The first two Servant Songs are followed by confirmation of the Servant’s tasks and assurances of success (42:5–9; 49:7–13). The third and fourth are followed by invitations to respond and partake of the benefits resulting from his labours (50:10; 54–55). The connection between the fourth so…
Isaiah 59 divides into three parts.
59:1–8 Judah’s sins have separated God from His people; therefore He has not delivered them. In verses 2 and 3 the people are accused of sin and this is evident by use of the second person pronouns “you” and “your”; but in verses 4 to 8 the third p…
Isaiah 59:1–8 “Your Iniquities have Separated between You and Your God” Read More »
So much is said in Isaiah about the coming glory of Zion. It is called in the opening chapter “the city of righteousness, the faithful city” (v26); in 2:2–4 its destiny is to become the centre of the world’s worship; in 4:2–6 it is cleansed and defended; in 12:1–6 a joyous city; in 24:23…
“The Heritage of the Servants of Yahweh” Read More »
In these verses the second of two illustrations from the natural world is presented, the likeness of the Word of God to the rain that falls upon the earth. In the first illustration (v8–9) Yahweh declares that His thoughts transcend man’s thoughts as much as the heavens are higher than the earth…
“For as the rain … So shall my word be” Read More »
Introduction to Isaiah 56
Isaiah 56 extends the calls of the previous chapter: men are required to amend their ways in preparation for the imminent revelation of salvation resulting from the Servant’s completed work (v1–2). In the following section (56:3–8) the invitation to partake of the ri…
“Yet will I Gather Others to Him …” Read More »
In the last half of this chapter, reference is again made to the rise of Cyrus who would do Yahweh’s “pleasure upon the Chaldeans”. Israel is invited to consider such foreknowledge as it proves their Redeemer to be the true God. There is also a lamentation that Israel had not heeded His comman…
This chapter contains one of the most exciting and instructive messages in the Bible, especially for Gentiles. It is the plainest statement in the Old Testament that all nations will be embraced in the salvation that results from the work of Yahweh’s Servant. The first six verses comprise the seco…
“A light to lighten the Gentiles” Read More »
Who are these, like stars appearing,
These before God’s Throne who stand?
Each a golden crown is wearing,
Who are all this glorious band?
(Hymn 310)
Following the call of the Gentiles and the universal response of all nations, there is a command to sing and be joyful (v13). B…
“Who hath Begotten Me These?” Read More »
The concluding verses of Isaiah 49 provide us with two dramatic prophetic pictures. In verses 22 and 23 Zion is informed that her children shall be gathered to her with regal attention and respect. The last three verses speak of Yahweh’s deliverance of the children of Zion from their oppressor…
The last eight verses of Isaiah 45 stress the objectives Yahweh had in the creation of the world. All nations will ultimately learn that He, the God of Israel, is the true God and that all other deities are a mere pretence. Witness to His purpose and Godhead has not been hidden from men, nor will th…
“Unto Me Every Knee Shall Bow” Read More »
