Isaiah 9:7 (ESV)
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Isaiah, the prophet, has a long and important ministry. In the ESV version the introduction to the book reads this way:
“(ESV) Isaiah lived during the decline of Israel in the shadow of Assyria. He spoke the word of God to a people who were “deaf and blind” (see 6:10), who refused to listen to his warnings of looming disaster. He warned that the sin of the people of Judah would bring God’s judgment, yet he also declared that God is sovereign and would use Cyrus the Persian to return them from exile. The book speaks of a “servant,” a “man of sorrows,” who would be “pierced for our transgressions,” accomplishing God’s purposes of salvation (52:13–53:12). The final chapters give a beautiful description of a new creation in which God will rule as King, judging the wicked and establishing eternal peace. Isaiah prophesied about 740–700 B.C. (possibly till the 680s).”
So, we are told by historians he prophesied for at least 40 years, possibly 60. He prophesied during many different kings and through many different situations. He is to tell the nation of Israel that they are going to be captured and destroyed by the King of Assyria. In this section he will be telling the King of Assyria that God will eventually make him pay for what he will do with Israel.
Isaiah 10:12 (ESV)
When the Lord has finished all his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, he will punish the speech of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes.
But, Isaiah was also able to prophesy about the coming peace that Christ will eventually bring to this people, this land and to the nations around them. Isaiah told them that God would once again establish the house of King David, through David’s son, the Messiah. That Messiah (Jesus) would establish a kingdom and a government that will rule the world in “peace.” This will be a “peace” that will have no end. That means the peace will grow and grow and grow.
Psalms 72:7 (ESV)
In his days may the righteous flourish,
and peace abound, till the moon be no more!
The desire of the nation of Israel (and all mankind) is peace with each other. But, first God would need to establish peace between man and Himself. That is the peace that will first abound. God was going to send His Son to restore peace between Himself and mankind. Then that peace will grow between man and man. And, there will be NO end to this peace.
Romans 5:1 (ESV)
Peace with God Through Faith
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment