Theology of Isaiah

I.                   Overview

For many people, the Westminster Confession of Faith provides a systematic and concise understanding of the Holy Scriptures, God, and His creation. The Westminster Confession of Faith is organized into thirty-five chapters to systemize the entire Bible into topics such as the Holy Scriptures, God and of the Holy Trinity, God's Eternal Decree, Creation, and Providence. Amazingly, the Old Testament book of Isaiah produces a very different picture of God and theology. 

The book of Isaiah could be called the Holy Bible in miniature. Numerous theology themes fill the pages of the prophet Isaiah’s sixty-six chapters. Many biblical scholars believe that the Old Testament book of Isaiah is a theological masterpiece filled with insights into the glory and nature of the living holy God. Because of the book of Isaiah’s length, some people find Isaiah’s book hard to grasp.[1]

Of all the books of the Holy Scriptures, the book of Isaiah provides a complete picture of the true and living God. Isaiah describes the living and true God as unique and transcendent (beyond our experience). Yet, Isaiah reveals the holy and exalted God as our Immanuel, “God is with us” (see Isaiah 7:14). The true and living God is close and near to the humble of heart who seek and love Him (Isaiah 57:15; see also Psalm 145:18). Therefore, the living God’s nearness prepares Isaiah’s readers to receive the living God incarnate (in human flesh) as Immanuel, Christ Jesus our Savior (see Matthew 1:23).

Isaiah’s name means, “Yahweh is salvation”[2] or the “the LORD saves.”[3] The book of Isaiah calls on all people to turn away from their many false saviors and gods to the only true and living God, Yahweh, for our salvation (e.g., see Isaiah 45:21). Isaiah proclaims the only way to receive the God’s salvation and blessings is through our wholehearted surrender and trust in Him and not any other false gods, foreign nation, nor military alliance (e.g., see Isaiah 7:1-25).

Moreover, the book of Isaiah also tells the story of God’s righteous judgment on His sinful and rebellious people through the great Exile (see Isaiah 5:7, 24-30). However, Isaiah also declares God’s redemption and restoration (see Isaiah 40:1-2). The living God promises to cleanse and preserve a faithful remnant that will glorify Him among the nations and demonstrate that He alone is the true and living God (see Isaiah 6:13; Isaiah 53:6, 10). Isaiah promises the holy God will set aside a faithful remnant for Himself (Isaiah 4:2-3; Isaiah 6:13).

Furthermore, the book of Isaiah promises the coming Kingdom of God, and God’s Kingdom will be centered in Zion (new Eden or the new Jerusalem) (e.g., see Isaiah 59:20). In the book of Isaiah, the Holy One of Israel identifies Himself with holy Zion, His symbolic dwelling place (see Isaiah 18:7; Isaiah 24:23; Isaiah 27:13; Isaiah 56:7; Isaiah 60:1-22). Isaiah promises Zion will be populated by God’s faithful, merciful, and obedient people, and ruled by God’s Righteous Servant, the Messiah (Christ) (e.g., see Isaiah 1:27-28; Isaiah 33:5). God’s Righteous Servant will build Zion on the power of mercy, holiness, and goodness rather than oppression and injustice (see Isaiah 62:11).

The Holy One of Israel is a key phrase in Isaiah. The Holy One is the King (see Isaiah 6:5), the righteous and just One (see Isaiah 26:7), the incomparable God (see Isaiah 40:25), and the Redeemer of His faithful people (see Isaiah 41:14). Even more, the Holy One of Israel is filled with power and strength (see Isaiah 52:10). Isaiah describes the true and living God as holy and morally perfect (see Isaiah 6:3, 5). God’s holiness requires our purity, holiness, and goodness (see Isaiah 1:15-20; Isaiah 5:7; Isaiah 6:3-5; Isaiah 33:14-15). Anyone coming to the Holy One must worship Him in wholehearted reverence, obedience, and awe (see Isaiah 66:1-3).

Moreover, the Creator and Holy One of Israel is just, and His justice (mishpat) is part of His divine order (e.g., see Isaiah 5:7; Isaiah 16:5; Isaiah 56:1-2). The theme of God’s justice and righteousness runs throughout all of Isaiah e.g., Isaiah 1:17, 21-23; Isaiah 5:7-23; Isaiah 32:6-7; Isaiah 58:2). The living God rules and governs His world with justice (e.g., see Isaiah 5:16; Isaiah 10:22; Isaiah 30:18). For the LORD God loves justice, and He hates evil, robbery, and wrongdoing (e.g., see Isaiah 5:16; Isaiah 61:8). The Holy One of Israel also looks for justice from His people toward all people, especially the poor, widows, and the oppressed (e.g., see Isaiah 5:7; Isaiah 10:1-2). The living God blesses and rewards those who also seek justice, good deeds, and righteousness (Isaiah 30:18; Isaiah 56:1-2; see also e.g., Psalm 11:7; Matthew 5:10).

God’s nature as justice explains the prophecies of judgment, which condemn the leaders and wealthy for their injustice. God’s vengeance is just, because people get no worse than they deserve (e.g., see Isaiah 3:9-11; Isaiah 13:11; Isaiah 59:18). Moreover, God’s justice explains the prophecies against the Gentile nations because of their oppressive, proud, and unjust ways. Justice is central to God, and humans are condemned for failing to uphold God’s justice in His world (see Isaiah 28:17; Isaiah 29:21). Justice demands relating rightly to God and dealing fairly and mercifully with our fellow human (Isaiah 1:21; see also Micah 6:6-8; Zechariah 7:9; Matthew 22:34-40; Luke 10:25-37). 

The Good News is that the Holy One of Israel is also our Redeemer that seeks, rescues, and saves all who seek Him and turn from sin and wickedness (see Isaiah 49:7). In the book of Isaiah, the living God promises to send His Righteous Servant to cleanse and atone for our sins and rebellion (Isaiah 53:4-10; see also John 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 2:13-14). The Holy One promises to wash away one’s filth and promises to be present with His faithful and obedient people (e.g., see Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 35:8-9; Isaiah 62:12).

Even more, Isaiah declares the living God’s Righteous Servant, Jesus the Messiah, will usher in a just and merciful world (e.g., see Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 11:2-5; Isaiah 16:5; Isaiah 32:1-2), and His Spirit will transform the world into a place of justice, righteousness, and peace (Isaiah 25:4; Isaiah 32:15-17; Isaiah 61:1-2; see also Luke 4:16-20). God’s Righteous Servant will proclaim the new order of justice and righteousness to the world (see Isaiah 42:3-4). When God’s Kingdom is fully established, the world (Eden or new Zion) will too be just and righteous (Isaiah 1:26; Isaiah 28:6; see also 2 Peter 3:13).

Finally, Isaiah proclaims Good News for all people, not just Israel (see Isaiah 52:7). Particularly, Isaiah proclaims Good News to the poor, oppressed, the blind, the prisoner, and needy, whose rights have been denied by the rich and powerful of society (see Isaiah 61:1-4). Even more, Jesus as God’s Righteous Servant receives His Father’s just judgment on as a willing substitute (Isaiah 52:13-53:12; see also e.g., Romans 6:22-23; 1 Peter 3:18). As God’s Righteous Servant, Isaiah promises He will bring God’s glorious light to all nations and all people (Isaiah 9:1-2; Isaiah 42:7; see also Matthew 4:15-16).

B.     Setting

The book of Isaiah starts around 740 BC, at the time of King Uzziah’s death (see Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 2:1; Isaiah 6:1). King Uzziah, also known as Azariah in some biblical translations, ruled in Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel, from 792 to 740 BC (e.g., see 2 Kings 14:21-22; 2 Kings 15:1-7, 13, 30, 32, 34; Chronicles 26:1-23). Isaiah lived at a crucial time, midway between the founding of the kingdom under Saul and David, and its eventual destruction.[4] Sadly, a civil war split and divided the Israelites into the North (Israel) and the South (Judah) after King Solomon’s death (see 1 Kings 11:9-13; 1 Kings 12:16-20). The prophet Isaiah lived in the more religious southern kingdom of Judah where Jerusalem and the Temple were located (see Isaiah 1:1). The prophet Isaiah ministered and served as an advisor for four kings of Judah – Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (e.g., see Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 6:1; Isaiah 7:1; Isaiah 37:2-39:8).

When Isaiah began his prophetic ministry, Judah and Israel seemed strong and wealthy. However, the prophet Isaiah saw people using their power and wealth to harass and oppress the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the alien (e.g., see Isaiah 1:16-20, 23; James 1:27). Men went around drunk, and women cared more about their clothes than their neighbor’s hunger and the oppressed (e.g., see Isaiah 3:16-24; Isaiah 5:7-12). People gave “lip service” to God with their outward religious ceremonies, rituals and fasts, and they kept up an appearance as righteous and good, but inwardly they neglected mercy, truth, justice, and goodness (e.g., see Isaiah 1:10-15).

Also, during this time, Judah faced a major crisis from the Assyrian empire. The Assyrian conquest reached southwestward from its homeland in what is now northern Iraq toward its ultimate destination, Egypt.[5] The small nations of the Mediterranean coast, including Israel and Judah, stood in Assyria’s path. Assyria took Galilee and much of Israel’s territory east of the Jordan River.[6] However Assyria would be satisfied only with total control of Israel, Judah, and all the other smaller nations in the area.

During King Uzziah’s reign as king of Judah, Judah has a strong army (see 2 Chronicles 26:11-15). After Uzziah’s death, ungodly King Jotham and King Ahaz began to reign as king of Judah.[7] Then, God gave Isaiah a vision to reveal that He is the true King and Lord not only of Judah but the ENTIRE world (see Isaiah 6:1-8). After seeing the living and glorious God, Isaiah gave a message to King Ahaz to trust in the living God because God is dependable (see Isaiah 7:1-25). However, King Ahaz ignored Isaiah’s message to trust the living God, and he foolishly placed his trust in human efforts and human alliance (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 28:16-21; Isaiah 7:1-12). After King Ahaz’s death, eventually good King Hezekiah ruled Judah. This time King Hezekiah heeded Isaiah’s warning and trusted in the ling God to protect Judah. King Hezekiah and the people of Judah relied on God’s faithfulness, and as promised, God rescued the nation from the Assyrians (see Isaiah 37:21-36). Regrettably, the people of Judah did not remain faithful to God after King Hezekiah’s death. As a result, God eventually allowed Judah to be defeated by the evil Babylonians in 586 BC (see 2 Kings 25:1-21; Jeremiah 52:12-27).

However, the prophet Isaiah assured both Israel and Judah that the living God is still faithful to His those who are continually faithful and obedient to Him (see Isaiah 6:13). The living God promised comfort, restoration, and salvation to God’s faithful people (Isaiah 40:1-2; see also Ezra 1:1-4).

II.                Doctrine of Isaiah

A.    True Religion

The beginning chapters of Isaiah gives the prophet’s definition of “true religion.” In Isaiah 1:10-27, living LORD Almighty censored the leadership of Israel and Judah because of their multiple sins and rebellion against their fellow brothers and sisters. The LORD Almighty was sick of the people’s many outward religious sacrifices, ceremonies, offerings, prayers, and rituals as they continued in sin and wickedness (see Isaiah 1:11-15). The leaders, wealthy, and influential members of Israel and Judah were filled with murder, injustice, brides, thief, and oppression (Isaiah 1:15-16, 23; see also Isaiah 5:7-24). The people of Israel and Judah, particularly the rulers and elders, defrauded the poor, lied and cheated, and they stole and mistreated the fatherless, widows and the oppressed (e.g., see Isaiah 3:13-24; Isaiah 59:1-15).

The prophet Isaiah encouraged the people to stop their sin and wickedness and do good, be fair and help the poor, the fatherless, and widows (Isaiah 1:16-17; see also James 1:27). If they would seek and do goodness, righteousness, and mercy for the poor, fatherless, and widows, the LORD Almighty promised to remove their sins, make the people as white and pure as snow, and pour out His abundant grace from heaven (Isaiah 1:18-19; see also Matthew 23:23). However, the LORD warned Israel and Judah if they continued their path of wickedness and sins against the poor, the fatherless, and widow, it will lead to His wrath and destruction (see Isaiah 1:20-25, 28-31).

