Isaiah 12, Part 1: Anger Turns to Comfort

-

Isaiah 12, Part 1: Anger Turns to Comfort

What has gone before...

The LORD promised a divine Judge who would end oppression and wickedness on earth.

Isaiah 11:4 (ESV) With righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

The dispersed tribes of Israel will be regathered and restored to the land around Jerusalem.

Isaiah 11:12 (ESV) He will raise a signal for the nations and will assemble the banished of Israel, and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

All nations on earth will turn to Jerusalem in worship of the LORD.

Isaiah 11:10 (ESV) In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.

Moving on...

Now, in Chapter 12, Isaiah breaks into song, calling all the earth to join in worship of the One Who will judge, restore and redeem His creation.

Isaiah 12, Part 1: Anger Turns to Comfort

Isaiah 12:1 (ESV) You will say in that day: I will give thanks to you, O LORD, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me.

"In that day" connects Isaiah's song to the previous chapter:

Isaiah 11:11 (ESV) In that day the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea.

The restoration of Israel to their promised homeland will lift the people's heart in thankfulness and praise. God's anger will change to comfort when the Righteous Judge stands as a signal to all nations as borders and barriers break down over the earth and Israel returns home.

The LORD's anger will turn away, to be replaced by the LORD's comfort.

"Comfort" can convey a feeling of relief at a burden lifted, or at least hope of that relief. Lamech named his son, "Comfort" in the hope of relief from painful toil (Genesis 5:29).

Isaac was "comforted" after his mother's death by Rebekah, his wife (Genesis 24:67).

After the fury and wrath of Assyria's invasion, Isaiah predicts that the remnant of Israel will breathe a deep sigh of relief and sing a song of trust and thankfulness for their salvation.

Isaiah 12:2 (ESV) Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.

"Succor" means assistance and support in times of hardship and distress, from Latin succurrere (run to the help of)

These two words offer a wonderful picture of God running to the help of those who are running to Him for refuge.

What do you think?

photo credit: Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton via photopin cc

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Plausible Arguments

-
Image
"In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments." (Colossians 2:3-4) WHO CAN YOU BELIEVE? Politicians, preachers and peddlers are some of the most persuasive people we may meet. I can listen to an argument or sales pitch and be completely sold on it, and then listen to a different, contradictory presentation and be equally persuaded...who is right? Competitive debate or rhetoric is based upon the art of persuasion, the forceful, charismatic use of words and appearance to move people towards action or emotion. Truth and objectivity are optional for a peddler (or politician, preacher or lawyer). Facts are tools that can be modified, exaggerated, obscured or concealed. The goal is to capture the affections, emotions and minds of the audience. Have you ever met someone who consistently disagrees with you, always arguing against your opinions? That shows a hea
Read more

Isaiah 5: The Parable of the Vineyard

-
Image
Isaiah 5: The Parable of the Vineyard Isaiah sings. His beloved had a vineyard, planted with vines, provided with a watchtower. But the vineyard yielded only wild grapes. Now the Beloved takes up the song: Why did my vineyard yield only wild grapes? He plans to destroy his vineyard, trampling the vines, commanding the rain to withhold its rain. The vineyard is the nation of Israel. God had made the nation his people and he had looked for justice and righteous, but got only bloodshed and outcry. Through Isaiah God pronounces judgement upon his people. Their haughty affluence would become desolate. Their disregard of the LORD will bring them into exile, hunger, thirst and death. God will exalt himself as holy when the land is broken and empty. Those who are wise in their own eyes, those who treasure their lies and wickedness, those who reject the law of the LORD and despise his holiness will be struck by the LORD's anger. Invaders from far away will lay siege and bring dark dis
Read more

Isaiah 18, Part One: Paper Boats and Whirring Wings

-
Image
Isaiah 18, Part One: Paper Boats and Whirring Wings What's gone before... In chapter 17 Isaiah described the end of Damascus, capitol city of Syria, Israel's ally and hope of glory in their fight against Judah. God would bring Damascus down because of their idolatry and pride. In this passage the God's sovereign control over all nations was seen. God can raise entire kingdoms up, and he can bring them utterly low. We could identify ourselves in this passage, people who easily forget the God of our salvation, the Creator and Sustainer of our life. We stand condemned by our sin in the same way as Damascus and Israel, and our only hope lies in the kindness of God. Now, in chapter 18... Isaiah greets ambassadors sent by a land "of whirring wings, beyond the rivers of Cush". He urges them to go to a nation "tall and smooth, to a people feared near and far". All the world is called to watch as God destroys the impending threat, clearing the might
Read more