Israel was called as a nation of priests. Their mission was to reveal God's Law to the world as the primary passage to spiritual understanding. Not their own Law, but the Laws of God for the whole world, as summarized by Christ: Love God, love your neighbor. The soaring image of redeeming all mankind, as though a parent giving birth to uncountable children, was perverted into a vision of enslaving mankind. When the Messiah came to call them back to their mission, they murdered Him. But this served merely to end their Covenant of Law and force them out into the world of all nations. Now they must become Israel again by joining Christ. The nations they sought to enslave are now the only comfort they have in the Lord, who receive them gladly into the Kingdom of Heaven first offered to them.
This chapter begins the "Suffering Servant" passages. The difficulty in distinguishing between Israel and her Messiah is intentional, because it is the mission which Isaiah emphasizes. This prophecy is not about a nation nor a person, per se, but a role. The office of Redeemer was first given to Israel, but she rejected it. The only one willing to don that vestment was Jesus. This passage is about the Office of Suffering Servant, whomever serves in that role.
The Servant calls to all humanity, identifying Himself by His divine election from Eternity. The image is one with a sword in His mouth, the Sword of the Spirit, the revelation of God. Naturally, John picks up on this in the Apocalypse, as does the writer of Hebrews. That the Lord gives Him the name Israel is a reference to what He had hoped Israel would be -- the primary means to His glory among humans. The sense of frustration comes from the nation's rejection of that role. Further, anyone who attempts to bring that role to the nation faces even worse frustration. They will receive the divine blessing and reward from the Father, but it would hardly be rewarding among men.
So the Lord who called the Servant from the womb, granting such a glorious office which reflects God's own Presence, will ensure His glory is not wasted. Whether by the nation or no, His revelation to all the world will certainly come. By God's own election, some of the nation would be saved, but He will also save those from all the nations of mankind. The glory of God will not be frustrated. The nation rejects Him, but rulers of the Gentiles will be honored to know Him.
In the fullness of time, as it were, when God waits no longer, the Servant will be sent into the world to establish the New Covenant. If His Own will not have the blessings, then someone else will. The glorious neglected inheritance in Heaven will be delivered as a ransom to those in spiritual prison on the earth, to pull them from the dungeons of sin. Where nothing grows is where they will find spiritual fullness, for it is the nature of the Kingdom. Tribulation destroys sin and all it captures, but builds up and makes mighty those whom He has called out. He guides them to sources of spiritual quenching. He calls to them from all directions, for His ways are the highest. Then will all Creation celebrate in the revelation of His Children, whose true identity has nothing to do with race, borders or time.
Israel the nation should be made to wonder if they have been forgotten. Of course, it's not so. However, they may be surprised at the change in the identity and meaning of Israel. Again, this is the whole issue, for to be Israel is to embrace the office of redemption. So while that name is inscribed on God's own hands -- the nail-prints in Jesus' hands -- this True Israel should expect to see her tribes coming from all over the world. The little private club of God they thought was theirs will suddenly be overrun by strangers whom God has included. It will be as if the nations of the world were incubators for children the Jews never knew they had.
Those capable of capturing prey or plunder are not easily robbed of it. However, the ultimate authority in such things is the Creator. The implication is demonic powers, having plundered the nation by virtue of lawful entrance made by sin, could easily be driven off. Those whom Satan sends to keep them under his foot will end up, not just empty handed, but left to devour themselves. This is how God does things when people repent and turn to Him. He wants so much to be the delivering power to redeem the nation.
Note: The name "Israel" as given to Jacob meant "struggles with El" in the typical ambiguity of one who either struggles to wrest things from God, or as His champion and prince. The implication was how Jacob had first struggled against God, as it were, but kept losing until he learned, until he became spiritually conditioned enough to know what he should struggle to gain. His first "deal" with God was purely a matter of human comfort in exchange for a token loyalty. It was granted. In the end, he offered his whole being to God and became the father of His People. Sadly, his children went back the other way, to the point of leaving the covenant altogether.
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By Ed Hurst
10 June 2009
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