40:1
We are now in the second part of Isaiah. As mentioned in the introduction, most commentators, even many conservative ones, assume that this was written by someone other than Isaiah, and it is commonly referred to as deutero-Isaiah. As indicated in the introduction, I will take the view that there was a single author. However, it does seem that the primary immediate context is the Babylonian exile, looking forward to the release. At the same time it is also looking way beyond that to the coming of Christ, and even to the second coming.
Let’s just review where we have got to. In chapters 1-35 there is a lot of judgement on Judah (along with some on other nations as well), but also promises of future salvation. Assyria did overrun much of the country, but failed to conquer Jerusalem. This was avoided as a result of direct intervention by God and Hezekiah’s faith (and Isaiah’s). Now we are looking at a situation where Jerusalem was destroyed and the people were in exile. This happened because of the persistent and unrepentant sin of the nation, as told by Jeremiah, and described in 2 Kings and Chronicles. The message is that God is able to save, but Israel (and us) was completely unable to save herself. She was irredeemably sinful (without Christ), a saviour was needed.
“Comfort, comfort my people”. The double imperative is a stress on comfort, and the people needed it! Moreover, there were no grounds in their own merits for the people to be comforted. The only grounds are in God, and that is what we are going to hear about. We can also look at this in the immediate aftermath of the Assyrian attack and defeat. Although Assyria has been prevented from taking Jerusalem, and had been completely repulsed, the land would still be in need of encouragement, as much rebuilding and recovery would be required.
No comments:
Post a Comment