Isaiah 1
Dear RTB’ers,
Today we begin three weeks of the prophet Isaiah. I admit to a bit of nervousness as we begin this book. The prophetic books are the most difficult for me to understand, mostly (I think) because I’m never sure of the current history in which the author is writing. That’s clearly the case with large portions of Isaiah, but fortunately we have been introduced to him during our reading of II Kings, especially in his relationship with King Hezekiah. My Study Bible noted that Isaiah was a contemporary with Amos, Hosea, and Micah – and we have already read those three prophetic books. So, with that background maybe Isaiah will not be so confusing to us.
One other Study Bible note that helped me is that during Isaiah’s life Israel was under attack by Aram (Syria), the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Edom, and Philistia; by Assyria (King Sennacherib); and by Babylon (King Nebuchadnezzar). We’ve already seen Isaish’s activity in II Kings with those first two sets of foreign invaders.
Finally, as to content in this first chapter… I’m always taken by the prophets speaking God’s chastisement of Israel’s sacrifices, especially verses 10-14 today. Here’s a sampling: I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts … incense is an abomination to Me … Your new moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; they have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. God will not even listen to their prayers (v. 15)! Again, we’ve read pronouncements like this in Amos and Hosea. God, however, is a loving God and a Redeemer; He wants Israel (and us) to turn from our wicked ways and seek Him, as in the following oft-cited verse: Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord; though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. (v. 18) Yes, He is a loving God.
So, let’s enjoy Isaiah together! As John posted yesterday, your comments and questions are more than welcome!!
Blessings!
Fred