Exposition by Max A Forsythe
Every year in my government class I explain the ancient foundations for the American covenant: the United States Constitution. We go all the way back to the Mari texts of approximately 1350 BC. During the twenties, a rare archaeological find was made in some hillside ruins of a Syrian Tell. Deep inside the ancient ruins of villages built one on top of another, the records vault of the kings of Mari was discovered. There were about 30,000 clay tablets in large clay jars. Besides the ordinary insurance papers, deeds and contracts there were also many documents that we call Suzerain agreements. These ancient Suzerain agreements were between the kings of Mari and the various villages under their rule. These governmental contracts, or covenants, all had a common outline, or formula. This formula provided for covenant blessings or curses as the parties kept their side of the agreement. Generally, the people were more likely to be punished for non-fulfillment than the rulers. Only in America and other constitutional states are the top leaders subject to lawsuits or impeachment processes. Just this week a top administrative cabinet officer’s conduct in office is being challenged. And we have the ongoing circus of several other investigations as well.
Derek Kidner reports that in the ancient Middle East, whenever a vassal failed to satisfy the obligations of a sworn treaty, the king would proceed with a covenant lawsuit. This legal process was conducted through messengers. The first messengers would deliver warnings. The vassal would be reminded of the covenant promises and asked to explain the reason for the offense. The messenger would insist that the promises be kept, and dire warnings would follow. Sometimes the messengers would be thrown in prison, or even killed. If the ultimatum was not accepted, war would soon follow.
Many Old Testament passages are written in the style and form of our chapter today. In this case, Isaiah is God’s messenger to the nations surrounding Israel. The opening verse calls these nations to settle their dispute with God. As this chapter unfolds we find four distinct settings that are fit for an international court in any age. With this diplomatic court in mind, let us consider the scenes. In verses two to seven we hear about the dread executor to come. In verses eight to twenty God’s servants are assured that He is with and for them. In verses twenty-one to twenty-four the essence of the case is presented. And finally, in verses twenty-five to twenty-nine the prosecution makes its summation.
In verse two we have the first hint of Cyrus the Great of Persian fame, who will conquer Babylon in 539 BC. Much more will be said about him in chapters forty-four and forty-five. Here we are told about the course of his conquests. Starting in the east, the Persian empire spread west to Turkey before heading south into the heartland of Israel’s enemies. It is made clear that this coming conqueror will be the agent of the Almighty God, who even determines the course of history from before time.
God answers the rhetorical question in verse four by admitting that it is He who will do all of these things. In verses five and six we see the preparations of the various nations for the coming judgment. In alliances they expect increased strength. With mere words and weapons they encourage each other to be strong. In verse seven we see the probability of a frenzy in the manufacture of idols. Craftsmen prepare the idols carefully and secure them in their places of worship.
In our second section, Isaiah pauses to reassure God’s servants. Again, a vital theme is introduced. Here that theme involves a servant. In this case, the servant nation is Israel, or all those who love the Lord. As the sovereign Lord of His people, He assures them of His calling and His coming. There are four points to this reassurance.
In verse eight true Israel is reminded of the doctrine of election. “Jacob, whom I have chosen”, and “Abraham my friend” is how this section begins. “You”, God says “are my servant, I have chosen you and have not rejected you.” Who can ever know the mind of God? Very many people in this state would like to win the lottery. Yet, statistically, their chances of winning are less than being hit by lightning. How much more value than mere money won by chance, is the effective God - given grace that calls us into His eternal Kingdom?
Why should Israel fear as the nations tremble? After all, the elect belong to God and Isaiah tells them in all ages “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” The second point of reassurance is the presence of God Himself. In verse ten, the elect are told that God is indeed with them. Just as the Lord was with Abraham, Joseph, Joshua and all the rest, so is He with His people in all times and places. At the end of Matthew, Jesus tells us the same thing. “And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”
Our third point stresses the power of God. Here we see in verses ten, thirteen and twenty that the right hand of God will deal with all of His enemies, comfort His friends and accomplish His will. In the movie Camelot, Sir Lancelot claimed to be the right hand of King Arthur. In our biblical understanding, the right hand of the Lord here may well be our Lord Jesus Christ at the end of the age. Note in verse fourteen the little saintly worms. How very much like some of the Camelot stories, where the young Arthur wore the nickname “Wart”. Even though the world pays little attention to God’s people, one day they will be of account while the worldly people and nations will pass away.
In verse fourteen we see the fourth point of this portion, that God is Israel’s Redeemer. The image here is of one who pays the ransom price. Centuries later we gain a better understanding of this in Mark 10: 45. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” In such ways are the redeemed of Israel encouraged in all ages. May we too take comfort from these revelations. We also see in time that the Lord will bless the poor and needy, and take care of their great thirst as well.
Meanwhile, the nations have been creating their idols and in our third section today God calls the nations to “Present your case, Set forth your arguments”. Here is the essence of God’s arguments with the nations. Can their puny idols do as much for them as God can and has done and will do for His servants?
Just now, God has declared the coming of judgment under the rod of Cyrus. What future can mere idols predict? Or what can they tell of the past? Can mere idols do anything at all? “Do something” is the challenge. Now people today are less likely to carve and worship idolatrous objects, but still idolatry is growing. Once I had a student miss a day of testing. When she came in she claimed that the stars had not been right for testing yesterday, but today was a good day. I just had to prove here [horrorscope] wrong! In other passages we have hints that those who worship idols have become like the objects of their worship. We see the same revelation here in verse twenty-four. Those who worship idols are worthless and detestable.
Finally, we come to the end of the matter and God’s summation. Again He promises one to come from east and north; one who has some knowledge of the God of heaven. He will tread heavily on the nations. Now, some liberal commentators believe that these passages must have been written much later, after the fact of their accomplishment. I wonder what those poor ignorant scholars make of these verses? God has revealed what will come to pass. All of history is under His command and control. To Jerusalem He has sent a messenger of good tidings.
Yet, in the worldly nations, there is no messenger because their idols are all false! May we pity the nations whose God is not the Lord of Hosts and may we all be thankful for our being numbered with true Israel, the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Resources Used:
Ellis, Charles..
The Wells of Salvation.
Thomas, Derek..
Welwyn Commentary Series: God Delivers.
Young, Edward J.
The Book of Isaiah.
The Holy Bible.
New International Version (1984 Edition)
NOTE: I am not able to automatically
recommend any future editions.
Christ Covenant Reformed (Presbyterian Church in America) -
Box 13926 - Columbus, OH 43213
(c) 2001
14 August 1994
Permission granted to redistribute unedited versions with this notice.