42:23
If one accepts, as I do, the unity of Isaiah, ie it is all about the one prophet Isaiah, then one has to accept that chapter 40-66 are largely aimed at future generations. Initially they are aimed at the Babylonian exile generation, and then much later at all of us. This verse with its words “which of you will pay close attention in time to come?” would seem to tie in with this. Judah was going to be severely judged for her sin, as Israel already had been, but this judgement was not terminal. Would future generations pay heed?
42:24,25
The message from Isaiah (more accurately from God, through Isaiah) was not an easy one. “Who handed Jacob over ...” The judgements that Israel and Judah had received were judgements from God (as stated previously, this does not absolve Assyria and Babylon of their responsibility). They were judgements on their failure to obey God’s Law. Likewise, the gospel is not the “nice” message it is often presented to be. The gospel states that we are deserving of hell, it is certainly not an “affirming” message!
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