The Holy God reveals Himself Holy and Righteous as practiced by the community of faith. Thus, God's people who use His name in worship gives God a bad name with their bad acts. If they claimed alliance to a Holy God, Israel and Judah were expected to embody the LORD’s character. The LORD's righteousness as seen in the righteousness of His people. Thus, according to Isaiah theology, the LORD calls upon His creation to do good and not evil, do justice to the disadvantage, stop hypocritical religious, and feed the poor. Justice, mercy, and faithfulness are more important to the LORD than our religious rituals, ceremonies, and fasting (e.g., see Isaiah 58:3-6; Isaiah 59:14-15). Orthodoxy is not an excuse for callous orthopraxy.

In the book of Isaiah, the LORD promises a coming Ruler that will eliminate oppression and injustice and bring the LORD’s justice and mercy for all nations and all people (Isaiah 30:18; see also e.g., Hosea 2:19; Matthew 23:23). The LORD’s Righteous Servant will be filled with the LORD’s Spirit and bring forth justice to throughout the nations, and not just for Israel and Judah (see Isaiah 42:1-4). The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophet Isaiah’s predictions as during His public ministry, the Lord Jesus went around doing good, performing acts of compassion, and mercy for all (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 9:35-36; Acts 10:36).

B.     God is the Holy One of Israel

Throughout the Old Testament book of Isaiah, the living God is called the Holy One of Israel. The theme of God as the Holy One of Israel unites all sixty-six chapters of the entire book of Isaiah (e.g., see Isaiah 1:2-4; Isaiah 31:1). God as the Holy One of Israel means that God demands our wholehearted love, honor and honor (e.g., see Isaiah 6:3; Isaiah 66:1-2). Even more, the Holy One of Israel also commands His people to be holy and reflect His holiness in His creation (see Leviticus 11:44; Leviticus 20:26; Psalm 34:9). All that God does is motivated by His holiness. In fact, the entire goal of redemptive history is to acknowledge God as holy (see also Revelation 4:8), and God’s people are to imitate God’s holiness (see Isaiah 4:3; Isaiah 10:20, Isaiah 49:7; Isaiah 60:9).

C.    No god Compares with Yahweh

Next, the prophet Isaiah proclaims that the Holy One of Israel (Yahweh) is unlike any other god or religion. The book of Isaiah declares that Yahweh is incomparable, and He is sovereign over all the nations (see Isaiah 40:15-18). Isaiah ridicules all manmade objects of worship as meaningless (see Isaiah 40:19-20; Isaiah 44:14-20). In fact, the entire polytheistic religious system is like a block of stone or of wood overlaid with precious metal with no real divinity (see also Isaiah 41:7; Isaiah 44:9-20). Thus, Isaiah teaches only Yahweh is the only true and living God of the world (see Isaiah 66:1-2). Yahweh is too big to be represented by an image as NOTHING compares to the holiness, perfection, and glory of Him. Only Yahweh knows the future, the beginning from the end, and the entire sweep of history (see Isaiah 41:21-29; Isaiah 46:8-11).

D.    Trust Yahweh vs. Fear of Humans

Because there is only one true and living God (Yahweh), Isaiah repeatedly declares throughout the book of Isaiah that the LORD God (Yahweh) is the One to wholeheartedly trust and not to fear humans (e.g., see Isaiah 31:1). In fact, trusting God first and foremost for all our needs and protections and not fearing humans is an important theme of Isaiah as well as the entire Holy Scriptures (Isaiah 2:22; Isaiah 17:7-8; Isaiah 22:11; see also e.g., see 2 Chronicles 32:8; Psalm 146:3; Jeremiah 17:5-9). The prophet Isaiah repeatedly encourages Israel and Judah to trust in God and not trust in humans (e.g., see Isaiah 7:1-17; Isaiah 31:1; Isaiah 51:12-15).

Notably, the prophet Isaiah declares to King Ahaz at Isaiah 7:9: “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” This same verse can be translated, “if you will not be Amen, then you will not be Amen” This is a wordplay. Sadly, King Ahaz failed to trust in God even when the prophet Isaiah gave Ahaz a salvation oracle, Immanuel (see Isaiah 7:14). However, Ahaz’s son King Hezekiah was given a second chance, and Hezekiah trusted in God and defeated the mighty Assyrian army with the help of Almighty God (see Isaiah 36:1-37:38).

E.     The Watchmen

Finally, Isaiah declares that God's holy prophets and leadership are God’s watchmen (Isaiah 56:10-11; see also Jeremiah 6:17; Ezekiel 33:7). As God’s watchmen, God’s holy prophets and leaders are to warn others of sin, wickedness, and other spiritual dangers in the world (Isaiah 58:1; see also Jeremiah 25:4-6). Moreover, God’s calls His holy prophets and leaders to encourage the people to wholeheartedly love, honor, and obey God and His Word (e.g., see Jeremiah 31:6; Ezekiel 3:17-21).  If God’s holy prophets and leaders will not lead the people in God’s righteous ways, God will punish these prophets and leaders for the people’s sins, rebellion, and wickedness (e.g., see Ezekiel 3:17-21; Ezekiel 33:7-9).  

III.             Eschatological Themes of Isaiah

The book of Isaiah has numerous eschatological themes linked to the future hope for Zion and a Righteous Servant that will reign in Zion with the King of glory. These themes are part of the future picture of the book of Isaiah.

A.    Eden and Zion Theology

The theology of Isaiah envisions a new Eden in the future, and this Eden is a future image of Zion. In the future Zion, the sin and rebellion of Genesis 3 that corrupted all aspects of life – spiritual, psychological, social, and physical – will be reversed and all creation will be restored (see Isaiah 11:1-16; Isaiah 35:1-10). Isaiah draws on motifs from Genesis and creation such as Abraham and the patriarchs (see Isaiah 51:1-3). In the future, there will be a restoration with a new heaven and earth and a new Jerusalem like the book of Revelation (see Isaiah 65:17-25). Thus, the spiritual corruption and sin of Israel and Judah in Isaiah chapters 1 through 5 will be transformed in Isaiah chapters 60 through 66 into a holy and beautiful worship community that reflects God’s holiness originally planned in Eden. Moreover, the glory of future Zion will be for all people – the nations, and the nations will bring their wealth to Zion (e.g., see Isaiah 60:1-5). Yahweh will be established as the King of Zion and the whole world be remade with the recreation of Zion (see Isaiah 66).

B.     David Theology

Importantly, the prophet Isaiah along with the other Old Testament prophets predict a coming King from the line of David (Isaiah 11:1; see also e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 132:11; Jeremiah 23:5; Matthew 1:1).  This coming King from David's family line will rule and reign as the Spirit-Anointed King of all the world – the Messiah (Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 59:20-21; Isaiah 61:1-2; see also Matthew 2:2; Revelation 22:16). This Anointed King sitting on David’s throne will establish justice, mercy, and peace (Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 16:5; Isaiah 32:1, 16; Isaiah 33:5; Isaiah 42:1; see also Matthew 12:18-21). This King will rule over the whole world, and the Spirit will rest on Him (see Isaiah 11:1-10). The Messiah will the righteous Judge, and He will delight and smell out the truth in the fear of Yahweh (God) to reveal one’s true motives and heart intentions (Isaiah 11:3-5; see also 2 Corinthians 2:14-16). Furthermore, Isaiah predicted the Anointed King will have a nose for justice and righteousness (see Isaiah 11:4-5).

Moreover, the nations that will seek the Anointed King from David’s family line as their King (see Hosea 3:4-5; Amos 9:11; Zechariah 12:7-8; Zechariah 13:1; Ezekiel 37:21). Most important, Isaiah predicts a victorious and Anointed King and Messiah that will complete the conquest where the nations will fall at His feet as He rules and reigns as King (see Isaiah 9:6-7).

C.    The Destiny of the Nations

Throughout the book of Isaiah, a constant theme is the destiny of the nations as originally planned by God through His servant, Abraham (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 26:4; see also Galatians 3:8). Yet, Isaiah’s predictions for the nations are paradoxical. Isaiah envisions the destructions of the nations (e.g., see Isaiah 35:4; Isaiah 41:11; Isaiah 49:25-26; Isaiah 54:15). Even more, Isaiah envisions Israel’s victory over the nations and the nations coming to Israel (e.g., see Isaiah 10:26; Isaiah 19:1-4; Isaiah 31:8; Isaiah 49:26). Significantly, Isaiah predicts the nations of the world will become subservient to Israel (e.g., see Isaiah 19:21-25; Isaiah 49:22-23; Isaiah 45:14).

Nevertheless, Isaiah envisions the nations will participate in God’s salvation. To bring salvation to the world, Isaiah predicts God will send His Righteous Servant as a Light to the nations and the nations will stream to Zion (e.g., see Isaiah 2:2-4). Isaiah’s future prediction is the opposite of Exodus theology because it will be an eisodus of the redeemed remnant of Israel and the Gentiles will come to God.

D.    The Servant of the Lord

Importantly, Isaiah envisions the coming Righteous Servant of the Lord throughout all sixty-six chapters of the book of Isaiah. In fact, the word “servant” occurs exactly 40 times in Isaiah. However, who is the Lord’s servant? The prophet Isaiah is named as God’s servant (see Isaiah 20:3). At Isaiah 22:20, God calls Eliakim the son of Hilkiah His servant. Moreover, Isaiah identifies David as a servant of the Lord (see Isaiah 37:35) and Moses as God’s servant (see Isaiah 63:11).

Furthermore, Isaiah identifies Israel or Jacob as God’s servant that He has formed (see Isaiah 41:8-9; Isaiah 44:1-2, 21; Isaiah 45:4; Isaiah 49:3). The living God redeemed His servant Israel to obey His righteousness commands and serve Him as God’s witness and light to the nations (see Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 48:17-20). However, Isaiah called Israel blind and deaf messengers of God that have not faithfully obeyed God (see Isaiah 42:18-19), and Israel needed God’s forgiveness (see Isaiah 44:21-22).

Nevertheless, Isaiah envisions the perfect Israel and perfect Vine in God’s Righteous Servant that will establish justice, light, and righteousness to the nations (Isaiah 42:1-4; see also John 15:1, 5). Isaiah predicts a coming Righteous Servant of the Lord that will suffer and atone for Israel’s sins (see Isaiah 52:13-53:12). Moreover, God’s Righteous Servant witnesses and proclaims redemption to all people (see Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 62:1-5). This Righteous Servant of God is obedient and represents the godly in Israel. Jesus Christ fulfilled the role of the Righteous Servant envisioned by Isaiah (e.g., see Matthew 12:18-20; Luke 4:16-20). 

IV.             Raw Theology: Isaiah Theology in Metaphor

Many terms can be used to describe the living God. God is described as omnipotent, infinite, invisible, impassible, unchangeable, immutable, and transcendent. However, the theology of Isaiah gives many metaphors or comparison to describe the living and true God. The book of Isaiah paints a beautiful and colorful picture of God. No one can match Isaiah’s imagery.[8]

A.    God is the Vinedresser

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet describes God as the Farmer and Cultivator that tends and cares for His vine, Israel and Judah (e.g., see Isaiah 5:1-7; Isaiah 27:2-6). As the Farmer and Cultivator of the vineyard, God expected good fruit from His vineyard (e.g., see Isaiah 5:7). Sadly, God’s vineyard – Israel and Judah – were unfaithful and produced bad and inedible fruit (Isaiah 5:7-24; see also Ezekiel 15:1-8).

B.     God is the Rock

Also, Isaiah describes the living God as our refuge, fortress, and protection (Isaiah 17:10; see also Psalm 46:1, 7, 11). The living and true God is our everlasting Rock we can depend upon for our all our needs and shelter (e.g., see Isaiah 26:3-4; Isaiah 31:8-9, Isaiah 32:8, Isaiah 44:8). Therefore, Isaiah declares to God’s people not to be afraid or discouraged for the LORD God is our strength, victory, and protector (Isaiah 41:10, 13-14; Isaiah 43:2, 5; Isaiah 44:2; see also Romans 8:31).

