This Article: (7 Pages)
1) Isaiah and the Gospel Message of Hope for the Earth
Isaiah has been found to be a reliable prophet in relation to many issues and especially those of the Messiah’s ministry, death and resurrection. Yeshua quoted from Isaiah on numerous occasions, both to show the fulfilling of Bible prophecy and Yahshua’s endorsement of the prophet Isaiah. This article will examine the theme that the earth will endure and present confirmation from Isaiah that “the earth abides for ever.” Eccl.1 4.
Isaiah’s book commences with the statement, ‘the vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.’ Despite the Jewish people’s waywardness, Yahweh declares, ‘I will turn my hand upon thee and purely purge away thy dross…I will restore thy judges as at the first…afterward thou shalt be called, the city of righteousness, the faithful city.’ (Isaiah 1:25-26). In the history of Israel, this prophecy has never been fulfilled.
In Isaiah 2, it is prophesied that, ‘the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains…and all nations shall flow unto it.’ Again, history has not revealed circumstances such as this. In fact, the mountains of Israel have been a place of warfare and contention throughout most of man’s history. We must be led to the conclusion that this prophecy has never been fulfilled and we must wait until the time when, “out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem and he shall judge among the nations…nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (verses 3-4) When, might we ask, has mankind ever seen such an idyllic state on the earth?
The twentieth century would have to have been the most warlike century in the history of mankind. Barely a year passed in the twentieth century without a war being fought somewhere on this globe, with countless millions dying in deplorable circumstances. As yet we have not witnessed that vision of peace as described by Isaiah.
With the nuclear age, the image of the destruction of the earth has created increasing fear among people, especially with the vivid portrayal of catastrophic events in theatres and on the small screen. Fear of meteors and out of space destructive forces has arisen from man’s increased knowledge of the universe and has added to the belief in the inevitable destruction of this planet.
Isaiah prophesies of no such fate for the earth. The first two chapters of his book, clearly state that the earth will endure. Many other sections of this book reinforce that ‘the earth abides for ever’ (Ecclesiastes 1:4). The earth has to abide so that Yahweh’s purpose with man is accomplished and that the earth is ultimately filled with His glory.(Numbers 14:21)
Despite the judgements that were to come on the nation of Israel, Isaiah assures us that the nation would be purged and their Messiah would be established as ruler in Jerusalem. “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Yahweh of hosts will perform this.” The emphasis in this verse is on the “throne of David”, which was and is Jerusalem, where righteous rule will be established “for ever.” There is no way that we can say that such an occurrence has ever been witnessed on this sphere. The only logical conclusion is that it will occur in the future.
An important prophecy in many of the prophetical books of the Bible is that of the return of the Jews to Israel after being scattered through the nations. Isaiah mentions this in many places such as chapter 10:21-22.”The remnant (of Israel) shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.”
The punishment of Israel was to be followed by an overflowing of righteousness, which, as yet we have not witnessed. In Israel at this time the people are faced with terrorism and threats from their enemies to drive them into the sea and destroy their nation.
2) PEACE ON EARTH
In Isaiah 11, the image of the Messiah as a righteous judge is presented in the first five verses. “With righteousness shall he judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.” When has there ever been a ruler upon whom “the spirit of Yahweh” and “the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and fear of Yahweh,” rested?
Some Christians apply this to Yeshua and his place at his Father’s right hand. This does not fit in with the following verses(6-9). “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them…the lion shall eat straw like the ox…they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of Yahweh as the waters cover the sea.” (Isa 11:9, Numbers 14-21, Hab.2-14)
Such a spiritual application cannot be made to the present world and the role of Christianity. Isaiah is depicting a change of state in the animal kingdom and also speaks of a human element with the mention of children.
If we think that the remnant that returned refers to the return of the Jews to the land of Israel after the Babylonian captivity, Isaiah clarifies this point for us. In verse 11 of chapter 11, Isaiah states, “the Lord shall set his hand again the SECOND time to recover the remnant of his people,” from many nations and from “the islands of the sea.” In the past sixty years we have seen this second return of the Jews to their homeland. They were not gathered out of one nation as in the case of the Babylonian captivity but they have been, in actual fact, gathered out of many nations and speak many languages. The revival of Hebrew as their national language is an attempt to revive the spirit of their national past.
