Interpreting Isaiah

In Isaiah 66:18-24, the end of Isaiah speaks of the end of this age. God sets a sign among his people. And he sends survivors out to the ends of the earth. They raise the sign as a standard. It is time to gather in the nations, time for every knee to bow and every … Continue reading "Isaiah 66:18-24 A Sign Among the Nations" The post Isaiah 66:18-24 A Sign Among the Nations first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 65:17-66:17, God’s response to the watcher’s lament reaches a climax with the promise of a recreation. God will create the heavens and earth anew as an eternal dwelling place for his chosen ones. Who are the chosen ones? Who are these servants of God that dwell with him forever? The post Isaiah 65:17-66:17 New Heavens and New Earth first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 63:7-65:16, we move from the triumphant vision of glorious Zion to the struggle of holding onto the promise of that glorious future in the painful present. A human watcher cries out to God in a theological rich lament. God challenges the watcher to accept a more accurate perspective of what he is doing. The post Isaiah 63:7-65:16 Lament and Response first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 61:10-63:6, we encounter two further songs of a mysterious figure committed to the establishment of an ideal society for God’s people. In the first song he comes dressed as a groom for a wedding. In the second song he comes dressed as a champion for battle. The post Isaiah 61:10-63:6 Four Songs of the Conqueror first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 61:1-9 God pours out his Spirit, anointing a chosen servant to proclaim good news to the afflicted. That good news transforms God’s people. 700 years later Jesus stood up in a synagogue, read the first two verses of this passage, sat down and declared, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” The post Isaiah 61:1-9 The Favorable Year of the Lord first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 60, the glory of God shines out from Zion as a glorious city on a hill. Many peoples respond to that light bringing gifts of tribute to the Holy One of Israel, tribute including frankincense and gold. How does this vision of Zion relate to the church? Is this our mission to build … Continue reading "Isaiah 60 The Coming Glory" The post Isaiah 60 The Coming Glory first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 59, the prophet first condemns the wickedness of his society and then includes himself in with all the rest as he confesses, “our sins testify against us…we know our iniquities.” Seeing no man to intercede, the Lord arms himself to bring justice and salvation. But who is this divine conqueror who comes to … Continue reading "Isaiah 59 The Conqueror Comes" The post Isaiah 59 The Conqueror Comes first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 58, the prophet calls out religious hypocrisy. As the paganism of chapter 57 represents the progressive idolatry of the left, the human-centered religiosity of chapter 58 represents the conservative idolatry of the right. In this lesson we raise our third big picture interpretation question, “How does the gospel of Jesus Christ help me … Continue reading "Isaiah 58 A True Fast – Desiring God and Loving People" The post Isaiah 58 A True Fast – Desiring God and Loving People first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 56:9-57:21, we shift from the ideal of God’s people depicted in 56:1-8 to the actual reality of God’s people. This gives us an opportunity to ask the critical interpretive question, “Who is Isaiah’s primary audience?” Who were the people of God he was talking to and what were they like? The post Isaiah 56:9-57:21 Two Parties in Judah first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 56:1-8, we introduce the Book of the Conqueror, chapters 56-66, asking a critical interpretive question, overviewing this book’s structure, and considering in its first 8 verses the inclusion of eunuchs and foreigners into covenant community with God. The post Isaiah 56:1-8 World People, Sabbath People, Praying People first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 54 and 55, we are exhorted by the prophet to respond to the astounding work of the servant described in Isaiah 53. Shout! Cry aloud! Come! Seek! The table of grace has been set. You have been invited. Enter into the everlasting covenant of peace. The post Isaiah 54:1-55:13 Respond to the Servant’s Triumph first appeared on Observe the Word.

