfort you" is in plural, "comfort you, comfort you" is repeated twice for emphasis The nation had sinned greatly against the Lord, with their idolatry, injustice, immorality, and insensitivity to His messengers (Jer. 7). They were still His people and He loved them. Though He would chasten them, He would not forsake them. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The voice of pardon Isa 40:1
1 Comfort you, comfort you, my people, Says your God. Comfort you, comfort you, my people! One of the Messiah's names is "Menahem“ - the Comforter. "And I will pray to the Father and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever" (John 14:16). Comforter: Father: 2 Cor 1:3. Holy Spirit: Jn 14:16, 26; 15:26, 16:7 (4x). Son: Isa 61:2 (“advocate” with the Father - 1 Jn 2:1 = paraclite!). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

God’s Assurance of Deliverance Isa 40:1
1 Comfort you, comfort you, my people, Says your God. "My people." In spite of all their iniquities and repeated rebellion, God continues to look upon Israel as "my people." Thus the very opening words of chapter 40 "Comfort you, comfort you, my people" have Messianic overtones. Says your God—Hebrew "Yomar eloheihem." The verb "yomar" is in future tense (Davidson's Hebrew— Chaldean Dictionary), but is used as an imperfect tense, indicative of continued action. The form "Yomar"_"says," is peculiar to Isaiah and appears both in the first and second parts of the book (1:11, 1:18, 33:10, 40:1, 40:25, 66:9). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

2 Speak to the heart of Jerusalem And proclaim to her, That her bondage is completed, That her guilt is paid up, That she has received from the LORD's hand A double measure for all her sin. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem The KJV translates this passage "speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem." The Hebrew text conveys great tenderness, expressing God's deep compassion for His people. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

2 Speak to the heart of Jerusalem And proclaim to her, That her bondage is completed, That her guilt is paid up, That she has received from the LORD's hand A double measure for all her sin. A double measure for all her sins “Double” does not suggest that God’s chastenings are unfair. He is merciful even in His punishments (Ezra 9:13). God chastened them in an equivalent measure to what they had done (Jer. 16:18). We should not sin, but if we do, God is waiting to pardon (1 John 1:5—2:2). Israel's appointed time of bondage, ("tsevaah"), is about to end. From now on God will again turn to His people in mercy. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

2 Speak to the heart of Jerusalem And proclaim to her, That her bondage is completed, That her guilt is paid up, That she has received from the LORD's hand A double measure for all her sin. A double measure for all her sins It is not God who exacts a double measure for Israel’s sins, The punishment is the result of Israel's disobedience. Why double for all her sins? Israel is spoken of as God’s firstborn. A firstborn is entitled to a double portion, of both good and bad. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

3 A voice is calling: Prepare a way for the LORD in the wilderness, Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Matt 3:3 (Matthew highlights Old Testament prophecies which are being fulfilled.) A voice is calling The prophet hears a voice. Usually Isaiah "sees“; he has "visions." This time he "hears," or has "an audition.” The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

3 A voice is calling: Prepare a way for the LORD in the wilderness, Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Prepare a way for the LORD in the wilderness. The picture here is of an ambassador repairing the roads and removing obstacles, preparing the way for the coming of a king. The image of the highway is frequent in Isaiah’s prophecy (see 11:16). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

3 A voice is calling: Prepare a way for the LORD in the wilderness, Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Prepare a way for the LORD in the wilderness. The Lord Himself, is about to lead His people through wilderness and desert, from captivity to their homeland. Perhaps a reference to Jesus’ Second Coming, leading His faithful remnant from Bosrah. Isa 61 The ministry of John the Baptist may be in view as he prepared the way for the ministry of Jesus (Matt. 3:1—6). Spiritually speaking, Israel was in the wilderness when Jesus came, but when He came, God’s glory came (John 1:14). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

4 Every valley shall be lifted up, And every mountain and hill shall be made low; And the rugged places shall become level, And the rough ranges a plain. Every valley shall be lifted up and every mountain shall be made low. When God leads, every obstacle or hindrance which stands in the way of His redeemed people is swept away. The theme of a safe God-prepared highway, echoes the exodus from Egypt, It is a common reference in both parts of the book of Isaiah (Isa. 11:16, 35:7-10, 40:3-4, 41:18-19, 42:15-16). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together, For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed. Every mighty act of redemption manifests the glory of God. all flesh shall see All flesh is humanity in its physical aspect. The prophet is perfectly sure that his prediction will come to pass, because he received the message from God Himself. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The transience of human life and the eternity of God's Word Isa 40:6-8
6 A voice says: "Cry“ And he said: "What shall I cry?" All flesh is grass, and its beauty as the flower of the field; 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the LORD blows upon it, Truly the people is grass, 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of God endures for ever. A voice says: "Cry" Again Isaiah hears a voice commanding him to proclaim man is like the grass or the desert flower which blooms in the morning and withers away before the day is past. Only the Word of God abides for ever. In this eternal, unchanging and promise-keeping God, Israel can put absolute trust. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The transience of human life and the eternity of God's Word Isa 40:6-8
6 A voice says: "Cry“ And he said: "What shall I cry?" All flesh is grass, and its beauty as the flower of the field; 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the LORD blows upon it, Truly the people is grass, 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of God endures for ever. “All flesh is grass” This is also symbolism used in Revelation. Like the grass, nations and their leaders fulfill their purpose in God’s plans and then fade away, but the Word of God abides forever (Ps. 37:1-2; 90:1-6; 103:15-18; 1 Peter 1:24-25). As they began their long journey home, Israel could depend on God’s promises. Perhaps they were especially claiming 2 Chr 6:36-39. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Behold Your God Isa 40:9 9 Get thee up on a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good tidings! Lift up thy voice with strength, O Jerusalem, proclaimer of good tidings! Lift up thy voice, be not afraid; Say to the cities of Judah: "Behold your God!“ Now the nation itself comes out of the valley and climbs the mountaintop to declare God’s victory over the enemy. Isaiah bids the faithful remnant of Israel, personified by the figures of Zion and Jerusalem as the heralds of "good tidings," to declare, in a loud voice, to the cities of Judah, the appearance of their God in power and majesty. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Behold Your God Isa 40:9 9 Get thee up on a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings! Lift up thy voice with strength, O Jerusalem, proclaimer of good tidings! Lift up thy voice, be not afraid; Say to the cities of Judah: "Behold your God!“ “Good tidings” = gospel (2 Cor 15:1-4; 1 Pet 1:21-25) To bring good tidings means “to preach the good news.” Not appreciated unless one realizes what we are saved from. The good news in that day was the defeat of Babylon and the release of the captive Jews (52:7—9). “We are coming home!” would certainly be good news to the devastated cities of Judah (1:7; 36:1; 37:26). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Behold Your God Isa 40:9 9 Get thee up on a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings! Lift up thy voice with strength, O Jerusalem, proclaimer of good tidings! Lift up thy voice, be not afraid; Say to the cities of Judah: "Behold your God!“ “Good tidings” = gospel (2 Cor 15:1-4; 1 Pet 1:21-25) To bring good tidings means “to preach the good news.” Not appreciated unless one realizes what we are saved from. The good news today is the defeat of sin and Satan by Jesus Christ and the salvation of all who will trust in Him (61:1-3; Luke 4:18-19; 2 Cor 5:14-21). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Behold Your God Isa 40:10 10 Behold, the Lord God shall come with might, And his right arm will rule for him. Behold, his reward is with him, And his recompense before him. “Strange work” - Work is the Day of the Lord (or Time of Jacob’s Trouble, or the Great Tribulation) and his reward is with him. God is visualized in the dual character of a "Strong Man of War" (v10) and of a "Gentle Shepherd” (v11). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Behold Your God Isa 40:11 11 Like a shepherd he will feed his sheep, And will gather up in his arms his lambs, He will carry them in his bosom, And lead the ewes to the water. God is visualized in the dual character of a "Strong Man of War" and of a "Gentle Shepherd," who carries His little lambs in His bosom, and tenderly leads the mother ewes with their young to the streams of water. “Shepherd”: Jn 10:11, 14-16; Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:25; 5:4. He is the God of history and also the God of gentle compassion and mercy. Reminders of the Psalm 23 and of the Good Shepherd of John 10:11. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The circumstances before us Isaiah 40:12-26
“circumstances” are the nasty things you see when you get your eyes off of God. Look at God through your circumstances and He will seem small and very far away, Look at your circumstances through faith in God and He will draw very near and reveal His greatness to you. When you behold the greatness of God, then you will see everything else in life in its proper perspective. God is greater than anything on earth (vv. 12—20) God is greater than anything in heaven (vv. 21—26). Isaiah reminds the people of the greatness of Jehovah. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The circumstances before us Isaiah 40:12-20
Creation shows His wisdom, power, and immensity. He is greater than the nations and their gods. He founded the earth and sits on the throne of heaven, Nothing is equal to our God, let alone greater than our God. The next time you are tempted to think that the world is bigger than God, remember the “drop of a bucket” (v. 1) and the “grasshoppers” (v. 22; see Num. 13:33). If you ever feel so small that you wonder if God really cares about you personally, remember that He knows the name of every star (Isa. 40:26) He knows your name (John 10:3, 27) He planned for you before you were born (Ps 139:13; 22:9-10; Jer 1:5) The number of the hairs on your head are numbered. (Lk 12:7) He can heal your broken heart (Ps. 147:3—4). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The Creator and Sustainer Isa 40:12
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hands? Or set the limits of heaven with a span? Or who has gathered up the dust of the earth in a bushel, And weighed the mountains on a balance, And the hills on scales? Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hands? In a series of questions the prophet impresses upon his people the infinite magnitude and omnipotence of Jehovah, the Maker and Sustainer of heaven and earth. Emphasis is on quantitative design (not qualitative), calling our attention to God’s precision. Anthropic Principle - every parameter that you measure is in delicate balance. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The Creator and Sustainer Isa 40:13-14
13 Who directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or who was his counsellor to instruct him? 14 With whom did he consult to gain understanding And who has taught him knowledge, Or instructed him in the way of discernment? God, and He alone, is the architect of the universe. Holy Spirit: Gen 1:2 (order - negative entropy - out of chaos! Prov 3:19.) He alone is the source and fountain of all wisdom and knowledge. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, And no more than a speck of dust on the scales, The islands are no more than fine dust 16 Lebanon is not enough for fuel, And its beasts are insufficient for a burnt offering. 17 All the nations are as nothing before him, He considers them as null and non-existent. Behold the nations are as a drop of a bucket.... Israel, so crushed and subjugated by powerful enemies, may feel that the pagan idols are more powerful than Jehovah. Because of this the prophet seeks to impress upon his people the omnipotence and infinite grandeur of their God. In His sight all those seemingly unconquerable nations are as nothing, a mere speck of dust on the scales. Vanity: tohu (Gen 1:2). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The Creator and Sustainer Isa 40:18
18 To whom then will you liken God Or what form will you attribute to God? To whom then will you liken God? Obviously there can be no comparison. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

19 Is it to the image which the craftsman makes, And which the goldsmith covers with gold, And the silversmith has fitted out with silver studs. 20 (Or is it with) A block of sturdy wood, which a man chooses And finds a skillful craftsman to make an image, Which will not topple over. Is it to the image which the craftsman has cast... With supreme contempt the prophet describes the pitiful, manmade idols, cast by a craftsman and adorned by the art of the goldsmith and silversmith, or the wooden artifacts of the skilled carpenter. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah’s Glory in Nature/History Isa 40:21-23
21 Do you not know, have you not heard. Has it not been told to you from the beginning, Have you not perceived this from the foundations of the earth, 22 That it is he who sits above the circle of the earth, Whose inhabitants are like grasshoppers? 23 He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in it. Circle or sphere of the earth — declared two centuries before Christ! (Job 26:10) “Stretches out the heavens as a curtain” — modern scientists now describe the universe as being uncurled (black hole, ultimate of the uncurl; Gen 1:4; Cf. Isa 34:4). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 40: It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: “stretches out” is the verb natah in the Qal active participle form. Literally  “is stretching them out . . .” what He is continuing to do “spreads them out” (NASB, NIV, NKJV) is the verb mathah (used only this one time in the Old Testament) literally means  “and he has spread them out . . .” to dwell in why He is doing it This one verse literally states that God is has both stretched out the heavens in the past and is continuing to stretch them out now. According to the Big Bang, at the creation event all the physics (specifically, the laws, constants, and equations of physics) were instantly created, designed, and finished so as to guarantee an ongoing, continual expansion of the universe at exactly the right rates and temperatures with respect to time so that physical life will be possible. References: Arno A. Penzias and Robert W. Wilson, “A Measurement of Excess Antenna Temperature at 4080 Mc/s,” Astrophysical Journal142 (1965): George Gamow, “Expanding Universe and the Origin of the Elements,” Physical Review70 (1946): Edwin Hubble, “A Relation Between Distance and Radial Velocity Among Extra-Galactic Nebulae,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 15 (1929): Georges Lemaître, “A Homogeneous Universe of Constant Mass and Increasing Radius Accounting for the Radial Velocity of Extra-Galactic Nebulae,” Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society91 (1931): The original paper appears in French in Annales de la Societé Scientifique de Bruxelles, Tome XLVII, Serie A, Premiere Partie(April, 1927): 49. Albert Einstein, “Die Grundlage der allgemeinen Relativitätstheorie,” Annalen der Physik49 (1916): The English translation is in The Principle of Relativity by H. A. Lorentz, A. Einstein, H. Minkowski, and H. Weyl with notes by A. Sommerfeld and translated by W. Perrett and G. B. Jeffrey (London: Methuen and Co., 1923), Albert Einstein, “Kosmologische Betrachtungen zur allgemeinen Relativitätstheorie,” Sitzungsberichte der Königlich Preussichen Akademie der Wissenschaften(1917), Feb. 8, The English translation is in The Principle of Relativity, R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer, and Bruce K. Waltke, Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament1 (Chicago: Moody, 1980), 127. Harris, Archer, and Waltke, vol. 2, 916. Harris, Archer, and Waltke, 935. Hugh Ross, The Creator and the Cosmos, 2d ed. (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1995), ; Hugh Ross, The Fingerprint of God, 2d ed. (Orange, CA: Promise Publishing, 1991),

Jehovah’s Glory in Nature/History Isa 40:24-25
24 Who reduces the mighty to nothing, And the judges of the earth to extinction, Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, Scarcely has their stock taken root in the ground Than He blows upon them, and they wither away, And the whirlwind carries them off like chaff. 25 To whom then will you compare me that I might be his equal? The prophet reinforces his argument that the whole universe, and the history of mighty men and nations bear testimony to the infinite power, wisdom and grandeur of God. In His sight, great and mighty men are like grass which scarcely takes root in the soil, soon withers away and is carried off by the wind. God does not argue for Himself in Genesis. Bible opens on the presumption of the existence of God. Isa 2, God articulates His Own Case. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah’s Glory in Nature/History Isa 40:26
26 Lift up your eyes above and look at the stars, who created these? He leads them out one by one, And calls them by their name, Because of his great might and exceeding power Not one of them fails (in their appointed orbits). God also rules by His power and wisdom the heavens and controls the stars and planets in their courses. “Calleth them all by name”; Cf. Ps 147:4,5. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The circumstances within us Isaiah 40:27-31
Instead of praising the Lord for His care, providence, and power, the nation was complaining to Him that He acted as though He did not know their situation or have any concern for their problems (v. 27; 49:14). Instead of seeing the opportunity, the Jews saw only the long road before them. They complained that they did not have strength for the journey. God was asking them to do the impossible. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

You can trust a God like that Isa 40:27
27 Why then do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel: "My plight is hidden from the LORD, And my right is ignored by my God?“ Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. Generally, once changed it stays changed (ex. Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah). Jacob is an exception, the name “Jacob” is used when he is being carnal, and “Israel” when he being spiritual. The same with the nation Israel. Here Isaiah uses both terms. Seeing that the Lord is so omnipotent, so wise and yet so gracious, how can Jacob — Israel say, or even think, that God does not care about their plight, or about the vindication of their right? The term. The “God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” - should give us comfort! The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

28 Do you not know, have you not heard, That the eternal God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, He does not tire, nor grow weary? His discernment is past searching out. Do you not know, have you not read... Ps 121: 4 “He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Although man cannot always understand His ways, from their own experience and long history, Israel ought to know that their God is never weary and never defeated. God knows how we feel and how we fear, and He is adequate to meet our every need. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

29 He gives power to the weary, And to him that has no might, he adds strength. Not only is Jehovah never weary Himself, but He gives strength to those who are completely exhausted and without strength. We can never obey God in our own strength, but we can always trust Him to provide the strength we need (Phil. 4:13). If we trust ourselves, we will faint and fall, The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

You can trust a God like that Isa 40:30-31
30 Though youth may faint and become weary, And choice young men may stumble and fall, 31 Yet they who wait upon the LORD Shall renew their strength, They shall mount up on wings like eagles, They shall run and not become weary, They shall walk and never tire. they who wait upon the LORD The word wait does not suggest that we sit around and do nothing. It means “to hope”, to look to God for all that we need (Is. 26:3; 30:15). This involves meditating on His character and His promises, praying, and seeking to glorify Him. It means to believe what He says about our future and to act accordingly today. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

30 Though youth may faint and become weary, And choice young men may stumble and fall, 31 Yet they who wait upon the LORD Shall renew their strength, They shall mount up on wings like eagles, They shall run and not become weary, They shall walk and never tire. Shall renew their strength renew means “to exchange,” as taking off old dirty clothing and putting on new fresh clothes. We exchange our weakness for His power (2 Cor. 12:1-10). As we wait before Him, God enables us to soar when there is a crisis, to run when the challenges are many, and to walk faithfully in the day-by-day demands of life. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