C.     God is the Potter

Throughout the entire book of Isaiah, the living and true God is described a Potter (e.g., see Isaiah 29:15-16). The living God as the Potter formed and created all life (e.g., see; Isaiah 45:9; Isaiah 64:8). As the Potter, Isaiah teaches it is folly to question or criticize God's ways as the Potter (see Isaiah 45:9). Instead, Isaiah teaches that all humans must love, honor, and submit to the living God as our Potter and Creator (e.g., Isaiah 29:16).

Remarkedly, Isaiah’s theology connects the living God as the Great Potter to Genesis 2. In Genesis 2, God is described as forming man or Adam from the dust of the earth (see Genesis 2:7). In the book of Isaiah, God is forming the nation of Israel as He originally formed man (see Isaiah 43:1, 21; Isaiah 44:2; Isaiah 45:18). Thus, Isaiah describes the living God creating all things not by fiat or speaking as in Genesis 1 but as a Potter (yatzar).

D.    God is Father

Moreover, the book of Isaiah describes the living God as our loving and loyal Father (e.g., see Isaiah 1:2; Isaiah 63:7-64:11). Isaiah teaches that even if others forsake us the true and living God would always be your loyal Father (e.g., see Isaiah 63:15-16; Isaiah 64:8). Moreover, Isaiah describes the living God as our Ancestor, Father and Potter, that created all humankind, particularly Israel (e.g., see Isaiah 45:10-11).

E.     God is our Husband and Lover

Moreover, the book of Isaiah teaches that the true and living God of all the earth is our faithful Husband and Lover (e.g., see Isaiah 54:5-10). God is jealous and passionate for His creation as Husband. The living God longs to live inside and delight in His creation (e.g., see Isaiah 62:4-5). In Isaiah 62:4-5, the phrase “My delight is in her" is a translation of “Hephzibah” and this is a sexual image that God loves Israel intimately and passionately as a faithful Husband and Lover (Isaiah 65:19; see also Psalm 45; Jeremiah 3:14; Hosea 2:7, 19).

F.     God Is Mother

Furthermore, Isaiah describes God as our loving and tender Mother (see Isaiah 46:3-5). The living God carries Israel as in His womb – rehem as a pregnant mother, and He tenderly nourishes and feeds His people (see Isaiah 46:3-4; Isaiah 44:2; Isaiah 49:1, 14-16). Because God is our Mother, we have no reason to accuse nor fault Him (see Isaiah 45:9-11). God is our comforting, caring, and nurturing Mother that gave birth to His people (see Isaiah 66:8-14).

G.    God is the Owner and Master        

In the opening verses of Isaiah, God is declared the Owner and Master (see Isaiah 1:3). The living God is our Master who lovingly redeems His people as His servants (see Isaiah 44:21-22).

H.    Redeemer

Isaiah declares the living God is our Redeemer (see Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 44:6). As our Redeemer, the living God redeems and purchases His people back, and He pays our ransom. (e.g., see Isaiah 35:10; Isaiah 41:14: Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 51:10-11). Israel is redeemed without money because Israel was sold without money (see Isaiah 52:3).

I.       King

Importantly, the book of Isaiah describes the living LORD God as our reigning and sovereign King (e.g., see Isaiah 24:23; Isaiah 41:21; Isaiah 43:15; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 52:7). There are many kings mentioned in the Isaiah including Uzziah, etc. (e.g., see Isaiah 36:13). Isaiah proclaims the LORD of Hosts as the only true King of all the earth (see Isaiah 6:5)! Yahweh is the King of kings, Defender of Justice, and the Divine Warrior (Isaiah 59:15-19; see also Jeremiah 10:10; Jeremiah 51:57). The living God uses the nations as His weapons and tools in war to maintain His justice on His earth (see Isaiah 10:5-7; Isaiah 63:1-6). Yet, the living God is also our Shepherd-King that protects and tends His flock (Isaiah 40:10-11; Isaiah 49:8-13; see also Proverbs 27:23-27). 

J.      Glory

Finally, Isaiah describes the living God as glorious, and the whole earth is filled with His glory (Isaiah 6:3; see also Numbers 14:21; Psalm 72:19). Glory can mean the material well-being of the people or the visible condition of a nation. Glory can also speak to God's influence and powerful presence here on earth (e.g., see Exodus 16:7, 10; Exodus 24:16-17; Exodus 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:11; Ezekiel 1:28). Isaiah declares the whole world will acknowledge God’s glory (Isaiah 2:11, 17; Isaiah 66:1-2; see also Psalm 46:10).

Similarly, Jesus is the Vine, and His Father is the Vinedresser (Isaiah 5:1-7; see also Matthew 21:33; John 15:1, 5). Jesus is the rejected stone and rejected stone, but He is the Cornerstone (e.g., see Matthew 21:42; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11). Also, Jesus is our Maker and our Savior (e.g., see Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:10-11; John 1:1-5; Ephesians 3:9). Jesus reveals the Father to the world and His faithful disciples – the Church – is His bride (e.g., see Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22; John 1:18). Moreover, Jesus is our Lord, Redeemer, and King that vanquishes Satan and his evil minions (e.g., see Matthew 2:2; Matthew 4:1-13; Matthew 12:29; Colossians 2:15). Yet, Jesus is also our Good Shephard, and He loves and cares for us (e.g., see John 10:11, 14-16). Jesus is also the glory of God, and He must also be worshipped (e.g., see Luke 9:32; John 1:14; Revelation 5:12). Even more, like His Father the living LORD God, Jesus is the Holy One of God (e.g., see Mark 1:24; Luke 4:1).

V.                MYTHS AND MONSTERS

Finally, the theology of Isaiah includes many mythological monsters and creatures believing Christians would never imagine. Remarkedly, the book of Isaiah includes dragons and flying fiery serpents called ophidian and Nahas (e.g., see Isaiah 30:6; Isaiah 14:29). Also, “seraphim” seen at Isaiah 6:1-2, 6 and Isaiah 30:6 have been translated “fiery,” “burning” ones with wings. Some biblical scholars have referred to seraphim as possible cobras or dragons.

Moreover, the book of Isaiah mentions “leviathans” (see Isaiah 27:1). Many scholars believe these creatures are coiling serpent or dragons. Yet, the identification of Leviathans is disputed, ranging from an earthly creature to a mythical sea monster. The name Leviathan is found elsewhere in the Holy Scriptures (e.g., see Job 3:8; Job 41:1-32; Psalm 74:13-14; Psalm 104:26). Some biblical scholars believe Leviathan also refers to a sea creature parallel to Rahab (see Isaiah 30:7; Isaiah 51:9). The Israelites and the prophet Isaiah were aware of ancient mythological creatures that battled one another including Baal verses Mot and Marduk verses Tiamat.

Moreover, Isaiah 13:21-22 and Isaiah 18:6 outline seven mythological creatures, monsters, and other wild beasts. These creatures were used by Satan to deceive humans. First of these creatures is ziyim. The ziyim are knowns as desert ghouls or wild desert animals. Next, the book of Isaiah sairim, which are hairy ones like satyrs, which are half man and half goat. The Greek translates sairim as sauyivua or demoniac and monstrous in the deserts. Next, Isaiah includes ya'nah are mythical beings or “sirens” deserts demons also known as “oeipnves.” Then, Isaiah mentions ohim or shriekers which are perhaps some desert fiend. Moreover, Isaiah names “tannim” and iyim. “Iyim” are known as wild, weird crying of an animal or a donkey. Finally, Isaiah lists an “et,” which are perhaps like harpies or evil creature.

Furthermore, Isaiah mentions Lilith at Isaiah 34:14 that could be translated as a “night monster.” Some theologians refer to Lilith as Adam's first wife in Jewish lore or a demonic creature. Also, Isaiah discusses Sheol, which literally means “grave” and Bilal – Satan (see Isaiah 14:9-21). With all these various creatures and monsters listed, Isaiah examines humanities’ place in the cosmos and the mystery of the world. Yet, Isaiah calls upon all humankind to trust in and look to God to find our security and comfort (see Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:20).

VI.             Conclusion

In summary, the theology of Isaiah is very different from the theology of the Westminster Confession of Faith. The book of Isaiah draws upon ancient myths and mythological creatures that are the corner of Isaiah's theology (e.g., see Isaiah 43:16-21). Yet, Isaiah paints a colorful and beautiful picture of the living God using metaphors and comparisons to describe an incomparable God. Nevertheless, Isaiah describes God as our Shepherd and Divine Warrior who holds His faithful people tenderly in His arm as a Mother and intimately as a loving Husband. No wonder many scholars have declared the book of Isaiah a masterpiece!

References

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

NIV Essentials Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013).

NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

Schwab, George, Senior Professor of Old Testament (Due West Campus, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2018).

---

[1] New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

[2] NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

[3] New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

[4] New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

[5] NIV Essentials Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013).

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Trusting God!

Prophet Isaiah: ¹ It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord (Christ Jesus our Lord and Master). He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of His robe filled the Temple. ² Attending Him were mighty seraphim (fiery angels), each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. ³ They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with His glory!” Isaiah 6:1-3, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

Isaiah 6 has been called by many scholars the most important chapter in the book of Isaiah. In this chapter, the prophet Isaiah receives his call as a prophet or messenger of the living LORD of Heaven’s Armies (see Isaiah 6:8). More importantly, this chapter reveals the glory of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies and Christ Jesus our Lord (Messiah) in the glorious Throne Room of Heaven (see Isaiah 6:1-8)!

In this all-important chapter, the prophet Isaiah saw the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) in the year King Uzziah died (see Isaiah 6:1). King Uzziah, also known as Azariah in some biblical translations, ruled in Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel, from 792 to 740 BC (e.g., see 2 Kings 14:21-22; 2 Kings 15:1-7, 13, 30, 32, 34; Chronicles 26:1-23). Sadly, a civil war split and divided the Israelites into the north (Israel), and the south (Judah) after King Solomon’s death, and the prophet Isaiah lived in the more pious southern kingdom of Judah where Jerusalem and the Temple was located (Isaiah 1:1; see also 1 Kings 11:9-13; 1 Kings 12:16-20). The prophet Isaiah ministered and served during four kings of Judah – Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (e.g., see Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 6:1; Isaiah 7:1; Isaiah 37:2-39:8).

When Isaiah began his prophetic ministry, Judah and Israel seemed strong and wealthy. However, the prophet Isaiah saw people using their power and wealth to harass and oppress the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the alien (e.g., see Isaiah 1:16-20, 23; James 1:27). Men went around drunk, and women cared more about their clothes than their neighbor’s hunger and the oppressed (e.g., see Isaiah 3:16-24; Isaiah 5:7-12). People gave “lip service” to God with their outward religious ceremonies, rituals, and fasts, and they kept up an appearance as righteous and good, but inwardly they neglected mercy, truth, justice, and goodness (e.g., see Isaiah 1:10-15).

In the year King Uzziah died, the prophet Isaiah saw in a vision the Lord Jesus (see Isaiah 6:1)! The New Testament confirms that the prophet Isaiah saw the Lord Jesus’ glory and spoke about Him (see John 12:41). Moreover, the apostles Peter, James, and John also witnessed the Lord Jesus’ glory when He walked the earth (e.g., see Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:29, 32; John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 3:18). The prophet Isaiah saw the LORD of Heaven’s Armies and His Son – the Righteous Servant Jesus – sitting upon the Throne high and exalted (Isaiah 6:1; see also Isaiah 52:13; Isaiah 53:12; Isaiah 57:15; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 19:28; Matthew 20:21; Matthew 25:31; Acts 2:33; Acts 3:13; Philippians 2:9). The Lord Jesus was so glorious and BIG that only His train (hem or seam) filled the Temple (Isaiah 6:1; see also Revelation 1:13).

