Isaiah (Hebrew: Jeshaiah) c. 750 BCE -- The first in order of the major Old Testament prophets, the son of Amoz. A citizen of Jerusalem, he began to prophesy c.747 BCE, and exercised his office until at least the close of the century. According to tradition, he was martyred. http://www.biography.com
Welcome to this daily study of the Book of Isaiah. The purpose of this study is to enhance your spiritual relationship. One method of study is to first read the section for the day. Then, by reviewing the text, answer the questions. Most of the questions may be answered by merely quoting the verse which is cited in the question. The answer to some questions is not explicit in the verse. These are marked with an asterisk (*), and may require some additional reflection on the material, or material from other books of the Bible. Finally, when you reach a question which is marked with a (§), spend some time contemplating how what you have read can enhance your spiritual life. You may find that these questions require a considerable amount of thought over a period of time. Quietly, in a relaxed state of mind, reflect on the question and find out where it seems to be leading you to consider. You are, of course, never required to share your answers unless you feel comfortable doing so. The LORD your GOD will bless your study of his word.
Volume Four began with Israel's first King, Saul and followed the history of the Golden Age under David, The exile to Babylon marked the end of this era, and a new era began with the return of the exiles to rebuild the Temple and city of Jerusalem. The individuals who were that history included Kings (Saul, David, Solomon), Priests (Eli, Samuel), Prophets (Nathan, Elijah, Elisha) and common people not unlike each of us (Ruth, Naomi, Daniel, Esther). Each of these people are recorded as examples of unique spiritual relationships which we can now learn from as we grow our own spiritual life.
Volume Five presents the writings of the Prophets who guided Israel and Judah prior to and during the exile. The first lesson concerns the Book of Isaiah. Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford, authors of The Student Bible, write that, "The prophet Isaiah was a giant of Jewish history. He was the Shakespeare of Hebrew literature, and the New Testament quotes him more than all the other prophets combined. No other biblical author can match his rich vocabulary and use of imagery. And yet Isaiah spent his days not in an ivory tower, but in the corridors of power. He served as adviser to the kings of Judah and helped set the course of his nation...Isaiah outlasted four kings, but he finally offended one beyond repair. King Manasseh (notorious for practising infant sacrifice) found Isaiah's strong words too much to bear. Tradition records that he had Isaiah killed by fastening him between two planks of wood and sawing his body in half."
The second lesson in Volume Five will explore the Book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah was given the unwelcome task of delivering an unpopular message. Israel had rejected the LORD their GOD, and Jeremiah reminded them of the penalty for such action given to Moses in Deuteronomy 28-30. It is Jeremiah's personality that is an inspiration. He tenaciously clung to his difficult assignment, and stands as an example of accepting the LORD's will for our life.
Lesson One Isaiah 1 & 2
To whom were these visions given?
What are the visions concerning?
Which Kings did Isaiah serve under?
How are these Kings characterised:
Hezekiah (2Kings 18:3)
Ahaz (2Kings 16:2 & 3)
Jotham (2Kings 15:34)
Uzziah (2Chronicles 26:1-5)
(§) Write your own introduction for yourself using verse 1 as a model.
How is an ox shown to be wiser than the people of Judah in verse 3?
From verse 5, what is the spiritual condition of Judah?
What is the spiritual condition compared to in verse 7?
In verse 9, how is Judah shown mercy and grace?
(§) How do you think Judah came to such a desperate spiritual condition? What might this say about our own spiritual relationship?
What is said about Sodom and Gamorrah in Genesis 18:20 & 21?
According to verse 11, how does the LORD feel about the condition of the liturgy?
What response are the people to expect from verse 15?
According to verses 16 and 17, what are the people advised to do?
(§) How should you apply verses 16 and 17 to your own spiritual relationship?
What are some of the fruits of self-love mentioned in verses 21-23?
According to verse 25, where do the enemies reside?
What will the city be called after the alloy is removed?
How will Zion be redeemed according to verse 27?
(§) How might you remove the enemies to your spiritual relationship which are the detrimental habits you keep?
How is the future preeminence of the LORD described in verse 2?
According to verse 3, what will go forth from Zion?
What will become of the implements of war?
