I knew he was bold.

And had a keen eye for prophecy.

And sophisticated, well acquainted with Royalty.

But I am now learning just how eloquent a writer Isaiah really is! (I think I should have used the past tense verb here, “was,” but this Prophet seems to be yet alive … speaking to our hearts even now!)

Here in today’s Lesson is an example of his amazing pen in action. (Though it is true his words are Holy Spirit inspired, no doubt. Yet God did guide his men, the Bible authors, through their own individual personalities! As in Luke’s medical language! Or young John Mark’s brevity! Or David’s poetry! Or Solomon’s philosophy!)

“Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: and even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:3-4

Hearken means “to listen, to give ear.” But here “shama” also demands obedience! (No choice, an imperative verb, “required listening!”)

But look. Though the Northern Kingdom of Israel has been subsumed into Assyrian captivity for years, and Isaiah is currently preaching only to the South, to Judah … he has God speaking to BOTH Kingdoms, the north and south! Hence, “House of Jacob” then “the remnant of the House of Israel!” Again there is coming a literal “United Israel,” folks!

Good News for all Jews, God’s “chosen” people, the “Apple of His Eye!”

Then God (in our Text) reveals (once again) His great Love. Something is being depicted that God has done (is still doing) for the Israelites … “from the womb, from the belly!” Prior to birth, even? And certainly from infancy!

And that Act of Love continued over His people (these dear children of Abraham) all the way through their National life … “to old age!”Then to extremely old age … “to hoar (gray) hairs!”

All their days!

But exactly WHAT has God been doing for them?

He has been “carrying” them! He has “borne” them! And He has (or will) “deliver” them!

What an array of verbs!

From “amas” meaning “to carry heavy load.”

To “nasa” meaning “to lift!”

To “sabal” meaning “to labor hard, to even drag if necessary, in pulling a (perhaps massive) load!”

Wow!

And God as Deliverer? The verb “malat” is here employed. In its most intensive form! Earnestly, energetically “rescuing” a people! Here written as an on-going enterprise! God is not finished caring for Israel. Not our faithful, eternal God!

Mercy!

Even though Israel has (and will yet again) face some extremely trying times … God will never “put her down!”

Yes, excellent writing, Isaiah!

Moses would have said it his way: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee.” Deuteronomy 33:27

And you now what?

I believe that Same Great God also has me (and you if you’re saved) “in His Hands.” Gently (and maybe at times not so gently) “carrying” us all the way Home!

Praise His Name!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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