Hovering above the Lord Jesus were mighty, six-winged angels of fire (Isaiah 6:2; see also Revelation 4:6, 8-9). Amazingly, the prophet Ezekiel and John, the author of the book of Revelation, saw similar vision of the Throne Room of Heaven, and the prophet Ezekiel and John saw around the Throne six-winged fiery heavenly beings (e.g., see Ezekiel 1:4-6, 11, 13-14, 26; Revelation 4:6-9; Revelation 5:6; Revelation 6:1). These angels of fire are also called seraphim in some biblical translations (e.g., see Isaiah 6:2, RSV). The Hebrew word seraphim mean “flames.”

Throughout the Holy Scriptures, fire is the symbol for the living LORD God. The prophet Daniel had similar vision of the living LORD God’s Throne surrounded by flaming and blazing fire (see Daniel 7:9-10). Moreover, when the living LORD God Almighty appeared to the ancient Israelites at Mount Sinai (Horeb), He descended on Mount Sinai with smoke and in fire (see Exodus 19:18). To the Israelites, the glory of the LORD God Almighty looked like a consuming fire on top of Mount Sinai (Exodus 3:2; Exodus 24:17-18; Deuteronomy 5:4-5, 23-26; Deuteronomy 9:3; see also Genesis 15:17; Hebrews 12:29). For the LORD God Almighty is a consuming and powerful fire (see Deuteronomy 4:11, 24, 33, 36; 1 Kings 18:24, 38-39).

With two of the fiery angels’ wings, they covered their faces with two others they covered their feet, and with two they flew (see Isaiah 6:2). In a great chorus, the winged angels of fire called to another and sang:

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with His glory!” Isaiah 6:3, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

The angels’ singing shook the Temple’s foundations, and suddenly the entire sanctuary was filled with smoke at the presence of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies (Isaiah 6:4 see also Exodus 19:17-18; Exodus 40:34-35; Ezekiel 43:4-5; Ezekiel 44:4). The winged angels of fire humbled themselves before the all-powerful and holy LORD of Heaven’s Armies!

The TRIPLE repetition of God’s holiness emphasizes God’s endless and infinite holiness. The prophet Isaiah saw the wonderful glory and complete holiness of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies (see Isaiah 6:3). As mentioned earlier, in some biblical translations the LORD of Heaven’s Armies is translated LORD of Hosts, the GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, and the LORD Almighty (see Isaiah 6:3). After seeing the LORD of Hosts, the prophet Isaiah acknowledged that the whole earth is full of the living LORD God’s glory (Isaiah 6:3; see also Exodus 15:11; Numbers 14:21-22; Psalm 72:18-19). Importantly, the Holy Scriptures repeatedly calls upon God’s creation – all humans – to be holy as the LORD of Heaven’s Armies is holy (e.g., see Exodus 19:5-6; Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7, 26; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 John 3:3). One day in the future, the whole earth will be filled with God’s holy people and the LORD of Heaven’s Armies’ glory will be the light of the world (e.g., see Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 61:1-2; Revelation 21:1-22:21).

Wonderfully in the book of Revelation, John sees a similar vision of both Christ Jesus our Lord and His Father the living LORD God Almighty receiving a similar praise and worship in heaven (e.g., see Revelation 1:4-5, 8; Revelation 4:1-3, 8, 11; Revelation 5:13-14). The glory and holiness of the living LORD God Almighty is equally the glory and holiness of His Son, the Lord Jesus because the living LORD God and His Son are One (e.g., see John 1:18; John 10:30, 38; John 14:9-11, 20; John 17:11, 21-23).

Importantly, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed: “I have seen the King, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies” (see Isaiah 6:5, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition). The prophet Isaiah saw with his own eyes the true and living King and Judge of all the earth! Truly, the living LORD God Almighty is the Sovereign and eternal King and Judge who rules the whole earth (see also Jeremiah 10:10; Daniel 6:26; Hebrews 12:23). The living LORD God Almighty reigns over the nations, and the exalted King is seated on His Throne (e.g., see Psalm 47:6-9; Daniel 7:9). Moreover, the living LORD God Almighty is righteous, and He sees and rules EVERYONE on His earth (see Psalm 11:4-7; Psalm 103:19; Isaiah 66:1-3, 7; Daniel 4:17. Matthew 5:34; Matthew 23:22). The living LORD of Heaven’s Armies is not simply the greatest of many gods — He is the only true God and everlasting King and LORD of lords (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 10:16; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 10:6, 10; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16). As the apostle Paul proclaimed: “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (see 1 Timothy 1:17, English Standard Version).  

After seeing the glory and holiness of the King, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies and His Righteous Servant, Christ Jesus our Lord, the prophet Isaiah confessed and acknowledged his sinfulness and guilt and the sinfulness and guilt of all races of people (Isaiah 6:5; see similar confessions in Judges 16:21-22; Job 42:6; Jeremiah 10:14-16; Luke 5:8). Next, one of the mighty angels flew over to the altar and with a pair of tongs picked out a burning coal (see Isaiah 6:6). Then, the mighty angel touched the prophet Isaiah’s lips with the burning coals and said,

See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven. Isaiah 6:7, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

Thus, the living LORD God Almighty cleansed, forgave, purged, and atoned for the prophet Isaiah’s sins and wickedness (Isaiah 6:7; see also 1 Timothy 1:12-17; 1 John 1:7-9). Similarly, the living LORD God reached out His hand and touched Jeremiah’s mouth and placed His words in Jeremiah’s mouth to take His messages throughout the world (see Jeremiah 1:9-10; Jeremiah 26:12, 15). Moreover, the living LORD of Hosts placed His words and authority on the prophet Daniel’s lips (see Daniel 10:16-21).

Then, the prophet Isaiah heard the Lord Jesus asking, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” (see Isaiah 6:8, New American Standard Bible). The prophet Isaiah offered his services to the Lord Jesus and said, “Here am I. Send me!” (see Isaiah 6:8, New American Standard Bible). The apostle Paul received a similar heavenly message from the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9:4).

Significantly, the phrase Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? has been debated by scholars throughout the centuries. This plural pronoun for God – the word “Us” – has been seen in Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:22; Genesis 11:7 as well as here in Isaiah 6:8. Some scholars believe the “Us” refers to the heavenly council of God or the Holy Trinity – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Spirit.

The Holy Scriptures teach that surrounding the LORD God’s Throne are all the armies of heaven (hosts) on His right and His left (e.g., see Deuteronomy 33:2; 1 Kings 22:19; Job 2:1; Psalm 89:5-8; Hebrews 12:22). The Holy Scriptures also call the armies of heaven surrounding the LORD God the “heavenly council,” “heavenly court,” “hosts of heaven,” or the “Sabaoth” (e.g., see Job 1:6; Job 38:7; Jeremiah 23:18, 22; Luke 2:13; Romans 9:29; James 5:4). The Holy Scriptures speak of a “heavenly court” or “heavenly council” (e.g., see Genesis 1:26; Genesis 3:22; Genesis 11:7; Job 15:8; Psalm 82:1; Isaiah 6:8). Revelation chapters 4 and 5 give a beautiful picture of the Throne Room of God with His heavenly council (see Revelation 4:1-5:14). Because of the LORD God’s mighty armies, the Holy Scriptures will sometimes translate the living God the “LORD of Hosts,” “the God of the armies of Israel,” “LORD of Heaven’s Armies,” or “LORD Almighty” (e.g., see 2 Samuel 5:10; 1 Samuel 17:36, 45; 1 Kings 18:15; Isaiah 6:3; Zechariah 4:6, 9).

The Lord Jesus Christ is Commander of God’s armies of heaven as the Firstborn Son of the living LORD God (e.g., see Joshua 5:13-15; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 16:16; John 20:30-31; Revelation 19:11-16, 19). Even more, the Lord Jesus Christ is One with His Father the LORD God (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30; John 14:9-10; John 17:11, 21-23). The New Testament rightly proclaims that Jesus is Lord and Christ (the Anointed One, Messiah) filled with the Spirit who currently sits in the throne room of heaven (e.g., see Acts 2:36; Revelation 5:6). The Lord Jesus Christ is seated “on the right hand of the Majesty on high,” the place of honor beside His Father, the LORD God (Hebrews 1:3, 13; see also Psalm 110:1-2; Matthew 22:43-44; Matthew 26:64; Mark 16:19; Luke 22:68-69; Acts 2:33-34; Acts 5:31; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 13; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22). The fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the LORD God indicates that He is actively ruling and reigning with His Father as Lord of All (see Hebrews 1:2, 13). The hosts of heaven worship the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., see Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8, 11-14). One day coming soon, EVERYONE will worship in heaven and on earth and under the earth Christ Jesus as Lord, to the glory of God the Father (see Philippians 2:9-11). Moreover, one day Christ Jesus as the Great I AM will come on the clouds of heaven at His Second Coming with the heavenly hosts (e.g., see Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:30-31; Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Revelation 1:7).

Many other faithful servants of God have had the privilege of seeing the LORD God Almighty with all His multitudes of heaven standing around Him on His right and on His left, including Jacob (later renew Israel) (see Genesis 32:30-32); Moses and the ancient Israelites (see Exodus 3:1-6; Exodus 24:9-10, 17); Joshua (see Joshua 5:13-15); the prophet Micaiah (see 1 Kings 22:19); Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 1:7-10); Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 1:26), Daniel (see Daniel 7:9-14); and John of Revelation (see Revelation 4:1-5:14). The prophet Isaiah, like many other faithful servants of God, saw the living LORD God’s Throne of heaven and His Son Jesus (Isaiah 6:1-4; see also e.g., see Exodus 24:10; Numbers 12:8; 1 Kings 22:19; Psalm 123:1; Isaiah 52:12; John 12:41; Hebrews 11:26; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 4:1-5:14).

A true prophet of the living LORD God has had the privilege of seeing the LORD God sitting on His throne with His heavenly council or court (e.g., see Exodus 24:9-10; 1 Kings 22:19-22; 2 Kings 2:11-12; Isaiah 6:1-7; Jeremiah 23:16-22; Ezekiel 1:26-28; Daniel 7:9-14; Amos 3:7). Long ago the LORD God, again and again, spoke through His faithful prophets (messengers) in many and various ways, including visions, dreams, and even face to face (Hebrews 1:1; see also see Numbers 12:6, 8; 2 Kings 17:13; 2 Chronicles 36:15; Jeremiah 7:3, 13; Jeremiah 25:4; Jeremiah 26:5; Jeremiah 29:19; Jeremiah 35:15; Ezekiel 14:6; Ezekiel 18:30). The living LORD God gave the prophets His plans, warnings of repentance, divine will, and purposes for all people (Hebrews 1:1; see also 2 Kings 17:13; Jeremiah 35:15; Ezekiel 18:31; Amos 3:7).

The Lord Jesus declared to the prophet Isaiah,

“Go and tell this people: Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.  Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” Isaiah 6:9-10, New International Version

The Lord Jesus commanded Isaiah to go and tell the people that they will listen and listen, but they will not understand, and they will look and look, but they will not learn (see Isaiah 6:9-10). Importantly, the Lord Jesus wanted the people to repent and turn to His Father, the LORD God so that they may find healing (salvation) (see Isaiah 6:10). In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus quoted Isaiah 6:9-10 at Matthew 13:14-15; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10, and John 12:39-40. Also, the apostle Paul quoted Isaiah 6:9-10 or versions of these verses at Acts 28:26-27 and Romans 11:7-10, 25. Sadly, during His public ministry on earth, the Lord Jesus experienced a similar rebellion and rejection by Israel to Him and His Father’s message despite many His heavenly signs and wonders (e.g., see John 12:37-50). Moreover, many people rebelled and rejected the apostle Paul’s message about the Lord Jesus and the Good News of the Kingdom of God (e.g., see Romans 10:16). The Lord Jesus warned Isaiah that the people would not pay attention, but he was to continue to proclaim God’s truths to the people (see Isaiah 6:9-10).

