These verses declare the blessing that will eventually come upon Israel. This should cause the nation to rejoice in the Lord. For on that day the Lord will have taken away their punishment and will have turned back their enemies. There is no indication here (unlike in Isaiah) of how the Lord will do this, but we can now see that it is speaking of a day when Israel will realise who Jesus is, and what He achieved on the cross. Throughout history there have been many enemies of the Jews, and in the last days all nations will turn on her, but they will be defeated by God.
On that day the whole world will see that God is for Israel. The people will have no need to fear, and the Lord will delight in Israel. Instead of rebuking her He will delight in her with singing.
Those who hanker for the old ways will be removed, there will need to be a complete change if heart in the nation. All the oppressors will be dealt with, and the lame will be healed. Instead of disgrace and shame, the people will receive honour and praise.
All this is in stark contrast to the rest of the book, and, as mentioned earlier, there is very little indication of how this would or could happen. In the New Testament people like Paul and Peter speak of a mystery being revealed, and of the prophets longing to know how these things could happen. When Paul speaks of the mystery being revealed in Christ he is often referring to how the promises of God could possibly come about when there was the enormous problem of sin and disobedience in Israel. It is only because of Christ's death and resurrection that we can look forward with confidence and hope.
On that day the whole world will see that God is for Israel. The people will have no need to fear, and the Lord will delight in Israel. Instead of rebuking her He will delight in her with singing.
Those who hanker for the old ways will be removed, there will need to be a complete change if heart in the nation. All the oppressors will be dealt with, and the lame will be healed. Instead of disgrace and shame, the people will receive honour and praise.
All this is in stark contrast to the rest of the book, and, as mentioned earlier, there is very little indication of how this would or could happen. In the New Testament people like Paul and Peter speak of a mystery being revealed, and of the prophets longing to know how these things could happen. When Paul speaks of the mystery being revealed in Christ he is often referring to how the promises of God could possibly come about when there was the enormous problem of sin and disobedience in Israel. It is only because of Christ's death and resurrection that we can look forward with confidence and hope.
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