In these few chapters Isaiah has begun to establish a future vision for the nation of Israel, which cannot be seen to have occurred up to this point in time in the history of man on this earth. This is truly an amazing book of the Bible which reveals that Yahweh has a magnificent plan for Jew and Gentile on this planet, a planet that was truly designed for man and to ultimately reflect the glory of Yahweh, its creator.
3) Isaiah's Gospel regarding Earth's Destiny
The future of this earth, as revealed by the prophet Isaiah in chapters 1-11 was examined. As many Christian groups now accept the second coming of the Messiah to the earth, it is necessary to closely look at what the prophets prophesy about the future destiny of the earth. The prevailing view of many Christians is of the destruction of this planet after the return of the Messiah. This article will continue the examination of what Isaiah reveals about the earth’s destiny.
Chapters 1-11 of Isaiah were summed up in Isaiah 11:9, “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of Yahweh, as the waters cover the sea.” It is a vision of a peaceful earth ruled by a righteous king following war and calamity. Other chapters in Isaiah build upon this vision.
The prophecy of Isaiah abounds with the hope and promise of peace for this earth. The wonders and magnificence of Yahweh’s creation are destined for far greater things than complete annihilation.
Isaiah states in Isaiah 49:8, “In a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee (Israel), and give thee for a covenant of the people (i.e. all nations), to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages.” In simple terms, the nation of Israel has been established as a sign to the nations. Yahweh has made a covenant or promise that will be kept. Those ‘desolate heritages’ refer us back to the homeland of the Jewish nation that lay desolate for almost two thousand years. It has been partly brought back to fruitfulness, but in no way does the land of Israel resemble the vision that was portrayed in the earlier chapters of Isaiah. Isaiah is constantly drawing our attention back to the land of Israel and the covenant (promise) ‘to establish the earth.’
The promise is of the transformation of the ‘desolate heritages’ as depicted in Isaiah 35. “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of Yahweh, and the excellency of our God.” This chapter also speaks of the ‘vengeance’ with which the ‘fearful of heart’ will be saved (verse 4) and the subsequent peace that will be established in the once desolate land.
4) Justice On Earth Promised
To the Jewish nation, in Isaiah 51, again comes the hope that “Yahweh shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of Yahweh; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.” Isaiah continues and says, “a law shall proceed from me,” (verse 2) and “mine arms shall judge the people, (verse 3) and “the redeemed of Yahweh shall return and come with singing unto Zion.”(verse 11) As in the earlier chapters of Isaiah, there is here again a strong emphasis on the reclamation of the ‘waste places’ of Israel and the establishment of law and peace.
“Also the sons of the strangers that join themselves to Yahweh, to serve Him , and to love the name of Yahweh…even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer…mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people. Yahweh Elohim who gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him.” (Isaiah 56:6-8)
This again takes us back to the early chapters of Isaiah, (eg. Chapter 2) to a vision of peace and of men worshipping the creator in Jerusalem.
The words of Isaiah continue to proclaim that message of hope. “He that puts his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain,” (Isa. 57:13) and “they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations.” (Isa. 58:12) Here again the message is repeated. The land of Israel will be brought back to fruitfulness from generations of neglect and desolation. This promise, as we have seen has been repeated many times in these few chapters that we have referred to. To our readers, we would recommend that they mark in their Bibles every occurrence of a future destiny of peace and revival for this war-torn, polluted and benighted earth, that can be found in this amazing book of hope for all mankind. Isaiah’s emphasis in his book is not on the destruction of this planet, but on its rejuvenation.
As we look around on the magnificence, beauty and wonders of Yahweh Elohim’s creation, surely we must join with the Psalmist in saying ;
“O Yahweh our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth.” (Ps 8:1)
5) Isaiah and the Gospel regarding the Future of Jerusalem
The closing chapters of Isaiah continue the theme of the reclamation of Israel from desolation and peace being established on the earth, as has been seen in the earlier chapters of Isaiah.. The modern Christian concept of the earth being destroyed at the return of the Messiah to the earth, is not supported by the closing chapters of Isaiah.
In Isaiah 60, a time of glory is promised to Israel, when “the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.” (Isaiah 60:5) Many nations will “bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of Yahweh… they shall come up with acceptance upon mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.” (Isaiah 60:6-7) “Surely the isles shall wait for me… and the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls.” (verses 9-10) These verses create a vision of the nations in subjection to Yahweh. “The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish.” (verse 12) These verses state clearly that Israel would be the centre of government and worship. At no time since Isaiah wrote these words have the nations been in subjection to divine rule in Israel, nor have Jew and Gentile been at peace.
