In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.
In that day the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea.
He will raise a signal for the nations
and will assemble the banished of Israel,
and gather the dispersed of Judah
from the four corners of the earth.
Throughout this section of Isaiah’s prophecy we have read about the wrath of God that will be poured out on both the northern tribes (Ephraim - capital city, Samaria), as well as the tribe of Judah (capital city, Jerusalem), as well as their oppressors, Assyrian and eventually Babylon. The wrath on God on His people was due to their disobedience to His word. The wrath of God on the wicked nations He used to punish Israel and Judah (Assyrian and Babylon) was due to their arrogance and lack of restraint. These two nations wanted to take credit for their oppression of Israel and Judah, yet, they were only a tool in the hand of God:
Isaiah 10:15 (ESV)
Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it,
or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it?
As if a rod should wield him who lifts it,
or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood!
So, God is going to bring His wrath on all the bad actors in this story. Yet, as we read above, God is also going to restore, “from the corners of the earth,” His people. This might be one of the most amazing prophecies (promises) to the nation. When we read about these two oppressing nations we might not remember that all nations oppressed Israel and Judah. By this point and time in their history they literally and figuratively have been dispersed throughout the world. They are living in all the corners of the globe. The prophecies of Isaiah are meant to warn and comfort God’s people. This portion is supposed to be the comfort part. God wants them to know that despite His discipline of them, His love still extends to them. He will restore them. He is going to do that in the New Testament through the coming of Jesus, their Messiah. They will reject Him, but God, never-the-less, sent their redeemer. There will be another time in history where God will attempt to bring all his people back to this land (read Revelations), but, even then, His people will reject Him. What great love God shows for His people, however. Despite their constant disobedience He continues to reach out and bring back. That is the definition of love. Because of their sin the people have been banished to all corners of the universe. Because of His love they will all be brought back. Amazing love. He does the same for us. Despite our disobedience, God still brings us back to Himself through His Son.
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