From verses 6 through 8, what has replaced "walking in the light of the LORD"?
(§) How might you welcome the instruction and the word of the LORD your GOD in your spiritual life?
From verses 11 and 12 how is self-love dealt with?
What value will silver and gold have according to verse 20?
According to verse 22, what is efficacy of mortals compared to the LORD?
What affect does the glory of his majesty have on the earth?
(§) What temporal supports have been shown to be unreliable when your spiritual relationship has been subject to stress? Have you replaced them with a deeper reliance on the LORD your GOD?
Lesson Two Isaiah 3-5
What will happen to the essentials of life according to verse 1?
According to verse 4, what will become of the leadership of Judah?
What reason is given in verse 8 for the fallen Judah?
From verse 10, why are the innocent fortunate?
(§) Have you ever experienced a lack of support and guidance in your spiritual relationship? How did you respond?
Who has opposed the poor according to verse 14?
What will become of the daughters of Zion in verse 17?
From verses 18 through 23, what will happen to the possessions of the daughters of Zion?
(§) What do these verses warn is the result of misapplying our productive capabilities and talents?
What will become of the male population according to verse 1?
From verse 5, what will be created over Mount Zion?
According to Exodus 40:34 through 38, what role did the cloud play during their journey to the Promised Land?
(§) Once all else has been removed which distracts from your spiritual life, a renewed, stronger relationship is the result. How might this hope sustain you through the challenges you face? How might you acknowledge the challenges while maintaining a faith in the LORD your GOD's grace as strong than that which opposes it?
According to verse 7, who is the vineyard?
How was the vineyard built in verse 2?
From verse 4, what is the frustration which is expressed?
What will happen to the vineyard in verse 6?
(§) What have you learned about the spirit you have received? What are the consequences of misusing what you have received?
From verses 8 through 10, what are the consequences of avarice?
What consequence is expressed in verse 13 when the deeds of the LORD your GOD are neglected?
According to verse 16, how is the LORD of hosts exalted?
What is the defiant statement of verse 19?
(§) How might you give proper regard for the deeds of the LORD your GOD?
What is the cause of their troubles in verse 24?
Where will the destroyer of Judah come from?
(§) How might you accept the instruction of the LORD of hosts and honour the word of the Holy One of Israel?
Lesson Three Isaiah 6-11
In what year did Isaiah receive this vision?
According to verse 7, how was sin dealt with?
how did Isaiah respond in verse 8?
In verse 10, what punishment is delivered?
(§) What would it mean for you to accept the response in verse 8 as your own?
What is the background of verses 1 and 2?
What is the name of Isaiah's son?
From verse 9, what are the consequences of a weak faith?
What sign is given in verse 14?
(§) How might the advice of verse 9 aid you when you fear for your spiritual life?
According to verse 4, how long would it be before Damascus and Samaria would be plundered?
What are the consequences in verse 7 of faithlessness in small things?
What is Isaiah told to fear in verse 13?
According to verse 22, what confusion is the result of seeking spiritual guidance from false sources?
(§) What does it mean to you to follow the advice of verse 13?
In verse 2, what is written about "the land beyond the Jordan, Galiliee of the nations"?
What will the zeal of the LORD of hosts do according to verses 6 and 7?
Who are those left in confusion according to verses 14 through 16?
How did the tribes treat each other in verse 21?
(§) What have you become aware of which you did not understand before you began your spiritual journey?
Who is in control of Assyria according to verse 5?
In verse 15, how is arrogance described?
For reason are the people who live in Zion told not to fear the Assyrians in verse 24?
On a map, locate the places named in verses 27 through 32:
Rimmon (near Khirbet Umm erRamamin)
Aiath (aka Ai, Aija, located east of Bethel)
Michmash (NE Jerusalem and E Bethaven)
Geba (aka Jeba; NNE Jerusalem)
Ramah (aka Er-Ram; N Jerusalem)
Gibeah (NW Hebron; N Jerusalem)
Gallim (SW Jerusalem)
Anathoth (NE Jerusalem)
Madmenah (N Jerusalem)
Gebim (N Jersualem)
Nob (NE Jerusalem)
(§) How might you be counted as one of the remnant who return to the LORD your GOD?
