In the symbolic logic of Hebrew language and culture, the fundamental viewpoint of Scripture itself, there is no one-to-one relationship between symbols and things symbolized. That would be mere typology or allegory, common to Western cultures. Rather, the spiritual logic of Scripture is far more flexible, something with which we are often uncomfortable. Yet this is not to say you can make of Isaiah's words willy-nilly what you wish to see, but that you can't simply put a straight jacket around truth and confine it to boundaries of mere human logic. Insofar as we cannot confine God to our limited understanding, so His truth is somewhat above simple rational definition.
The first paragraph here cannot be taken literally. That would be to commit ourselves to the basic error of Judaism, a Hellenized corruption of Hebrew faith and religion. False Messianic Expectations were loaded with literal renderings of this passage. Rather, Isaiah sees a vision of God's Kingdom, a reality from above. As such, symbolic visions as parables are the only way to convey the content. The Nation of Israel was never meant to hoard the revelation of God to themselves, but share it with all nations. They failed this miserably, replacing an evangelistic zeal with racism and smug superiority. Judaism saw in this passage the promise all the world of Gentiles would willingly become slaves of Israel.
In the broader context of Scripture, within a pure Hebraic culture, we see rather the original plan of God to make Himself known to all His Creation. This is not simply some vision of a Millennium, for that, too, is too literal. Rather, this is how God thinks and acts. Such truth will, indeed, find a manifestation within this world, but we can hardly imagine how it would look. Rather, we are called to a higher place, not the mere pedestrian list of features, but something much more. His revelation will take prominence in all the world. Nothing else will matter by comparison. No race or ethnic group will resist the call of truth, but the Kingdom of Heaven will be drawn from the full scope of humanity. Their whole focus in life will be more and better understanding of God's ways. People who once served as weapons of the will of human governments will become implements of the harvest of souls and spiritual fruit. In His presence, violence has no place. Isaiah pointedly invites his nation to participate, to commit themselves now, before it's too late.
God has forsaken Israel already. They have bought into the groundless silly mysticism of the Far East. They are infatuated with exotic women. Everybody chases worldly wealth and worldly military might. They bow down to things they have made with their own hands. God rightly does not forgive such foolishness. When judgment comes, there will be no place to hide. Offering a glimpse of the peculiar Hebraic sense of humor, Isaiah notes they have spent so long trumpeting their worldly greatness from the tops of the mountains, they won't be able to find a way down to hide from God's wrath. They'll still be stuck on top, exposed to the fullness of His fury. They've stolen His throne, and will be crushed when He comes to take His seat.
The fleshly way of things, admiring tall trees, trusting in oak beams and fortresses unapproachable, or ships which are fitted to cross open seas (instead of hugging the shore as most sailors did) -- everything man thinks really matters will be nothing. Human reckoning invariably gets things backwards. By the time Israel figures this out, it will be too late. Their faces will shine with shame as they try to hide their idols. There will be no place to hide. It would be better for such people if God simply ignored them and destroyed them along with the fallen world.
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By Ed Hurst
27 May 2008
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