Then, the prophet Isaiah asked the Lord Jesus, “Lord, how long will it be before they are ready to listen?” (see Isaiah 6:11, Living Bible Translation). The Lord Jesus warned and replied to the prophet Isaiah’s questions, “Not until their cities are destroyed — without a person left — and the whole country is an utter wasteland, and they are all taken away as slaves to other countries far away, and all the land of Israel lies deserted!” (see Isaiah 6:11-12, Living Bible Translation). The people’s lack of hearing and repentance will lead to God’s wrath (Isaiah 6:11-12; see also e.g., Daniel 9:3-15). The Lord Jesus warned the prophet Isaiah, that Israel will be invaded and purged again and again and destroyed because of their unfaithfulness and rebellion against God and His righteous commands (e.g., see Leviticus 26:14-45; Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Throughout the centuries, the land of Israel has again and again been subject to chastisement (burning) but not complete destruction (e.g., see 2 Kings 17:7-23; see 2 Kings 25:1-21; 2 Chronicles 36:17-20). The Lord Jesus promised Isaiah that Israel will be like a tree cut down; however, a holy seed like a stump or offspring still lives to grow anew – the faithful remnant (see Isaiah 6:13). Significantly, the Lord Jesus informed the prophet Isaiah that God’s faithful and obedient people — a remnant — will survive (Isaiah 6:13; see also Nehemiah 1:5; Isaiah 10:22; Daniel 9:4).

In Isaiah 7, the prophet Isaiah sees the Lord Jesus’ predictions coming true during the reign of evil King Ahaz (see 2 Chronicles 28:1-4). During the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, Jerusalem in the southern kingdom of Israel was attacked by King Rezin of Syria (also known as Aram) and wicked King Pekah of Israel’s northern kingdom (also known as Ephraim) (Isaiah 7:1, 8; see also 2 Kings 15:25, 37-28; 2 Kings 16:5). King Pekah of Israel was the son of Remaliah, and Ahaz was the son of Jotham and grandson of king Uzziah of Judah (Isaiah 7:1, 5, 9; see also 2 Kings 16:1; 1 Chronicles 3:12-13; Isaiah 1:1). However, King Rezin and King Pekah of Israel were unable to carry out their devious plans against Jerusalem, and Jerusalem city stood (see Isaiah 7:1, 6-7).

The news had come to the royal court of Judah that Syria (Arameans) was allied with Israel against Judah (see Isaiah 7:1). In some biblical translation, Israel is referred to as “Ephraim” as Ephraim was Israel’s dominant tribe in northern kingdom (e.g., see Isaiah 7:2, KJV). Now, the hearts of the King Ahaz and the people of Jerusalem trembled with fear, like trees shaking in a storm (see Isaiah 7:2).

However, the LORD God said to Isaiah, “Take your son Shear-jashub and go out to meet King Ahaz” (Isaiah 7:3; see also Isaiah 8:3, 18). The name Shear-jashub means “a remnant shall return” (Isaiah 7:3; see also Isaiah 10:20-22). The LORD God through His prophet Isaiah said to tell King Ahaz to calm down, quit worrying, and do not be afraid of the fierce anger of your enemies, King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah because their kingdoms will be defeated (Isaiah 7:4; see also Isaiah 8:12-13; Isaiah 10:24; Isaiah 35:4). The living LORD God declared through His prophet Isaiah that both the kings of Syria and Israel have created an evil plan against Judah to terrorize and throw the people into a panic (see Isaiah 7:5-6). King Rezin and Kings Pekah’s planned to fight their way into Judah and install the son of Tabeel as Judah’s king and removed Ahaz (see Isaiah 7:6). However, the Sovereign LORD announced to His prophet Isaiah that Rezin and Pekah’s plans will not succeed because this invasion will never happen nor take place (see Isaiah 7:7). The living LORD God – Yahweh – was with Judah if Judah will wholeheartedly trust in Him (Isaiah 7:10-14; see also -Isaiah 8:10; Romans 8:31).

The LORD God announced through His prophet Isaiah that Syria (Aram) is no stronger than its capital, Damascus, and Damascus is no stronger than its king, Rezin (see Isaiah 7:1, 8). As for Israel (Ephraim), the LORD God announced that within sixty-five years, the northern kingdom of Israel would be crushed and destroyed because their continued disobedience and unfaithfulness to Him (Isaiah 7:8; see also 2 Kings 17:24; Isaiah 8:4). Samaria, who was at that time the capital of Israel (Ephraim) and King Pekah’s power did not increase (Isaiah 7:1, 9; see also 2 Kings 15:29). Samaria was overthrown by Assyria in 722 BC, ten years after the downfall of Damascus, fulfilling the prophecy.

Most important, the LORD God through His prophet Isaiah declared to Ahaz:

“If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all” (see Isaiah 7:9, English Standard Version). Another biblical translation reads, “If you don't take your stand in faith, you won't have a leg to stand on” (see Isaiah 7:9; The Message). In other words, King Ahaz had to BELIEVE and TRUST in the Sovereign LORD God Almighty and not his present circumstances. If King Ahaz wanted the LORD God’s blessings and success, he had to live by faith in the LORD God alone (Isaiah 7:9; see also 2 Corinthians 5:7). Humble trust and obedience to the LORD your God in EVERYTHING will lead to VICTORY because the living LORD God fights and protects His faithful people (e.g., see also Exodus 14:13-14; Joshua 10:8; 2 Chronicles 20:20; Proverbs 16:3). The living LORD God is good to those whose patiently and humbly hope is in Him, who honor Him, and to the one who wholeheartedly seeks Him (e.g., see Isaiah 8:12-14; Isaiah 30:18; Isaiah 40:31; Lamentations 3:25-27). Even though the holy LORD God is high and exalted, He comes to EVERYONE – rich, poor, young, old, black, white – who humbly and wholeheartedly loves, trusts, and obeys Him with His blessings (e.g., see Deuteronomy 5:32-33; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 138:6; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 61:1-3; Isaiah 66:1-2; Matthew 5:3-10).

Second Kings 16:5-18 and 2 Chronicles 28:1-21 record the historical background of Isaiah 7. Sadly, evil King Ahaz did not believe and trust in the LORD God and Judah was eventually defeated! Moreover, Aram (Syria) was crushed in 732 BC, and Israel lost her national existence in 722 BC because of their unfaithfulness and disobedience to the living LORD God.

References

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Message Bible (Colorado Springs, CO:  NavPress, 2002).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Schwab, George, Senior Professor of Old Testament (Due West Campus, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2018).

God’s Good Fruit

Prophet Isaiah: ¹ Now I will sing for the One I love a song (ballad) about His vineyard: my Beloved had a vineyard on a rich and fertile hill. ² He plowed the land, cleared its stones, and planted it with the best vines. In the middle He built a watchtower and carved a winepress in the nearby rocks. Then He waited for a harvest of sweet (good) grapes, but the grapes that grew were bitter (bad)…. ⁷ The nation of Israel is the vineyard of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies (also called LORD of Hosts). The people of Judah are His pleasant garden. He expected a crop of justice, but instead He found oppression. He expected to find righteousness, but instead He heard cries of violence…. ¹⁶ But the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will be exalted by His justice. The holiness of God will be displayed by His righteousness….

¹⁸ What sorrow for those who drag their sins behind them with ropes made of lies (falsehood), who drag wickedness (sin) behind them like a cart! ¹⁹ They even mock God and say, “Hurry up and do something! We want to see what You can do. Let the Holy One of Israel carry out His plan, for we want to know what it is.” ²⁰ What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light, and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. ²¹ What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever. ²² What sorrow for those who are heroes at drinking wine and boast about all the alcohol they can hold. ²³ They take bribes to let the wicked go free, and they punish the innocent. ²⁴ Therefore, just as fire licks up stubble and dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will rot and their flowers wither. For they have rejected the Law of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies; they have despised the Word of the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 5:1-2, 7, 16, 18-24, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

The book of Isaiah has been called by some scholars the pinnacle book of the Bible. In the pages of Isaiah, one can see the living LORD God’s hand working from creation in Genesis to His coming new creation at the end of the age. Importantly, the book of Isaiah reveals the Righteous Servant of God – Jesus!

The prophet Isaiah began his ministry in the year of King Uzziah’s death, approximately 740 BC (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 26:22-23; Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 6:1). The prophet Isaiah continued to proclaim the living LORD God’s message to Judah and Jerusalem in the southern kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (e.g., see Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 2:1). The prophet Isaiah prophesied to Judah and Jerusalem at the same time as the prophets Hosea, Amos, and Micah in the 8^th century BC.

Amazingly, the prophet Isaiah predicted Israel and Judah’s coming destruction and Exile from the Promised Land (e.g., see Isaiah 5:25-30; Isaiah 39:5-7). However, starting in chapter 40, the prophet Isaiah provides the people of God comfort and the coming salvation through a Righteous Servant of God – Jesus (e.g., see Isaiah 40:1-2; Isaiah 52:1-2). Through the Righteous Servant’s suffering, the prophet Isaiah predicted He would provide salvation and righteousness for many and atonement for their sins (e.g., see Isaiah 52:13-53:12). Even more, the prophet Isaiah predicts the Righteous Servant inviting ALL PEOPLE to come and find salvation in Him (e.g., see Isaiah 55:1-3).

From the beginning, the living LORD God created a good world and humans to reflect His holy and good image (e.g., see Genesis 1:1-2, 26-28; Genesis 2:4, 7; Job 38:8-11). The LORD God created Adam and Eve in His image and likeness to be filled with righteousness and holiness (e.g., Genesis 5:1, 3; Genesis 9:6; 1 Corinthians 11:7; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; James 3:9). As created beings of the living LORD God, humans were to love, respect, and obey Him as their Creator above all else FIRST (e.g., see Genesis 2:15-17; Deuteronomy 6:4-6, 13-14; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Matthew 22:37; John 14:15). However, the first humans Adam and Eve disobeyed and rebelled against God, which lead to the Great Fall and death of humanity (e.g., see Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 6:23). Humanities’ sin and rebellion continued until the time of righteous Noah (see Genesis 6:8-9; Genesis 7:1; 2 Peter 2:5). At the time of Noah, humanities’ sins and rebellion reached to heaven, which led to the living LORD God’s cleansing of the whole earth through the Great Flood (e.g., see Genesis 6:5-8:19).

To begin again, the living LORD God raised Abraham, who became the Father of many nations (see Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 17:3-8, 16; Genesis 18:18; Romans 4:17-18). The living LORD God chose Abraham so that he would direct and instruct his children and his household after him to keep and do His righteous, just, and good ways on His earth He created (e.g., see Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 17:1-2, 9 Genesis 18:19; Psalm 24:1-2; Isaiah 66:1-2). Abraham became the father of Isaac (see Genesis 21:3-8), and Isaac became the father of Jacob (see Genesis 25:26), who was later renamed Israel by the living LORD God (see Genesis 32:28; Genesis 35:10). Israel became the father of the Twelve tribes of Israel, which included Judah (see Genesis 35:22-26). Israel and his son Judah became God’s vineyard, and the living LORD God loved and chose Israel and Judah as His special treasure (Isaiah 5:1, 7; see also Exodus 15:17; Exodus 19:5-6; Psalm 80:8-11).

The living and faithful LORD God redeemed and saved His beloved vineyard, Israel and Judah, from Egyptian slavery, and then He planted His beloved vineyard on a very fertile hill in the Promised Land, Canaan (Isaiah 5:1, 7; see also Exodus 3:10; Exodus 12:51; Exodus 20:2; Deuteronomy 7:7-9; Joshua 3:9-10; Psalm 80:8; Micah 6:3-4; Acts 13:18-19). As the LORD God Almighty’s redeemed people, Israel and Judah were to obey and worship the living LORD God Almighty only and live according to His righteous ways and commands on His earth (e.g., see Exodus 19:4-6). Moreover, Israel and Judah were to be the living LORD God’s holy Kingdom people to spread and carry out His righteous standards on His earth (e.g., see Exodus 19:6; Deuteronomy 4:5-9; Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 14:2). The living LORD God nurtured and cared for His beloved vineyard, and the living LORD God planted within His vineyard the best vines (Isaiah 5:2; see also Deuteronomy 32:9-15; Jeremiah 2:21). Then, the living LORD God built a watchtower to protect and shield His vineyard and cut a winepress in the rocks (Isaiah 5:2; see also 1 Samuel 2:9; Isaiah 27:3; Isaiah 31:5).