How is a descendent of Jesse (King David's father) described in verse 2?
From verse 4, how will the earth be struck?
According to verse 9, what is the source of the peace described in verses 6 through 8?
What will the descendent of Jesse do according to verse 10?
(§) What would it mean to be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea?
Lesson Four Isaiah 12 - 17
From verse 1, how is the writer comforted amid despair?
Why is there no reason for fear according to verse 2?
What will be said in the day of joy expressed in verse 4?
From verse 6, why is Zion to sing for joy?
(§) What might there be in your spiritual life which you are thankful for?
To whom is this proclamation directed against?
How is the "day of the LORD" described in verse 6?
According to verse 12, why is the punishment come to the world?
How are the Medes described in verse 17?
According to verses 19 through 22, what is prophesied about Babylon? Consider the current condition of Babylon:
Babylon, now a deserted settlement, was once a thriving ancient centre on Euphrates river; capital of empire of Hammurabi by 18th century. BCE; taken by Assyria in 690 BCE; flourished under Nebuchadnezzar 6th century. BCE; taken by Cyrus the Great in 538 BCE, by Alexander in 331 BCE; declined in 3rd century. BCE. http://www.getty.edu/
(§) How might the LORD your GOD's control of history strengthen your faith?
What promise is given Israel in verse 1?
According to verse 22 and 23, what is to become of the city of Babylon?
What will happen to the Assyrians according to verse 25?
Nineveh, now a deserted settlement., succeeded Nimrod as Assyrian capital; made into spectacular centre by Sennacherib; developed into cultural centre by Ashurbanipal 7th century. BCE; collected large library of cuneiform tablets; fell to Nabopolassar of Babylon 612 BCE. http://www.getty.edu/
From verse 29, why were the Philistines rejoicing?
Both Babylon and Nineveh are now deserted, and yet, Jerusalem thrives as among other things, a centre for the three monotheistic world religions. What does this mean for your own spiritual relationship?
According to Genesis 19:34-37, who are the ancestors of the Moabites?
What are some of the ways in which the despair of Moab is described in this chapter?
(*) How would a Moabite find peace in the LORD?
(§) When you are filled with despair, how do you find faith in the grace of the LORD your GOD?
How is mercy shown to Moab in verse 4?
What is written in verse 5 about the ruler?
According to verse 12, what is the spiritual condition of Moab?
From verse 15, what will happen to the glory of Moab?
(§) This week, how would you act in faithfulness, seek justice, and swiftly do what is right?
Dimashq- Believed to be oldest city in world; ruled by Egyptians & Hittites until became independent Aramaean kingdom 1000-732 BCE; prominent in Hebrew history; included in many kingdoms until 661 AD; attacked during Crusades; occupied by British & Arabs 1918. http://www.getty.edu/
What will happen to the city of Damascus according to verses 1 through 3?
Where will Israel's spiritual attention be directed in verse 7?
From verses 10 and 11, what happens to the harvest when the "Rock of your refuge" is neglected?
According to verse 14, what is the fate of "those who despoil us"?
(§) When you are in a state of spiritual turmoil, how might you remember the GOD of your salvation?
Lesson Five Isaiah 18 - 23
To whom are the messengers sent in verse 2?
In verse 6, what is to become of the harvest mentioned in verse 5?
According to verse 7, who will bring gifts to the LORD of hosts?
(§) What gifts are you able to bring to the LORD of hosts?
How will Egypt react according to verse 1?
From whom will the Egyptians seek advice as written in verse 3?
Why have the princes of Zion, and of Memphis led Egypt astray according to verse 14?
From verse 17, why will the land of Judah become a terror to the Egyptians?
Where will there be an altar and what will it be a sign of according to verses 19 and 20?
According to verse 25 what is written about Egypt, Assyria and Israel?
(§) Egypt and Assyria were once enemies of Israel and inflicted great pain on them, yet, they are called, "my people" and "the work of my hands"; how might you enlarge your spiritual relationship to include those who appear to be working against you?
King Sargon of Assyria finished the siege of Samaria and carried away Israel. Ashdod was besieged by Egypt for 29 years during the seventh century BCE.
