The last section of Isaiah’s prophecy (59:9– 66:24) is made up in part of visions of the coming glory of Zion. They are notable and memorable, giving substance to the rule of righteousness that the Lord will institute when he comes (chapters 60, 61, 62, 65:17–26; 66:7–24). Interspersed there…
Overview of Isaiah 59:9 – 66:24–“His watchmen are blind” Read More »
This chapter reflects the divisions in Judah in the reign of Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh. His systematic liquidation of the righteous, including at length Isaiah himself, coupled with the idolatry and debauchery which he introduced, sanctioned and practised, brought Judah to new lows and made desolat…
Isaiah 57:1–12 “Thou hast Discovered Thyself to Another than Me” Read More »
The first 13 verses of this chapter describe a nation that has departed from Yahweh to idolatry and the immoral rites associated with it. Righteous men were being removed by God in view of the impending judgment. They would “enter into peace” but, alas, the wicked would suffer a different fate, …
Isaiah 57:13–21 “I create the fruit of the lips, peace …” Read More »
In this 58th chapter of Isaiah true fasting and Sabbath-keeping are contrasted with false observance of them. It is a question of the motive. Were these acts of worship genuine and from the heart or merely for outward human consumption? Fasting is a form of self-deprivation voluntarily undertaken to…
Isaiah 58:1–7 True Fasting Contrasted with the Counterfeit Read More »
Introductory note
In this chapter the prophet continues his impassioned appeal for his people to be delivered. Could there not be another Sinai-like manifestation that would convert Israel and bring judgment on the nations? Isaiah acknowledges the unique blessings prepared for those who wait for …
Isaiah 64: “Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens.” Read More »
Introductory notes
1 Isaiah’s sustained prayer in which he passionately pleads for his people has concluded (63:7–64:12).
2 Chapter 65 records Yahweh’s response, His answer, in which He ‘sets the record straight’.
3 Yahweh points out that it was through no fault of His that Israel (…
Isaiah 65:1–10 “I am sought of them that asked not for me” Read More »
59:9–15 Confession of sins: the cause of calamities acknowledged
59:9–10 “Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity [rsv ‘darkness’]; for brightness, but we walk in darkness [rsv ‘gloom’]. We grope for the wall…
Isaiah 59: 9–15 “Truth is Fallen in the Street” Read More »
This chapter presents one of the most beautiful pictures in the Bible of the Kingdom of God. It portrays the fulfilment of the Abrahamic covenant where those who have blessed his seed are blessed and those who have cursed them are caused to submit. In his seed all nations are finally blessed and Zio…
Isaiah 60 “Arise, Shine; for thy Light is Come” Read More »
The first seven verses of Isaiah 58 make it plain that acceptable worship touches all aspects of a believer’s life. Service to God must be accompanied by compassion to fellow servants otherwise it is invalid, even obnoxious. There must be consistency if a favourable response is expected. Fasting a…
Isaiah 58:8–14 “And I will Feed Thee with the Heritage of Jacob” Read More »
In this eloquent and beautiful chapter Messiah, Yahweh’s Anointed, declares his commission, “To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God” (v2). He had been instructed that he might “know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary” (50:4). The op…
Isaiah 61 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me” Read More »