30 Though youth may faint and become weary, And choice young men may stumble and fall, 31 Yet they who wait upon the LORD Shall renew their strength, They shall mount up on wings like eagles, They shall run and not become weary, They shall walk and never tire. shall walk and never tire. Life is not about winning the difficult battles, it is about winning the long plodding war. It is harder to walk in the ordinary pressures of life than to fly like the eagle in a time of crisis. The greatest heroes of faith are not always those who seem to soar; often it is those who are patiently, consistently plodding – slowly but continually moving forward. As we wait on the Lord, He enables us not only to fly higher and run faster, but also to walk longer. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

30 Though youth may faint and become weary, And choice young men may stumble and fall, 31 Yet they who wait upon the LORD Shall renew their strength, They shall mount up on wings like eagles, They shall run and not become weary, They shall walk and never tire. Jehovah Himself is the inexhaustible fountain of their strength Real test: is endurance for the walk. A promise for those who put their trust in God. They shall forever renew their strength. They shall always rise above seeming defeat. God Himself will enable them to run their course, even where. much younger and stronger men stumble and fall. Their secret is that "they wait upon the Lord.” The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

ISAIAH 41 God Holds the Destiny of the Nations
The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

God is Greater than our Fears Isa 41:1- 44:28
In this section, 7x the Lord says to His people, “Fear not!” to His people (41:10, 13, 14 43:1, 5; 44:2, 8), The Jewish remnant faced the challenge of the long journey home and the difficult task of rebuilding, they could think of many causes for fear. There was one big reason not to be afraid: The Lord was with them and would give them success. He says “Fear not!” to us today. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

God is Greater than our Fears Isa 41:1- 44:28
God seeks to calm their fears by assuring them that He is going before them and working on their behalf. The Lord explains that He has 3 servants in His employ who will accomplish His will: Cyrus, king of Persia (41:1—7); the nation of Israel (vv. 8—29; 43:1—44:27); and the Messiah (42:1—25). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Nations are summoned to a dispute Isa 41:1
1 Be silent before me, O you coastlands, Let the peoples renew their courage, Let them draw near and then speak. Let us come together before the seat of judgment. Be silent before me, O, you coastlands. God convenes the court and asks the nations to present their case against Him, if they can. Jehovah addresses himself to the inhabitants of the coastlands, adjoining the Mediterranean and summons them to a sentencing. Before the Creator and Ruler of the earth they, can only appear in awestricken silence. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

1 Be silent before me, O you coastlands, Let the peoples renew their courage, Let them draw near and then speak. Let us come together before the seat of judgment. Be silent before me, O, you coastlands. At least 17 times in his prophecy, Isaiah writes about “the islands” or “the coastlands” (NIV), He is referring to the most distant places from the holy land (11:11; 24:15; 411, 5; 42:4, 10, 12). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

1 Be silent before me, O you coastlands, Let the peoples renew their courage, Let them draw near and then speak. Let us come together before the seat of judgment. “Produce your cause” He challenges these nations (41:21); “present your case” (NIV). God is greater than the nations (40:12—17); He controls their rise and fall. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:2 2 Who raised up from the east,
The one whom victory follows, in his footsteps? Who makes nations to submit to him and subdues kings? He scatters them with his sword like dust, And with his bow like driven chaff. Who raised up from the east... The argument is based on a future historical event, which Jehovah is making known in advance. For Isaiah, that is already an accomplished fact God’s raising up of Cyrus is being predicted. Later he is mentioned by name, over a century before his birth. (44:28, 45:1). Cyrus would come from a region northeast. Thus, sometimes he is spoken of as coming from the east (v. 2) and sometimes from the north (v.25). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

God’s servant Cyrus Isaiah 41:2
God announces that He would raise up a ruler named Cyrus, who would do His righteous work on earth by defeating other nations for the sake of His people Israel. Cyrus would be: a shepherd (44:28) anointed by God (45:1), a ravenous bird that could not be stopped (46:11). “He treads on rulers as if they were mortar, as if he were a potter treading the clay” (41:25 NIV). God handed the nations over to Cyrus and helped him conquer great kings (45:1—4). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Cyrus’ enemies were blown away like chaff and dust because the eternal God was leading the army. Cyrus may have thought that he was accomplishing his own plans, but actually he was doing the pleasure of the Lord (44:28). By defeating Babylon, Cyrus made it possible for the Jewish captives to be released and allowed to return to their land to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple (Ezra 1:1—4). “I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives” (Isa. 45:13). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Sometimes we forget that God can use even unconverted world leaders for the good of His people and the progress of His work. He raised up Pharaoh in Egypt that He might demonstrate His power (Rom. 9:17), He even used wicked Herod and cowardly Pontius Pilate to accomplish His plan in the crucifixion of Christ (Acts 4:24— 28). “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Prov. 21:1 NKSV). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Whatever God declares, He also brings about.
Isaiah 41:2 2 Who raised up from the east, The one whom victory follows, in his footsteps? Who makes nations to submit to him and subdues kings? He scatters them with his sword like dust, And with his bow like driven chaff. One of the arguments against Isaiah being the author of chapters is based on the assumption that prophecies which mention future historical personalities by name, are either impossible or unique and without parallel in the prophetic writings. Furthermore, critics claim that an event which is still in the future would not carry any weight with the prophet's contemporaries. God’s ability to predict future events before they ever come to pass, is used by the prophet as proof that Jehovah alone is omnipotent and omniscient. Whatever God declares, He also brings about. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The one whom victory follows, in his footsteps? Who makes nations to submit to him and subdues kings? He scatters them with his sword like dust, And with his bow like driven chaff. Whom victory follows in his footsteps. "victory" is "tsedek“ — ”righteousness" It is used in the sense of righteousness which defeats injustice and triumphs over wrong. The questions which Jehovah asks the nations are calculated to make them think. He intends for them to admit that He is God who controls their destiny. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The one whom victory follows, in his footsteps? Who makes nations to submit to him and subdues kings? He scatters them with his sword like dust, And with his bow like driven chaff. He scatters them with, his sword like dust, Some commentators understand that the "he" of verses 2-3 refers to God Himself. Other apply the pronoun to Cyrus. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:3-4 3 He pursues them and marches on safely,
Where no journeying man has ever set foot. 4 Who has done this, and brought this to pass? Who has called the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, I am the first, And with the last of them—I am he. Who has done this and brought this to pass? Jehovah asks the question and immediately answers it Himself. It is I who call the generations from the beginning. Jehovah alone, and not the pagan idols presides over the destinies of the nations from the very beginning to the' sunset of their history. “first and the last” - Rev 1:8, 17; 22:13. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:5 5 The coastlands saw it and feared,
The ends of the earth trembled. The inhabitants of the coastlands (lit. "islands") saw it and feared... The appearance of "the man, from the east" who swept nations and kingdoms before him caused great panic among the inhabitants of the Mediterranean, which are usually referred to as "the inhabitants of the coastlands." Instead of seeing in these events the hand of God, the nations attributed their misfortunes to the displeasure of their idols. So they sought to remedy this by producing more idols. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:6-7 6 They drew near and came, Everyone helped his neighbor,
Saying to his brother, "Courage!" 7 So the craftsman encouraged the goldsmith, And he who smites the anvil with the hammer Said to the welder: "This is just right!" So he fastened it with nails, That it should not topple over. So he fastened it with nail that it should not topple over. As Cyrus moved across the territory east and north of Israel (41:25), the nations were afraid and turned to their idols for help. Silly - seeking help from "a god" who must be propped up and fastened down with nails, so he doesn’t fall over! When the God of heaven is in charge of the conquest, how can men or gods oppose Him? The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

God’s servant Israel Isa 41:8-29; 43:1- 44:28
Isaiah presents four pictures to encourage the people. In contrast to the fear experienced by the Gentile nations is the confidence shown by God’s chosen servant, Israel (41:8—13), because God was working on their behalf. In spite of their past rebellion, Israel was not cast away by the Lord. The Jewish captives did not need to fear either Cyrus or Babylon, Cyrus was working for God, and Babylon would be no more. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Israel the servant of Jehovah Isaiah 41:8
8 But thou Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, The seed of Abraham my friend. From His dispute with the worshippers of the worthless idols, Jehovah now turns to Israel. This whole passage breathes a spirit of great compassion and affection. God does not see Israel not as they are, but as He intends them to become. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

8 But thou Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, The seed of Abraham my friend. Israel, my servant. Israel is called "the servant of Jehovah" by virtue of His sovereign grace and election. This election does not depend on Israel’s merits or lack of them, but on God's own faithfulness and integrity. If Israel disobeys Him, their disobedience brings upon them disaster and punishment. Nevertheless they remain His servant and chosen people. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

8 But thou Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, The seed of Abraham my friend. Abraham my friend - one of his titles is ‘friend of God’ (Gen 18, part of friendship was a disclosure of the future, also Gen 22) Cf. 2 Chr 20:7; Isa 2:23. One prophet called “beloved”: Daniel. New Testament: John called “beloved”; Cf. Jn 15). Both wrote apocalyptic books. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:9 9 Of whom I have taken hold from the ends of the earth,
And called thee from its farthest parts, And said unto thee: "Thou are my servant." I have chosen thee and not cast thee off.. Of whom I have taken hold from the ends of the earth... God has NOT cast off Israel (Rom 8, 9, 10). The prophet speaks from the geographical position of a Palestinian, to whom Ur of the Chaldees, the original home of Abraham was "the ends of the earth.” The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:10 10 Fear thou not, for I am with thee,
Be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yes, I will help thee I will surely uphold thee with my victorious right arm. Fear not for I am with thee, Be not dismayed for I am thy God. While this promise was spoken primarily to Israel it is always precious to every believing heart. Jos 1:9 "I've commanded you, haven't I? Be strong and courageous. Don't be fearful or discouraged, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.“ The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

“certainly," "yes," or "indeed."
Isaiah 41:10 10 Fear thou not, for I am with thee, Be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yes, I will help thee I will surely uphold thee with my victorious right arm. I will surely uphold thee with my victorious right arm... אַף־ H637 'af’ surely The Hebrew word “af” is a strong affirmation which can also be translated as “certainly," "yes," or "indeed." "Victorious right arm“ “bimin tsidki." בִּימִ֥ין H3225 bi·Min thee with the right hand צִדְקִֽי׃ H6664 tzid·Ki of my righteousness Here "tsidek," as in verse 2 describes that righteousness which triumphs over wrong and injustice, hence "victorious right arm.” The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:11 11 Behold they shall be ashamed and confounded
All they who are incensed against thee, They shall be as nothing and perish, they who strive against thee. Behold they shall be ashamed and confounded... Gen 12:3. Unconditional covenant with Abraham. In Biblical speech the expression "ashamed and counfounded" conveys the thought that those who are against the people of God will eventually be utterly perplexed and frustrated . The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:12-14 12 Thou shalt look for those who assailed thee,
but not find them. They shall be completely as nothing, they who make war against thee. 13 For I the LORD thy God hold up thy right arm. Who says to thee: "Fear not, I will help thee." 14 Fear not thou worm Jacob, And thou handful of Israel, I will help thee, Says the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:14 14 Fear not thou worm Jacob,
And thou handful of Israel, I will help thee, Says the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. “Servant” defined what they were by God’s grace and calling, but “worm” described what they were in themselves. The title “My servant” (v. 9) is an honorable one; it was given to great leaders like Moses (Nu 12:7), David (2Sa 3:18), the prophets (Jer 7:25), and the Messiah (Is 42:1). Imagine a worm getting teeth and threshing mountains into dust like chaff! As the nation marched ahead by faith, every mountain and hill would be made low (40:4), and the Lord would turn mountains into molehills! In this context the term "worm" expresses great compassion and tenderness for harassed and afficted Israel. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:14 14 Fear not thou worm Jacob,
And thou handful of Israel, I will help thee, Says the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. Says the LORD and thy redeemer, Redeemer—Hebrew "goel," a (see Ruth, Rev 5), One who pays up the debt in order to redeem a near but impoverished relative, who was forced to sell himself or his property to satisfy a debt. (Lv. 25:25, 32, 48, Is 59:20). Two roles: Levirate marriage and restores land, And the goel, the avenger of blood! First coming, redemption. Second coming, avenger of blood. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The prophesied victory is one of truth and justice.
Isaiah 41:15-16 15 Behold I will make thee a new sharpedged, threshing- sledge with many teeth. Thou shalt thresh mountains and grind them small, And turn hills into chaff. 16 Thou shalt winnow them and the wind shall carry them off. And the whirlwind shall scatter them, But thou shalt rejoice in the LORD. Jehovah will not only redeem Israel from bondage but use her as His instrument to execute judgment against the nations which were hostile to Him. The language of the prophet may sound harsh, it must mean that the prophet looks forward to a devastating triumph of redeemed Israel over her own and God's enemies. The prophesied victory is one of truth and justice. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The present distress of Israel Isaiah 41:17-20
17 The poor and the needy seek water, but there is none. Their tongues are parched with thirst, But I the LORD will answer them, The God of Israel will not forsake them. 18 I will open rivers in barren heights, And fountains in the midst of valleys. I will turn the wilderness into a pool of water And the dry land into springs of water. 19 I will plant in the wilderness The acacia, the myrtle and the oil tree. I will set in the desert the cypress, Together with the fir and the box tree, 20 That they may see and know, That they may take it to heart and understand, That the hand of the LORD has done this And the Holy One of Israel has brought it to pass. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

17 The poor and the needy seek water, but there is none. Their tongues are parched with thirst, But I the LORD will answer them, The God of Israel will not forsake them. 18 I will open rivers in barren heights, And fountains in the midst of valleys. I will turn the wilderness into a pool of water And the dry land into springs of water. Isaiah turned to the picture of a desert becoming a garden. The image reminds of Israel’s wanderings in the wilderness and God’s provision for their every need. Water and trees are important possessions in the East, and God will supply both to His people. Certainly Isaiah was also looking beyond the return from Babylon to the future kingdom when “the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose” (35:1). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

19 I will plant in the wilderness The acacia, the myrtle and the oil tree. I will set in the desert the cypress, Together with the fir and the box tree, 20 That they may see and know, That they may take it to heart and understand, That the hand of the LORD has done this And the Holy One of Israel has brought it to pass. Cedar, acacia, myrtle, oil - all indigenous to Judea. Other trees show up after Babylonian captivity. The use of these trees helps establish the timing of the book as being prior to the Babylonian captivity. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

19 I will plant in the wilderness The acacia, the myrtle and the oil tree. I will set in the desert the cypress, Together with the fir and the box tree, 20 That they may see and know, That they may take it to heart and understand, That the hand of the LORD has done this And the Holy One of Israel has brought it to pass. Isaiah displays an unusual familiarity with and love for trees. Seven different trees are mentioned in verse 19 (cf. Isa. 55:13). In Isaiah 55 the prophet employs similar language. In both passages the transformation of nature is closely linked with the spiritual regeneration of the people. In both passages (41:20 and 55:13) this transformation is a striking testimony to the power and glory of God. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Worthlessness of the idols Isaiah 41:21-29
21 Come forward with your plea, Present your strongest arguments. Says the king of Jacob. The final picture is that of the courtroom. Produce your cause! means “Present your case!” God challenged the idols of the nations to prove that they were really gods. Did any of their predictions come true? What have they predicted about the future? Did they announce that Cyrus would appear on the scene or that Jerusalem would be restored? “No one told of this, no one foretold it, no one heard any words from you,” taunted the Lord (v. 26 NIV). Not only were the idols unable to make any valid predictions, they were not even able to speak! Their deeds amount to nothing; their images are but wind and confusion” (v. 29 NIV). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

21 Come forward with your plea, Present your strongest arguments. Says the king of Jacob. 22 Let them come forward and tell us Let them explain to us the things that shall happen, Tell us that we may consider and know their end, Or announce to us what will happen in the future. 23 Declare to us the things that will come hereafter, And we shall know that you are gods. Do good or do evil, that we may be amazed, And thoroughly dismayed. 24 But you are nothing, And your work is of nought, An abomination is he that chooses you. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah resumes the dispute of verses 1-4. God challenges evil spirits! (vv ). This time the dispute is not with the pagan nations, but with their idols. If they are gods they ought to be able to predict future events, or at least to do something which is either good or bad. But they and their "deeds" are nothing and without any substance. Prophets of God are right 100% of the time. God describes things to come to prove that He is God. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:25 25 I raised up one from the north and he came,
From the rising of the sun one that calls upon my name He will come upon rulers as upon clay, Even as a potter treads mortar. ... He will call upon my name... “My name” - Ezra 1:3. “He is (the) God.” Cyrus will recognize the sovereign rule of God. Note that Cyrus came from a region northeast. "North and east" in this context are geographical positions as seen from the standpoint of the land of Israel. Sometimes he is spoken of as coming from the east (v. 2) and sometimes from the north (v. 25). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:25 25 I raised up one from the north and he came,
From the rising of the sun one that calls upon my name He will come upon rulers as upon clay, Even as a potter treads mortar. The reference is of course to Cyrus, who was born in Media (in the north) and later extended his reign to Persia and to all of the Babylonian empire. Jehovah alone has proven that He is indeed God by having raised up a man from the north and east, who at His command descended upon rulers and has trodden them down like clay. Chapter 45:4-5 repeats that for the sake of Israel, Jehovah called Cyrus by name before he ever knew the Lord. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:26 26 Who declared this from the beginning,
that we might know? Or made known this that we could say "He is right!" But there was none to declare, no one to predict, None has heard your pronouncements! Who declared this from the beginning? The fact that the arrival upon the historical scene and the meteoric rise to power by Cyrus the Great was foretold by the prophet, is proof that Jehovah alone is the true God. Isaiah insists that his predictions were made long before the events ever came to pass and so validates his authenticity as a true spokesman for the Lord. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:27 27 As the first I said to Zion, "Behold, behold them!"
I give to Jerusalem a messenger of good tidings. The pagan idols could not speak, much less foretell the future or do anything, good or bad. No other world religion has detailed, specific prophecies as part of their experience. Jehovah has sent a messenger of good tidings, who long before the event, predicted the deliverance of His people from the Babylonian exile (Isa. 11:10-16, 21:1-10, 35:10). The whole of Isaiah 13 was a prediction of the future defeat of the Babylonian empire at the hands of the Medians. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 41:28-29 28 And when I looked, there was not a man,
There was not a counselor among them, That when I asked a question, they might give an answer. 29 Behold all of them, Their works are sheer vanity and nought, Their molten images mere wind and chaos. Behold all of them, their works are sheer vanity and nought... Those words sum up the prophet's thought about the idols: "they and their idols are vanity and absolute chaos, similar to that which existed before God brought order into the primeval world.” The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