In which year did the LORD speak to Isaiah concerning this prophecy?
From verse 3, how long did Isaiah walk naked and barefoot?
According to verse 5, what is the cause of dismay?
(§) Think of how Isaiah's neighbours may have responded to his actions in verse 3; how might you strengthen your spiritual relationship to be able to accept this type of command?
How does Isaiah describe his state of despair in verses 3 and 4?
What is predicted of Babylon in verse 9? Babylon was not to fall until it was taken by Cyrus the Great in 538 BCE.
(*) Seir is another way of referring to Edom. What is the conversation concerning Dumah recorded in verses 11 and 12?
What is recorded about Kedar in Genesis 25:13?
According to verse 16, what is prophesied of Kedar?
(§) When you have felt the despair expressed in verses 3 and 4, how did you find strength in your spiritual relationship?
Read 2Kings 25:1-7 to read about the fall of Jerusalem.
How was the flight of verse 3 fulfilled?
According to 2Kings 20:20, who "collected the waters"?
According to verse 11, how were the actions of the people misdirected?
What do the people say in verse 13?
What do you learn about Eliakinm son of Hilkiah from 2Kings 18:13-19:7?
(§) How might verses 8 through 14 help you to properly set priorities in your life?
Sur (Tyre) Home of legendary Biblical king Hiram; withstood attacks from Assyrians & Babylonians; resisted Nebuchadnezzar II 6th century. BCE; captured by Alexander 332 BCE; controlled by Seleucids & Romans 7th century. AD; taken by Crusaders 1124; fell to Muslims 1291.
Sayda (Sidon) Principle city of Phoenicia from 2nd mill. BCE; ruled by all major powers of ancient times; embellished by Herod the Great; destroyed by Mongols 1260; flourished under Turkish rule after 1517; declined after expulsion of French 1791 & earthquake 1837. http://www.getty.edu/How is the wealth of Sidon described in verses 2 and 3?
In verse 8, what is written about the prestige of Tyre?
How is the destruction of Tyre explained according to verse 9?
According to verse 18, how will the merchandise of Tyre be directed?
(§) How might you dedicate your "merchandise" and "wages" to the LORD your GOD?
Lesson Six Isaiah 24 - 29
What will be imposed on the earth according to verse 3?
Why does the earth lie polluted according to verses 4 and 5?
Amid the songs of praise, what causes Isaiah distress in verse 16?
In verse 23, what is the final outcome of this upheaval?
(§) When your temporal world has been in a state of upheaval, how have you found strength in your spiritual relationship?
Refer to Numbers 22:3; 24:8-9; 25:1 and 31:16 for the history of the relationship between Moab and Israel under Moses.
How is the sovereignty of the LORD expressed in verses 1-5?
From verses 6-8, what will the LORD of hosts do?
What is the cause of gladness and rejoicing in verse 10?
(§) Contemplate verse 1. What are some of the wonderful things which you have seen accomplished in your spiritual life?
How is the LORD shown to be trustworthy in verse 4?
In verse 9, how does Isaiah express his dedication?
According to verse 12, who is responsible or our accomplishments?
From verse 20, what hope is feared amidst the despair?
(§) How has the LORD your GOD been reveal as trustworthy in your spiritual relationship?
Who cares for the vineyard in verses 2 and 3?
According to verse 6, what role will Israel play?
How will the "iniquity of Jacob be purged" according to verse 9?
From verse 13, what will occur when the "great trumpet" is blown?
(§) How might you "blossom and bud" and fill your world with fruit?
According to verses 1-3, What will happen to the arrogance of Ephraim?
What benefit has Ephraim received according to verse 13?
From verse 16, what is placed in Zion?
Who is given responsibility for all that happens to Jerusalem according to verse 29?
(§) In what ways may arrogance limit your spiritual development?
From verse 7, how is the time against Ariel (Jerusalem) described?
In Daniel 12:4, how are the words of verse 11 exemplified?
How is our relationship to the LORD described in verse 16?
In verse 24, how is the grace of the LORD described?
(§) What hope do you receive from verse 24?
Lesson Seven Isaiah 30 - 35
Where has the trust in their spiritual relationship been misplaced?