The fourth servant song in Isaiah 52:13-53:12 provides an incredible example of Old Testament prophecy about Jesus Christ. In this episode, we consider how critical historians have interpreted this text, how Jewish scholars have interpreted this text, and how New Testament writers have interpreted this text. The post Isaiah 53 Interpretations of the Fourth Servant Song first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 52:13-53:12, we arrive at the heart of the Book of the Servant. The fourth servant song proclaims the long awaited “how” of spiritual deliverance. How does our holy God justly forgive sinful people? The post Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The Fourth Servant Song first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 50:4-52:12, the third servant song provides a model of faithful resilience. Isaiah exhorts Israel to listen, wake up and walk with God according to that model. The post Isaiah 50:4-52:12 The Third Servant Song first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 49:1-50:30, Isaiah begins the final section in the Book of the Servant with the second of four servant songs. God’s servant is a select arrow, hidden in the Lord’s quiver, to be aimed, drawn and released at the appropriate time, not only to restore Israel, but as a light for the nations that … Continue reading "Isaiah 49:1-50:3 The Second Servant Song" The post Isaiah 49:1-50:3 The Second Servant Song first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 48:1-22, Isaiah completes his description of Babylon’s fall and Israel’s deliverance. God perseveres in faithfulness to his chosen people, but a dark chord is struck in the joyful song of rescue. A great deliverance from the external oppressor Babylon does not solve the internal problem of the human heart. The post Isaiah 48:1-22 Israel Delivered first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 47:1-15, Isaiah looks ahead to the fulfillment of the Cyrus prophecy with the fall of Babylon. Isaiah’s vision looks beyond the specific, historic fall of Babylon to a spiritual reality that runs through human history from the tower of Babel in Genesis 11 to John’s depiction in Revelation 18. The post Isaiah 47:1-15 Babylon Conquered first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 46:1-13, Isaiah concludes his description of Israel’s obstinacy in regard to God’s plan to use Cyrus. But first we continue our consideration of how Isaiah 45 influenced Paul’s letter to the Romans in regard to the three themes of questioning God’s plan, the righteousness of God, and the salvation of all Israel. The post Isaiah 46:1-13 God’s Plan for Obstinate Israel 2 first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 45:9-25, Israel pushes back against God’s plan to raise up Cyrus, a Gentile Messiah. God responds with a rebuke and an affirmation that Israel will still play a central role in the formation of a world wide people. We will see significant connection between Isaiah 45 and Paul’s letter to the Romans. The post Isaiah 45:9-25 God’s Plan for Obstinate Israel 1 first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 44:24-45:8, we consider the historical background and meaning of one of the most specific and unlikely prophecies of Scripture that a king named Cyrus would deliver the Jewish exiles from Babylon. The post Isaiah 44:24-45:8 The Cyrus Prophecy and Historical Background first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 43:22-44:23, we address the second half of our second major section in the Book of the Servant – the Redemption of Israel. The people of God need spiritual redemption from their own sin nature. Only God can meet our deepest needs. Pagan idol-gods, both ancient and modern, are empty fictions of our own … Continue reading "Isaiah 43:22-44:23 Forgiveness of Sins" The post Isaiah 43:22-44:23 Forgiveness of Sins first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 42:18-43:21, we address the first half of our second major section in the Book of the Servant – the Redemption of Israel. Israel is going to need national redemption from exile in Babylon. God is going to do this. God’s people are to give witness. The post Isaiah 42:18-43:21 Release from Bondage first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 41:21-42:17, Isaiah offers consolation for the Gentiles by exposing the idol-gods of the nations, prophesying God’s remedy in a future servant, and responding with a new song. Isaiah’s description of an ideal servant in 42:1-4 constitutes our first of four servant songs in the Book of the Servant. The post Isaiah 41:21-42:17 Consolation of the Gentiles first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 41:1-20, Isaiah concludes the initial consolation of Israel, with a powerful, compact description of God as sovereign over world events and with three descriptive pictures of the transformation he will bring about when Israel’s exile is complete. The post Isaiah 41:1-20 Three Pictures of Consolation first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 40:12-31 Isaiah extols the character of the Creator God as the ground of the hope proclaimed in 40:1-11. We can find comfort in the hope of God’s glory, word and arm when we see God as he truly is. The post Isaiah 40:12-31 The Creator God – The Ground of Comfort first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 40:1-11 God calls for heralds to proclaim his word of comfort for Israel. That word is provided by three voices, each adding to the message of consolation. Before getting into the text, we first introduce the Book of the Servant, chapters 40-55, by addressing Isaiah’s development of the Messiah and righteousness themes. The post Isaiah 40:1-11 The Consolation of Zion first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 38-39 Isaiah creates a bridge between the Book of the King and the Book of the Servant with a reminder that even good human kings do not persevere in faithfulness. The post Isaiah 38-39 Hezekiah’s Fateful Choice first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 36-37 Isaiah reminds Judah that God truly is the Lord of History through the example of Sennacherib’s inability to capture Jerusalem. The post Isaiah 36-37 Lord of History first appeared on Observe the Word.

