We might say the only thing standing between Israel and destruction for which their sins so loudly call is the hard-headed determination of God to accomplish His purpose. Israel will be dragged along as the nation of God's revelation whether they like it or not.
So while Israel seems not to even notice when they are being punished for disloyalty to God, He is determined to protect them for His own sake. Be aware, this is more about God's nature than about specific Israeli history. This is how God operates, and Israel simply is the recipient in this case. Christians rightly see in this chapter promises for those in the Kingdom of Heaven, symbolically described for those in the Kingdom of Israel. For the sake of His own revelation, He will fend off every natural and man-made threat to His purpose in Israel. He destroyed other nations so she might be free and prosper. When the time comes, He can easily force Creation itself to hasten their return from dispersion across the earth. This is not meant as some concrete promise to be taken literally, but an expression of God's nature.
Naturally, the only reason God persists in this is because He wants the rest of the world to have a fair chance to see His glory, to know Him and His Laws, His claims on their loyalty as their God. Let them compare their gods to Jehovah. Israel is the proof God is the only God, because He protects His nation in spite of their sins. However, this is not to let them off lightly, for of all nations, Israel knows full well the depth of their betrayal, because they alone truly understand God. He won't tolerate their adherence to other gods, because they aren't real.
In days to come, He will humble Babylon for their sakes. Their departure from Mesopotamia will be like a fresh Exodus. Just as they left Egypt by a dry path in the sea, the same sea which destroyed their pursuers, so they will leave Babylon all but forgotten. Indeed, and fresh new miracles will attend their Return. He will Himself build the road, ensure sufficient water is available, and provide all the other comforts necessary for the journey. Yes, He would gladly do these things.
But His people won't bother to acknowledge Him. Have they simply grown tired of Him? Instead of freewill love offerings, they have brought Him sorrow. So let them meet Him in court. Let them explain why they have not observed the Covenant they swore on blood to uphold. Where has God fallen short? What justifies this neglect? Nothing. Israel has sinned from the beginning. Even the priests, those particularly called to keep the Covenant before the people, they too have sinned. For this reason, He will even allow the heathens to enter His own Temple. They will find no protection in His Temple if they profane it themselves.
Return to Isaiah Index
[<-- Previous]
[Next -->]
By Ed Hurst
29 April 2009
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: People of honor need no copyright laws; they are only too happy to give credit where credit is due. Others will ignore copyright laws whenever they please. If you are of the latter, please note what Moses said about dishonorable behavior -- "be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23)