Verse 14 hearkens again to the image of the potter (29:16). What does the potter do here?
To whom is blessing given in verse 18?
According to verse 26, how does the LORD respond to a damaged spiritual relationship?
(§) How might you put trust into your spiritual relationship and receive the blessing of those who wait for the LORD their GOD?
What is the correct choice in verse 1?
In verse 3, what is said about the Egyptians?
What is distracting the people from their spiritual relationship according to verse 7?
From verse 9, where is the furnace of LORD?
(§) How might you remove the distractions from your spiritual life?
What is promised in verse 1?
How is a greater understanding described in verse 3?
To whom is a warning issued in verses 9-11?
In verse 20, who receives a blessing?
(§) How might you become someone whose eyes see and ears hear the word of LORD your GOD?
From verses 5 and 6, what will be the strength of our salvation?
Who will be lifted up in verse 10?
What is promised in verse 16 to the one who walks righteously?
According to verse 22, who will save us?
(§) What does it mean to you to walk "righteously"?
To whom is this message written according to verse 1?
What is written in verse 8 to explain these events?
What will become of the political hierarchy of Jerusalem according to verse 12?
In verse 16, what is commanded?
(§) When the world around you is in upheaval, how do you find strength in your spiritual relationship?
From verse 4, what is the strength of our confidence?
What will happen in this day according to verses 5 and 6?
How does the author of Matthew 11:1-5 apply this verse?
According to verse 10, who will come to Zion?
(§) How are you reassured of the certainty of your spiritual relationship?
Lesson Eight Isaiah 36 - 41
In 2Chronicles 31, what program did Hezekiah institute in Judah?
According to 2Chronicles 32, what happened after these things were established?
From verse 3, who came out to meet Rabshakeh?
How is a reliance on Egypt described in verse 6?
Who did Rabshakeh claim in verse 10 had sent him?
In verse 20, what was said to taunt the Israelites?
(§) How might you find confidence in your spiritual relationship when faced with assaults of the type levied against King Hezekiah?
What did Hezekiah do when he heard the report?
How did Isaiah reply in verse 6?
(*) In the prayer of Hezekiah (verses 14 - 20), identify the verses which acknowledge the sovereignty of the LORD and which are a supplication.
What is written about those who think they oppose the LORD in verse 28?
According to verses 36 through 38, what happened to King Sennacherib of Assyria?
(§) How might the faith of Isaiah and King Hezekiah assist you in your next struggle in your spiritual relationship?
What became of Hezekiah in those days?
How did Hezekiah respond in verse 3?
According to verse 8, what sign was given?
How does Hezekiah describe his despair in verse 11?
In verse 15, how does Hezekiah accept his fate?
What does Hezekiah write in faith in verse 20?
(§) Have you ever felt despair in your spiritual relationship? How did you find comfort?
Why were envoys sent to King Hezekiah?
How did Hezekiah respond in verse 2?
What did Isaiah say in verse 6?
According to verse 8, how did Hezekiah respond?
(§) Has joy in your own success ever caused you to do something foolish? How did you find forgiveness?
How does Isaiah contrast temporal existence with eternity in verses 6 and 7`?
According to verse 11, how will the might of the LORD GOD be administered?
What question is offered by the HOLY ONE in verse 25?
What does verse 31 promise to those who wait upon the LORD?
(§) How might you receive the blessing of verse 31?
In verse 4, to whom is credit given for the success of the victor from the east?
Why is our fear vanquished according to verse 10?
According to verse 17, who will comfort the poor and needy?
What is written in verse 25 about the one who will deliver Israel?
(§) How has this chapter helped assure you of help from the LORD your GOD?
Lesson Nine Isaiah - 42-47
According to Matthew 12:17, why did the author quote from Isaiah 42:1-4?
Why has a unique relationship been established with Israel according to verse 7?
What is promised in verse 16?
In verse 21 what gift is given?
(§) Using verses 10 though 13 as a model, how might you create a hymn of praise of your own?
How does the LORD reveal affection for her sons and daughters in verses 6 and 7?
In verse 13, how is the sovereignty of the LORD expressed?
According to verse 21, why were the chosen people formed?
Why are our transgressions blotted out, according to verse 25?