ISAIAH 42 Isaiah 42:1—7 is the first of four “Servant Songs” in Isaiah, referring to God’s Servant, the Messiah. The others are 49:1—6; 50:1—11; and 52:13—53:12. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah's faithful, obedient servant Isa 42:1
1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, My chosen one, in whom my soul delights, I have put my spirit upon him, That he may bring forth justice to the nations. Behold my servant Usually the context of the servant passages make it clear whether "the servant" is collective Israel or the individual representative of true Israel, the anointed mediator and savior. In the second part of Isaiah there are four distinct Messianic "servant of the Lord" prophecies which apply to the person of the Messiah. Isaiah 42:1-7, , 50:4-11 and 52:13-53:12. Israel also is collectively referred to as the servant in 41:8-16, 42:18- 21, 43:10, 44:1-5, and v. 21. The New Testament consistently applies the Messianic servant passages to Jesus (Mt 12:17-20, Lk 2:32, 4:16-18, Ac 8:30-35). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Mt 12:17-21; quote Isa 42:1-4. 1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, My chosen one, in whom my soul delights, I have put my spirit upon him, That he may bring forth justice to the nations. Behold my servant In this passage "the servant" clearly appears to be an individual personality, chosen and appointed by Jehovah to bring salvation to Israel and to be a light to the nations. Further in this chapter (v.19 ff.), "the servant of Jehovah" is distinctly Israel as a people, about whom the Lord complains that they are blind and deaf, unfaithful and hard of understanding. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

God’s Servant Messiah Isaiah 42:1
1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, My chosen one, in whom my soul delights, I have put my spirit upon him, That he may bring forth justice to the nations. Contrast “Behold, they [the idols] are all vanity” (41:29) with “Behold my servant” (42:1). Matthew 12:14—21 applies these words to the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Servant: utterly obedient (Jn 4:34; Heb 3:2), upheld by the Father (Jn 5:26), mine elect (1 Pet 2:6), Spirit upon Him (Lk 2:40; 3:22; 4:18-21). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, My chosen one, in whom my soul delights, I have put my spirit upon him, That he may bring forth justice to the nations. “Nations” = Gentiles. Jesus could have destroyed His enemies (the reed and flax), but He was patient and merciful. The Father delights in His Son (Matt. 3:17; 17:5). It is through the ministry of the Servant that God will accomplish His great plan of salvation for this world. God chose Him, God upheld Him, and God enabled Him to succeed in His mission. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, one day there will be a glorious kingdom, and God will “bring justice to the nations” (Isa. 42:1 NIV). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

In chapter 42:1-4, the servant of Jehovah is an individual personality, as in Isaiah 11:2, is endowed with the spirit of the Lord, and is called to establish true justice for all nations. “Not cry nor lift up” 2 He will not shout aloud, nor lift up, Nor make his voice to be heard in the street. The Messianic servant of the Lord is humble, unobtrusive and compassionate. (Cf. Mt 8:4; 9:30; 12:19; 14:13; Jn 5:13; 6:15; 7:3,4: 8:59; 10:40). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

In chapter 42:1-4, the servant of Jehovah is an individual personality, as in Isaiah 11:2, is endowed with the spirit of the Lord, and is called to establish true justice for all nations. “A bruised reed ” 3 A bruised reed he will not break, And the smouldering wick he will not crush. But will bring forth true justice. He does not crush the weak or the broken, but heals them. Egypt by Sennechrib, 36:6. Flax, not quenched - feeble lights: tended, trimmed, freshened (tending lamps). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

4 He will not fail nor falter, Until he will have established justice on the earth, And for his law the islands shall wait. He will not fail nor falter He never wavers and is not crushed by His adversaries, nor by the enormity of His task. He will in the end accomplish His divinely appointed task. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

4 He will not fail nor falter, Until he will have established justice on the earth, And for his law the islands shall wait. In the hearts of all men there is an unconscious longing for the manifestation of God's eternal law, for His truth and justice, which the servant of the Lord will reveal to all nations. The New Testament and the early church saw in the servant passages a unique prophecy concerning Christ, remarkably fulfilled in the person of Jesus. Most Jewish and liberal Christian scholars have generally applied all these passages to national Israel. However, this interpretation does not fit the obvious sense of the text. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The servant's task Isa 42:5 5 Thus says God who is Jehovah,
He who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread out the earth and everything which grows out of it, Who gives breath to the people that dwell upon it, And the spirit to them who walk upon it. Thus says God who is Jehovah With majestic solemnity Jehovah, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, introduces His servant declaring that He has appointed Him to be a covenant to the people Israel and for a light to the nations. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Process: Make, Establish (set up), Stretch … Isaiah 42:5
Thus saith God H410 the LORD, H3068 he that created H1254 [Beginning] the heavens, H8064 and stretched them out; H5186 [Expansion] he that spread forth H7554 the earth, H776 and that which cometh out H6631 of it; he that giveth H5414 breath H5397 unto the people upon it, and spirit H7307 to them that walk therein: H410 God אל 'êl H3068 the Lord יהוה yehôvâh H created בּרא bârâ' H8064 heavens שׁמה / שׁמים shâmayim/ shâmeh H5186 stretched them out נטה nâṭâh 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (figuratively) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away H the earth ארץ 'erets H spread forth רקע râqa‛ 1) to beat, stamp, beat out, spread out, stretch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stamp, beat out 1a2) one who beats out (participle) 1b) (Piel) to overlay, beat out (for plating) 1c) (Pual) beaten out (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to make a spreading (of clouds) H cometh out צאצא tse'ĕtsâ' 1) offspring, produce, issue 1a) offspring (of men) 1b) produce (of earth) 1c) descendants (metaphorical) H bârâ‘ CREATE H ‘âśâh MAKE H יyâtsar FORGE / FORM H kûn ESTABLISH / ARRANGE / SET UP BDB Definitions

The servant's task Isa 42:6 6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, I have taken hold of thy hand, I have kept thee, And gave thee for a covenant to the people. Thus says God who is Jehovah The servant of this passage is to be a covenant to the people. This is "the covenant of peace" mentioned in Isa 54:10 and "the eternal covenant" of 61:8. It is also the new covenant promised in Jer 31:31-34 and Eze 16:60. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The servant's task Isa 42:7 7 To open the blind eyes,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, And from the prison house them who dwell in darkness. Thus says God who is Jehovah Jesus Christ is “the light of the world” (John 8:12), and that includes the Gentiles (Isa. 42:6; Acts 13:47—48; Luke 1:79). Isaiah 42:7 refers to the nation’s deliverance from Babylon (29:18; 32:3; 35:5) as well as to the sinner’s deliverance from condemnation (61:1—3; Luke 4:18—19). The servant will heal Israel from spiritual blindness. The personal character of the servant is clear, and presents a sharp contrast to national Israel, who is still blind, and dwells in darkness in a spiritual dungeon. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah alone is God Isa 42:8
8 I am Jehovah, this is my name! I will not give my glory to another, Nor my praise to idols! I am Jehovah, this is my name. Jehovah alone is Lord and therefore is the guarantor that His servant will accomplish His mission. יְהוָ֖ה H Yah·weh YHWH I [am] the LORD (Never pronounced) HaYehudim v Melech HaNazarel Yeshua H W H Y (Hebrew is read right to left) Jehovah = “the existing One” The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah alone is God Isa 42:9
9 The first things, behold have come to pass. And new things I declare, Before they spring forth I let you hear about them. The former things.. . the new things... God is outside our time domain "The former things" are the prophecies of the past which have already come to pass; "the new things" are the new prophecies which the prophet is now foretelling before the predicted events have come to pass. The acceptance of the truth of this assertion is basic to the understanding of predictive prophecy. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

God’s Servant Messiah Isaiah 42:10-25
The closing section (Isa. 42:10—25) describes A singing nation (vv. 10—12), giving praise to the Lord, and A silent God who breaks that silence to become a shouting conqueror (vv. 13—17). God is longsuffering toward sinners, but when He begins to work, He wastes no time! The “servant” in vv. 18—25 is the people of Israel, blind to their own sins and deaf to God’s voice (6:9—10); yet the Lord graciously forgave them and led them out of bondage. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

A new triumphal song Isa 42:10
10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, And his praise to the ends of the earth. You that go down to sea, and all that which lives in it, The islands and all its inhabitants. Sing unto the LORD a new song "The new things" mentioned by Isaiah in v. 9 become the occasion for a new song, reminiscent of the triumphal hymn of Isaiah 26:14-15 The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

A new triumphal song Isa 42:11-12
11 Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voice, The villages where Kedar dwells, Let the inhabitants of Sela sing for joy, Let them shout from the top of the mountains. 12 Let them give glory to the LORD, And declare his praise in the islands. The inhabitants of the coastlands and the desert oases are encouraged to sing a new song of praise to Jehovah (v ). The inhabitants of Kedar, an Arab tribe in Syria, and those who dwell in Sela, an Edomite city, are also invited to join in the praise of Jehovah. The occasion for this universal jubilation is that the LORD, who has kept silence for very long, is about to intervene with great might on behalf of Israel. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

13 The LORD will go forth like a mighty man, Like a man of war will stir up a battle frenzy, He will raise a yell and a shout: Jealous. Exo 20:5 "You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, Exo 34:14 --for you shall not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God-- “Roar” – shout. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

14 I have held my peace for a long time, I have kept quiet and have restrained myself, But now I will cry out like a woman in birth, I shall gasp and puff at the same time. The Day of the Lord. In this triumphal hymn Jehovah is compared to a mighty warrior who shouts and yells in the midst of a raging battle, and to a woman in pain about to give birth. These anthropomorphisms are intended to convey the fierceness of the divine wrath, when He finally intervenes on behalf of His people. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

15 I will lay waste mountains and hills, And I will shrivel up all that which is green, And turn rivers into islands, and dry up pools. I will lay waste mountains and hills. When God intervenes all of nature is affected, the mountains, the hills and the rivers. There is no obstacle which can stand in the path of God's plan. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

16 I will lead the blind by a way which they never knew, And guide them through paths which they knew not. The darkness I will turn into light before them. And the crooked places straight. These are the things that I will do, and will not forsake them. And I will lead the blind... The whole purpose of God's intervention is to bring home His people, in spite of their self-inflicted blindness. Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

These are the things which I will do and not forsake them. Jehovah who hitherto has punished His people so severely, will now act in mercy. 16 I will lead the blind by a way which they never knew, And guide them through paths which they knew not. The darkness I will turn into light before them. And the crooked places straight. These are the things that I will do, and will not forsake them. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

17 They shall draw back, deeply ashamed, All they who put their trust in idols, Who say to molten images: "You are our gods!“ They shall draw back, deeply ashamed, all they who trust in idols... The vindication of God's people will confound the idolators and the enemies of Israel. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Deaf & blind servant of the LORD Isa 42:18-20
18 Hear, you deaf, and you who are blind, look and see. 19 Who is as blind as my servant? And who is as deaf as my messenger, that I send? Who is as blind as my trusted messenger, Or as blind as the servant of the LORD? 20 You have seen much, but understood little, You have open ears, but do not hear! "the servant of the Lord" in this passage is collective Israel. Jehovah reproaches him that he is deaf and blind. He has seen so much, yet never really understood the significance of what he has seen. He has heard much but has proved himself incapable of comprehending the meaning of what he has heard. Like a trusted messenger (Heb "nieshulam") Israel was sent on a mission to the nations, but proved himself unfaithful to his trust. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Deaf & blind servant of the LORD Isa 42:21
21 Yet it pleased the Lord, for the sake of his righteousness, To magnify the law and to make it glorious. It has pleased the Lord for the sake of his righteousness... In spite of Israel's blindness and unfaithfulness, the Lord is determined to accomplish His purpose to make His law glorious and supreme in the eyes of all mankind. What Israel, as a people, has failed to accomplish, the faithful Servant, the Messiah will. Where the servant Israel is portrayed as blind, deaf and disobedient to God, the personal Servant of God is portrayed as completely obedient and well pleasing to Jehovah (v. 1-6). The distinction between the two servants is clear and beyond the possibility of confusion. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Reason for Israel's pitiful plight. Isa 42:22
22 But this is a people robbed and plundered. All of them are trapped in holes, Hidden away in dungeons. They have become a prey, and there is none to deliver, A spoil, and there is none to say: "Give back!“ Israel's pitiful situation as a plundered and robbed people is the consequence of their obstinate refusal to obey Jehovah. As a result Jehovah Himself brought upon them all their disasters. In spite of all this, Israel has failed to learn her lesson. Now God says to the Babylonians, “Send them back!” The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

23 Who among you will listen and pay attention against a future time? 23 Who of you will listen and pay attention against a future time? The prophet pleads with His people to learn from their own tragic history, in order to benefit from it in the future. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

24 Who gave Jacob for a spoil and Israel to the robbers? Was it not the LORD against whom we have sinned? And in whose ways they would not walk, Neither were they obedient to his law? “We” – Isaiah identifies himself with his people (Dn 9, Ezr 9). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

25 Therefore did he pour out upon them his scorching wrath and the fury of war, It enveloped him in flames, yet he did not know it, It burned him, yet he laid it not to heart. 25 Therefore did he pour out upon them his scorching wrath and the fury of war. It is sad when God disciplines us and we do not understand what He is doing or take it to heart. Israel’s captivity in Babylon cured the nation of their idolatry, but it did not create within them a desire to please God and glorify Him. Israel’s national disasters were not accidental but were the result of divine wrath. They themselves have provoked the divine wrath, and yet in their blindness have failed to understand this basic truth. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah's Abiding Love For Israel
ISAIAH 43 Jehovah's Abiding Love For Israel The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah will soon restore His people Isa 43:1
1 And now, thus says the LORD, who created thee, O Jacob, And he, who formed thee, O Israel, Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou are mine. And now, thus says the LORD, who created thee, O Jacob The description of Israel's tragic plight in 42:18-25 is followed by the assurance of Jehovah's unchanging love for His people. This is a passage of singular beauty and tenderness, of exhortations, followed by comforting reassurance of God's abiding love. The alternating rebukes, dire predictions and encouragements are typical of both parts of Isaiah, and of the prophetic writings in general. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Fear not, for I have redeemed thee Isa 43:2
Jehovah sees Israel’s restoration as an accomplished reality. With this in view Israel need not fear, only trust her God. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, And through rivers they will not overflow thee; When thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned, And the flame shall not scorch thee. When thou passest through the waters. No matter what the peril, Jehovah will protect His people. The waters will not drown them, Nor will the flames consume them. Israel's historical experiences and their faith in these glorious promises have helped to preserve the nation during the millennia of a perilous existence. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

3 For I am Jehovah, thy God, The Holy One of Israel, thy saviour. I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in thy stead. Thy Savior - appears 8x in Isaiah (8 is the number of new beginnings). The reference to Egypt has a double significance: It is a reminder of Israel's exodus from Egypt and It is a promise of God's readiness to intervene again on their behalf. This time the Lord will use Cyrus as His instrument of redemption. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

3 For I am Jehovah, thy God, The Holy One of Israel, thy saviour. I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in thy stead. God gave Egypt, Ethiopia (Cush), and Seba to Cyrus as a ransom payment to redeem Israel from Babylon, because Israel was so precious to Him. And He gave His own Son as a ransom for lost sinners (Matt. 20:28; 1 Tim. 2:6). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

4 Because thou art precious in mine eyes, and honorable, And I have loved thee, therefore will I give men for thee, And peoples for thy life. Because thou art precious in my eyes, thou art honorable and I have loved thee. A moving declaration of Jehovah's love for Israel. Mighty Babylon and Egypt may hold captive and defeated Israel in contempt, yet in God's sight they remain precious and honorable. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

5 Fear not, for I am with thee, I will bring thy seed from the east, And will gather thee from the west. Fear not, for I am with thee. The mystery of Israel's survival is rooted in the fact that God was and is with His people. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

6 I will say to the north: give up, And to the south: keep not back, Bring my sons from far away, And my daughters from the ends of the earth; We see this happening, the gathering back into the land. Initially in unbelief, but an event will happen which will change their hearts. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Fear not, for I have redeemed thee Isa 43:6-7
7 All those who bear my name, And whom I have created H1254 for my glory, Whom I have formed H3335 and whom I have made H6213. Their survival is not due to their own merit, but to God's purpose for them: "I have created them for my glory." God sees His people not the way they are, but with an eye to the glorious destiny for which He has created them. create: H1254 bârâ‘ to shape, fashion, create form: H3335 yâtsar to form, fashion, frame, pre-ordain, plan, to predetermine, to pre-ordain make: H6213 ‛âśâh to do, fashion, accomplish, make, work, produce, put in order, press, squeeze All three words used here as well as in Genesis 1 The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Israel, blind & deaf servant of the Lord Isa 43:8-10
8 Bring forth the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears. 9 Gather together all the nations, And let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, And explain the happenings of the past? Let them bring their witnesses that they may be justified, Or let them listen and say: this is true! 10 You are my witness, says the LORD And my servant, whom I have chosen, That you may know, and believe me, And understand that I am he. Before me there was no God formed, And after me there will be none. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