The Jews, for 2000 years, have been despised, persecuted and dispersed from their traditional homeland, but the promise to the Israelites is that, “the sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee.” (verse 14) When we observe the situation in Israel today, it is hard hard to visualize a time when “violence shall no more be heard in thy land.” (verse 18) This is a promise of peace for Israel. For 2000 years there has been no peace for the Jews.
Again in Isaiah 61:4, Isaiah repeats the promise that Israel would be revived and restored. “And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations…of many generations.” The gentiles, the ”Strangers” and the “aliens” will be in subjection. “Ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.” (verse 6)
The nation of Israel has been a witness to the truth of the promises that Yahweh has made to mankind and the only hope that mortal man has of a life beyond his present mortal existence. They stand as a sign that there will be a resurrection of the faithful and that Yahweh will fill this earth with His glory, in the way that He has chosen and not according to the imagination of mankind.
Peace Promised For Israel
“Their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people, all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Yahweh hath blessed.” (Isaiah 61:11) For 2000 years the Jews have been subjected to persecution. Today it is no different. There can be no peace for the Jews while the Arabs cry out against Israel and threaten still to destroy the state and drive the Jews into the sea. Isaiah’s prophecy must refer to a future time when the Jewish people will no longer be despised.
Jerusalem has long been a city of contention among Jews, Muslims and Christians. It is not a city of peace, but of conflict. However, Isaiah declares that Yahweh will establish Jerusalem and make it “a praise in the earth.”(Isa 62:7)
6) Vision of Future Age In Closing Chapters of Isaiah
The closing chapters of Isaiah, develop further the vision of the future age that was given in the opening chapters of the book. These chapters deserve to be read very closely as they outline again for the reader the events that will soon occur on the earth. Yahweh is determined that all mankind will see His power and acknowledge Him as the creator and our life source. He is all powerful and Jerusalem will be the centre of government. (Isa 62:1-3) For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness…and the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory…thou shalt be also a crown of glory in the hand of Yahweh.”
Future of Jerusalem
With the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth, faithful Jews and Gentiles will be rewarded with eternal life in the kingdom, following resurrection and Judgement of the responsible, who have lived during the six thousand years of man’s existence. Jerusalem will become a holy city.(Isa 62: 11-12) “Yahweh hath proclaimed…to the daughter of Zion, Behold thy salvation cometh…and they shall call them The holy people, the redeemed of Yahweh: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, a city not forsaken”
Peace Promised For Jew and Gentile
An era of peace, justice and righteous rule will be established for all people who survive the calamities that come with the battle of Armageddon and from earthquakes.
(Isa 64:4) “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear , neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that wait for him.”
Jerusalem now is a trouble spot in the world and a problem that the rulers of the powerful nations cannot solve. (Isa 64:10) “Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.” This state of affairs will change.(Isa 65: 9) “I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah, an inheritor of my mountains; and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.” The Messiah will return to this earth to execute judgement and establish peace. Jerusalem, for thousands of years a place of conflict, will be transformed.
(Isa:65:18-25) “I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy…I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people…and they shall build houses and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them…the wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith Yahweh.”
7) A Future Temple
A future temple for worship will be built.(Isa 66: 1) “Thus saith Yahweh, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest?” (Isa 66: 10) “Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her.” Jew and Gentile will be united in worship of the God of Israel.(Isa 66: 12) “I will extend peace to Jerusalem to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream.” (Isa 66 : 14) “The hand of Yahweh shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.”
Before peace can be established in the earth, there will be judgement upon the nations. All nations will be drawn to the Middle East, to Israel, where the battle of Armageddon will take place.(Isa 66: 15-16) “Yahweh will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by his sword will Yahweh plead with all flesh: and the slain of Yahweh shall be many.” (Isa 66:18-19) “I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see my glory…I will send those that escape of them unto the nations to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.”(Isa 66: 20) “And they shall bring all your brethren…unto Yahweh out of all nations…to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith Yahweh, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of Yahweh.”(Isa 66: 23) “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith Yahweh.”
These final words of Isaiah clearly speak for themselves of the future glory to come upon the earth. The writings of Isaiah are full of the promise of a new age and world peace at last, and, well worth our close consideration.
RelatedBibleFocus.net
Show All