(§) Consider the spiritual relationship that is expressed in this chapter. In what ways is it descriptive of your own spiritual relationship?
What is the basis of our security according to verse 8?
What reason is offered in verse 11 for the absurdity of idol worship?
How is the delusion of worshipping our own product illustrated in verse 20?
According to verse 22, how is the LORD graceful?
Which secular ruler is mentioned by name in verse 28?
(§) What do you spend your time and money for? What occupies your mind during the day? How might you return to the LORD your GOD by restructuring your priorities if need be?
From verse 4, why was Cyrus called by name?
What is the folly of those who would strive with their Maker described in verse 9?
According to verse 13, how does the LORD control the events of history even amongst those who do not know of the LORD?
How is salvation obtained according to verse 22?
(§) In what ways do you feel your life has been governed to bring you to a fuller spiritual revelation?
Where do the idols go in verse 2?
In verse 4, what reassurance is offered?
How is the sovereignty of God expressed in verse 9?
In verse 13, what hope is offered?
(§) Have there been times when the distractions of life have drawn you away from your spiritual relationship? How did you return?
According to verse, how will Babylon be humiliated?
What accusation is written against Babylon in verse 6?
How does verse 10 describe the arrogance of Babylon?
Who will come to their aid in verse 15?
(§) How might the experience of Babylon help you to find humility in your spiritual relationship?
Lesson Ten Isaiah 48-53
In what way is the liturgy of the house of Jacob corrupt according to verse 1?
Why has the anger of the LORD been deferred in verse 9?
From verse 14, what sign is offered to demonstrate that the LORD laid the foundation of the earth?
Refer to Exodus 18:6 and explain the reference in verse 21.
(§) How have you been provided for in your spiritual journey?
From verse 6, to whom is salvation to be offered?
What is the cause of joy in verse 13?
In verses 15 and 16, what images remind us of our the strength of our spiritual relationship?
What is the fate of those who oppose the faithful according to verse 23?
(§) How might you present yourself as a vessel as a light to the nations that the salvation of the LORD may reach those you come in contact with?
Which attributes are employed to describe the dependable quality of the LORD in verses 1 through 3?
According to verse 6, how is Isaiah persecuted for his spiritual relationship?
Who helps Isaiah in verse 9?
In whom are we to trust when we walk in darkness according to verse 10?
(§) When you face opposition for your spiritual commitments, how might this chapter help you?
What images are used in verse 6 to demonstrate the permanence of our salvation?
In verse 12, how is the LORD shown to be stronger than our temporal opposition?
What comfort is offered in verse 16?
From verse 22, who pleads our cause?
(§) How does this chapter help to redirect our focus away from the temporal despair to a faith in the grace of the LORD our GOD?
From verse 3, how will we be redeemed?
What does the messenger announce in verse 7?
What is commanded in verse 11 of those who carry the vessels of the LORD?
From verses 13 and 14, what how is the suffering servant portrayed?
(§) Referring to verse 6, what does it mean to know the name of the LORD your GOD?
How does the author of Matthew 8:17 apply verses 4 and 5?
According to Leviticus 16:7-10, how was atonement made for the Israelites?
Why is the suffering servant stricken according to verse 8?
What is done for the transgressors in verse 12?
How is verse 11 applied by the author of John 1:29?
What role does the lamb play in Exodus 12:3?
(§) What does the atoning work of the Holy One of Israel mean for your spiritual relationship?
Lesson Eleven Isaiah 54 - 59
How does Paul interpret verse 1 in Galatians 4:27?
How is the ebb and flow of justice and mercy described in verse 7?
In verse 10, what is promised?
How will we stand against terror and oppression according to verse 14?
(§) How has the compassion of the LORD made a difference in your spiritual relationship?
How is the thought of verse 1 reflected by the author of John 4:14?
In Acts 9:16, how does Paul become an example of verse 5?
From verse 7, what is provided for us when we repent?
What does Isaiah write to us concerning the reliability of the word of the LORD?
(§) What do verses 7 and 8 say to you about the nature of justice and mercy?
According to verse 1, how might we find happiness?
With whom is a spiritual relationship with the GOD of Abraham available to according to verse 3?
