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Bible Book Number 23—Isaiah“All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial”
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See now a sprout, a twig from the stump of Jesse (David’s father)! This “twig” will rule in righteousness, and by him there will be enjoyment for all creation, with no harm or ruin, “because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea.” (11:1, 9) With this one as signal for the nations, a highway goes out from Assyria for the returning remnant. There will be exultation in drawing water from the springs of salvation and making melody to Jehovah.
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Bible Book Number 23—Isaiah“All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial”
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But in time he will turn his attention to the prisoners and gather them. He is a stronghold and refuge. He will set a banquet in his mountain and swallow up death forever, wiping tears from off all faces. “This is our God” will be said. “This is Jehovah.” (25:9) Judah has a city with salvation for walls. Continuous peace is for those trusting in Jehovah, “for in Jah Jehovah is the Rock of times indefinite.” But the wicked “simply will not learn righteousness.” (26:4, 10) Jehovah will slay his adversaries, but he will restore Jacob.
18, 19. (a) What contrasting woes and joys are proclaimed for Ephraim and Zion? (b) In what capacities is Jehovah to save and govern his people?
18 God’s indignation and blessings (28:1–35:10). Woe to Ephraim’s drunkards, whose “decoration of beauty” must fade! But Jehovah is to “become as a crown of decoration and as a garland of beauty” to the remnant of his people. (28:1, 5) However, the braggarts of Jerusalem look to a lie for refuge, rather than to the tried and precious foundation stone in Zion. A flash flood will wash them all away. Jerusalem’s prophets are asleep, and God’s book is sealed to them. Lips draw close, but hearts are far away. Yet the day will come when the deaf will hear the words of the book. The blind will see and the meek rejoice.
19 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for refuge! This stubborn people want smooth, deceptive visions. They will be cut off, but Jehovah will restore a remnant. These will see their Grand Instructor, and they will scatter their images, calling them “mere dirt!” (30:22) Jehovah is Jerusalem’s true Defender. A king will rule in righteousness, together with his princes. He will bring in peace, quietness, and security to time indefinite. Treachery will cause the messengers of peace to weep bitterly, but to his own people the Majestic One, Jehovah, is Judge, Statute-Giver, and King, and he himself will save them. No resident will then say: “I am sick.”—33:24.
20. What indignation is to break out against the nations, but what blessing awaits the restored remnant?
20 Jehovah’s indignation must break out against the nations. Carcasses will stink, and mountains will melt with blood. Edom must be desolated. But for Jehovah’s repurchased ones, the desert plain will blossom, and “the glory of Jehovah, the splendor of our God,” will appear. (35:2) The blind, the deaf, and the speechless will be healed, and the Way of Holiness will be opened for the redeemed of Jehovah as they return to Zion with rejoicing.
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Bible Book Number 23—Isaiah“All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial”
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24. (a) What news of comfort does Jehovah proclaim? (b) Can the gods of the nations compare with Jehovah for greatness, and what witness does he call for?
24 Jehovah comforts his witnesses (40:1–44:28). The opening word of chapter 40, “Comfort,” well describes the rest of Isaiah. A voice in the wilderness cries out: “Clear up the way of Jehovah, you people!” (40:1, 3) There is good news for Zion. Jehovah shepherds his flock, carrying young lambs in his bosom. From lofty heavens he looks down on earth’s circle. To what can he be compared for greatness? He gives full power and dynamic energy to the tired and weary ones who hope in him. He declares the molten images of the nations to be wind and unreality. His chosen one will be as a covenant for the peoples and a light of the nations to open blind eyes. Jehovah says to Jacob, “I myself have loved you,” and he calls to sunrising, sunset, north, and south: ‘Give up! Bring back my sons and my daughters.’ (43:4, 6) With court in session, he challenges the gods of the nations to produce witnesses to prove their godship. Israel’s people are Jehovah’s witnesses, his servant, testifying that he is God and Deliverer. To Jeshurun (“Upright One,” Israel) he promises his spirit and then casts shame on the makers of see-nothing, know-nothing images. Jehovah is the Repurchaser of his people; Jerusalem will again be inhabited and its temple rebuilt.
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