Isaiah - the Vision - Part Three:                            “Everlasting Witness”                                    Isaiah 30:8-17

• The purpose of the writing is of great importance to the interpretation. The written material was to stand as an eternal witness about the days to come.
• Its chief value was not for the present deaf generation but for the next generation: Isaiah 8:16
• Even the New Testament uses the failures of God’s people for our benefit: 1 Cor 10:1-6
• Notice, Isaiah as well as the Apostle Paul strongly emphasizes its everlasting value: 2 Tim 3:16-17
• They are in rebellion against their Father: Isaiah 30:1
•  Isaiah’s message did as God predicted.  It had the effect of blinding and deafening them because they refused to hear or see what contradicted their wishes: Isaiah 6:9-10

       Here he recounts the three strikes against them:

       1.    Rejection of the Message

       2.    Oppression:  Especially in Domestic Policy: Isaiah 29:21  

       3.    Deceit:  Especially in Foreign Policy:   Isaiah  29:15

       This impending disaster is described in two figures, both of them indicate suddenness                and  totality:

       1.     Collapsing Wall:  Instead of the wall assuring their safety and prosperity, it will                                   collapse on them.

       2.     Smashed Jug:  This double figure of brokenness stresses both  suddenness and
                completeness.

• The NT also picks up the same kind of warning about the final judgment:  1 Pet 3:8-10

      The Prescription: 

       1.    Repentance & Rest: The active pathway back to the Lord: Isaiah 1:27

• This will bring them rest or peace in the Lord: Isaiah 26:3 

       2.   Quietness and Trust: 

•  God offers himself and they choose horses: Ps. 33:17
• Nevertheless, God gives them hope: Isaiah 5:25-26
• The end game is always redemption: Isaiah 17:6

Support the show

Email the Broadcast at: [email protected]