What does Isaiah write in verse 7 to explain what will happen to the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD?
In verse 11, how are the leaders of the people characterised?
(§) How might you extend your spiritual relationship to include others?
What is the hope of the righteous in verses 1 and 2?
In verses 6 through 9, what is spiritual infidelity compared with?
Who is revived in verse 15?
How is the mercy and grace of the LORD described in verse 18?
(§) How do you overcome distractions in your spiritual relationship?
What complaint is offered in verse 3?
According to verses 6 and 7, what answer do the people receive?
In verse 11, what is promised to those who offer their food to the hungry?
How can we take delight in the LORD according to verse 13?
(§) What does it mean to you to take delight in the LORD? How might you keep your spiritual ritual acceptable to the LORD?
From verse 2, how do "iniquities" hamper a spiritual relationship?
Why does Isaiah write that justice is far removed in verse 9?
How does the LORD respond in verse 15 when confronted with injustice?
In Romans 11:26-27, how does Paul interpret verses 20 and 21?
(§) How does the covenant of verse 21 influence you in your spiritual relationship?
Lesson Twelve Isaiah 60-66
What is written in hope in verse 1?
In Ezra 1:2, how is verse 10 exemplified?
How will the LORD be revealed in verse 16?
How will the temporal world be overshadowed as is written in 20?
(§) When you are overwhelmed, how might this chapter help you find hope in your spiritual relationship?
Isaiah 61
In Luke 4:16-21, how does the author interpret Isaiah's writing of verses 1 and 2?
What name will belong to the Israelites according to verse 6?
From verse 10, what is the source of joy for Isaiah?
Isaiah 62
What new name is given the Jews in Antioch according to Acts 11:26? How is this an example of Isaiah 62:2?
In verse 7, what is the goal the LORD is striving for?
What shall Zion be named in verse 12?
(§) Using Isaiah 61:10 as a guide, how might you express your joy in your salvation?
Who comes from the city of Bozrah in Edom?
What does Isaiah write about in verse 7?
From verse 14, how was the reputation of the LORD established?
Who gives us the ability to enjoy a spiritual relationship according to verse 17?
(§) What helps you to maintain your spiritual connection?
From verse 2, why does Isaiah ask for a visitation?
What do we all have in common according to verse 6?
How is our relationship to the LORD described in verse 8?
In verse 12, how does Isaiah express his emotions?
(§) Are there times when you feel alone in your spiritual relationship? How might it help you to know Isaiah also felt that way?
From verses 1 and 2, what are foreigners doing in contrast to the Israelites?
Why will some of Israel be saved according to verse 8?
In verse 18, what hope is offered?
How is a vision of the future painted in verse 25?
(§) How might you apply verse 25 to your own spiritual relationship?
How does verse 1 express the sovereignty of the LORD?
How does verse 9 express the commitment of the LORD?
In verse 13, how is the comfort of the LORD described?
What is the might miracle in verse 19?
(§) When do you feel comforted by the LORD your GOD?
In chapter 11, Isaiah writes about an ideal servant of the LORD. What are the attributes and behaviours of this righteous one? What can we learn which will benefit our spiritual lives?
The spirit of the LORD will rest on him. The spirit of the LORD is resting on us. It is difficult for me to know that the spirit of the LORD is resting on me. It is more difficult for me to know and accept that the spirit of the LORD is resting on those around me. Especially when I have difficulties with them. What is the nature of this spirit?
"...the spirit of wisdom and understanding," With the spirit of the LORD resting on me, I also have wisdom and understanding. I would sometimes rather it said that I would feel wise, or at least that others would be convinced I am wise. Regardless of how I feel or how others treat me, the spirit of wisdom and understanding is offered to me.
To what end is this wisdom and understanding? To help me extract myself from my current predicament? Perhaps. This wisdom is from the LORD. It is about the LORD, and it is for the LORD. It is offered to me. I feel privileged to have knowledge of the LORD.
As Moses was departing from the Israelites, in Deuteronomy, chapter 4, he speaks to them. "Just as the LORD my GOD has charged me," Moses said, "I now teach you statutes and ordinances for you to observe in the land that you are about to enter and occupy. You must observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment." When I observe the statutes and ordinances of the LORD my GOD, I display my wisdom..
