It is my goal to highlight a single Text (Paragraph) in each chapter of Isaiah, and to do so sequentially. Yes, all 66 of them, the longest (in its number of chapters) of all the Biblical Prophets.

I did that (at least attempted that) yesterday in the Lesson, focusing on Isaiah chapter 1, verses 18-20. I feel that Pericope summarizes the basic Message of the Old Testament Prophetic Literature.

But I didn’t mention a number of things that are significant.

For example … Isaiah’s very first verse calls his whole Work (the Isaiah “Corpus” some call it) a “vision.” (Read it. “The VISION of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.”) The word derives from a verb meaning “to see, to behold, to look.” But twice the King James translators let it mean “to prophesy.” And once it is expressed “to provide,” literally meaning “to see ahead, to see in advance!” That’s prophecy!

I also noticed that Obadiah begins his Prophecy the same way, with the word “vision.” Here: “The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom.” 

I am saying this: such Biblically godly men of Prophecy did not only “hear” the Word of God, in some realistic way they “saw” the Word of God as well. He was that REAL to them! 

Wow!

Now one or two Old Testament Prophets begin their Works with the word “burden,” not “vision!” These Messages are that HEAVY, I suspect.

Actually Nahum does this. But then he immediately employs our noun “vision” too. (Nahum was allowed of God to preach the Message Jonah so longed to proclaim, about the destruction of Nineveh!) “The BURDEN of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.” Nahum 1:1

Habakkuk does this as well. “The BURDEN which Habakkuk the prophet did see.” Habakkuk 1:2

What a study (a whole book) could be written about these men and their specific messages, their varying personalities too.

Wow!

Isaiah 1 also … lists the Kings under whose administrations (reigns) Isaiah preached. A long ministry, indeed! Let me show you their names, four of them … “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of UZZIAH, JOTHAM, AHAZ, and HEZEKIAH, kings of Judah.” A dynasty in fact, springing from one single family of leaders. (All are Davidic!) Folks, Isaiah knows these men, personally! He is a Court Preacher!

Ever heard of a Christian “backsliding?” The root idea comes from Isaiah 1:4. “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away BACKWARD.” Yes, gone away BACKWARD! God’s view of our recalcitrance.

The first chapter of the Book of Isaiah has a total of 31 verses, great verses too!

A dozen sermons (surely I understate the fact) await its perusal, its study.

But I feel led to focus on verses 18-20, one of the better known Texts in all of the Old Testament!

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 1:18-20

This vast (Wisdom-filled) Statement essentially houses the basic Message of all the Prophets of the Bible. (No doubt this is Holy Spirit inspired! As is ALL the Word of God.)

The opening verb, “to reason” (in Hebrew “yakach”) is a word basically meaning “to judge.” Like … God is here taking the Nation (Judah) to court! Among its 59 Bible usages (in the whole Old Testament), the word is translated “to reason” only twice! But 23 times it means “to rebuke,” in the King James Bible! And 12 more times “to rebuke!” It is “to correct” 3 times. And even “chasten” twice! Get this: “argue” once!

Surprisingly, the verb is NOT an invitation to simple dialogue! (I have learned something today already.) It is God Almighty WARNING an errant people! The verse is a subpoena!

A “choice” is being offered Israel, well Judah.

“Scarlet” sins imply souls/hearts/lives that are deeply “stained” with rebellion, wrongdoing! Sins that are clearly visible … from afar, thus called “red.”

While “white” (as snow) … implies those sins being cleansed, having been washed away, the stains totally removed! Oh, praise the Lord!

So … our stern Judge has a heart of mercy and grace, in reality! Though He does mean what He says, no empty threats in this Passage.

“Red like crimson” and “as wool” (white, clean, pure) restate the same word picture. MY sins can be gone, those spots of filth removed … God is here offering forgiveness to that amazing extent!

“Wool” … like a little lamb, or a freshly bathed ram or ewe … a member of the “flock!” Well cared for … by a Good Shepherd, the Best! (“The LORD is my Shepherd!”)

But God’s Speech here contains an “if,” two “ifs” actually! And what a difference between them. An “if” of obedience, and an “if” of disobedience!

“IF ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but IF ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword.” Isaiah 1:19-20

In sum, IF you obey, God will bless you.

IF you do not obey, God will discipline (chastise) you.

Obey … your land will be fruitful.

Or disobey … an enemy will come with his sword!

Wow!

The overall Message of the Prophets … indeed!

But look how the Text ends … “for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.”

Yes, a Sermon from Isaiah … but behind His man stands really the God of Creation. The God of Righteousness. The God of Calvary too!

Amen.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Isaiah, based on his vocabulary (among other things), was a well learned Bible Prophet. This reminds one of the erudite Moses as well! (Definition: “having or showing great knowledge or learning,” from the Latin “erudire” meaning “to instruct or train.”)

Isaiah was a married man with one Wife and two sons, all mentioned in his Book, his Writing. He lovingly calls her “the prophetess!” (Isaiah 8:3 … “And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz.” By the way, this is the longest name in the Old Testament!)

He is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, numerous times. But even in the Old Testament Book of Chronicles! “Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.” And this is just one example, 2 Chronicles 26:22.

Isaiah’s Ministry centered largely on the Kingdom of Judah, the Monarchy, he being (in the truest sense of the word) a “court” Preacher. He knew King after King personally! He associated with Royalty!

Isaiah (best I can calculate) is quoted more in the New Testament than any other single Old Testament Prophet! Quite an honor! John, Paul, Matthew, Luke and Jesus … all use this great man’s Material, either verbalizing him directly or (at least) mentioning him by name.

