July 26, 2008
Isaiah 35
Yet the final conflict which brings destruction on pagan peoples means the restoration of Israel’s hopes (35:1-2). God comes with vengeance, but to save His own (vv. 3-4). In glowing terms Isaiah describes the joy that will soar in the hearts of God’s people as His presence works its marvelous transformation of the land and its people. In that day the redeemed, and only the redeemed, will enter Zion singing, filled at last with joy and gladness (vv. 5-10).
Recompense (35:3-10). Images of the dread judgment of God are balanced by this portrait of the joy of the redeemed. The Apostle Paul reflects the sense of this passage in Rom. 8:18, where he says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” God’s people will suffer while society is corrupted by sin and evil men are bent on oppressing the righteous. But just as God’s day of vengeance is just retribution for the wicked, it introduces the divine repayment of the redeemed for past pain.
Isaiah 36
“Aramaic” (36:11). Aramaic was the trade and diplomatic language of the ancient Middle East. While related to Heb., it is a different tongue. Later the Jews who were transported to Babylon adopted Aramaic. When their descendants returned to Judah two generations later that community spoke Aramaic.
Isaiah 37 and 38
Sennacherib has devastated the ring of protective fortresses Hezekiah has built along his borders and threatens to advance against Jerusalem. His representative calls on Hezekiah to surrender and shouts his message loudly to demoralize the city’s defenders. But he foolishly ridicules God, and Hezekiah prays that God will act to uphold His honor. The Prophet Isaiah responds. God will drive Sennacherib away and not so much as a single arrow will wing its way over the walls of the holy city (Isa. 36-37).
God’s intervention is no guarantee of future protection. In fact Hezekiah’s recovery from an earlier illness (Isa. 38) had led to a visit of Babylonian ambassadors. Ostensibly, they came to congratulate the king on his recovery, but most likely also hoped to encourage resistance against the Assyrian colossus that threatened them both. The king welcomed them enthusiastically and showed them everything in his kingdom. He was angrily rebuked by Isaiah, who apparently saw Hezekiah’s welcoming of the Babylonian envoys as a failure to rely entirely on God. Isaiah announced that one day, after Hezekiah was dead, the little nation of Judah would be subdued by the Babylonians and the survivors of the Jewish people would be torn from their land and sent into captivity (Isa. 39).
Reflection
Sometimes God seems unfair to people, it seems that He is acting out of character for a “God of Love”. The more you understand His love and mercy the better you can understand the anger at those who reject His love. It isn’t amazing that God would pour out His wrath on those who oppose him, but rather it is amazing that he would hold off his wrath for so long.
We need to always remember to ask God for help and then continue to ask for his help.
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