In spite of their spiritual blindness and deafness, Israel remains God's witness against the idols and their worshippers, because the future of Israel was foretold in advance by the prophets of God. No idol could do this. There are striking similarities between the servant of Jehovah as a nation and the servant of Jehovah as a person. Both are chosen of God (42:1, 43:10). Both are beloved (42:1, 43:4). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Yet the differences between the two are basic. Obedient or disobedient, "the servant" Israel is a witness to the faithfulness of God and the fact that there is no other God who is like Jehovah. Collectively Israel is a blind (v. 8) and essentially passive servant (v. 10). By contrast the individual Servant of Jehovah is God's active agent to accomplish His divine purpose for mankind. The individual Servant of the LORD, the Messiah, is the absolutely obedient messenger of God who delights to do His will (42:4). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

11 I, only I, am the LORD, And beside me there is no saviour. No other way, Jn 14:6; Acts 4:12. Jesus asked three times if there was another way. 12 I have proclaimed, and I have saved, And I have announced, and there was no alien god among you, And you are my witnesses, says the LORD, And I am God. Twice the Lord says to Israel, “You are My witnesses” (vv. 10, 12 NKJV), It is in the history of Israel that God has revealed Himself to the world. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Babylon will fall & Israel will be restored Isa 43:13-14
13 Even since that day I am he, And there is none that can deliver from my hand; [Jn 10:28-29] I will do and who will undo? Jehovah is about to perform a new miracle, surpassing in grandeur the exodus from Egypt: Babylon will be destroyed and Israel set free. 14 Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, For thy sake have I sent to Babylon, And I will bring them all down as fugitives, And the Chaldeans in the ships of their rejoicing. For thy sake have I sent to Babylon Babylon does not rise until one century later. "for thy sake" (Heb: "lemaanha") Implies the conviction that the LORD directs the destiny of nations to serve His purpose of Israel's redemption. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Babylon will fall & Israel will be restored Isa 43:14
14 Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, For thy sake have I sent to Babylon, And I will bring them all down as fugitives, And the Chaldeans in the ships of their rejoicing. For thy sake have I sent to Babylon The Chaldeans in the ships of their rejoicing. "The Chaldeans" is the poetic and archaic name of the Babylonians. "The ships of their rejoicing," an apparent reference to the Babylonian pleasure ships on the Euphrates, which the Persians would use to deport the fugitive Babylonians. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, The creator of Israel, your king. 16 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, And a path in the mighty waters, A way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters. An allusion to the miracle of the Red Sea in the days of Moses (Ex. 14:13-31). Just as God led His people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea, so He will lead them out of Babylon and through the terrible wilderness to their home in the Holy Land. “Path in the sea” - Matthew Fontaine Maury ( ), father of oceanography. He wanted to find these pathways spoken of here. Discovered and mapped many ocean currents. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

17 Who brings forth chariot and horse, army and might. They lie down together, never to rise again, They are crushed, extinguished like a wick. Who brings forth chariot and horse, army and might — A further allusion to the events at the Red Sea. Just as He defeated Pharaoh’s army (14:28; 15:4), so He will defeat Israel’s enemies and snuff them out “like a wick”. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

18 Do not bring to mind ancient events, Neither consider the things of long ago. Do not bring in mind ancient events. Prior to this the deliverance from Egypt was the most celebrated event in all the history of Israel, but now even greater things are about to happen. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

19 Behold I do a new thing, shall you not know it? I will make a way in the wilderness, And rivers in the deserts. Behold I do a new thing, shall you not know it? When the hour of her deliverance arrives, with all its miraculous occurrences, Israel, in spite of being deaf and blind, will be forced to acknowledge that Jehovah has done it. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

20 The wild beasts shall honor me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I cause waters to gush forth in the wilderness, And rivers in the desert, To give drink to my chosen people. 21 This people have I formed for myself, That they may proclaim my praise. This people have I formed for myself, That they may declare my praise. This declaration sums up Jehovah's ultimate purpose for Israel: they are a people whom the Creator has fashioned for the express purpose that they might glorify Him. “Praise” - Jewish word for praise is Judah. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The ingratitude of a nation Isa 43:22-24
22 Yet thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, For thou hast become weary of me, O Israel. 23 Thou hast not brought me the sheep of thy burnt offerings, Neither hast thou honored me with thy sacrifices. I have not burdened thee with meal offerings, Nor troubled you for incense. 24 Thou hast not bought me sweet cane, Nor filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices. Yet hast thou burdened me with thy sins, And wearied me with thy iniquities. The temple ritual and sacrifices have become a thing of the past. Yet Israel still continues to dishonor Jehovah, just as they did before their exile. With or without sacrifices, Israel continued to burden the LORD with their sins and iniquities, just as in the past. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The ingratitude of a nation Isa 43:25
25 I, only I, blot out thy transgressions, for my own sake, And thy sins will I not remember. I, only I, blot out thy sins, for my own sake. “Blotteth” out of a book (Ps 56:8; Rev 20:12). Just as in the opening chapter, Isaiah continues to wrestle with the false notions that in order to obtain forgiveness from God, animal sacrifices and other "religious" rites, are indispensable. In reality it is the LORD Himself, who for His own sake alone, forgives sins, irrespective of man's so-called pious acts. The Lord cannot be bribed with sacrifices. "Wash you, make you clean cease to do evil," (Isa. 1:16) The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

25 I, only I, blot out thy transgressions, for my own sake, And thy sins will I not remember. He forgave them, not because they brought Him sacrifices — for they had no altar in Babylon — but purely because of His mercy and grace. When God forgives and restores His people, He wants them to: forget the failures of the past, witness for Him in the present, and claim His promises for the future. Why should we remember that which God has forgotten? The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

26 Put me in remembrance, let us judge this together, Declare thy case, that thou mayest be justified. Put me in remembrance, let us judge this together. Isaiah 1:18 Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD Though your sins be like scarlet They shall be white as snow. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

27 Thy first father sinned, And thy intercessors transgressed against me, Thy first father sinned... A reference to Abraham, who although a "friend of God," nevertheless was not without sin (Gen. 15:8). "Thy intercessors" are the prophets and teachers of Israel, "thy holy princes,“ the priestly hierarchy, who, like the rest of their countrymen, were carried off into exile. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

28 Therefore have I profaned thy holy princes, And have delivered Jacob to the ban, And Israel to blasphemings. Jacob to the ban Israel to blasphemings. Israel's suffering and tragedy is self-imposed, the result of their continued disobedience to God and spiritual myopia. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

ISAIAH 44 Isaiah contrasts God’s forming of Israel (vv. 1-8) and
the Gentiles forming their own gods (vv. 9-20) The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Israel is reassured Isaiah 44:1
1 And now hear, my servant Jacob, And Israel, whom I have chosen: Jacob and Israel, Jacob = “supplanter” Israel = “God prevails” Even Jacob is justified, Rom 8:30. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. Generally, once a name is changed it stays changed (e.g., Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah). Jacob is an exception, the name “Jacob” is used when he is being carnal, and “Israel” when he is being spiritual (faith, the one of the promise). The same with the nation Israel. Not two people, but two sides of the same nature. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

2 Thus says the LORD, who made thee, And fashioned thee from the womb, Who will help thee: Fear not, my servant Jacob, And thou, O, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. “I have formed thee” is a theme (43:1, 7, 21 44:2, 24). God chose Israel and redeemed them, but He also formed them for Himself. Because God formed them, chose them, and redeemed them, they had nothing to fear. The LORD will pour out His spirit upon His people and their offspring. Even gentiles seeing how God is blessing Israel, will attach themselves to them and bear allegiance to Jehovah. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

2 Thus says the LORD, who made thee, And fashioned thee from the womb, Who will help thee: Fear not, my servant Jacob, And thou, O, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. Jeshurun - poetical name for Israel (Deut 32:15; 33:5, 26). Means “the upright ones.” Zec 8:23 "Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."'" The name Jeshurun is synonymous with Israel and is derived from the root "yashar," "to be upright.' It is therefore a title of honor and endearment. Jehovah sees His people not as they are, but as He intends them to become in the end - a righteous and upright people. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

3 For I will pour water upon the thirsty land, And streams upon the dry ground: I will pour out my spirit upon thy seed, And my blessing upon thy offspring. I will pour water upon the thirsty land. The Hebrew adjective "tzame," "thirsty," may refer either to a thirsty land or thirsty people. The phrase "dry ground," indicates that the word "land" is implied. I will pour out my spirit upon thy seed. “Pour my Spirit” - Joel 2:28, 29. Happened to people at Pentecost, Is yet to happen to nations and Israel. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

3 For I will pour water upon the thirsty land, And streams upon the dry ground: I will pour out my spirit upon thy seed, And my blessing upon thy offspring. He will pour water on the land and His Spirit on the people (59:21; Ezek. 34:26; Joel 2:28—29; John 7:37—39), Both will prosper to the glory of the Lord. The final fulfillment of this will be in the future kingdom age when the Messiah reigns. In contrast to Israel's former state when they were delivered to the gentiles to be treated with contempt and as an object of blasphemings (Isa. 43:28), in the future they will be an honored people with whom non-Jews will seek to identify themselves and also with their God. Their turning to God, will attract others to Jehovah and to the people of Jehovah. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Israel is reassured Isaiah 44:4-5
4 They will spring up like grass, And like willows by the streams of water. 5 One will say: I am the LORD's. Another will call himself by the name of Jacob And yet another will write on his hand: to the LORD, And will surname himself by the name of Israel. Another will write on his hand: to the LORD. It was a custom among many pagans to tattoo upon their hand the name of their god, or, in the case of a slave, to inscribe the name of the owner to whom he belonged. And will surname himself by the name of Israel The newly converted gentiles will add to their names the surname "Israel" as a mark of their admiration for the regenerated people of Jehovah. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah is God, Israel is His Witness Isa 44:6
6 Thus says the LORD, the king of Israel, And his redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the first and last, And besides me there is no god. The Lord, the King of Israel, and his redeemer - sounds like two! First and the Last - Isa 41:4; 48:12; Rev 1:8, 17; 22:13. Besides me there is no god Jehovah declares that He alone is God, He alone has made known to His people their future. The idols cannot do this because they are not gods. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah is God, Israel is His Witness Isa 44:7-8
7 And who is like me, let him proclaim it. Let him declare it and set it forth before me, Since I have established the ancient people. Let them announce future events, And that which will yet come to pass. 8 Fear not, neither be afraid. Have I not announced it to thee long ago and told thee? And you are my witnesses, whether there is any god beside me. No, there is no rock, I know none. And you are my witnesses, whether there is any god beside me. Israel remains forever a living witness to Jehovah and to His Word. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

A taunt against the idols Isaiah 44:9
9 All the makers of idols are vanity, And their precious works are useless, Their witnesses see nothing and know nothing, And so they will be put to shame. "their precious works" the idols. With impassioned scorn the prophet describes the idol makers and their handiwork Compare with Psalm 115. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

9 All the makers of idols are vanity, And their precious works are useless, Their witnesses see nothing and know nothing, And so they will be put to shame. Those who defend idols and worship them are just like them: Blind, ignorant and nothing. God made people in His own image Now they are making gods in their own image! Part of the tree becomes a god, The rest of the tree becomes fuel for the fire. The worshipper is “feeding on ashes” and deriving no benefit at all from the worship experience. Isa 44:20 The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

A taunt against the idols Isaiah 44:10-11
10 Who has fashioned a god or a molten image which is of no use? 11 Behold all their makers shall be ashamed, Let all their sculptors who are skilled above other men, Assemble themselves, and let them stand up. They shall be terrified and ashamed together. Cf. Jer 10 (idol worship). He mentions some of the methods, tools and materials which the idol makers employ in the production of their useless gods. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

12 The smith with his tongs. He works in the coals and fashions an image with hammers. He toils with his strong arm, And becomes hungry and weary. He drinks no water and is exhausted. The metal worker works on an idol and gets thirsty, yet his homemade god, the idol does not provide water. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

13 The carpenter draws a line, He marks it out with a stylus. He fits it with planes, And outlines it with the compass. Then he shapes it after the figure of a man, According to the beauty of a human being, to dwell in the house. 14 He cuts down cedars and takes a cypress or an oak, Which he has picked out among the trees of the forest. He plants a fir tree and the rain makes it grow, The wood worker cuts down a tree he did cause to grow, cuts and shapes it in his own image, sets it up in his home and thinks it can benefit him. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

15 Then a man uses it for fuel, He takes some of it to warm himself, With some he kindles a fire and bakes bread. He also makes a god and worships him, He makes himself a graven image and falls down before it. The prophet is amazed at the foolishness of the man who then uses what is left of the same tree out of which he whittled his so called god: to bake bread, to roast meat and beseeching him: ‘save me for thou art my god.’ The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

16 One part he has burned in the fire. With one part he eats meat. He roasts a roast and is satisfied, He warms himself and says: "Ah, I am warm, I have seen the fire." 17 With that which is left he makes a god, an idol, He falls down to it, he worships it and prays to it. And says, "Oh save me, for thou art my god!” The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

18 They do not know and do not understand, For their eyes are glued together so that they cannot see, And their hearts do not comprehend. 19 And none considers it in his heart, Nor has he the knowledge or sense to say: "I have burned the half of it in the fire, And I have baked bread on its hot coals, I have roasted meat and eaten it. And shall I make an abomination with what is left, And fall down to a chunk of wood?" The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

20 He feeds on ashes, A deluded heart has led him astray. He will not save his soul and he will not say: "Is not that which I hold in my hand a lie?" This passage presents the prophet's strongest denunciation of the idols and the ridiculous worship of "a chunk of wood.” He feeds on ashes The idol makers and worshippers are so blind and deluded that they have lost the ability to see and to understand their actions, They have been feeding on ashes for too long. “Is there not a lie in my right hand?” - Cf. Zech 11:17 (contrast to “good shepherd”). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

A call to repentance Isaiah 44:21
21 Remember these things, O Jacob and Israel For thou art my servant. I have formed thee, thou art my own servant, O Israel, do not forget me. Remember these things do not forget me. After exposing the idols as being utterly worthless, Isaiah bids his people to remember that Israel is the servant of the Lord, and must never forget it. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

A call to repentance Isaiah 44:22
22 I have blotted out thy transgressions, like a cloud, And thy sins like a mist. Return to me for I have redeemed thee! I have blotted out thy transgressions like a cloud... Return unto me, for I have redeemed thee... Return unto me is the very heart of the prophetic message. Sadly, it remained mostly unheeded. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

A short hymn of praise Isaiah 44:23
23 Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done it, Shout, you depths of the earth, Break forth into exultation, you mountains, The forest and all its trees, For the LORD has redeemed Jacob And glorified himself in Israel. God formed Israel (Isa. 44:21, 24), Forgave His people their sins (v. 22; see 43:25), And is glorified in them (44:23). This call upon heaven and earth to exult in the redemption of Israel is in harmony with Isaiah 1, which begins with a call to heaven and earth to be witnesses of Israel's rebellion against their maker and redeemer. Now heaven and earth are called upon to take part in the joyful celebration of Israel's redemption. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah has appointed Cyrus Isaiah 44:24
24 Thus says the LORD, thy redeemer, And he who has fashioned thee from the womb, I am the LORD who made all things, Who stretched out the heavens above, Who spread out the earth by himself; Thus says the LORD, thy redeemer. The omnipotent creator of all things is the God who called Israel into being and also redeemed her. Verses are one long sentence. It is logically constructed to prepare for the introduction of Cyrus as Jehovah's shepherd and appointed agent to perform His will. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

25 Who frustrates the signs of the lying prophets, And makes fools of the diviners. Who turns back the wise men, And makes their knowledge foolish, “Tokens” - prognostications or forecasts of the seers. 1 Cor 1:20-25, 18. All the vaunted knowledge of the pagan diviners is foolish nonsense. The God of Israel brings to nought all the vain rattlings of the lying prophets ("baddim"—the babblers). God confirms the message(s) of His servant (in this instance of the prophet Isaiah and of all His messengers, the prophets). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