The living LORD God of Heaven’s Armies – GOD of the Angel Armies – waited for good fruit from His vineyard that He had protected, loved, and nurtured (see Isaiah 5:2). He expected His vineyard to produce a generous crop of good fruit – justice, mercy, peace, truth, and goodness (see Isaiah 5:7). However, the vineyard produced either no fruit or bad fruits that grew wild, sour, and worthless (Isaiah 5:2, 4; see also Matthew 21:18-19; Mark 11:12-13; Luke 13:6-9).

Instead of good fruit, the living LORD God’s vineyard rejected His righteous ways and produced bad fruit: murder, idolatry, arrogance, greed (covetousness), oppression, adultery, corruption, and lies (Isaiah 5:7-8, 18; see also Deuteronomy 32:15-30; Isaiah 3:14-15; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 59:1-4, 7-8, 12-15; Jeremiah 2:5-8; Ezekiel 22:23-28; Acts 7:38-40). The people of Israel and Judah were robbing and defrauding people by buying up property, so others had no place to live, while their homes were built on great estates (Isaiah 5:8; see also 1 Kings 21:1-3, 15-16; Jeremiah 22:13-17; Micah 2:1-2; Haggai 2:9-12). Moreover, the people of Israel and Judah practiced idolatry, blackmail, committed robbery, oppressed the poor and needy, and mistreated the foreigner and denied the foreigner justice (e.g., see 2 Kings 17:7-23; Ezekiel 22:29). Even worse, amongst the prophets and priests, they were doing horrible acts: adultery, living a lie and strengthening the hands of evildoers and their wickedness (e.g., see Jeremiah 5:30-31; Jeremiah 23:10-14). Then, God’s vineyard engaged in drunkenness and wild parties while disregarding the living LORD God and His righteous Law to love and care for others (Isaiah 5:11-12, 21-24; see also Isaiah 1:3-9, 15-23). Truly, the drunkenness, exploitation of others, and perversion of the people God had created were exceedingly great (Isaiah 1:2-5, 21-23; Isaiah 5:8-12, 18-24; Isaiah 24:5, 20; Ezekiel 9:9).

Then, the people God created blasphemy, mocked and dared His coming wrath against sin (Isaiah 5:18-19; see also Jeremiah 5:12-13; 2 Peter 3:3-4). These wicked people were even saying that what is right is wrong and what is wrong is right (Isaiah 5:20; see also Proverbs 17:15). Even more, these wicked people believed they were wise and smart by the world’s standards (Isaiah 5:20-21; see also Romans 1:22; 1 Corinthians 1:20; 1 Corinthians 3:18-20). However, the LORD God saw the people of Israel and Judah as drunken fools who did not honor Him and took bribes to pervert justice while letting the wicked go free and hurting the innocent, the poor, and the foreigner (Isaiah 1:23; Isaiah 5:11, 21-23; Isaiah 10:1-2; see also Exodus 23:6-9; Proverbs 17:15; Proverbs 23:20-21, 29-30; Ezekiel 22:12). In summary, Israel and Judah had rejected the good covenant (Law) of the living LORD God Almighty and did not trust wholeheartedly in Him (Isaiah 1:10; Isaiah 5:24; Isaiah 30:9, 12; see also Exodus 19:1 through Exodus 24:18).

Then, the living LORD God of Heaven’s Armies cried what more could have been done for His vineyard (see Isaiah 5:4)! He had graciously delivered His people Israel and Judah from Egyptian slavery and bondage (e.g., see Exodus 3:10; Exodus 6:6; Micah 6:3-4). The living LORD God of Heaven’s Armies even sent His holy Word through His messengers – godly prophets – again and again, because He loved His vineyard (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 36:15; Jeremiah 7:25-26; Jeremiah 25:4; Matthew 21:35-39; Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34). However, the vineyard persecuted, mocked, and killed God’s messengers (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 24:21; 2 Chronicles 36:14-16; Matthew 5:12). Even worse, the vineyard worshipped and served worthless idols instead of the true and living God (e.g., see Exodus 20:2-3; Jeremiah 2:5).

Therefore, the living LORD God of Heaven’s Armies – the King and Judge – prepared for His judgment and wrath against His vineyard because of their sin, wickedness, and unfaithfulness against Him (Isaiah 5:3, 24; see also e.g., Deuteronomy 28:15-68; 2 Chronicles 36:16-17; Matthew 21:40). THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES TO SIN! First, the living LORD God declared that He would remove the fences and protective hedge around His vineyard and let His vineyard go to pasture to be trampled by cattle and sheep because of their unfaithfulness to Him and His righteous ways (Isaiah 5:5; Isaiah 6:11-13; see also Jeremiah 5:10-13). Next, the living LORD God promised not to prune nor hoe His vineyard but let the vineyard become overgrown with briars and thorns and become a dry wasteland (Isaiah 5:6; see also Jeremiah 12:10-13). Moreover, the living LORD God promised beautiful homes will lie deserted and the land unfertile for seventy years of rest because of Israel and Judah’s sins and unfaithfulness against Him (Isaiah 5:9-10; see also 2 Chronicles 36:21; Jeremiah 25:11; Jeremiah 29:10; Daniel 9:1-14). Then, the prophet Isaiah predicted the living LORD God would send His people into Exile where they will receive just punishment for their sins (Isaiah 5:13; see also Deuteronomy 28:36-42, 64-68). In the Exile, the prophet Isaiah predicted the LORD God’s prideful and wicked people would experience death, destruction, and despair because of their sin and unfaithfulness against Him (see Isaiah 5:14-15).

Next, the Sovereign LORD God – the LORD God of Hosts or Heavens Armies (Yahweh) promised His punishment and wrath on His vineyard using the nations of the world as His weapons of destruction (Isaiah 5:13-14, 25-30; Isaiah 10:5-34; see also Jeremiah 25:8-12)! The living LORD God gave His vineyard into the hands of the Assyrians and the Babylonians, who destroyed Israel and Judah and carried God’s people into the Exile (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 36:17-20). In approximately 722 BC, Israel’s northern kingdom was destroyed by the Assyrians, and the Assyrians scattered God’s people (see 2 Kings 17:7-23). The Assyrians Then in approximately 586 BC, Judah and Jerusalem were devastated by the Babylonian army, and the Jews were taken captive and into the Exile (see 2 Kings 25:1-21).

Here is the Good News! The prophet Isaiah predicted God’s restoration, blessings, and comfort for His repented people (see Isaiah 40:1-2). The prophet Isaiah called on the vineyard to TRUST the living LORD God (e.g., see Isaiah 7:4; Isaiah 30:1-17; John 3:16). The living LORD God promised through His prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah goodness, peace, hope, favor, and restoration to His repented and faithful people who wholeheartedly seek, love, and trust Him (Isaiah 49:9-11; Isaiah 55:6, 12; Isaiah 54:6; see also Jeremiah 24:4-7; Jeremiah 29:10-14; Jeremiah 30:18-22; Matthew 7:7-11).

The living LORD God Almighty wanted His people to stop doing wrong, learn to do right, and seek goodness and justice for the fatherless, the widow, the foreigner, their workers, and the poor and not just more ceremonial rituals and self-serving fasting (e.g., see Isaiah 1:16-17, 23; Isaiah 58:3-4). The living LORD God of Hosts – Yahweh – loves justice, goodness, and mercy, and He hates robbery, evil, and wrongdoing (Isaiah 61:8; e.g., see also Psalm 11:7; Psalm 33:4-5). Thus, the living LORD God wanted His people to follow His righteous example and pursue love, justice, goodness, and mercy towards others, especially the poor, the homeless, and the oppressed (e.g., see Isaiah 58:6-7; Matthew 5:3-16). The living LORD God promised His blessings, healing, mercy, and grace to those who honor and obey Him and those who loves and cares for the poor, hungry, widow, the fatherless, and the foreigner (Isaiah 58:8-14; see also Deuteronomy 30:15-20).

Amazingly, the beautiful “Song of the Vineyard” announced by the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 5 was also told by the LORD God’s Son, Jesus (e.g., see Matthew 20:1-16; Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 13:6-9; Luke 20:9-19). As Jesus announced during His public ministry on earth, unless you repent, you too will all perish (e.g., see Luke 13:3, 5). The living LORD God’s Son Jesus calls upon the church – believers of Jesus – to produce good fruit or also risk punishment or removal (e.g., see Luke 13:6-9). The church through faith in Jesus have been grafted into the vineyard and become apart of Israel (e.g., see Romans 2:28-29; Romans 11:22-24; Ephesians 3:6).

Jesus proclaimed during His earthly ministry that EVERYONE – Jews, Gentiles, young, old, black, and white – must REPENT and PRODUCE GOOD FRUIT (e.g., see Matthew 4:17; Matthew 21:33-40, 43; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 20:9-19; Galatians 5:22-23). Believers of Jesus can produce good fruit as we love and obey Jesus – the Vine, and the Owner of the Vineyard – Jesus’s Father, the living LORD God of heaven and earth (e.g., see Matthew 21:40; Mark 4:8; John 15:1-2, 4-5, 8, 16-17). Believers’ good deeds and good fruit brings glory to the living LORD God (e.g., see Matthew 5:13-16; Matthew 7:12; 15-23; John 15:8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:7, 14; Titus 3:1, 8, 14; 1 Peter 2:12, 15). The apostle Paul, a servant of the LORD God and His Son Jesus, continued the good message from the Old and New Testament. He encouraged believers of Jesus to do what is right, pure, and good, not only in the eyes of the God but also in the eyes of people (e.g., see Romans 12:1-2, 9-21; 2 Corinthians 8:21; Philippians 2:14-16).

Importantly, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed that the living LORD God Almighty is highly exalted on His heavenly throne, and He is justice and good (Isaiah 5:16; e.g., see also Deuteronomy 32:3-4; Isaiah 2:11, 17; Isaiah 6:1-3; Revelation 5:7, 10). The living LORD God commands justice and goodness on His earth (see Isaiah 5:7, 16). The prophet Isaiah, like many other faithful servants of God, saw the living LORD God’s throne of heaven and His Son Jesus (Isaiah 6:1-4; see also e.g., see Exodus 24:10; Numbers 12:8; 1 Kings 22:19; Psalm 123:1; Isaiah 52:12; John 12:41; Hebrews 11:26; Revelation 4:1-5:14). The prophet Isaiah predicted that one day the LORD God’s earth will be filled with His justice, goodness, and His glory (e.g., see Isaiah 1:26; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 28:5-6; Isaiah 33:5-6, 10; Revelation 21:1-3, 7-8, 22-27; Revelation 22:3-5). The Sovereign LORD God Almighty – the Holy One of Israel – is the LORD of the all earth, and He is GREAT enough, WISE enough, and TRANSCENDENT enough that He can always be trusted (e.g., see Deuteronomy 3:24; Isaiah 66:1-2)! Everyone who loves, honors, and respects the living LORD God Almighty will receive His abundant treasure in His Kingdom (e.g., see Isaiah 33:6; Matthew 6:33). Therefore, the prophet Isaiah calls up not only Israel and Judah but ALL PEOPLE ON EARTH to love, honor, and trust (faith) the living LORD God Almighty (Isaiah 8:13; see also Exodus 20:20; Isaiah 29:23).

Reference

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Message Bible (Colorado Springs, CO:  NavPress, 2002).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Oswalt, John. The NIV Application Commentary: Isaiah (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003).

Schwab, George, Senior Professor of Old Testament (Due West Campus, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2018).

Reason Jesus Came!