In this lesson we consider historical sources of Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah to help us better interpret the narrative in Isaiah 36-39. The post Isaiah 36-39 Historical Background first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 31-35, we complete the six woes that rebuke Judah for turning away from God in troubled times to find help in Egypt. Isaiah continues to call his listeners back to God our King who is the source of stability in present times and our sure hope for the future. The post Isaiah 31-35 The Stability of Your Times first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 30, Isaiah begins and ends with the human perspective of Judah’s alliance with Egypt and the looming invasion by Assyria. In the middle of the chapter, he gives us two divine perspectives, calling Judah’s leaders to turn back to God and trust him to be their security. The post Isaiah 30 Security Not Found in Human Alliances first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 29, we address the 2nd and 3rd woes of the Lord of History section, chapters 28-37. In this larger section, Isaiah reminds the people of God’s deliverance during a national crisis, so that they might believe God is at work in the present and trust that God will fulfill his promises for the … Continue reading "Isaiah 29 Historical Deliverance and Spiritual Transformation" The post Isaiah 29 Historical Deliverance and Spiritual Transformation first appeared on Observe the Word.

The move from Isaiah 27 to Isaiah 28 is a transition between major sections. In this lesson we briefly summarize 5 principles of faith from the Universal Kingdom section, chapters 13-27, and then move into the first woe of the Lord of History section, chapters 28-37. In chapter 28, employing powerful imagery (fading garlands, ripe … Continue reading "Isaiah 28 A Simple Message for Halls of Power" The post Isaiah 28 A Simple Message for Halls of Power first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 24-27, Isaiah presents a third cycle of passages that look far into the future to a final day where the city of man stands in stark contrast against the city of God and the faithful are exhorted to endure through to glory. The post Isaiah 24-27 The Third Cycle – Two Cities first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 21-23, Isaiah continues addressing God’s rule over a universal kingdom in a second cycle of oracles to the nations in which he describes the failure of self-sufficiency to meet human need through the depiction of a toppled empire and the rippling effects on smaller nations. The post Isaiah 21-23 The Second Cycle of Oracles first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 13-20, Isaiah begins a new section addressing God’s rule over a universal kingdom. This first cycle of five oracles to the nations shows God to be sovereign over all nations both in his just punishment of self-sufficient pride and in his faithful provision for a believing remnant. The post Isaiah 13-20 The First Cycle of Oracles first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 9:8-12:6, Isaiah proclaims a word to Israel that further develops the four themes in his word to Judah, moment of decision, judgment, remnant and glorious hope. We end with an epilogue of praise in 12:1-6. The post Isaiah 9:8-12:6 The Word to Israel first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 8:9-9:7, Isaiah moves from his prophecy of judgment on Judah to identification of a remnant and a glorious hope.  The great light of glorious hope will arise in Galilee. He will be born a human child whose name is somehow also Mighty God! The post Isaiah 8:9-9:7 The Word to Judah II first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 7:1-8:8, we consider a moment of decision set before Ahaz King of Judah and a sign from God that affirms the truthfulness of His words. The sign in this case is a baby born to a virgin. The post Isaiah 7:1-8:8 The Word to Judah I first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 6, Isaiah experiences the vision of God that becomes the foundation for his lifelong ministry. His call and mission both follow after that vision. The post Isaiah 6 Vision, Call and Mission first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 5, Isaiah concludes the initial diagnosis and prognosis of Judah raising the question, “What is the right response to a people who have taken for granted and abused the gracious gifts of God?” The post Isaiah 5 Sin and Grace first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 2-4, Isaiah continues his diagnosis of Judah developing the idea of sin and election by moving from ideal Jerusalem to actual Jerusalem to present Jerusalem. The post Isaiah 2-4 Sin and Election first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 1:10-31, Isaiah performs the role of a covenant lawsuit prophet as he continues to diagnosis the spiritual condition of Judah from both a religious and social perspective. The post Isaiah 1:10-31 Covenant Lawsuit Prophecy first appeared on Observe the Word.

In Isaiah 1:2-9, Isaiah diagnoses Judah’s spiritual condition. We will take time during this first passage to consider three approaches to observing biblical poetry. The post Isaiah 1:2-9 Interpreting Biblical Poetry first appeared on Observe the Word.

Isaiah 1:1 makes a claim to authorship and historical context for the book of Isaiah. In this episode we argue the validity of that claim as an introduction to the series. The post Isaiah 1:1 Historical Context first appeared on Observe the Word.