Bible Study: Isaiah 2:1-22

In today's lesson we read about the future of Israel and the surprising realization that we can wish judgement on our adversary.

Isaiah Chapter 2

Lessons from the text

"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." ~John 7:24

At the end of verse 9, Isaiah says that he wants God to "forgive them not."  As harsh as this sounds, this verse gives me permission to desire God's judgement on the ungodly.  Pray for our enemies, yes.  Wish for their salvation, yes.  Desire the spirit of anger, hatred, greed to be cast into eternal damnation, yes!

Paul tells us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).  It is perfectly acceptable in the eyes of God to have righteous indignation.  Hate the sin, not the sinner.  Because we long for righteousness, we wish to see justice enforced.  Whether Isaiah is here wishing judgement on the people or the sin, I can't say.  All I can say is that I have the liberty to be distraught, frustrated, and to seek God's judgement on circumstances and spiritual adversaries, but not my fellow man.  

___________________


Continue reading for in-depth commentary or comment 
below to let us know what you got out of today's Scripture.

___________________

Verse by Verse Commentary

1-4  God gives a description of what will happen during the Millennial Reign found in Revelation 20:1-10.  Key aspects are that:

1. Israel will be the focal point of the world (all nations shall flow unto it)
2. Those who want to learn about God will come to Israel, making Israel the religious center
3. The law of God will proceed out of Jerusalem and into the entire world
4. God will rule the entire world
5. God will abolish war

5  Isaiah is trying to get Israel to desire that future kingdom.

6-9  Isaiah explains God's judgement of Israel by listing their sins.  Instead of turning to the light of the LORD, Israel turned to the east.  In verse 9, Isaiah agrees with God's judgement and actually desires judgement on Israel.

10-21  Isaiah gives a description of what will happen on the "day of the LORD."  This leaves the interpretation that versus 5-9 refer to Israel's condition in the last days even though it was also true of Israel in Isaiah's days.  In Isaiah's lifetime, Jerusalem would be burned and Israel taken captive in judgement for their sins.  Also noteworthy is that God repeats the phrase that man's loftiness and haughtiness shall be brought down (v 11,17).

22  Isaiah tells God to remove Himself from dealing with man on the bases that man is nothing (his life is as frail as a breath and he is too low to be accounted of anywhere).

___________________


Please comment below to tell us what you thought of today's lesson.

---