26 But confirms the word of his servant, And carries out the counsel of his messenger. Who says to Jerusalem: "She shall be inhabited again." And to the cities of Judah: "They shall be rebuilt And I will raise up again their ruins," Never take for granted the privilege we have of knowing and worshipping the true and living God! God says to Jerusalem that she shall be inhabited again and the temple of Jehovah shall be rebuilt. He speaks to His people and is faithful to keep His Word. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Conquest of Jerusalem: Siege 1 The Servitude of the nation
Nebuchadnezzar’s first expedition was before he ascended to the throne; Nebuchadnezzar, son of Nabopolassar, sets up Neo- Babylonian Empire. Babylon rises to power and lays three sieges upon Jerusalem. The first siege of Jerusalem in 606 B.C. sets up Jehoiakim of Judah as a vassal king. It was in this first siege that Daniel and his three friends were deported as teenagers to be educated there and to serve at the Babylonian court. These “hostages” might help assure the continued loyalty of the vassal king in Jerusalem. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Conquest of Jerusalem: Siege 2
Nebuchadnezzar’s 1st year was concurrent with Jehoiakim’s 4th year (Jer 25:1). This initiated a 70-year period known Biblically as the “servitude of the nation.” Despite Jeremiah’s warnings, Jehoiakim revolts 3 years later (2 Kgs 24:1; Dan 1:1,2) after the Egyptians had beaten the Babylonian army in open battle Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem a second time, seized Jehoiakim, and appointed a king of his own choice, Zedekiah (2 Kgs 24:10-17; 2 Kgs 25:1; 2 Chr 36:5-10; Jer 37:1; Jer 39:1; Ezek 24:1). Babylonian Chronicle, as quoted in D.J. Wiseman, Chronicles of Chaldean Kings ( B.C.) in the British Museum, 1956.). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Conquest of Jerusalem: Skilled craftsmen taken
Skilled craftsmen from Judah were deported to assist the immense building program then current at Babylon, In Esagalia and other temples, the spoils of war were dedicated to be displayed on state occasions (2 Chr 36:7; Dan 5:3). Tablets from the vaulted rooms by the Ishtar Gate include four listing rations given to “Yau’kin of Judah”. Five sons of Jehoiachin are also mentioned as well as five carpenters from Judah, presumably captives from the siege of Jerusalem. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Conquest of Jerusalem: Siege 3 Desolation of Jerusalem
Again, despite Jeremiah’s repeated warnings, Zedekiah also rebelled, which led to the third siege by Nebuchadnezzar, and the complete destruction of Jerusalem. This initiates the period known as the “desolations of Jerusalem” that also lasted exactly 70 years. The “desolation of Jerusalem” was a punishment for not yielding to the “servitude” (Jer 27:6,8,11; 38:17-21; Cf. Jer 29:10; Dan 9:2). Many commentators make the mistake of treating the “servitude of the nation” and the “desolation of Jerusalem” as synonyms since they both were predicted to be 70 years long. They are distinct different events separated by years. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Ezekiel’s 430 Years There is a puzzling prophecy in the book of Ezekiel that speaks of 430 years of judgment pronounced upon Israel. (Ezek. 4:1-8) 70 years are accounted for by the Babylonian Captivity leaving 360 years that do not seem to fit any specific interpretation of history. There are passages in Leviticus that indicate that if Israel doesn’t obey the first time, God will multiply her punishment by seven (Lev 26:18, 21, 24, 28). 360 years times 7 equals 2520 years. The Bible deals in 360-day years Converting the 2520 years360 results in 2483 years365 plus 9 months and 21 days: 2483 years ,295 days plus, for leap years days 9 months days 21 days 21 days 2520 years ,200 days The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Ezekiel’s 430 Years: The Servitude of the Nation
If one starts with the first siege of Nebuchadnezzar, which began the “Servitude of the Nation” in 606 B.C., the 70 years of servitude ended in 537 B.C. With July 23, 537 B.C. as the release from servitude, then: -537 y 7 m 23 d (No “year 0”) 2483 y 9 m 21 d 1948 y 5 m 14 d = May 14, 1948 On May 14, 1948, David Ben Gurion, citing the book of Ezekiel as hisauthority, proclaimed Israel as the new Jewish homeland. The nation Israel was reestablished on the very completion of this interval from the end of the “Servitude of the Nation” under Babylon. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Ezekiel’s 430 Years: Desolations of Jerusalem
If one starts with the third siege of Nebuchadnezzar, which began the “Desolations of Jerusalem” in 587 B.C., the 70 years of desolations ended in 518 B.C. With August 16, 518 B.C. as the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, then: -518 y 8 m 16 d 1 (No “year 0”) 2483 y 9 m 21 d 1967 y 6 m d = June 7, 1967. On June 7, 1967, as a consequence of the “Six Day War,” the Old City of Jerusalem fell under Israeli control for the first time since Jesus’ prediction: “...Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Luke 21:24 Israel regained Jerusalem at the very completion of this same interval since the “Desolations of Jerusalem” under Babylon. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Nebuchadnezzar’s Successors
Nebuchadnezzar’s death was followed by a steady weakening of the regime. His successor, Amel-Marduk (“Evil-Merodach” of 2 Kgs 25:27; Jer 52:31), ruled two years. He was replaced in 560 B.C. after an army coup by the commander in chief, Neriglissar (Nergal-Sharezar of Jer 39:3), son-in-law of Nebuchadnezzar. After frequent absences from active service, he was ousted. His weak son Labashi-Marduck lasted a few months before another coup d’etat brought Nabonidus to the throne. Soon after his election, Nabonidus led the army to Palestine and Northern Arabia, leaving his son Belshazzar as co-regent in Babylon. Nabonidus’ decision to stay in Arabia resulted from his unpopularity at home as much as from his desire to found a settlement there with exiles from Palestine. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Nebuchadnezzar’s Successors
In Babylon there had been inflation brought on both by the continuing military expenditure and by the extensive program of public works begun by Nebuchadnezzar. This inflation rate amounted to 50% between 560 B.C. and 530 B.C., resulting in widespread famine. In the last year of Nabonidus, the Babylon Chronicle (British Museum) records that the idols of the cities around Babylon, except Borsippa, Kutha, and Sippar, were brought in, an action taken only at the sign of impending war. A cylinder, one of four bearing the same text found at the corners of the ziggurat at Ur, is inscribed in Babylonian cuneiform: prayer to the moon-god Sin, to whom the Ziggurat is consecrated; mentions “Belshazzar, the son first (born) the offspring of my heart (body).” Inscriptions designate Daniel as “the 3rd Ruler in the kingdom” (Dan 5:29). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The Rise of Cyrus Cyrus II (“the Great,” B.C.) was the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire that continued for two centuries until the time of Alexander the Great (331 B.C.). Cyrus’ father, Cambyses I ( B.C.), was king of Anshan, a region in eastern Elam. His mother was Mandane, a daughter of Astyages, king of Media ( B.C.). When Cambyses died in 559 B.C., Cyrus inherited the throne of Anshan and, after unifying the Persian people, attacked the weak and corrupt Astyages. The Median general Harpagus, whom Astyages had previously wronged, deserted the king and brought his army to the side of the young Cyrus. Astyages was soon captured and the Persians took the capital city of Ecbatana in 550 B.C. without a battle. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The Rise of Cyrus Cyrus welded the Medes and Persians into a unified nation. Moving swiftly to the west, he absorbed all the Median territories as far as the Halys River in Asia Minor. When Croesus, the fabulously wealthy king of Lydia, refused to recognize the sovereignty of Medo-Persia, Cyrus defeated him in battle and took over his empire in 546 B.C. Seven years later, he was ready to launch the great assault against Babylon itself. Babylon was in no position to resist a Medo-Persian invasion in the year 539 B.C. During the preceding 14 years, Nabonidus the king had not so much as visited the capital city, leaving the administration of the metropolis to his profligate son Belshazzar, to whom he also “entrusted the kingship.” Nabonidus further weakened the empire by incurring the displeasure of the powerful Babylonian priesthood. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The Rise of Cyrus Toward the end of September, the armies of Cyrus, under the able command of Ugbaru, district governor of Gutium, attacked Opis on the Tigris River and defeated the Babylonians. This gave the Persians control of the vast canal system of Babylon. On October 10, Sippar was taken without a battle and Nabonidus fled. Two days later, on October 12, 539 B.C, Ugbaru’s troops were able to enter Babylon without a battle. Herodotus (1.191) describes how the Persians diverted the River Euphrates into the basin of Sepharvaim, a canal up- river so that the water level dropped “to the height of the middle of a man’s thigh,” which thus rendered the flood defenses useless and enabled the invaders to march through the river bed to enter by night. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Handwriting on the Wall: Mene Mene Tekel Peres
Daniel 5: The Talmud suggests that the writing was vertical and backwards: (Aramaic, like Hebrew, reads from right to left. Mene: Numbered, reckoned. “God hath numbered thy kingdom and finished it.” Tekel: Weighed. “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” Peres: (rendered ‘upharsin’: ‘u’ is Aramaic for “and”; “pharsin” is the plural form of “peres”): Broken, divided. “Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and the Persians.” (By implying a different vowel, “paras” rather than “peres.” It also becomes a play on words; paras was the word for Persia.) The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Handwriting on the Wall: Mene Mene Tekel Peres
This same night the Persians conquered Babylon! There was no battle! Babylonian Temple services were not interrupted, Cyrus’ attitude was to honor the gods of his conquered. For 200 years Babylon was the secondary capital of the Persians. Babylon was not destroyed. While prophecies predict that Babylon will be destroyed (Jer. 50, 51; Isa 13, 14; Rev 17, 18). Babylon will be destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah, with hailstones of fire. Babylon will again rise to power. Saddam Hussein actually began rebuilding Babylon. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Babylon The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Acts 17: Thes 5:21

God’s Personal Letter to Cyrus
Cyrus was able to boast that the conquest was almost bloodless with no significant damage to the city. Daniel (who lived until the third year of Cyrus) presented Cyrus with the writings of Isaiah (Josephus, Antiq. XI, I.2) that includes a letter addressed to Cyrus by name, written 150 years earlier: Isaiah 44: :7. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

27 Who says to the deep: "Be dry, And I will dry up thy rivers.“ Who says to the deep: Be dry... He will dry up the deep, a possible allusion to the action of Cyrus in diverting the Euphrates and the canals surrounding Babylon into an artificial lake, before he captured the great Babylonian metropolis. Jehovah is about to perform another miracle. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

28 Who says to Cyrus: "He is my shepherd And will carry out all my will," Saying to Jerusalem: "She shall be rebuilt" And to the temple: "Its foundation shall be laid.“ Who says to Cyrus: he is my shepherd. Cyrus, as yet unborn, is predicted by name about 150 years before the events. Also study Josiah in 1 Kgs 13:2 written 300 years before his birth, and Dan 11, 300 years before its events. The name Cyrus, in Hebrew "Koresh appears on ancient Persian monuments as Kuru, which is also the name of a river in southern Persia. It is generally assumed that the name Cyrus was derived from the name of that river. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

28 Who says to Cyrus: "He is my shepherd And will carry out all my will," Saying to Jerusalem: "She shall be rebuilt" And to the temple: "Its foundation shall be laid.“ Cyrus, my shepherd. Cf. Ezra 1:2-4. When Isaiah wrote this Jerusalem had not yet been destroyed. Yet, here he notes that even the foundation will be rebuilt (implying at the time of writing that it will be destroyed). The name Cyrus, in Hebrew “Koresh“ appears on ancient Persian monuments as Kuru, which is also the name of a river in southern Persia. It is generally assumed that the name Cyrus was derived from the name of that river.. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

28 Who says to Cyrus: "He is my shepherd And will carry out all my will," Saying to Jerusalem: "She shall be rebuilt" And to the temple: "Its foundation shall be laid.“ Cyrus, my shepherd. According to Josephus, when this passage of Isaiah, which mentions Cyrus as the liberator of the Jews, was brought to the attention of the king, he promptly decreed the return of the Jews to Jerusalem and gave them permission to rebuild the temple. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Cyrus Appointed to Deliver Israel From Babylon
ISAIAH 45 Cyrus Appointed to Deliver Israel From Babylon The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

“I am the Lord, and there is none else”
Isaiah 45:1-25 3. GOD IS GREATER THAN OUR ENEMIES (45:1—48:22) These chapters deal with the overthrow of Babylon, and one of the major themes is, “I am the Lord, and there is none else” (45:5—6, 14, 18, 21—22; 46:9). Jehovah again reveals Himself as the true and living God in contrast to the dumb and dead idols. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Cyrus’ victory for Israel’s sake Isa 45:1
1 Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, Whom I have taken by his right hand, To subdue nations before him, And to render kings helpless, To open doors before him, And to keep the gates from being shut again. Written 150 years before the events, calling Cyrus by name a century before he was born, and outlining the tactics that would be used to conquer Babylon. Anointed – Cyrus, a gentile king, was anointed by God, designated by this title as God's chosen agent who is to deliver Israel from Babylonian bondage. In this sense a “messiah,” an “anointed one.” The only instance in Scripture in which a gentile ruler is referred to us Mashiach—"Anointed one," a title of honor reserved for the kings and the high priests of Israel, and for the Savior par excellence, the Messiah (see Dan 7:14). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

1 Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, Whom I have taken by his right hand, To subdue nations before him, And to render kings helpless, To open doors before him, And to keep the gates from being shut again. Subdue nations - 46 nations (among which were the Medes, Babylonians, Lydians, Carians, Caunians, Lysians, Bactrians, Sacae, Parthians, Hyracanians, Chorasmians, Sogdians, Arians of Herat, Zarangians, Arachosians, Satagydians, Gandarians). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

1 Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, Whom I have taken by his right hand, To subdue nations before him, And to render kings helpless, To open doors before him, And to keep the gates from being shut again. To render kings helpless before him. Literally "to ungird the loins of kings,“ loosen their belts to which their weapons were attached, rendering them helpless. The opposite of this phrase is "to gird" (v. 5). “Loose the loins of kings” - Cf. Dan 5:6 [ISV] While the king watched the back of the hand as it was writing, his facial expression changed. Utterly frightened, he lost control of his own bowels and his knees knocked together. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

1 Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, Whom I have taken by his right hand, To subdue nations before him, And to render kings helpless, To open doors before him, And to keep the gates from being shut again. “Gates not being shut” – The unguarded access way through the llowered river bed allowed Cyrus’ army to capture and unlock the city gates. Babylon didn’t know it had been captured until the city awoke the next morning. “Two-leaved gates” - the double gates of Babylon. Cyrus conquered the supposedly impenetrable city of Babylon, the greatest and richest metropolis of Asia. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

1 Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, Whom I have taken by his right hand, To subdue nations before him, And to render kings helpless, To open doors before him, And to keep the gates from being shut again. Cyrus and his dynasty were enlightened and humane rulers. After the capture of Babylon in 539 B.C., Cyrus encouraged the Jews and many other captive peoples, including the Assyrians, to return to their homelands. Cyrus even contributed generously to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem (2 Chron. 36:22, 23; Ezra 1:2 5:13; 6:3, 4). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:2 2 I will go before thee and make the crooked places straight, I will break the doors of brass, And cut in pieces the iron gates. The doors of brass.. . the bars of iron Herodotus, who in his worldwide travels visited Babylon, declared: "There are a hundred gates to the circuit of the wall, all of bronze with bronze uprights and lintels.“ God paved the way for Cyrus in his conquests providing him swift, ‘straight’ paths – removing obstacles, breaking down barriers, doors, and gates that would have otherwise blocked him - all while the pagan king Cyrus was unaware of God’s actions on his behalf or that God was using him as God’s tool. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:3 3 I will give thee the treasures of darkness,
And the hidden riches of secret places, That thou mayest know that I am the LORD, He who calls thee by thy name, the God of Israel. 3 The treasures of darkness. .. the hidden riches... Babylon, the world center of commerce, the mistress of Mesopotamia, was rich beyond all calculation. Her fabulous treasures were hoarded in the secret vaults of her famous temples and palaces. Private citizens could deposit their wealth in the temple vaults and were given a receipt. Thus the Babylonian temples were the forerunners of our modern banks. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:4 4 For the sake of my servant Jacob
and for Israel my chosen one, Have I called thee by thy name, and have surnamed thee, Although thou hast not known me. For the sake of my servant Jacob I have called thee by thy name The victories of Cyrus were for the sake of Israel, beloved for their fathers' sake, even in their state of rebellion. Just as the Assyrians and the Babylonians were formerly used to punish Israel, so Cyrus would now be the agent of divine compassion, to set them free. Jehovah singled out Calling Cyrus by name, is a testimony of God to Israel and to the nations of the world that God alone is the omnipotent, omniscient and sovereign God, the God of the impossible. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:5-6 5 I am the LORD, and there is none other,
Beside me there is no God. I have girded thee, though thou hast not known me. 6 That they may know from the rising to the setting of the sun, That there is none beside me, I am the LORD there is none else. None other. There is no other God, only the Lord of Hosts. All others are false claims motivated by pride, deceit, and foolishness. In contrast to Zend-Auesta (Zoroustrian dualism - as in Star Wars, etc.). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:7 7 I form H3335 the light and create H1254 darkness,
I make H6213 peace and create H1254 evil, I the LORD do all this. I form light and create darkness. Gen 1:3-4 God said, “Light be, … separated H914 light from darkness. Ignore, close your eyes to light, remove the visible light from your sight and you are left in darkness, unable to see what is … – truth … Form H3335 yâtsar to form, fashion, frame, shape Create H1254 bârâ‘ new conditions and circumstances; new things Make H6213 ‛âśâh to cause, work, produce, accomplish, Separate H914 bâdal to divide, separate, sever into parts The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:7 7 I form the light and create darkness,
I make peace and create evil, I the LORD do all this. I make peace and create evil. This verse is appropriate for Cyrus, because the Persians believed that the world is ruled by two gods, Ahura Mazda, the god of light and goodness, and Ahriman, the god of darkness and evil. “Peace” – shalom H7965 quiet, tranquillity, contentment, friendship with God and between and within men. “Evil” - means “adversity,” calamity; the consequences of sin. God didn’t create sin (Hab 1:13; 2 Tim 2:13; Tit 1:2; Jas 1:13; 1 Jn 1:5), but he assures the consequences of sin. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Sin = “misses the mark” of God’s established right way.
I make peace and create evil Evil is the result of sin and sinning… God didn’t “create” sin (Hab 1:13; 2Ti 2:13; Tit 1:2; Js 1:13; 1Jn 1:5) but he assures the consequences of sin. Man chooses his own actions and thoughts. God creates, determines, establishes ‘righteousness’ Man chooses to not follow it. Jas_4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. G266 G266 hamartia to miss the mark, to wander from the path of uprightness and honor, to do or go wrong Sin = “misses the mark” of God’s established right way. Gal_6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 45:7 The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