Speaking of his name, Isaiah … it’s a blend of two short Hebrew words (“yasha” and “Jah”) … meaning “Jehovah saves!” In my honest opinion, “Jesus saves!”

Wow!

And Isaiah enjoyed a long, singularly blessed ministry! Under the reigns of four (4) Kings of Judah! See the first verse Isaiah ever wrote, introducing his Book: “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” Yes, this is Isaiah 1:1.

If ancient Jewish history is right, Isaiah died for his faith, too! He being the unnamed martyr mentioned in Hebrews 11: 37. “They were stoned, they were SAWN ASUNDER, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented.” Isaiah was “sawn asunder” (cut in half, into two pieces) by wicked King Manasseh!

He died a victor, then!

One reputable Bible teacher often called Isaiah (the Book, the whole Prophecy) … the “Romans” of the Old Testament! 

Although the authorship of this great Book is currently under dispute … hence the false Dutero-Isaiah and Trito-Isaiah theories (terms just meaning two different “Isaiahs” and nowadays three different “Isaiahs”) … godly, fundamental Church men for hundreds of years have accepted this one man as a valid, literal character of history! And the only (under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit) author of the Book bearing his name!

Lastly, the Book divides itself into two “halves.” Two “sections” I had better say. Because they are not completely equal in volume. Chapters 1-39 basically focus on judgment! While Isaiah chapters 40-66 basically concentrate on hope, on good news!

As has been taught by thousands … this reflects the two division of the whole Bible. The Old Testament (Books 1-39, Genesis through Malachi) have a general theme of judgment! While the New Testament (Books 40-66, Matthew through Revelation) have a general theme of Hope, Good News, of JESUS and salvation!

Wow!

One well-known Preacher aptly labels Isaiah chapters 1-39 … condemnation! Then he calls Isaiah chapters 40-66 … consolation!

Yes, Isaiah is an evangelist!

Now, if we can master these few facts about this great man of God … our upcoming chapter by chapter survey will be more meaningful. If you possibly can, read this Lesson another time or two.

Knowing the man (always) helps in knowing his message!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Isaiah the Prophet has long been one of my “heroes!”

As is, of course, the Apostle Paul.

They both knew and loved Jesus so well. Yes, I really do mean Isaiah too, but through the means of Bible Prophecy!

So … the Lord willing … we are going to study the great Book this giant left us … “Isaiah, son of Amoz.”

My plan, which is always subject to change, to the specific leadings of the Holy Spirit … is to look at Isaiah, the Major Prophet’s Corpus, chapter by chapter.

So we are now beginning at least a 66 day/66 lesson journey … a trip which promises to be both informative and inspirational.

I keep calling Isaiah a Prophet, and indeed he is. But is also (at least in my eyes) an Evangelist! Constantly pointing folks to trust a coming Redeemer! 

He says as much about Jesus, perhaps more, than any other Old Testament writer. And to present Jesus is tantamount to presenting Salvation!

Amos was at home in the country.

Jeremiah was most comfortable all alone!

Hosea, when at home with his family (if his wife Gomer was there, anyway).

But ISAIAH … was most in his element when in the royal place, preaching to the Kings of Judah!

He was a “court preacher” indeed!

Well, tomorrow morning, the Lord willing … Isaiah chapter 1.

Wow, am I excited!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Thanksgiving is one of the few American holidays remaining that give at least a semblance of acknowledging Almighty God. Our Provider and Sustainer.

The first Thanksgiving in America was observed in 1621, best I can tell. It was a Pilgrim thing. Then much later in 1863 President Lincoln proclaimed that day one of National gratitude. President Roosevelt still later in 1941 declared the Holiday to be observed on the fourth Thursday in November.

It’s been a Custom ever since. (How much longer, no one knows!)

But today I’d like to show you a verse of Scripture that says, for us Christians, thanksgiving is more than a just once-a-year holiday. More than just an annual festivity.

Paul wrote it long ago: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I was in a couple of bookstores earlier this week. And in both locations I saw books (not just single titles) on the “Will of God.” I mean God’s “best” for each of our lives! God’s ideal “desire” or plan” for us.

That’s a noble topic, indeed.

But my verse today gives us one facet of God’s Will for our lives that is stable, never-changing, and equally applicable to every man, woman, boy and girl!

“This IS the Will of God” … in Christ Jesus, Paul wrote.

And what might that be?

The Giving of Thanks!

Tell us again, Paul: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

See that verb?

“Give thanks.”

It is spelled “eucharisteo” in Greek, literally the English word “eucharist.”

It technically means “good Grace!”

(I’d say if we ever see truly the magnitude of the Good Grace of God … we would give thanks forevermore! Or if we ever experience that Good Grace!)

But this is what I am trying to say.

This verb (“give thanks” or “eucharisteo”) is written in the imperative mood!

That means we are being COMMANDED, ORDERED, MANDATED to give thanks to God!

Maybe even to each other, when appropriate!

Bottom line, the heart of today’s Lesson … thanksgiving for you and me is more (much more) than just going along with a national custom. Or observing a Holiday. Or eating a lavish meal, for those blessed enough do enjoy such.

It is a DUTY before God.

It is a part of our fulfilling God’s Will for our lives!

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

We are under constraint to give thanks every day!

What did Paul say, tell me again?

“IN EVERY THING” … give  thanks!

Technically he did not say “for” everything.

But “in” everything.

There may be a shade of difference there.