What are the statutes and ordinances of the LORD? Moses did not leave the people to wonder. In the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our GOD is one LORD. And thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." Remembering King Josiah in 2 Kings 23, it is written, " And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him."
When Jesus walked the earth, it was asked of him which is the greatest of the commandments. His reply is recorded in Matthew 22:37., "Thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment." Continuing Jesus explained, "And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
Much has been written about the apparent contradictions between Paul and James. On this point they agree. Paul writes, "Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." (Romans 8:1). James concurs, "You do well if you really fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.'"
What does it mean to love the LORD? Catherine of Siena, St. (née Benincasa) understood that the first commandment was connected with the second. I manifest my obedience to the first commandment by enabling the second. This is because only the will of the LORD my GOD can enable me to complete the second commandment. I will to love the LORD when I will to love my neighbour with the love which GOD loves me. It is unnatural for me to love my neighbour. It is against my will to put the needs of my neighbour before mine. This involves trusting the LORD for my security because my neighbour is just as greedy and self- serving as I am. To love your neighbour without faith in the LORD is foolish. But to love the LORD and to faith on her, the LORD has provided a neighbour for us to love.
This then is the wisdom and understanding the LORD is offering to us. "You must observe [the statutes and ordinances] diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!'" (Deuteronomy 4:6). The wisdom I receive is the wisdom to love the LORD which is manifested by my relationship to my neighbour.
The spirit of the LORD, writes Isaiah, shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
Our delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. The greatest happiness offered to me is to respect and follow the LORD. What does it mean to delight in the fear of the LORD. To me, it means that my happiest time is when I am concerned about glorifying my GOD. The times when I act in a way that brings honour to the LORD, and that is my conscious intent, these are delightful times.
The times when I seek to please myself are delightful also. Isaiah distinguishes between the man on whom the spirit of the LORD shall rest as one who delights in the fear of the LORD. It is a matter of choice and priority. Many things are delightful. Only the fear of the LORD brings the delight of the spirit of the LORD. The decision is whether to pursue delightful experiences, or to experience the delight of the fear of the LORD.
What is meant by "fear"? Am I to be afraid of GOD? In a sense, yes. Fear of the LORD is a healthy respect. It is the type of respect that a mountaineer has for the mountain. As a person, there is little the mountaineer can do to change the mountain. The climate and terrain are unyielding. Even so, within this unforgiving environment, the experienced mountaineer learns to work with the elements. There is shelter for those who know how to find it. There are methods of keeping dry, warm, well-rested and well-nourished. Through a proper respect of the mountain, the experienced climber takes delight in the fear of the mountain.
Isaiah continues, The on whom the spirit of the LORD shall rest "shall not judge by what his dyes see, or decide by what his ears hear;" The world is complicated at times. Although I believe I am responding to the world around me, I am only, in the final analysis, responding to my interpretation of the world. Often this interpretation, though strongly held, is incomplete or inaccurate. I don't have time to scientifically evaluate each situation, so, I must make decisions on incomplete information. Accepting the inherent inaccuracies of this process, to me, it makes sense to rely on the guidance of the Spirit of the LORD, my GOD. To me it is axiomatic that my limited experience with creation is less accurate than the knowledge of the Creator.
How do we know what the Spirit of the LORD would have us do? First, having read this far, you already know that loving the LORD our GOD with heart, mind and soul is first, followed by willing to love our neighbour with the love which GOD loves us. As a way of implementing these lofty goals, I find it helpful to be aware of how I am relating to the particular situation of which I am involved. Answering the question, "How do I feel?" helps me to centre on this relationship. When I find myself answering this question with how I think about the situation, I know that I am avoiding complete and total involvement. Once I have established my relationship to the events, I seek guidance as to how I might glorify the name of the LORD through my participation. This is what works for me, and perhaps, it is an option which might work for you.
Nasrudin was struggling to read a document of great import. His wife asked him what he was reading, and he replied, "I don't know. I can barely make out the letters." "Well," suggested his wife, "then why don't you put on your spectacles?" Nasrudin replied indignantly, "I don't want to see what the spectacles will show me; I want to see what is really written."