A Brief Hymn Isaiah 45:8 8 Pour down you heavens from above,
And the skies rain down righteousness. Let the earth open up and bring forth salvation, And let her cause righteousness to spring up together. I, the LORD, have created it. “drop down” or distill. This brief hymn is in anticipation of the Messianic times when salvation and justice will fill the earth. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Answer to those who question the ways of the Lord. Isaiah 45:9-10
9 Woe to him who contends with his Maker, A potsherd among earthen potsherds. Shall the clay say to the potter: "What art thou doing?" Or, "Thy work has no hands.“ 10 Woe to him who says to his father: "What hast thou begotten?" Or to his mother: "To what hast thou given birth?" This passage seems to be directed against some of the exiles who apparently resented that Jehovah should use Cyrus, a pagan ruler, to deliver Israel, instead of a Davidic king. Cyrus was God ‘s human agent for the conquest, but it was Jehovah who gave the victories. Anyone who opposed Cyrus was arguing with God. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

9 Woe to him who contends with his Maker, A potsherd among earthen potsherds. Shall the clay say to the potter: "What art thou doing?" Or, "Thy work has no hands.“ 10 Woe to him who says to his father: "What hast thou begotten?" Or to his mother: "To what hast thou given birth?" Woe to him who contends with his Maker Israel is warned not to question God (Cf Jer 18:1-10; Rom 9:20, 21; Ps 2:9). To do so is an act of hubris, of supreme arrogance. It is like a shard of clay commanding the potter. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

9 Woe to him who contends with his Maker, A potsherd among earthen potsherds. Shall the clay say to the potter: "What art thou doing?" Or, "Thy work has no hands.“ 10 Woe to him who says to his father: "What hast thou begotten?" Or to his mother: "To what hast thou given birth?“ Thy work has no hands This seems to have been a common expression still used today among some Jews, to describe something which does not make sense. This impious act of questioning God’s actions is compared to a child questioning his parents why they conceived him or gave birth to him. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:11 11 Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel and his Maker: Would you question me concerning the things which are to come? Or command me concerning my sons and the works of my hands? 11 Would you question me? God uses His authentication of His message by describing things yet to happen, prophecy. Precisely, right 100% of the time! It is outrageous for man (finite in wisdom and knowledge) to question God. Just leave these things with the God who created heaven and earth and man himself. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:12 12 I alone made the earth, H6213
And the men upon it, I have created. H1254 My own hands have stretched H5186 forth the heavens, And I have ordered H6680 all its hosts. “stretched out the heavens” - like a curtain, space-time curvilinear domain. An expanding universe… Make H6213 ‛âśâh to cause, work, produce, accomplish Create H1254 bârâ‘ new conditions and circumstances; new things Stretched H5186 nâṭâh extend, spread out, bend, bow Ordered H6680 tsâvâh command, give charge, ordain, set in place The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

I have made H6213 [ASAH] the earth, H776 and created H1254 [BARA] man H120 upon H5921 it: I, even my hands, H3027 have stretched out H5186 the heavens, H8064 and all H3605 their host H6635 have I commanded. H6680 H120 man אדם 'âdâm 1) man, mankind 1a) man, human being 1b) man, mankind (much more frequently intended sense in OT) 1c) Adam, first man 1d) city in Jordan valley H upon על ‛al 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against (preposition) 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative) 2) because that, because, notwithstanding, although (conjunction) H stretched out נטה nâṭâh 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (figuratively) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away BDB Definitions

I have made H6213 the earth, H776 and created H1254 man H120 upon H5921 it: I, even my hands, H3027 have stretched out H5186 the heavens, H8064 and all H3605 their host H6635 have I commanded. H6680 H all כּול / כּל kôl / kôl 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything H host צבאה / צבא tsâbâ' / tsebâ'âh 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service H commanded צוה tsâvâh 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded BDB Definitions

Isaiah 45:13 13 I myself have also raised him up to righteousness,
And I will make level all his ways. He will rebuild my city, and set my exiles free, Not for a price, nor for a bribe, says the LORD of hosts. I have raised him up in righteousness God raised up Cyrus to do His specific will, and nothing would prevent him from succeeding. The same God who created the universe has also appointed Cyrus to set the exiles free and to rebuild Jerusalem, "my city." Cyrus will do it of his own free will and not for a bribe. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The nations shall turn to the God of Israel Isaiah 45:14
14 Thus says the Lord: The toil of Egypt and the wealth of Ethiopia, Of the Sabeans, men of stature, Shall come over to thee and be thine, They shall go after thee and come over in fetters, They shall fall down before thee, and implore thee: Surely God is in thy midst and there is none other, There is no other God. The toil of Egypt and the wealth of Ethiopia. . . shall come over to thee At first glance Israel would seem to be the addressee, But Israel never waged war against Egypt or Ethiopia. Cyrus would appear to be the more logical addressee. But neither did Cyrus himself conquer Egypt and Ethiopia. This conquest was left to Cambyses, the son of Cyrus. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The nations shall turn to the God of Israel Isaiah 45:14
14 Thus says the Lord: The toil of Egypt and the wealth of Ethiopia, Of the Sabeans, men of stature, Shall come over to thee and be thine, They shall go after thee and come over in fetters, They shall fall down before thee, and implore thee: Surely God is in thy midst and there is none other, There is no other God. This prophecy has an eschatological character. It is a vision of the ultimate things which will come to pass at the end of times. At that time the nations will voluntarily come over to the God of Israel. Verse 14 corresponds to the message of Isaiah 2:2-4. The future history of redemption is seen in order to dramatize the ultimate purpose of God. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:15 15 Truly thou art a God who hidest thyself,
The God of Israel, the Saviour. Truly thou art a God who hidest thyself The idols cannot save Babylon (v. 20), But God is the Savior of Israel (vv. 15, 17). The actions of Jehovah and His often seemingly strange ways are not easily discernible. Especially to him who has not learned to walk in the Lord's paths, nor to trust Him and His word. Prophecy is promise yet to be fulfilled. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:16-17 16 They shall be ashamed and confounded all of them,
The makers of idols shall go in confusion. 17 But Israel shall be saved by the LORD With an everlasting salvation. They shall never, no never, be ashamed or confounded. The pagan deities were conspicuous, of monumental proportions. Not so Jehovah. He is discernible only to the eye of faith. Yet He is the Savior of Israel and those who trust in Him shall never be ashamed. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Look unto me all the ends of the earth Isa 45:18
18 For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens, He is God, he formed the earth and made it, he established it. He did not create it to be a void, but formed it to be inhabited, I am the LORD and there is none other. This passage reaches out beyond Israel to embrace all of humanity in God's infinite mercy and salvation. It is a declaration of the sovereignty and majesty of the LORD and His redemptive purpose for all men. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

18 For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens, He is God, he formed the earth and made it, he established it. He did not create it to be a void, but formed it to be inhabited, I am the LORD and there is none other. Gen 1:1 In the beginningH7225 GodH430 createdH1254a the heavensH8064 and the earthH Gen 1:2 The earthH776 was formlessH8414 and voidH922, and darknessH2822 was overH5921 the surfaceH6440 of the deepH8415, and the SpiritH7307 of GodH430 was movingH7363b overH5921 the surfaceH6440 of the watersH4325. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

We will not find any missing links between the animals and mankind.
The Hebrew Bible uses the English word translated ‘Create’ in several ways. When we read it today we think of it primarily in only one way Created ‘Bara’ H > bringing something into existence out of nothing Day 1: Gen 1: Bara Heavens, Earth, “Earth brought forth…” We may discover some missing links between the earth and plants. 5th Day: Gen 1:21 Bara ”…fill the waters in the seas, … multiply on the earth." We may discover some missing links between the animals. We will not find any missing links between the earth and plants and the animals. 6th Day: Gen 1:27 Bara “…fill the earth, and subdue it; … rule over … every living thing that moves on the earth." We may discover some links within and among mankind. We will not find any missing links between the animals and mankind. Creation methods God used – God’s processes Formed H3335 – Yatsa to form, fashion, frame, to shape Made H6213 – Asah to build, make, assemble, grow Established H3559 -kûn to set up, accomplish, make firm, make ready, to furnish

‘bara’: created new, from nothing in Gen 1-2
Day 1: Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 5th Day: Gen 1:21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 6th Day: Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. EoWk: Gen 2:3-4 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. [4] These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens,

Methods used – God’s processes
The Hebrew Bible uses the English word translated ‘Create’ in several ways. When we read it today we think of it primarily in only one way ‘Bara’ H1254 > bringing something into existence out of nothing Methods used – God’s processes Isa 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created H Bara him for my glory, I have formed H Yatsa him; yea, I have made H Asah him. ‘Asah’ H6213 > Form by fashioning, to fabricate from something… ‘Yatsa’ H3335 > Form by making, produce, prepare, build from… Isa 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created H Bara the heavens; God himself that formed H Yatsa the earth and made H Asah it; he hath established H3559 -kûn it, he created H Bara it not in vain, he formed H Asah it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. ‘Kûn’ H3559 > to set up, accomplish, make firm, make ready, to furnish [To set up / To prepare / To put in order…]

thus says the LORD, who created the heavens Isaiah 45:12
I have made H6213 [ASAH] the earth, H776 and created H1254 [BARA] man H120 upon H5921 it: I, even my hands, H3027 have stretched out H5186 the heavens, H8064 and all H3605 their host H6635 have I commanded. H6680 H made עשׂה ‛âśâh 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made 2) (Piel) to press, squeeze H בּרא bârâ' 1) to create, shape, form 1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject) 1a1) of heaven and earth 1a2) of individual man 1a3) of new conditions and circumstances 1a4) of transformations 1b) (Niphal) to be created 1b1) of heaven and earth 1b2) of birth 1b3) of something new 1b4) of miracles 1c) (Piel) / 1c1) to cut down / 1c2) to cut out 2) to be fat / 2a) (Hiphil) to make yourselves fat BDB Definitions

thus says the LORD, who created the heavens Isaiah 45:18
For thus saith the LORD H3068 that created H1254 bara the heavens; H8064 God H430 himself that formed H3335 the earth H776 and made H6213 it; he hath established H3559 it, he created H1254 it not in vain, H8414 he formed H3335 it to be inhabited: H3427 I am the LORD; H3068 and there is none else. H formed יצר yâtsar 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (figuratively of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed H vain תּהוּ tôhû 1) formlessness, confusion, unreality, emptiness 1a) formlessness (of primeval earth) 1a1) nothingness, empty space 1b) that which is empty or unreal (of idols) (figuratively) 1c) wasteland, wilderness (of solitary places) 1d) place of chaos 1e) vanity H bârâ‘ CREATE H ‘âśâh MAKE H יyâtsar FORGE / FORM H kûn ESTABLISH / ARRANGE / SET UP H inhabited ישׁב yâshab 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one’s abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell BDB Definitions

18 For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens, He is God, he formed the earth and made it, he established it. He did not create it to be a void, but formed it to be inhabited, I am the LORD and there is none other. For thus says the LORD who created the heavens and formed the earth... The purpose of the Creator is not that the earth should be primordial (wasteland—tohu), as at creation, but that it should be inhabited by men. However, unless men turn from their wickedness and idol worship to the service of God, the earth would revert to her primeval condition and become a wasteland. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Genesis 1:1 - created H1254 (H853)
In the beginningH7225 GodH430 created H1254 (H853) the heavenH8064 and the earth.H776 H בּרא bârâ' 1) to create, shape, form 1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject) 1a1) of heaven and earth 1a2) of individual man 1a3) of new conditions and circumstances 1a4) of transformations 1b) (Niphal) to be created 1b1) of heaven and earth 1b2) of birth 1b3) of something new 1b4) of miracles 1c) (Piel) / 1c1) to cut down / 1c2) to cut out 2) to be fat / 2a) (Hiphil) to make yourselves fat BARA: bring forth something that is radically new; produce that which is new, extraordinary, and/or epochal; produce through supernatural activity Total KJV Occurrences: 53 created, 33 create, 8 creator, 3 choose, 2 cut, 2 createth, 1 dispatch, 1 done, 1 fat, 1 make, 1 Total KJV Occurrences: 53 created, 33 Gen_1:1, Gen_1:21, Gen_1:27 (3), Gen_2:3-4 (2), Gen_5:1-2 (3), Gen_6:7, Deu_4:32, Psa_89:12, Psa_102:18, Psa_104:30, Psa_148:5, Isa_40:26, Isa_41:20, Isa_42:5, Isa_43:1, Isa_45:7-8 (2), Isa_45:12, Isa_45:18 (2), Isa_48:7, Isa_54:16 (2), Jer_31:22, Eze_21:30, Eze_28:13, Eze_28:15, Mal_2:10 create, 8 Psa_51:10 (2), Isa_4:5, Isa_45:7 (2), Isa_57:19, Isa_65:17-18 (3) creator, 3 Ecc_12:1, Isa_40:28, Isa_43:15 choose, 2 Eze_21:19 (2) cut, 2 Jos_17:15, Jos_17:18 createth, 1 Amo_4:13 dispatch, 1 Eze_23:47 done, 1 Exo_34:10 fat, 1 1Sa_2:29 make, 1 Num_16:29-30 (2) H853 את 'êth untranslated particle sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative There are several forms which a verb can take. These are given names taken from their sound in a paradigm verb: Qal, Niphal, Hiphil, Piel, Pual, Hithpael, etc… BDB Definitions

Genesis 1:2 - without form, H8414 and void; H922
And the earth H776 was H1961 without form, H8414 and void; H922 and darkness H2822 was upon H5921 the face H6440 of the deep. H8415 And the Spirit H7307 of God H430 moved H7363 upon H5921 the face H6440 of the waters. H4325 [without form, and void] Hebrew: (HSN-8414) (HSN-922), "waste and empty" (Jer 4:23). The earth wasn't created tohuw (Isaiah 45:18), but "became" this way because of sin. H without form תּהוּ tôhû 1) formlessness, confusion, unreality, emptiness 1a) formlessness (of primeval earth) 1a1) nothingness, empty space 1b) that which is empty or unreal (of idols) (figuratively) 1c) wasteland, wilderness (of solitary places) 1d) place of chaos 1e) vanity H922 void בּהוּ bôhû 1) emptiness, void, waste tôhû Total KJV Occurrences: 24 vain, 4 1Sa_12:21 (2), Isa_45:18-19 (2) vanity, 4 Isa_40:17, Isa_40:23, Isa_44:9, Isa_59:4 confusion, 3 Isa_34:10-11 (2), Isa_41:29 form, 2 Gen_1:2, Jer_4:23 nothing, 2 Job_6:18, Isa_40:17 nought, 2 Isa_29:21, Isa_49:4 wilderness, 2 Job_12:24, Psa_107:40 without, 2 Gen_1:2, Jer_4:23 empty, 1 Job_26:7 place, 1 Job_26:7 (2) waste, 1 Deu_32:10 bôhû Total KJV Occurrences: 3 void, 2 Gen_1:2, Jer_4:23 emptiness, 1 Isa_34:11 Total KJV Occurrences: 3 void, 2 emptiness, 1 TOHUW: desolated; confused; worthless; wasteness; useless; incapable of being utilized BOHUW: empty; void; devoid of existence; waste Total KJV Occurrences: 24 vain, 4 vanity, 4 confusion, 3 form, 2 nothing, 2 nought, 2 wilderness, 2 without, 2 empty, 1 place, 1 waste, 1 BDB Definitions

The Gap Theory Gen 1:1-2 (1) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (2) [*] The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. [*] First word of Gen 1:2, “and” should be “but” (ex. Gen 2:17; 17:21). Many translations leave it out altogether. The structure implies adversative, contrast. When this word is used it implies a time delay or time sequence Ex 2:1-2, 8 year period; Deut 10:5-6, 38 year period; 1Chr 10:14; 11:1, 7 year period; Ezek 6,22, 7:1, 58 year period “but” implies a reversal and a delay. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The Gap Theory Gen 1:1-2 (1) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (2) The earth was H1961 formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. H1961 hâyâh become, come to pass, to occur, be brought about Gen 1:1-2: “was” is an active verb, not passive. Should be “became.” (As in Gen 19:26, “Lot’s wife became..”) “tohu” desolation, vain, confusion. “v” - - and “bohu” - - emptiness. Isa 45:18 For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens, He is God, he formed the earth and made it, he established it. He did not create it to be a void, but formed it to be inhabited, I am the LORD and there is none other. The grammar and the link between Gen 1:2 and Isa 45:18 suggests that a gap occurred between Gen 1:1 and Gen 1:2. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The Gap Theory Gen 1:1-2 (1) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (2) [*] The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. [*] “but” implies a reversal and a delay. When did Satan fall? Somewhere before Genesis Chapter3. Some scholars conjecture that this happened between the first two verses (Cf. Ezek 28). “Tohu v’bohu” appears elsewhere, always suggesting desolation as a result of judgment (Cf. Isa 34:11; Jer 4:23- 27). Some suggest that is what is meant in Gen 1:2, perhaps in response to the judgment of Lucifer. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:19 19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place.
I did not say to the children of Jacob: "Seek me in vain." I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things which are right. I have not spoken in secret. . . in a dark place Cf. John_18:20; Isa_45:19, Isa_48:16; Amo_3:7 Unlike the obscure and vague utterances of the idol-worshipping prognosticators, the revelation of Jehovah is clear and just; it is accessible to all men and not just to a few, who are initiated, as in the pagan mysteries. Israel was not condemned to a hopeless and fruitless search for God, like the Athenians, who in their search for God, erected an altar dedicated to the Unknown God (Acts 17:23). The God of Israel speaks that which is just and right. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:20 20 Gather yourselves together, come and draw near, you survivors of the nations. They who carry around the wood of their graven images, they do not know, All they who pray to a god who cannot help. Gather yourselves together and come An invitation to the pagan survivors, those who will remain at the cataclysmic end of time. The call is addressed to all idol worshippers who carry around their wooden images and pray to a god who cannot help them. These verses are an invitation to all men to turn to God and live. It is later echoed in the gospel. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:21 21 Come forward and declare, yes, take counsel together:
Who has declared all this from ancient time? Who has foretold this of old? Was it not I, Jehovah? There was no other God beside me, A God who is just and a Saviour, There is none beside me. Jehovah a righteous God and a Saviour Note reference to two: a just God AND a Saviour. In contrast to the pitiful idols who have to be carried about by their worshippers, Jehovah is omnipotent and omniscient, He alone is the God who makes known the future far in advance. Isaiah repeatedly emphasizes the reality of Jehovah by pointing to predictive prophecy as an integral part of divine revelation which authenticates the true prophet. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:22 22 Look unto me and be you saved all the ends of the earth, For I am God and there is none other. Look unto me, and be you saved, all the ends of the earth He offers salvation to the whole world. Jehovah's love is not limited to Israel alone, God cares for all humanity and invites all men to "look unto me and be saved." This contradicts all those who maintain that the God of the Old Testament is a cruel, narrow minded and hard hearted God. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Mt. 11:28). Cf. Num 21:8-9; and John 3:14-15 brass = judgment, serpent = sin: symbolic of One who was made sin for us The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:23 23 I have sworn by myself,
The word of righteousness has gone forth out of my mouth. It will not return void, That unto me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall swear: I have sworn by myself God's immutable will to accomplish His purpose. The first line of the parallelism is followed by the second: The word of righteousness has gone forth from my mouth It will not return void Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth It shall not return unto me void. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:23 23 I have sworn by myself,
The word of righteousness has gone forth out of my mouth. It will not return void, That unto me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall swear: His Righteousness, not ours! God's word of righteousness is His eternal plan and purpose. It is the eternal, creative inviolable Logos which abides forever. Phil 2:10 That unto me shall every knee bow, every tongue shall swear - every knee, Satan included God's ultimate purpose is that all men should come to a saving knowledge of Him and acknowledge Him as sovereign and supreme Lord. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Isaiah 45:24 24 Surely only in Jehovah, shall one say,
Is there righteousness and strength. And to him shall all they who defied him come and be ashamed. Only in the LORD. . . is righteousness and strength This will be the ultimate confession of repentant humanity, acknowledging God as righteous and the only one who is able to save. To him shall all they who defied him (lit. were burned up against him). They who have lived in defiance of God will in the end be compelled to come to Him and confess with shame that they were misguided. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

