If Jeremiah is called (aptly so) “the weeping Prophet,” Isaiah could just as appropriately be called “the Millennium Prophet!”
His writings are “loaded” with information and inspiration concerning that coming thousand-year Kingdom Rule of Jesus here on earth.
I mean Isianic chapter after chapter, not just verses either … often whole paragraphs!
And I for one am not willing to “transfer” all these Promises made to a future, saved Israel … and impose them on the Church! (If one makes this hermeneutical “blunder,” he or she will probably end up being “amillennial.” And that would be a sure sign of Bible ignorance!)
Plus … the concept of “rightly dividing the Word” will just not allow me to do so, to invert Jews and Gentiles. Rightly dividing the Word like this: “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God.” Thank you, Paul, for 1 Corinthians 10:33. Readers/students, keep those three entities straight in your Bible study mind, heart.
For example, today’s Text … ISAIAH 44:22-23 … “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.”
Technically, though a pretty set of word pictures, this Pericope is NOT discussing us New Testament believers. The Church (which was officially birthed on the Day of Pentecost) is not Israel. Look at the word “Jacob,” please! And its parallel, “Israel!” What’s not to understand here?
There’s not a drop of Jewish blood flowing in my gentile body! I am an old ex-sinner, saved by Grace!
But to the JEW, admittedly in a small minority by the time it happens (at the end of the Battle of Armageddon) IS going to see the retuning Lord Jesus and repent from sin and gloriously believe on the Saviour!
Her “sins” all gone! Blotted out, hidden behind the thickest cloud you’ve ever seen!
Israel … redeemed! (In Hebrew “gaal,” the “Kinsman-Redeemer” root word, once translated “to purchase!”)
And all nature, a poor word choice, all creation rejoicing in Israel’s salvation! (So there is still rejoicing when a sinner comes home to Jesus … Luke 15:10.)
Tell us again, Isaiah: “Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein.”
“Joy to the world!”
Because of sinners coming to Jesus!
Seems the heavens here really will declare the Glory of God! The bowels of the earth as well! The mountains and forests then add to the symphony!
No more “groaning” (Romans 8:22) … just delightful praise and worship!
Maybe trees are alive, more so than we’ve ever realized!
One sure is, the Cross of Calvary!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” Paul’s Romans 10:1 prayer will be answered! That’s praying in God’s Will, if I’ve ever heard it.
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