¹ Then Jesus, full of (and controlled by) the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost), returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (desert), ² where He was tempted (tested) by the devil for forty days…. ¹⁴ Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about Him spread quickly through the whole region. ¹⁵ He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. ¹⁶ When He came to the village of Nazareth, His boyhood home, He went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. ¹⁷ The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: ¹⁸ “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim that captives will be released (freedom), that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, ¹⁹ and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” … ³¹ Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day. ³² There, too, the people were amazed at His teaching, for He spoke with authority…. ³⁶ Amazed, the people exclaimed, “What authority and power this Man’s words possess! Even evil (unclean) spirits obey Him, and they flee at His command!” … ⁴⁰ As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of His (Jesus) hand healed everyone…. ⁴² Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for Him, and when they finally found Him, they begged Him not to leave them. ⁴³ But He replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.”

Luke 4:1-2, 14-19, 31-32, 36, 40, 42-43, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

The Gospels declare that Jesus’ central or main reason for coming from His Father, the living LORD God of heaven and earth, was to teach and preach the Good News of God’s Kingdom (Luke 4:43; e.g., see also; Matthew 5:3, 10; Matthew 6:10; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 24:14; Luke 4:43; Luke 8:1; John 3:3-5; Acts 1:2-3). Jesus was on a mission from God to announce and invite EVERYONE – Jews, Gentiles (non-Jews), black, white, young, old, men, and women – into God’s glorious Kingdom NOW through our faith (trusting in God) and repentance (turning from sin) (e.g., see Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17, 23; Matthew 22:1-14; Mark 1:14-15)!

During His earthly ministry, Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom (e.g., see Matthew 9:35). The LORD of Heaven’s Armies sent His Son Jesus to proclaim the Good News (also known as the Gospel or Message) of God's Kingdom (see Luke 4:43). Indeed, Jesus brought God’s Kingdom with Him, and He generously gave everyone through faith in Him the rich blessings of God’s Kingdom – healing, restoration, deliverance, wisdom, and salvation (e.g., see Matthew 4:17, 23-25; Matthew 8:16-17; Matthew 9:35-36; Matthew 15:30; Mark 1:14-15, 21-26, 29-34, 39-45; Luke 4:18-19, 40-41; Luke 7:21-23; Luke 19:10; Acts 10:38).

To preach this Good News of God’s Kingdom, Jesus’s Father the living LORD of Heaven’s Armies anointed His Son Jesus with an abundance of the Holy Spirit’s power and authority (Luke 1:31-33, 35; Luke 3:21-22; Luke 4:1, 14, 18-19; see also e.g., Isaiah 11:1-2; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 12:18; Matthew 17:5; John 1:32-33; John 3:2, 34-36; Acts 10:38; Peter 1:17). Truly, the fullness of God was with Jesus (e.g., see John 1:1, 14, 16; John 14:9; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9-10). Moreover, Jesus was the long-awaited King and Messiah, which means the Anointed One of God, predicted to come in the Old Testament prophecies from the family line of King David (e.g., see Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Ezekiel 37:24-25; Daniel 9:24-26; Matthew 1:1, 16-18; Matthew 2:2; Matthew 11:13; Matthew 16:16; Luke 2:26; Luke 9:20; John 1:41; John 4:25-26; John 6:69; John 20:30-31; Acts 2:36; Romans 1:3-4).

Likewise, Jesus the Messiah was a great Teacher of God. Jesus often taught and preached in the towns and villages throughout the Palestine region about God’s Kingdom (e.g., see Matthew 4:23; Matthew 11:1; Luke 4:14-16; John 6:59; John 18:20). The people were amazed and praised Jesus’ authoritative and wise sermons (Luke 4:15, 31-32, 36; see also Matthew 13:54; Mark 1:21). Jesus’ words were gracious, powerful, and doctrinal sound (e.g., see Matthew 7:28-29; Matthew 8:27; Luke 4:22, 32). While on earth, Jesus spoke the TRUTH of God’s Word, instead of merely quoting the opinions of others as His authority (e.g., see Mark 1:22; Luke 4:32, 36; John 7:46).

In the opening chapters of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus was teaching and preaching in the Jewish synagogues when He was given the Old Testament book of the prophet Isaiah (see Luke 4:15-16, 31; see also Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:1-2). Jesus announced to the listening crowd:

¹⁸ The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed (chosen) Me to preach the Gospel (Good News) to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance (freedom) to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty (free) them that are bruised (broken, burden), ¹⁹ to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19, King James Version

Definitely, the living LORD God of Heaven’s Armies anointed His Son Jesus the Messiah by the Holy Spirit to bring His salvation, healing, grace, kindness, and deliverance as promised by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 11:1-5; Isaiah 42:1, 6-7; Isaiah 48:16; Isaiah 49:8-9; Isaiah 61:1-2; see also Matthew 1:21, 23; Matthew 11:5-6; Matthew 12:18; John 3:34; Acts 1:2; Acts 4:12). As He traveled throughout all the towns and villages preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom, Jesus healed EVERY kind of disease, sickness, unclean spirit, severe pain, and illness (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 12:15; Matthew 19:2; Luke 4:38-41; Luke 6:19; Acts 2:22). Jesus had mercy and compassion for hurting and oppressed people (e.g., see Matthew 9:35-36; Matthew 12:18-21; Matthew 14:14).

Even more, Jesus was delivering people through faith in Him into God’s glorious Kingdom and away from Satan’s destructive and deadly kingdom (e.g., see Luke 4:33-35, 40-41; Luke 13:15-16)! The Gospels declare that Jesus brought freedom and deliverance from Satan, who only comes to kill, steal, and destroy, as predicted by the prophet Isaiah (e.g., see Isaiah 49:9; Matthew 12:28-29; Luke 11:20-22; John 8:36, 44). The living LORD God of Heaven’s Armies sent His Son Jesus to destroy Satan’s evil and destructive work (e.g., see Genesis 3:15; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8). Jesus taught His disciples to pray and ask His Father, the living LORD God, to keep them safely within God’s Kingdom and away from Satan and his evil works (e.g., see Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4; John 17:15l 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 4:18). The living LORD of Heaven’s Armies was ready to give everyone His Kingdom’s blessings which came to His Son Jesus by faith (e.g., see Isaiah 61:2-3).

In fact, John the Baptist heard about Jesus’ goodness while unjustly imprisoned for speaking against Herod and his wife, who violated God’s Law (e.g., see Matthew 11:2; see also Matthew 14:3-5). John the Baptist was faithful to God, and he proclaimed the righteous standards of God (e.g., see Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:3-8). Moreover, John the Baptist and Jesus were blood-related, as John’s mother Elizabeth was related to Jesus’s mother Mary (see Luke 1:36). Both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ were great messengers sent from the living LORD God as predicted in the Old Testament promises (Matthew 11:9-10; see also e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-16; John 1:6-7; John 3:16, 28; John 5:37; Acts 13:23). John the Baptist shined brightly for the living LORD God on earth because John came in the spirit and power of the prophet Elijah to announce the Messiah’s arrival (Matthew 11:11, 14; see also Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13; Luke 1:17). For all the Prophets and God's Law were announced until John the Baptist and teamed up with John in proclaiming and preparing the way for the Messiah of the Kingdom (Matthew 11:13; see also Matthew 5:17-20; Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 3:3-6; Luke 16:16-17). 

John the Baptist heard about Jesus’ miracles, and he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was indeed the long-awaited Messiah the world had been waiting to arrive (Matthew 11:3, 13; see also Luke 7:18-20). Jesus announced to John’s disciples to inform John what was going on: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to new life, and the poor of the earth learn that God is on their side (e.g., see Matthew 11:4-6; John 9:39). At that very time, Jesus was healing many who had diseases, sicknesses, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind, as predicted by the prophet Isaiah (e.g., see Isaiah 29:18-19; Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 7:21-23).

Nevertheless, Jesus proclaimed to the listening crowd that even the lowliest person in God’s Kingdom would be greater than John the Baptist (see Matthew 11:11)! God’s Kingdom is the power and the glory forever (e.g., see Matthew 6:13). Jesus announced from the days of John the Baptist until now people have tried to violently force themselves into the Kingdom of God, and the Kingdom has been advancing (Matthew 11:12; see also Luke 16:16).

Jesus taught in proclaiming the Good News of God’s Kingdom that He came not to bring peace on the earth but a sword to destroy and defeat the evil works of Satan’s kingdom (e.g., see Matthew 10:34-36; Luke 12:51-53). The arrival of God’s Kingdom brings conflicts! As the Kingdom of God comes into anyone’s life, Jesus defeats the evil ruler of this age and plunders the strongman's house (e.g., see Isaiah 49:24-26; Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21-22; John 16:33; Romans 8:37; Ephesians 6:10-11, 13). JESUS IS THE STRONGER MAN that defeats Satan’s destructive forces in your life! Through His Son Jesus, the LORD God of heaven establishes His reign.

Jesus defeats and destroys Satan’s presence in people’s lives and hearts (e.g., see Acts 10:38). Thus, the Kingdom of God with its dawning and acceptance into one’s hearts and lives create opposition, violence, and anger by Satan (e.g., see Mark 1:23-26, 34; Mark 3:11; Mark 5:1-15; Mark 9:17-26; Luke 4:34-35, 40-41). Satan is dominated by selfishness, pride, and wickedness. As the Kingdom of God dawns, it is in a direct threat to Satan and his kingdom. This leads to violence! One of the clear signs of the presence of God’s Kingdom in one’s life and heart is deliverance from evil!

Therefore, REPENT and COME TO JESUS (e.g., see Matthew 11:20, 28). All things on heaven and earth have been entrusted and given to Jesus by His Father, the LORD God of heaven and earth (e.g., see Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 11:27; Matthew 28:18; Luke 10:22; John 3:35; John 13:3; Acts 17:24-25; Hebrews 1:1-3). The Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) is the Head over every power, spirit, and authority (e.g., see Romans 14:9; Ephesians 1:10, 20-22; Philippians 2:9-10; Colossians 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:22). Jesus promised that everyone who comes to Him would live freely and lightly (e.g., see Matthew 11:28). Jesus the Messiah came from the living LORD God to bring His Father’s love, mercy, liberation, deliverance, and freedom from sin, bondage, evil, and sickness for ALL PEOPLE – Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) – through faith, goodness, and obedience (e.g., see Ecclesiastes 3:12-14; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Isaiah 64:5; Luke 4:18-21, 25-27; Acts 10:34-35; Acts 13:38; Romans 10:12-13)! The Kingdom of God has no boundaries, and ALL ARE WELCOME through faith in Jesus (e.g., see Hebrews 4:14-16). There are salvation and peace with the LORD God of heaven through His Son Jesus, who is Lord of all (e.g., see Isaiah 53:11; Acts 4:12; Acts 10:36, 43; Romans 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19).   

References

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Message Bible (Colorado Springs, CO:  NavPress, 2002).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Melton, Loyd, Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West Campus, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2018).

Treasures of God’s Kingdom

Jesus: ⁴⁴ “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. ⁴⁵ Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. ⁴⁶ When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! …” ⁵² Then He added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.” Matthew 13:44-46, 52 New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

Matthew 13 gives essential teaching from Jesus about the treasures of God’s Kingdom. In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches the people through a series of brief parables. Jesus the Messiah was a great Teacher (Matthew 13:54; see also e.g., Matthew 4:23; Matthew 23:10; Mark 1:22-23; Mark 6:1-2; Luke 4:31-32; John 11:28). He regularly taught in the synagogues and was praised by everyone (e.g., see Matthew 4:23; Mark 6:2; Luke 4:15-16, 31-32, 43-44). Many Jews living in the first century Palestine were amazed at His wise, authoritative, and Spirit-filled teaching, and the people sometimes referred to Jesus as Rabbi (Matthew 13:56; see also e.g., Matthew 7:28; Matthew 22:33; Luke 4:22, 36; John 1:38, 49; John 7:15). Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit’s power (e.g., see Luke 3:22; Luke 4:1, 14, 18; Acts 10:38). As Jesus taught the people in first century Palestine, large crowds of people often gathered around Him (Matthew 13:1-2, 36; see also Matthew 4:25; Mark 3:7-9; Luke 5:1-3). Jesus regularly taught the people about the reality of the Kingdom of God (e.g., see Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:35; Luke 9:11).