God has not abandoned and will not let His people down.
Isaiah 45:25 25 But in the LORD shall all the seed of Israel Be justified and glory. Isaiah sums up his message to his people saying, that In spite of all their soul-shattering experiences and sins, Israel will in the end be justified in their faith and they will ultimately glory in Jehovah. God has not abandoned and will not let His people down. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

ISAIAH 46 Jehovah versus the dumb idols
The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Power and Compassion of Jehovah Isa 46:1
1 Bel teeters, Nebo totters, Their images are thrust upon beasts and cattle, That which you carried about Has now become a burden to the weary animals. Bel teeters, Nebo totters Bel, the equivalent of the Hebrew baal (lord) was the generic name for any god. When used as a proper name, it refers to Marduk, the supreme deity of Babylon. In Babylonian mythology he appears as the creator. The Greeks called him Zeus or Jupiter. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

1 Bel teeters, Nebo totters, Their images are thrust upon beasts and cattle, That which you carried about Has now become a burden to the weary animals. Bel teeters, Nebo totters The magnificent and enormous temple of Bel stood on the banks of the Euphrates and is described by Herodotus: The temple is a square building, two furlongs each way with bronze gates, which was still in existence in my time. It has a solid central tower one furlong square, with a second erected on top of it then a third, and so on up to eight… On the summit stands a great temple… In the temple there is a second shrine lower down in which there is a great sitting figure of Bel, all of gold on a golden throne, supported on a base of gold, with a golden table standing beside it. I was told by the Chaldeans that to make all this, more than twenty-two tons of gold were used. Outside the temple is a golden altar… The golden altar is reserved for sucklings only. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

1 Bel teeters, Nebo totters, Their images are thrust upon beasts and cattle, That which you carried about Has now become a burden to the weary animals. Bel teeters, Nebo totters Bel was the Babylonian sun god and Nebo was his son, the god of writing and learning and wisdom. Nebo comes from the same root as the Hebrew nabi: prophet. In Babylonian mythology Nebo is presented as the spokesman of the gods, just like Mercury, mentioned in Acts 14:12. Nebo was also the supreme god of Nineveh. At the approach of the Persians, the worshippers of these gods sought to save them by loading them on beasts of burden (camels and elephants) and on cattle (horses, asses and oxen). Neither one nor both of them together could not stop Cyrus! The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

2 They teeter and totter together. They could not save the burden, And they themselves are gone into captivity. They teeter and totter together describes the act of removing the idols from their temple and their final humiliation. The gods who were once carried about with great pomp in festive, annual processions of enthronement, are now pathetically helpless, a burden to the animals. The gods cannot rescue themselves nor save their worshippers. Captivity – We are free to make choices but we become enslaved to these choices. We become captive to our own appetites. You become like the gods you worship. Make sure that you are worshipping Jesus! The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah carries His people Isa 46:3-4
3 Hear me, you house of Jacob, and all the remnant of Israel Who have been a burden to me from birth And were carried from the womb. 4 Even in your old age I am the same And to your hoary hair I will carry you. I have made you and I will bear you, I will carry you and will deliver you. Jacob is used versus Israel. Israel is often spoken of as God’s firstborn. “Carried from the womb” can be speaking of the 12 tribes of Israel or the nation as if it had been born in Egypt. As the Babylonians fled from the enemy, they had to carry their gods, but their gods went into captivity with the prisoners of war! God assures His people that He will carry them from the womb to the tomb. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah carries His people Isa 46:3-4
3 Hear me, you house of Jacob, and all the remnant of Israel Who have been a burden to me from birth And were carried from the womb. 4 Even in your old age I am the same And to your hoary hair I will carry you. I have made you and I will bear you, I will carry you and will deliver you. As the Babylonians fled carrying their gods with them, their gods went into captivity with the prisoners of war! God assures His people that He will carry them from the womb to the tomb. A magnificent contrast between the dumb, helpless idols who have to be carried about, and Jehovah, who has always borne His people from their very infancy and will continue to carry and save them throughout all their exigencies until the end of their turbulent history. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah carries His people Isa 46:4
4 Even in your old age I am the same And to your hoary hair I will carry you. I have made you and I will bear you, I will carry you and will deliver you. Verse 4 of the familiar song, “How Firm a Foundation” is usually omitted from our hymnals: E’en down to old age, all My people shall prove, My sovereign, eternal unchangeable love, And then when grey hairs shall their temples adorn, Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne. —Richard Keen How comforting it is to know that our God cares for us before we are born (Ps. 139:13-16), when we get old, and each moment in between! The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The incomparable Jehovah Isa 46:5
5 To whom will you liken me, or make me equal? To whom will you compare me and liken me? To whom will ye liken me... Idol fabrication described in contrast to God. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The incomparable Jehovah Isa 46:6-7
6 You who squander gold from the bag, And weigh up silver on the scales, Who hire a goldsmith to make a god, And fall down before him and prostrate yourselves. 7 They hoist him on the shoulder and carry him around. They put him down, and he stands. And does not budge from his place. And when someone cries to him, he does not answer, Nor will he save him from his trouble. Idol, man-made yet man looks to it to get him out of trouble. Today, we’ve invented a more insulting idol to worship: nothingness, randomness, chance! How pitiful are "these gods"! How glorious is Jehovah. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah calls the rebels to repent. Isa 46:8
8 Remember this, and confess your guilt, Lay it to heart, you rebels! Remember this and confess your guilt. The KJV translates this, "and show yourselves men." The Hebrew verb " ha·Shi·vu shu" is unique and does not appear elsewhere in the Scriptures. In our context the verb apparently stems from the root "ashatn"— guilt. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

8 Remember this, and confess your guilt, Lay it to heart, you rebels! Lay it to heart, you rebels In spite of all that God had done, there were those who rebelled against God and against His dealings with Israel. They doubted whether they would ever be delivered from Babylon. To them Isaiah says: God's purpose stands. He will never fail. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Jehovah calls the rebels to repent. Isa 46:9-10
9 Bring to mind the times of long, long ago, That I am God and that there is none else, I am God and there is none like me. 10 The one who foretells the end from the beginning, And from ancient times that which has not yet been done, Who says: my counsel shall stand, And all my purpose will I accomplish. “Declaring the end from the beginning...” God authenticates these assertions by pointing out that He is outside time all together. Time is not linear, it is a physical property relative to mass, acceleration and gravity. God being outside and not limited by time, can declare the end from the beginning! The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

11 Who calls a bird of prey from the east, From a far land, the man of my counsel, I have spoken and I will also bring it to pass. Who calls a bird of prey from the east. To his enemies, especially the Babylonians, Cyrus must have appeared as an enormous ravenous bird who swooped down and carried off his victims one by one. He was appointed by Jehovah to carry out His plan for Israel's redemption. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

12 Listen to me, you stubborn hearts; Who say: "Our vindication is far away." And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel my glory. Listen to me, you stubborn hearts! There was apparently a rebellious and stubborn group of men who discouraged the exiles, saying that God does not care about them. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

13 My vindication is close at hand, not far away And my salvation shall not be delayed. “My righteousness” - God’s not ours! The term "tsedakah" which usually means righteousness, In this context the meaning is vindication, Israel and their faith in Jehovah are both vindicated. salvation shall not be delayed The prophet assures God's people that their deliverance will not be long delayed. Departing from the historical situation the prophet sees Israel’s glorious future. The Lord will place in Zion salvation and glory for His people Israel. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

ISAIAH 47 The Humiliation and Degradation of Babylon This prophecy can be divided into four strophes: verses 1-4, verses 5-7, verses 8-11, verses The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Humiliation and Degradation of Babylon Isa 47:1
1 Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, Sit down on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans, For thou shalt no longer be called delicate and pampered. Come down and sit in the dust... Isaiah sees Babylon cast down from the pinnacle of her arrogant power to the very depths of degradation. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

1 Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, Sit down on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans, For thou shalt no longer be called delicate and pampered. O virgin daughter of Babylon Babylon, more than the local, also the pride of the Chaldeans. Because of her reputation as an invincible and inviolate city, Babylon is called "virgin" (Isa. 23:12). This chapter is similar in tone to Isaiah's lament over Egypt in chapter 19, and over Tyre and Sidon in chapter 23. delicate and pampered. Full of the riches of the nations, at the pinnacle of her great power and luxury, the envy of the world, Babylon is compared to a delicate and pampered lady. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

2 Take to the millstones and grind flour; Remove thy veil, strip thy skirt, expose the leg, Ford rivers Take to the millstones, and grind flour But now Babylon's fate is about to undergo a drastic change. She will soon become a lowly slave forced to do the most menial tasks, just like blinded Samson who had to turn the heavy millstones (Jdg 18:21). Remove thy veil, strip thy skirt, expose thy leg The contrast between her former state as "mistress of many kingdoms" and her present condition of a lowly slave is described in most depressing detail. Ford rivers The ruthless conqueror who once drove others into exile without pity, will now experience the bitter taste of the homeless wanderers, forced to cross many a river in search of a refuge. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered. And thy shame shall be revealed. I will take vengeance, And will let no man intercede. The idioms used in this chapter seem strange without Rev which describes Babylon as the harlot. I will take vengeance The God of Israel may for a time keep silence, yet He also keeps accounts and when the hour of reckoning strikes, He balances them. "The mills of God, grind slowly," but thoroughly. And will let no man intercede Though the measure of Babylon's wickedness is full to the brim, yet there is no man who is willing to intercede on her behalf, nor is the Lord willing to hear such intercession. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Humiliation and Degradation of Babylon Isa 47:4-5
4 Our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, The Holy One of Israel. 5 Sit thou in silence and enter into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans, For thou shalt no longer be called mistress of kingdoms. Sit thou in silence, enter into darkness In the Hebrew mind sitting in silence and darkness is associated with deep mourning. “Lady of kingdoms” - Rev 18:7, note plural kingdoms (Cf. Isa 13:19). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

6 I was angry with my people, I have dishonored my inheritance, And delivered them into thy hand, But thou didst show them no mercy, Even upon the aged hast thou laid An exceeding heavy yoke. I was angry with my people. . . and delivered them into thy hand. Jehovah may rightly punish His people and deliver them into the hands of their enemies, but no nation has a right to be cruel or utterly merciless in their dealings with Israel. Thou didst show them no mercy While punishing Israel for her sins, Jehovah is at the same time judging the nations according to the way in which they treat Israel who are helpless strangers in their midst. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Humiliation and Degradation of Babylon Isa 47:7-8
7 And thou hast said: "I shall forever be mistress." And hast never laid these things to heart, Nor considered the end. 8 Now therefore, hear this, thou pampered one. Who sits securely, who sayest in thy heart: "I am [supreme] and there is none beside me. I shall never be a widow, nor suffer loss of children.“ Now therefore, hear this, thou pampered one. During the heyday of her glory Babylon was so confident in her power, that she never thought that her supremacy would one day come to an end. The great tyrants of history are so blinded by their temporary enormous might, they do not suspect how fragile and vulnerable it really is. They never think that disaster may be lurking just around the corner. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

9 Yet these two things shall come upon thee in a moment, Bereavement and widowhood, all in one day, They shall come upon thee in full measure, For all thy sorceries and the abundance of thy witchcraft. In one day widowhood and bereavement Widowhood symbolizes a country without her king, and in bondage to an alien master. Bereavement stands for a people which has been decimated and driven away from their homeland. Such is the fate Isaiah foresees for Babylon. It will come upon them suddenly and without warning. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

“Mystery Babylon” Rev 17, 18, Isa 13, 14, Jer 50, 51, and Isa 47. Seventieth Week of Daniel, The Day of the Lord detailed: Rev 6 thru 19. Rev 17, 18 details the judgment of Mystery Babylon. Rev 18:4 echoes letter to Thyratira. Rev 18:7 describes her boast that she is not a widow contrasted with Isa 47:8. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

“Mystery Babylon” Babylonian religious system started in Gen 11 at the tower of Babel and can be tracked throughout history and into our society. Mystery Babylon appears to be more than the religious system. In Revelation she brags, “I am no widow” and in Isa 47:8 she claims not to know the loss of children. Could this be a post-rapture brag? Rev 18 describes three groups of people that bemoan her judgment: kings, merchants and ship captains. She must be a world trade center. She is the harlot which rides the beast and it consumes her! The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

10 Thou hast been secure in thy wickedness, And hast said: "Nobody sees me." Thy wisdom and knowledge have perverted thee, And thou hast said in thy heart: "I am [supreme] and there is none beside me.“ Thou has been secure in thy wickedness The reason for Babylon's downfall was her utter wickedness and corruption. Babylon used advanced technical and scientific knowledge but without any moral considerations. Their engineering skills, their irrigation systems, their military organization, their enormous temples and palaces, their works of art and their unexcelled legal system were the marvel and envy of the ancient world. All this knowledge and wisdom, used for selfish purposes to enslave nations, could only lead to final disaster. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

10 Thou hast been secure in thy wickedness, And hast said: "Nobody sees me." Thy wisdom and knowledge have perverted thee, And thou hast said in thy heart: "I am [supreme] and there is none beside me.“ Thou has been secure in thy wickedness Without the knowledge of God their wisdom was actually great folly. Their religion mostly consisted of stultifying witchcraft and sorcery. In the end Babylon went the way of all great empires of ancient and more recent times. Godless intoxication with their own might and accomplishments, their ruthlessness and wickedness destroyed them. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

11 Yet evil will come upon thee, And thou shalt not know how to charm it away, A disaster shall befall thee, And ruin shall come upon thee, before thou knowest. Yet evil shall come upon thee Herodoths described in great detail the fall of Babylon at a time when the city felt secure behind her enormous fortifications and the river Euphrates which was cunningly channelled to encircle and protect the city with a system of great moats. Cyrus' engineers managed to outwit the Babylonians and to capture the city by diverting the Euphrates. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Uselessness of witchcraft in the hour of need Isa 47:12
12 Now then, stand fast by thy spells, And by all thy sorceries, Which thou hast practiced from thy youth. Perhaps these shall help thee, Perhaps thou shalt inspire terror. Now then stand fast by the spells. Isaiah addresses himself with sarcasm to the Babylonians: "Since you have always busied yourselves with your witchcraft, why don't you resort to it now to help you? Let them now help you, or inspire terror in your enemies.” Let all the astrologers, the stargazers and the monthly prognosticators an apparent reference to those who predicted future events on the basis of the zodiacal signs of the month, The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Uselessness of witchcraft in the hour of need Isa 47:13-14
13 Thou hast wearied thyself with many counselors Let them now stand up and help thee, Those astrologers, and stargazers, and monthly prognosticators, Who foretell what will happen to thee from month to month. 14 However they shall be like the stubble, A fire will burn them, They will not be able to save themselves from the conflagration; It will not be a hot ember to warm oneself. Nor a fireside to sit by. However they shall all be like the stubble The futility of all these vaunted wise men will be exposed in the hour of calamity. All of them will perish in the terrible conflagration of the approaching disaster. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Uselessness of witchcraft in the hour of need Isa 47:13-14
15 This is what will come to all those, With whom thou hast busied thyself To those who have traded with thee from thy youth, Every man shall wander away in his own direction, There will be none to save thee. The few who will survive will run off each in his own direction, to save their own skins. There will be none left to help Babylon. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The Jewish remnant delivered
ISAIAH 48 The Jewish remnant delivered The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

