Greater Things

INTRO

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Isaiah, Book Of)

ISAIAH, BOOK OF

The book of Isaiah stands at the head of the classical prophetic books both in the order of the English canon as well as the Hebrew canon. The English division of Scripture into the “Major Prophets” and the “Minor Prophets” places Isaiah first among the Major Prophets. In the Hebrew canon Isaiah appears first among the “Latter Prophets,” the section including also the books of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and “The Twelve” (that is, the “Minor Prophets”).

Isaiah 1–39 The issues and events found in Isa. 1–39 clearly relate to the times of Isaiah as an eighth-century prophet. In fact, in some of the oracles, Isaiah relates the story in first person (chaps. 6 and 8). Other oracles, although told in third person, refer to incidents in Isaiah’s lifetime (chaps. 20; 36–39).

The historical background of Isa. 1–39 involves Assyrian aggression and attempts on the part of Assyria to expand control into the areas of Israel and Judah. Isaiah 7 and 8 clearly have Assyrian interference in the region as their historical basis.

Assyria is mentioned specifically in chapter 10, as well as chapters 20 and 36–37. Assyria is the major international power in the region in chapters 1–39.

Another indication that Isa. 1–39 comes from the time of the Prophet Isaiah is the frequent occurrence of the prophet’s name (occurs 16 times in 1–39).

Isaiah interacts with various people on several occasions in these chapters. The clear intent of the text is to show Isaiah acting and prophesying during the first 39 chapters.

A major emphasis in this section of the book is the prediction of exile because of the nation’s rebellion against God. The clearest statement of this is Isa. 39:5–7.

In the early chapters of Isaiah, judgment has not yet come upon the people, but it is predicted.

Isaiah 40–66 The situation changes in Isa. 40–66.

The prophet’s name does not appear at all nor is any indication given that the prophet is acting or speaking. Of greater importance is the change in the major world power. Assyria is no longer the emphasis; Babylon is now the power.

Babylon and Babylon’s gods receive attention (Isa. 46–48). The mention of Cyrus (45:1), the Persian king who conquered Babylon, presumes a Babylonian background.

The judgment upon God’s people for their sin that was prophesied in Isa. 1–39 is depicted as having already happened in Isa. 40–66.

Jerusalem had received God’s judgment (40:2) and was in ruins (44:26, 28).

God had given Judah into Babylon’s hand (47:5–6).

Jerusalem had drunk the cup of God’s wrath (51:17).

The temple had been destroyed (63:18; 64:10–11).

The historical perspective of chapters 40–66 seems clearly different from the perspective found in 1–39.

The explanation for this, some argue, is that Isaiah prophesied extensively about these future events; others, that someone(s) later appended what befell Judah as the consummation of what the prophet had earlier predicted. Clearly, the latter chapters need to be interpreted in the light of the events of the sixth-century exile to Babylon and return while the earlier chapters need to be interpreted based on events in the eighth century.

Authorship Issues Multiple Authorship View Scholars disagree on whether the difference in historical perspectives in the two sections of Isaiah demand different authors for those sections. Many modern scholars hold to multiple authorship. That is, Isaiah was responsible for the first 39 chapters, while “Deutero-Isaiah” (Second Isaiah), a prophet living during the exile, was responsible for the later chapters. Still other scholars would divide further the later chapters into “Deutero-Isaiah” (chaps. 40–55) and “Trito-Isaiah,” or “Third Isaiah” (chaps. 56–66). The perspective of 56–66 focuses more on worship issues, thus some hold to a different author and setting for those chapters. Still further divisions are advocated by some scholars based upon the various genre and/or repetition in the text, e.g., apocalyptic material (24–27), history (36–39), “woe” statements (28–33), servant passages, and so on.

Title: Unchanged Divine Care

Introduction:

Good morning Today, we delve into the profound words of the book of Isaiah, where we find a message of hope, redemption, and unwavering divine care.

In the midst of turmoil, uncertainty, and spiritual blindness, Isaiah paints a vivid picture of God's unchanging love for His people.

Let us journey together through the passages of Isaiah as we uncover the depth of God's care for us.

Main Section:

1. The Grounds of God's Claim Isaiah 43:1-7

Is 43:1-7

Isaiah 43:1–7 (NIV)

But now, this is what the Lord says—

he who created you, Jacob,

he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I give Egypt for your ransom,

Cush and Seba in your stead.

Since you are precious and honored in my sight,

and because I love you,

I will give people in exchange for you,

nations in exchange for your life.

Do not be afraid, for I am with you;

I will bring your children from the east

and gather you from the west.

I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’

and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’

Bring my sons from afar

and my daughters from the ends of the earth—

everyone who is called by my name,

whom I created for my glory,

whom I formed and made.”