When teaching about the Kingdom of God, Jesus constantly used parables (Matthew 13:3, 10, 34-36, 53; see also Matthew 22:1-3). Parables were not unique to Jesus. Parables were also used in the Old Testament but rarely (e.g., see Psalm 49:4; Psalm 78:2). Likewise, the Jewish rabbis of Jesus’ day used parables in their teachings. A parable has been defined in many ways by biblical scholars such as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Some scholars have defined parables as an allegory or a symbolic story. Essentially, a parable is a story or illustration, where one compares one thing to another (e.g., see Matthew 13:33; Matthew 18:23; Matthew 20:1; Matthew 22:1; Matthew 25:1; Mark 4:26, 30; Luke 13:18, 20). Jesus often used parables when teaching about the Kingdom of God with simple stories taken from common and everyday life, such as a field planted, a man finding treasure, or a seed planted (see Matthew 13:3, 24, 31, 36, 44-46). In fact, Jesus never taught the people about the Kingdom of God without using stories and illustrations in the form of parables, as predicted in the Old Testament prophets (Matthew 13:3, 34-35 referencing Psalm 78:2; see also Mark 4:33-34; John 16:25, 29).

In His public ministry, Jesus proclaimed the existence and treasures of God’s Kingdom available to ALL PEOPLE – saints and sinners - through our wholehearted and genuine REPENTANCE (turning from sin), FAITH (trust and dependence on God), and OBEDIENCE (practicing and doing God’s Word (e.g., see Daniel 4:27; Luke 6:47; Luke 8:19-21; Luke 11:27-28; 1 John 2:5). Everyone who repented, accepted and obeyed the message of God’s Kingdom and produced good fruit received the treasures of God’s Kingdom (Matthew 13:8, 23; see also e.g., Matthew 21:28-32, 43; John 14:15, 21, 23; John 15:5-8, 10; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 John 5:3). These abundant treasures included wisdom, insight, understanding, healing, deliverance, salvation, and many other heavenly blessings from the Most High God and His Kingdom (Matthew 13:8, 10-12, 16, 23; see also Isaiah 6:9-10; Luke 4:18-19, 33-35, 38-41; 1 John 5:20). The more you love, honor, and obey the living LORD God as your King, the more heavenly goodness, blessings, and treasures that He gives you from His Kingdom (Matthew 13:12, 16-17; see also Matthew 6:33; Matthew 25:29; Mark 4:24-25; Luke 19:26-27; John 15:2, 5). With the acceptance of God and His Kingdom comes full liberation and freedom from sin, sickness, and ignorance (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 10:7-8; Luke 10:8-9). Our faith and obedience to the living LORD God brings deliverance and protection from the evil one, physical and mental healing, and restoration (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 1:21-26, 29-34, 39-45; Luke 4:40-41; John 17:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3).

One of the clearest examples of blessings from God’s Kingdom is Daniel, and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah (see Daniel 1:4-6). However, these four Jewish boys were given new names when God’s people were exiled to Babylon: Daniel was called Belteshazzar, Hananiah was called Shadrach, Mishael was called Meshach, and Azariah was called Abednego (see Daniel 1:7).

Daniel and his three friends were continually faithful, loyal, and obedient to the living LORD God of Israel and acknowledged Him as the true King of all the world, even when they were exiled in Babylon. In their hearts, Daniel with his three friends refused to worship and serve any other gods or idols except the LORD God of Israel as the only true God of heaven and earth (Daniel 2:47 ; Daniel 3:3, 7, 10-12, 14, 16-18; Daniel 4:25; Daniel 6:5, 10-11, 13-14, 16-23; see also Exodus 20:3-7, 23; Deuteronomy 5:6-11; Deuteronomy 6:4-6, 13-14; Deuteronomy 10:17;  Matthew 22:37; Luke 4:8; 1 Timothy 6:15). Daniel and his three friends acknowledged to everyone – kings and paupers alike – that the living God of heaven controls and rules the universe, and He has all wisdom and power (Daniel 2:20-23; Daniel 4:17, 25; see also e.g., 1 Chronicles 29:11-12; Proverbs 2:3-6; Isaiah 28:29; James 2:6). In their distress and trials, Daniel and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego discovered that the LORD God of heaven is mighty to save when we call upon His Name and trust wholeheartedly in Him (Daniel 3:19-30; Daniel 6:21-23; see also e.g., Joshua 24:14-15; 1 Samuel 17:36-37; Psalm 27:1-2; Isaiah 43:1-2; Zephaniah 3:17; Acts 2:21; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 2 Corinthians 1:9-10). Daniel and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had complete confidence in the LORD God!

Because of their faithfulness and obedience, the living LORD God blessed Daniel and his three friends with the secrets and mysteries of heaven – an understanding mind, eyes that see, and ears that hear (Matthew 13:10-13; see also Deuteronomy 29:4; Daniel 1:17-20; Daniel 2:19-20, 23; Daniel 10:1, 11-12; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; James 1:5). Daniel and his three friends received from the living LORD God wisdom, insight, understanding, as well as high positions of authority and service in the Babylonian and Persian governments (Daniel 1:17-21; Daniel 2:48-49; Daniel 3:12, 30; Daniel 5:11-12; Daniel 5:28; Daniel 6:2, 28; Daniel 9:22-23; see also 1 Kings 3:11-15; 1 Kings 4:29-34; Romans 13:1). The more Daniel and his three friends trusted, served, and honored the living LORD God the more abundant treasures the living LORD God blessed them (e.g., Matthew 13:12; Matthew 25:29; Luke 8:18; Luke 19:26-27). Even when facing death for their allegiance and faithfulness to the living God, Daniel and his three friends relied upon God, and the living LORD God rescued them from harm and danger (Daniel 3:16-29; Daniel 6:21-23; see also Isaiah 43:2-3; 2 Corinthians 1:8-11).

Even more precious, the Spirit of the living LORD was with Daniel (e.g., see Daniel 2:11; Daniel 4:8-9, 18; Daniel 5:11, 14). Additionally, the living LORD God gave Daniel direct access to Him and His throne room of heaven, as well as knowledge of His Kingdom (see Daniel 7:1, 9-10, 13-14). While serving in his high government position, Daniel urged the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar to stop sinning, do what is right, break from his wicked past and be merciful to the poor (Daniel 4:27; see also Isaiah 1:10-20; Isaiah 55:6-7; Isaiah 58:6-7, 10). Most importantly, Daniel urged the government to acknowledge the living LORD God of Israel as the true King and that His Kingdom and dominion is from everlasting to everlasting (Daniel 4:2-3, 17, 25, 32, 34-35; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 6:25-27; see also Psalm 103:17-19; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 10:10; Jeremiah 27:4-5)! The living LORD God alone is the eternal Most High God over all the kingdoms of the earth (e.g., see Psalm 83:18; Isaiah 37:15-16).

In Matthew 13, the Lord Jesus proclaimed that Satan and his evil predators do not want people to receive the treasures of God’s Kingdom. When anyone hears the goodness of God’s Kingdom, Satan and his evil workers are the criminal birds, weeds, and thistles of the world, and they come to steal God’s good Word from your hearts and sow discord and false teaching among people (Matthew 13:4-7, 18-22, 24-28, 38-39; see also Matthew 24:4-5, 11; 24; John 8:44; 1 John 3:8, 10). Even worse, others simply refuse the blessings and treasures of God’s Kingdom because of their cares, hardship, and persecution or their desires for worldly wealth, riches, and fame (Matthew 13:5-7, 20-22; see also 1 Timothy 6:9-10, 17; 2 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:15-17). Instead of loving and obeying the LORD God, some would rather follow the ways of this evil world and Satan’s evil kingdom by gratifying the seductions and desires of the body and mind (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:1-3; Galatians 5:19-21). However, Jesus promises that Satan and his weeds, lawbreakers, false workers, false prophets, and evildoers who do not submit, obey, and follow the LORD God and His Kingdom will be punished and thrown into hell with eternal condemnation (Matthew 13:30, 40-42, 47-50; see also Matthew 3:12; Matthew 25:41-46; Revelation 19:19-21; Revelation 20:7-10; Revelation 21:8, 27). The reason Jesus came was to destroy Satan’s evil and destructive work on earth and to deliver EVERYONE through faith in Him into God’s glorious Kingdom (e.g., see Luke 4:18-19, 36-37, 43; John 12:31; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8).

The Holy Scriptures are clear: those who reject Jesus, will not repent, and continually practice sexual immorality, adultery, corruption, deception, idolatry, witchcraft, sorcerers, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, as well as murderers, cowards, disobedient, drunkards, and all liars will not inherit and enter the glorious Kingdom of God (Matthew 13:41-42; see also e.g., John 8:44; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5; Revelation 22:15). The living LORD God and His Son Jesus are good, holy, and truthful (Matthew 13:24, 37-38; see also e.g., 2 Chronicles 7:3; Psalm 73:1; Psalm 145:9; 1 Timothy 4:4). Jesus promises that God will send His holy angels at the end times, and they will remove from God’s Kingdom everything that causes sin and do evil and throw such lawbreakers of God’s commandments into the fiery furnace (Matthew 13:39-42, 50; see also Matthew 24:30-31; Revelation 14:15; Matthew 19:20-21; Revelation 20:10).

Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is present now in the world, but the Kingdom looks small like a tiny mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32; see Mark 4:30-31; Luke 13:18-19). One day, Jesus promises the Kingdom of God will become grand and glorious (Matthew 13:32; see also Mark 4:32). The Kingdom of God will cover and saturate the ENTIRE earth (Matthew 13:33; see also Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 11:15). The living LORD God and His Son Jesus will reign forever and forever in Kingdom here on earth (e.g., see Jesus promises that the faithful, repentant, and good workers of the living God will enter His glorious Kingdom and shine as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father, the LORD God Almighty (Matthew 13:38, 43; e.g., see also Proverbs 4:18; Daniel 12:3; Matthew 5:3-12, 16; Matthew 7:12-13, 17, 21-23, Matthew 25:1-12; 14-30, 34-40; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 3:7; Revelation 21:9-11).

Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is like a valuable treasure a man discovered in a field (see Matthew 13:44). In his excitement and joy, Jesus proclaimed the man sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field and get the heavenly treasure (Matthew 13:44; see also Proverbs 23:23)! Again, Jesus described the Kingdom of God like a merchant on the lookout for valuable pearls (see Matthew 13:45). When the merchant discovered the precious pearl of great value, the merchant sold everything he owned to purchase the glorious pearl (see Matthew 13:46)! According to Jesus, the Kingdom of God is so valuable and important! Acceptance of God’s Kingdom brings a new life from heaven above and joy (e.g., see John 3:3-8; Roman 14:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17). “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge” (Romans 11:33, NLT2). The living LORD God graciously gives His heavenly wisdom, guidance, and understanding for all who seek, love, and obey Him (e.g., see Isaiah 8:19-22; Matthew 6:33)

Once more, Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God could be illustrated by a fisherman (see Matthew 13:47). The fisherman cast a net into the water and gathered in fish of every kind, valuable and worthless (Matthew 13:47; see also Matthew 22:10). When the net was full, the fisherman dragged the net onto the beach and sat down and sorted out the good fish into crates and threw the bad fish away (see Matthew 13:48). Jesus promised at His return at the end of the world God’s holy angels will come and separate the wicked people from the godly and righteous who were kind, merciful, and humble towards others (see Matthew 13:41; 49). In His public ministry, Jesus promised that the peacemakers, merciful, good, and humble would inherit God’s Kingdom (e.g., Matthew 5:3-12; Matthew 9:10-13; Matthew 25:31-40). However, Jesus promised His Father the living LORD God of heaven and earth would cast the wicked who were unjust, unmerciful, and hateful towards others into the fire where they will be weeping and gnashing of their teeth (Matthew 13:42, 50; see also Matthew 25:41-46).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).