An Exhortation to the Captivity Isa 48
The Jews had become comfortable and complacent in their captivity and did not want to leave. They had followed the counsel of Jeremiah (Jer. 29:4-7) and had houses, gardens, and families, but they had become so attached to those things that it would not be easy for them to pack up and go to the Holy Land. The Holy Land was where they belonged and it is where God had a work for them to do. God told them that they were hypocritical in using His name and identifying with His city but not obeying His will (Isa 48:1-2) They were stubborn (v. 4) and were not excited about the new things God was doing for them. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Had they obeyed the Lord in the first place, they would have experienced peace and not war (vv. 18—19), but it was not too late. He had put them into the furnace to refine them and prepare them for their future work (v. 10). “Go forth from Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans!” was God’s command (v. 20 NKJV; see Jer. 50:8; 51:6, 45; Rev. 18:4). God would go before them and prepare the way, and they had nothing to fear. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

One would think that the Jews would have been eager to leave their “prison” and return to their land to see God do new and great things for them. But they had grown accustomed to the security of bondage and had forgotten the challenges of freedom. The church today can easily grow complacent with its comfort and affluence. God may have to put us into the furnace to remind us that we are here to be servants and not consumers or spectators. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Captives identified and rebuked Isa 48:1
1 Hear this, O house of Jacob, You who are called by the name of Israel, And have come forth from the loins of Judah, Who swear by the name of Jehovah, And extol the God of Israel, Yet not in sincerity nor with justice. Note here the use of Jacob and the note that they are “called by the name of Israel.” And have come forth from the loins of Judah An unusual description of the origins of the Judean captivity. Deut. 33:28, Psa. 68:26, where Jacob and Israel are described as "the loins" of the nation. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

1 Hear this, O house of Jacob, You who are called by the name of Israel, And have come forth from the loins of Judah, Who swear by the name of Jehovah, And extol the God of Israel, Yet not in sincerity nor with justice. Yet not in sincerity nor with justice Literally, not in truth nor in righteousness. The Judean captives are rebuked because their adherence to Jehovah is nominal and without deep roots in their faith or conduct. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

2 For they call themselves of the holy city And rely on the God of Israel, The LORD OF HOSTS is his name. For they call themselves of the holy city For the first time Jerusalem is referred to as "the holy city." This is repeated in chapter 52:1. The life and conduct of the captives is a reproach to that holy city, which is the abode of the God of Israel. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Former things and new things Isa 48:3
3 The former things I have declared long ago They went forth out of my mouth and I announced them; Suddenly I did them and they came to pass. The former things I have declared long ago "the former things" appear to be all the events since the exodus from Egypt, including the deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib. Suddenly I did them and they came to pass At the appointed time all the predicted events came to pass. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

4 For I knew that thou art hard, Thy neck is an iron bar, thy brow like brass. For I knew that thou art hard “Iron sinew” - that’s stiff-necked! The prophet explains why all the great events in the history of Israel were predicted before they ever happened, Jehovah knew the obstinate, shameless nature of His people and that they were prone to idolatry. This characterization of Israel is extremely harsh. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Former things and new things Isa 48:5-6
5 Therefore have I declared these things long ago, Lest thou shouldest say: "Mine idol has done it. My image or cast statue, they commanded them." 6 Thou hast heard and seen all these things Will you not acknowledge them? From now on I announce new things to thee, Hidden things which you did not know. Thou hast heard and seen all these things Israel has not only heard beforehand but has also seen that God brought to pass His Word and so, even against their will, they are His witnesses before the whole world. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Former things and new things Isa 48:5-6
5 Therefore have I declared these things long ago, Lest thou shouldest say: "Mine idol has done it. My image or cast statue, they commanded them." 6 Thou hast heard and seen all these things Will you not acknowledge them? From now on I announce new things to thee, Hidden things which you did not know. From now on I announce new things The new things are all the things which the LORD has in store not only for Israel but for all the nations. It is the liberation and regeneration of Israel, the manifestation of the glory of God, and the redemptive work of the servant of God. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

7 They were created just now and not long ago, And before this day you have not heard about it, Lest thou shouldest say, "I knew it.“ They were created just now and not long ago The fulfillment of "the new things" until now hidden from the knowledge of the people is to begin now. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

8 Indeed thou hast not heard, Nor didst thou know, Nor was thine ear opened beforehand, For I knew that thou wouldest behave altogether treacherously, And hast been called a rebel from thy birth. Indeed thou hast not heard, nor didst thou know That which is about to happen is without parallel in the history of Israel, a new era is about to begin. For I knew that thou wouldest behave altogether treacherously The thought here is similar to verse 4. Certain things were not revealed to Israel because of their treacherous and rebellious nature, which would have perverted and abused this revelation. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Lord preserved Israel for His own sake Isa 48:9
9 For the sake of my name I deferred mine anger And curbed it for the sake of my praise, That I cut thee not off. For the sake of my name I deferred my anger Had Jehovah acted in righteous outrage, Israel would have perished long ago. But He spared them, lest the pagan nations assume that their idols have prevailed against Jehovah. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

10 Behold, I have refined thee, yet not like silver. I have tested thee in the furnace of affliction. I have refined thee, yet not like silver The thought here apparently is that the Lord tested Israel but not in the fierce heat in which silver is refined. Israel's test was in the furnace of affliction, which burns but does not destroy altogether. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

11 For my own sake, for my own sake will I act, For why should my name be profaned? I will not give my glory to another. For my own sake, for my own sake, will I act The repetition is used for greater emphasis and complements the thought of verse 9. I will not give my glory to another The preservation and protection of Israel are intricately connected with the honor of their faithful and covenant- keeping God. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

A summons to the people to hear the message of the approaching redemption. Isa 48:12-13
12 Listen to me, O Jacob and Israel my called one. I am he, I am the first, I am also the last. 13 It was my hand which laid the foundation of the earth. And my right hand has spread out the heavens. I call them and they stand up together. In this passage Israel is summoned three times to hear what the Lord has to say (vs. 12, 14, 16). “I am the first, I also am the last.” Cf. Isa 41:4; 44:6; Rev 1:17; 22:13. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

A summons to the people to hear the message of the approaching redemption. Isa 48:14
14 Assemble yourselves, all of you and listen, Who among them has foretold all this? He whom the Lord loves will accomplish his will on Babylon And reveal his arm on the Chaldeans. The substance of the message is that the Lord will accomplish His will upon Babylon through Cyrus "whom the lord loves“. Concept of Babylon is linked to the Chaldeans, not an allegorical reference. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

A summons to the people to hear the message of the approaching redemption. Isa 48:15-16
15 I, I have spoken and I have also called him forth. I have brought him and I will prosper his way. 16 Come near to me and hear this, From the very beginning I have not spoken in secret, From the time that it took place, there was I, And now the Lord God sent me and his spirit. The frequent repetition of virtually the same thoughts is probably due to the fact that the prophet addressed himself on various occasions to different assemblies. Those messages may have been later assembled and published by the disciples or friends of the prophet (see comment on Isa. 8:16-18). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

16 Come near to me and hear this, From the very beginning I have not spoken in secret, From the time that it took place, there was I, And now the Lord God sent me and his spirit. Come near to me and hear this Who is speaking? See v. 12, “Alpha and Omega,” Jesus Christ. “ I have not spoken of in secret” matches Jesus’ words in John 20:18. Three people involved First is the speaker, Jesus. Second, “the Lord God.” Third, “and his Spirit.” Old Testament evidence for the Trinity. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

16 Come near to me and hear this, From the very beginning I have not spoken in secret, From the time that it took place, there was I, And now the Lord God sent me and his spirit. From the time that it took place, there was I Our Lord’s own testimony: He is involved from the beginning. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Disobedience to the LORD brings sorrow. Isa 48:17-19
17 Thus says the LORD, thy redeemer, The Holy One of Israel, I am the LORD thy God, who teaches thee for thy profit, Who leads thee by the way thou shouldest go. 18 If only thou hadst obeyed my commandments, Then would thy peace have been like a river, And thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. 19 Thy seed would have been like the sand And the offspring of thy body like the grains. His name would not have been cut off, Nor destroyed before me. Oh, if Israel had only obeyed. Expresses the Lord's deep sorrow over Israel who has deprived herself of countless blessings by failing to obey the LORD, and deprived herself of the peace which He had in store for them. The missed blessing is described in striking terms. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The captives are ordered to depart from Babylon in haste. Isa 48:20
20 Go forth from Babylon, flee from the Chaldeans. Tell It and declare it with a voice of singing, Send It forth and make it known. Declare it to the ends of the earth and say: The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob. Go forth from Babylon, flee from the Chaldeans The exiles receive a command to depart from Babylon in haste. In vision the prophet sees his people on their way back to the holy land miraculously supplied with abundant water just as in the wilderness during the exodus from Egypt. They are to make known the joyful news of their deliverance to the ends of the earth. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The captives are ordered to depart from Babylon in haste. Isa 48:21-22
21 They did not thirst when he led them across the deserts, He made the waters flow out of the rock for them, He split assunder the rock and the waters gushed forth. 22 There is no peace, Says the LORD to the wicked. There is no peace, says the LORD, to the wicked Expresses Isaiah’s conviction that disobedience to God can only result in disaster. A warning to those Jews who in disobedience to God's command, chose to remain in Babylon, which led to their assimilation and eventual extinction. This warning of ends the first section of the second part of Isaiah. The second section of the second part of Isaiah ends (57:21) with the almost identical words. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION / DISCUSSION
1. What verses or passages from Isaiah 40 could be given to someone in a crisis? 2. Isaiah 40:1—11 is often read in the season leading up to Christmas, and Matthew 3:1—5 quotes this passage in describing the ministry of John the Baptist. Why is 40:1—11 a suitable passage to describe the coming of Christ? How does it fit John the Baptist? 3. In Isaiah 40—48, what areas of life does Isaiah say God is greater than? 4. God told His people several times in Isaiah 4 1—44 to “fear not.” Why shouldn’t they be afraid? 5. How does God’s sovereignty over the unconverted give hope to believers? 6. What hope can a believer have about his or her past (Isa. 43:25)? 7. In what ways can the Messiah give someone a future hope (see Isa. 42:1—7)? 8. For today, what hope can we find in Isaiah 43:1—7? 9. What are some appropriate ways to respond to the greatness of God? 10. In what ways can believers bring encouragement to each other in times of struggle? The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Bibliography Albright, William Foxwell - Archeology and the Religion of Israel. Baltimore, The Johns Hopkins Press, 1942. Alcalay, Reuben - Complete English - Hebrew Dictionary. 4v. (Tel Aviv, ) Anderson, Sir Robert, The Coming Prince, Hodder & Stoughton, London Alexander, Joseph Addison - Commentary on the Prophecies of Isaiah, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1953. Barnes, Albert - Notes on the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, 2v. New York, Barnhouse, Donald Gray, The Invisible War, Zondervan Pub. House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1965. Brenton, Sir Lancelot Lee—The Septuagint, Greek and English. Bullinger, E.W., The Companion Bible, Zondervan Bible Publishers, Grand Rapids, MI, 1958. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Bibliography Burrows, Millar - The Dead Sea Scrolls, N.Y., Viking, Burrows, Millar - The Dead Sea Scrolls of St. Marks Monastery. New Haven, American Schools of Oriental Research, V.I. - The Isaiah Manuscript and the Habakkuk Commentary. Calvin Commentaries, Isaiah. Reprinted Associated Publisher and Authors, Inc. Grand Rapids. Delitzsch, Franz - Biblical Commentary on the Prophecies of Isaiah Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1949. Douglas, James Dixon, ed. - The New Bible Dictionary. Consultin editors F. F. Bruce (others). (Inter-Varsity Fellowship) Gran Rapids, Eerdmans, (c1962). Drechsler, Moritz - Der Prophet Jesaiah. Stuttgart, 1849. Driver and Neubauer - The "Suffering Servant" of Isaiah According to the Jewish Tradition. Hermon Press, New York, reprinted 1969 First Edition Oxford and London, 1877. Driver, Samuel Rolles - Isaiah, His Life and Times and the Writings which Bear His Name. N.Y., Fleming H. Revell Company, (1888). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Bibliography Duhm, Bernard - Das Buch Jesaia. Gottingen, 1922.
Edersheim, Alfred - Prophecy and History in Relation to the Messiah; the Warburton Lectures for , London, Longmans, Green and Co., Ellison, Harry L. - Men Spake from God; studies in the Hebrew Prophets. Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, (c1958). Ewald, George H. A. - Commentary on the Prophets of the Old Testament, 5v. William and Nortgate, 1876. Free, Joseph Paul - Archaeology and Bible History. Wheaton, Ill., Van Kampen Press, (c1950). Fruchtenbaum, Arnold Israelology: The Missing Link in Systematic Theology, Ariel Ministries Press, Tustin, CA, 1993. Gaster, Theodor Herzl - The Dead Seat Scriptures, Garden City, N.Y., Doubleday, 1956. Ginsberg, H. L., Editor - The Book of Isaiah, The Jewish Publication Society of America, 1973. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Bibliography Harrison, Roland Kenneth - A History of Old Testament Times. Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1955. Harrison, Roland Kenneth - Introduction to the Old Testament, Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1969. Heschel, Abraham - The Prophets. The Jewish Publication Society of Philadelphia, 1962. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Gen Ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley), William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1982. Ironside, H.A. Expository Notes on the Prophet Isaiah, Loizeaux Brothers, Inc., NY, NY, 1952. Jamieson, Rev. Robert, Rev. A.R. Fausset, and Rev. David Brown, A Commentary Critical, Experimental and Practical on the Old and New Testaments, vol. 3, Wm B. Eerdman’s Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1948. Jennings, Frederick Charles - Studies in Isaiah. N.Y., Loizeaux Bros., The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Bibliography Jocz, Jakob - The Spiritual History of Israel. London, Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1961. Kahn, David The Code Breakers; the Story of Secret Writing, Macmillan, New York, 1967. Kaufmann, Yechezkel - The Religion of Israel from Its Beginnings to the Babylonian Exile. Translated and abridged by Moshe Greenberg. Chicago, University of Chicago Press, (1966, c. 1960). Kimchi, David - The Commentary of David Kimchi on Isaiah, edited by Louis Kinkeistein (Columbia University Oriental Studies. V. XIX). N.Y., Columbia University Press, 1926. Kissane, Edward J. - The Book of Isaiah, translated from a critically revised Hebrew text with Commentary by Rev. Edward J. Kissane, Dublin, Browne and Nolan, Limited, Kittel, Rudolf - Gestalten und Gedanken in Israel, Leipzig, Queue and Meyer, (Vorwort, 1925). Klausner, Joseph - The Messianic Idea in Israel, London, G. Allen and Unwin, (1956). The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Bibliography Konig, Edward - Hebraisches und Aramaisches Wörterbuch zum Alten Testament, Leipzig, Dieterich, 1931. Kramer, Samuel Noah - History Begins at Sumer. Anchor Books, 1959. Leupold, H.C., Exposition of Isaiah, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1968. Margalioth, Rachel - The Indivisible Isaiah, N.Y., Yeshiva University, Marshall, Peter and David Manuel, The Light and the Glory, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, 1940. Marti, Karl. - Das Buch Jesiah. Tilbingen, 1900. Owen, George Frederick - Archeology and the Bible. Westwood, N.J., Revell, (c1960).. Pember, George Hawkins, Earth’s Earliest Ages; and Their Connection with Modern Spiritualism and Theosophy, 4th ed., Hodder & Stoughton, London, 1887. Pfeiffer, Charles Franklin - ed. The Biblical World: a Dictionary of Biblical Archaeology, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1966. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Bibliography Pfeiffer, Charles Franklin - Introduction to the Old Testament. Silver, Abba H. - Messianic Speculation in Israel. Beacon Press, 1927. Pritchard, James B., ed Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament, Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 1950. Pusey, Edward B. Daniel the Prophet, Funk & Wagnalls, New York, Rawlinson, G., “Isaiah” from Vol 10 of The Pulpit Commentary (ed. H.D.M. Spence and Joseph S. Exell) Wm B. Eerdman’s Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1950. Rosenberg, Rabbi A.J., Isaiah, The Judaica Press, Inc., NY, NY, Ross, Hugh The Fingerprint of God, Promise Publishing Co., Orange, CA, 1989. Scofield, C.I., The New Scofield Study Bible, (KJV) Oxford University Press, New York, 1967. Schroeder, Gerald Genesis and the Big Bang, Bantam Books, New York, The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Bibliography Skinner, J. - Isaiah (in the Cambridge Bible) 2v Cambridge University Press, 1963. Smith, George Adam - The Book of Isaiah, Harper and Brothers Slotki, I. W. - Isaiah (Soncino Bible) Thiele, Edwin Richard - The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings. Rev. Ed. Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, (c1965). Thompson, John Arthur - The Bible and Archaeology. Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, (c1962). Tipler, Frank J. The Physics of Immortality, Doubleday, New York, NY, Unger, Merrill Frederick - Archeology and the Old Testament, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, (1956, 1954). Vine, W.E., Isaiah, Prophecies, Promises, Warnings, Lamplighter Books (Zondervan Publishing House), Grand Rapids, MI, 1971. Wiseman, Donald J. The Chronicles of the Chaldean Kings ( B.C.), Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1956. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

Bibliography Wright, George Ernest - Biblical Archaeology. Philadelphia, Westminster Press, (1957). The Wycliffe Bible Commentary - edited by Charles F. Pfeiffer and Everett F. Harrison. Chicago, Moody Press, c1962. Young, Edward Joseph - My Servants the Prophets. Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1954. Young, Edward Joseph - Studies in Isaiah. Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, Young, Edward Joseph - Who Wrote Isaiah? (Pathway Book) Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1958. Young, Edward Joseph - The Book of Isaiah. 3v. Grand Rapids, Eerdrnans, Young, Edward, The New International Commentary of the Old Testament - The Book of Isaiah, William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1969. The Book of Isaiah 9/16/2018

The Book of Isaiah Chapters 40—48

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The Book of Isaiah Chapters 40—48

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