The ending of our chapter is as thrilling as its beginning!
And it points to a yet future time, definitely so … IF it is to be taken literally! (And Isaiah is not generally known as a poet, rather as a Prophet, a Preacher.)
“For ye (Israel) shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” Isaiah 55:12-13
Today I’d like to emphasize the “trees” that are mentioned in the Text.
I am currently studying the “Trees of the Bible,” and am astounded at their frequency of occurrence throughout Scripture. The Bible begins with a “tree” story and ends with one as well! Come to think of it, Jesus died on a “tree!”
In verse 12 above … the trees are so glad, so happy, they are “clapping their hands!” (Their limbs, I presume!)
Why so elated? Because Jesus has come again! To Israel! And this time that little Nation (but merely a surviving Remnant of her) sees Him and believes on Him and is “born again!”
And on that Day (the true Day of Atonement) even God’s creation (including these trees, not to mention the glorious impact on the little animals) will break out in joyful singing!
No more thorns … a result of the curse of sin anyway … but instead “fir trees.” (An evergreen!)
No more briers … but “myrtle trees” in their place! (Luxuriant in providing shade! An emblem of “rest.”)
Wow!
Paul the Apostle pictures creation presently … “groaning and travailing in pain!” Laboring under the curse of sin! See Romans 8:22. if you’re interested.
But … some day!
(I believe we Christians shall see this Isaiah 55:12-13 miracle and hear this joyful noise, this exuberant singing … as we will be “with” our Saviour when He comes again to earth to rule in Jerusalem … as the greater Son of David!)
Hallelujah!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Do you remember those first 39 chapter of Isaiah? Judgment and darkness everywhere! Now truly, as Isaiah 40 begins … “Comfort” is the key word! That’s our God!
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