A common feature of Hebrew poetry is paralleling ideas. We are used to seeing a pair lines together, each saying the same things in different terms. At other times, the second will extend the idea in the first. Another related concept is when the second line reverses the first, or contrasts two things. At times, we aren't too sure whether something is meant to be a restatement or a contrast, or perhaps something of both. Such is the fuzzy logic of parabolic statements. As always, ultimate truth cannot be stated precisely in clinical or technical terms, so it must be revealed on a level other than intellect.
Here, Isaiah offers an example of the extended parallel. The chapter is divided into four paragraphs, as it were. The first offers a contrast with the end of the previous chapter. Then we are given a parable. The premise is restated in the third, then the fourth restates the parable differently.
We left chapter 10 with the Sennacherib's troops mowed down like weeds. While Israel would be mowed down in the process, and Judah would be cut down to a lesser degree, there would be a significant difference: Israel and Judah would grow back again from the stump. It begins with a tender green sprig from the stump of Jesse. Not much, but a start. Unlike the national symbols of the Temple and the Ark of Covenant, which often times were bereft of God's presence, the Holy Spirit would be wed to this descendant of David.
Because of that Presence in His person, this Messiah would operate on a different plane. Rather than mere human reasoning and understanding, He would act on the logic of the Spirit. He would discern the ultimate truth of things, and enforce the revelation of God by His words. What He would teach would strike to the very soul of men, laying bare the difference between sin and righteousness.
With such a regime to rule among men, a spiritual government not anchored in this world, we should expect a return to Eden, a rebirth of Paradise. We are given parabolic language of a world without any threats. This is depicted as coming to the Real Zion in Heaven, the spiritual Temple of God in Eternity. While no one could argue God couldn't do this literally, taking it that way does violence to the underlying image. The Messiah would not come to rule among men, but in the hearts of men. He would change their natures, remake them into people who do not see a need to fight and prey on others. Instead, they would fear nothing on this earth, because their home would be in Heaven.
The coming of the Branch of Jesse is restated, with the added concept of the Gentiles coming to join in this Spiritual Kingdom of Heaven, this place which simply cannot be described because there are no words for it. We are treated to a second parable which parallels the first. Instead of describing the animal kingdom turned upside down, Isaiah describes the political order turned upside down.
Having dealt with the Exile and Return, even in naming one of his sons, "A Remnant Shall Return," Isaiah refers to a different kind of Return. It won't be those born of Hebrew blood, but an Israel drawn from all mankind, a Spiritual Israel. These would coming streaming to the Messiah from all the races of humanity. The old order of the Divided Kingdom would be forgotten. The previous enemies of Israel the Nation, as symbols of those opposed to God's eternal plan, would be vanquished. The images cannot be taken literally, for they describe something other-worldly. Thus, we see a replay of some of the Exodus, which Paul tells us was but a type of spiritual events (1 Corinthians 10:1-11).
Finally, we are given the message of John the Baptist, to make way for the Prince of Heaven, by paving the desert. We know John was referring to opening of individual hearts to welcome the Messiah, hearts ravaged by falsehood and spiritual wandering. The first mention of that symbol was a reference to the Return from Exile. Had the historical Return been the real answer, John would not have called for a fresh Return. Rather, John spoke of a spiritual reality using parabolic terms. Both he and Jesus learned from reading Isaiah the art of parable, of using symbols to reveal truths too deep for words.
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By Ed Hurst
30 July 2008
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