In the opening verses of Isaiah 43, we witness the Lord's declaration of ownership over His people.

Despite their shortcomings, failures, and sins, God proclaims, "You are mine."

This claim is rooted in three grounds: creation, redemption, and personal relationship.

Just as a potter molds clay into a vessel, God has formed His people for His purpose.

Through the redemptive work of Christ, God has made Himself our Next-of-Kin (closest relative), shouldering our needs as His own.

And in the intimate bond of a personal relationship, God knows His people by name, cherishing them as His own precious possession.

In a world of shifting loyalty, faithfulness and broken promises, God's claim remains steadfast and unchanging.

Israel's Condition and God's Response:

The prophet Isaiah paints a stark picture of Israel's spiritual condition - blind and deaf to the voice of Yahweh. Despite their rebellion and consequent exile, God's love for His people remains unchanged.

Even in the midst of their disobedience, God's heart yearns for their redemption, reflecting His unfailing love and fatherly concern for His children.

2. The Assurance of God's Deliverance

Isaiah 43:8–13 (NIV)

Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,

who have ears but are deaf.

All the nations gather together

and the peoples assemble.

Which of their gods foretold this

and proclaimed to us the former things?

Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,

so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,

“and my servant whom I have chosen,

so that you may know and believe me

and understand that I am he.

Before me no god was formed,

nor will there be one after me.

I, even I, am the Lord,

and apart from me there is no savior.

I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—

I, and not some foreign god among you.

You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.

Yes, and from ancient days I am he.

No one can deliver out of my hand.

When I act, who can reverse it?”

As we move further into Isaiah 43, we encounter the assurance of God's deliverance.

In the face of surrounding gods and adversities, God declares Himself as the only Savior.

Through a courtroom analogy, Isaiah presents a compelling case for the uniqueness and sovereignty of God.

He prompts the blind and deaf witnesses—His people—to testify to His unmatched power and faithfulness.

Just as God delivered His people from Egypt in the past, He continues to save and proclaim His redemptive work.

In a world filled with false gods and empty promises, God alone holds the power to deliver us from bondage and bring us into His glorious light.

Yahweh as the Only True God and Redeemer:

Isaiah underscores Yahweh's uniqueness as the one true God and powerful Redeemer of His people.

It highlights Yahweh's revelation of Himself through both words and deeds, affirming His unmatched sovereignty and authority.

This echoes our understanding of Yahweh as the singular God of Israel, whose ability to redeem His people surpasses all else.

3. A New Exodus: The Promise of Liberation

(Isaiah 43:14-21

Isaiah 43:14–21 (NIV)

This is what the Lord says—

your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

“For your sake I will send to Babylon

and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians,

in the ships in which they took pride.

I am the Lord, your Holy One,

Israel’s Creator, your King.”

This is what the Lord says—

he who made a way through the sea,

a path through the mighty waters,

who drew out the chariots and horses,

the army and reinforcements together,

and they lay there, never to rise again,

extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

“Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland.

The wild animals honor me,

the jackals and the owls,

because I provide water in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland,

to give drink to my people, my chosen,

the people I formed for myself

that they may proclaim my praise.

The passage concludes with a vision of a new exodus—a promise of liberation from captivity and oppression.

Drawing from the imagery of the Red Sea event and the wonders of the wilderness journey, Isaiah assures us of God's unchanging nature and His ability to make a way where there seems to be no way.

The wild animals honor me,

the jackals and the owls,

because I provide water in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland

Just as God delivered His people from bondage in the past, He promises to do a new thing, leading us out of captivity and into a land of promise and abundance.

my chosen,

the people I formed for myself

that they may proclaim my praise.

As we face the challenges of life, let us trust in the faithfulness of God, who molds us, delivers us, and leads us into freedom.

The Promise of Redemption and Restoration:

In the midst of their self-doubt, Yahweh assures His people of their redemption and restoration.

He promises to bring down Babylon and deliver His people from exile, ushering in a new era of forgiveness, restoration, and His presence.

This "new thing" signifies not only physical deliverance but also spiritual refreshment and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Let us rejoice in the assurance that the God who redeemed His people in the past will continue to do so in our lives today.

Conclusion:

Beloved, as we reflect on the words of Isaiah, may we be reminded of God's unwavering love, His unchanging care, and His promise of deliverance. In a world of uncertainty and chaos, God remains our steadfast anchor, our Redeemer, and our Savior.

Let us ponder these questions:

Are we willing to trust in God's claim over our lives?

Do we believe in His power to deliver us from every bondage?

And are we ready to embark on a new exodus, following God's leading into a future filled with hope and promise?

May we answer with a resounding "yes," knowing that in God alone, we find true freedom and abundant life.