Book of Isaiah
Isaiah Chapter 40
Chapters 40-66 form the crown to the first section of Isaiah (Chapters 1-39) by properly preparing the reader. The three subsections of chapters 40-66 are obvious. The Chapters are evenly split into three sections. These sections are outstanding because of the way they end . . . NOT the way they begin.
Ch.40-48: Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked. (KJV)
Ch.49-57: Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. (KJV)
Ch.58-66: Isaiah 66:24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. (KJV)
This method leaves a lasting impression on our minds. The sudden and unexpected reminders of the wicked being destroyed should increase our interest in the wonderful Promises of salvation, hope and Heaven which beautifully colors each of these sections.
The surprising closing messages prove that God is not so busy with saving the righteous that He has forgotten the judgment of the wicked. He has NOT forgotten the wicked! Isaiah smashes the modern approach of God being a God of love idea . . . and letting bygones be bygones. I believe that Isaiah truly wants the repentant believers to fully enjoy their salvation . . . BUT . . . he also wants to warn the wicked that they shall indeed receive just punishment for their sins. ALL people shall be judged according to their works! BEWARE! We all must keep this in mind! According to works: (Ps.62:12; Pro.24:12,29; Isa.59:18; Jer.21:14; 25:14; 32:19; Lam.3:64; Eze.7:8-9; 18:30; Hos.12:2; Zec.1:6; Mat.16:27; Rom.2:6; 2 Tim.4:14; Rev.2:23; 18:6; 20:12-13; 22:12).
The last three sections of Isaiah from chapter 40 to chapter 66, each in their own unique way, direct their message to God’s people in exile.
Chapters 40-48, deal with God’s gracious dealings with man. Section one (Chapters 40-48) enables the exiles to see their whole life, including their captivity, in light of their relationship with God. Isaiah clearly identifies the places in which they refuse to trust and obey their covenant God, and tries to get across to them (and us) what sin really is.
Chapter 40 delights in the comforts of God's people; of the forerunner and Coming of the Messiah; of His work, and the dignity of His Person; of the stupidity of making idols, and of the unfounded complaints of the people of God. The comforts of God's people, by whom to be administered, and the matter, ground, and reason of them (vs.1). John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, is described by his work and office, and the effects of it; it delivering humiliation to some, and the exaltation of others, and in the revelation of the glory of Christ (vs.3). Then follows an order to every minister of the Gospel what he should preach and publish; the weakness and insufficiency of men to anything that is spiritually good; their fading and withering goodness, which is to be credited to the blowing of the Spirit of God upon it; and the firmness and constancy of the Word of God is declared (vs.6). The apostles of Christ in Jerusalem are especially encouraged to publish fervently the good tidings of the Gospel; to proclaim the Coming of Christ, the manner of it, and the work for which He came, and to signify His faithful discharge of His office as a Shepherd (vs.9). The dignity of His Person is set forth by His almighty power, by His infinite wisdom, and by the greatness of His majesty, in comparison of which all nations and things are as nothing (vs.12). The vanity of framing any likeness to God and forming idols for worship is observed (vs.18), and from the consideration of the divine power in Creation and upholding all things, the church of God’s people is encouraged to expect renewed strength and persevering grace, and is blamed for giving way to a distrustful and murmuring spirit (vs.26).
Theme: Comfort, a message from God; Creation, a revelation of God; consideration, a call from God.
Chapter 40 brings us to the final major division of the Book of Isaiah. There is a sharp contrast between the first and last sections of this book. The first section revealed the Sovereign upon the throne, while this final section reveals the Saviour in the place of suffering. In Chapter 6 we saw the crown; in Chapter 53 we shall see the cross. The theme in the first section was the government of God; in this section it is the awesome grace of God.
Comfort ye, sets the mood and rhythm for this final section. The message from God is comfort rather than the judgment which we saw in the first section.
The change of subject matter has led the liberal critic to assume that because the subjects are entirely different, they say that they were written by different writers. A change of message does NOT mean a change of authorship. Yes, the message has changed but NOT the messenger. It is still Isaiah who is writing! Many authors write on subjects that are entirely different. Isaiah wrote what the Spirit of God determined that he should write.
Comfort, a Message from God (40:1-11)
Isaiah 40:1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. (KJV)
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God . . . the Babylon captivity was predicted in the Chapter 39, and here, for the comfort of God's people, a deliverance is promised, expressed in such terms, as in the clearest and strongest manner to set forth the redemption and salvation ONLY by Jesus Christ:
John 3:15-18 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV)
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV)
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (KJV)
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (KJV)
John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (KJV)
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV)
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV)
It is here that begins the more evangelical and spiritual part of this prophecy, which reaches to and includes the whole Gospel dispensation, from the coming of John the Baptist to the Second Coming of Christ. It begins with comforts to God’s TRUE people, holding tightly to these comforts and ending with them! http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm
Dear one, it is God that speaks here through Isaiah, and this is the God of all comfort (2 Cor.1:3). The persons whom He wants to comfort are His people, those whom He has chosen, with whom He has made a covenant in Christ, whom He has given to Him (Jn.10:27-29) and whom He has redeemed by His precious Blood (1 Pet. 1:18-19), and whom He capably calls by His grace (Eph.2:8-9). These people are sometimes not content, because of the corruptions of their nature, the temptations of Satan, and God's Face being hidden (Deut.31:17-18; 32:20; Ps.13:1; 30:7; 69:17; 102:2; 143:7; Eze.39:29; Mic.3:4), and the many afflictions they meet with in life. It is the will of God that they should be comforted, as proven by His sending His only begotten Son (Jn.3:16), to be the Comforter of them, by giving His Spirit as another Comforter (Jn.14:16, 18, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15); by the Promises He has made to them, and the confirming them by an oath (Heb.6:16-17; 7:20-21), for their strong comfort; and above all by the Word of the Gospel, and the people who bring it!
*****All of the woes and the burdens of the first section (Isaiah Ch.1-39) have been lifted because there is now a Burden-Bearer, and it is this One who will later fulfill everything that Isaiah said about Him. Christ Jesus will be the One to give the invitation: Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (KJV)
Comfort ye, comfort ye is a sign of desire from the gracious Heart of God. Our God is the God of all comfort! 2 Cor.1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (KJV)
Lord Jesus said: John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (KJV) . . . The Holy Spirit is our Comforter today! Thank You Jesus!
Isaiah 40:2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins. (KJV)
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her . . . let it be proclaimed aloud, that she may hear and understand it. Jerusalem is thought by some to symbolize the Gospel church, and the TRUE members of it, while others interpret it to be the congregation of Israel. Hebrews 12:22-24 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (KJV). . . It seems to me to be the Gospel church, which includes Israel. Galatians 3:26-29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (KJV)
That her warfare is accomplished . . . this life on Earth is a continual warfare; saints have many enemies: temptation, sin, Satan, the world . . . we must fight many battles, fighting a variety of afflictions, and fighting to stand firm in our faith. While our battles last, there will be constant conflict until the time of the Messiah's Coming, the fullness of time (Gal.4:4), when He would appear.
That her iniquity is pardoned . . . this is the act of God, flowing from His free grace (Eph.2:8-9), is obtained by the precious Blood of Christ (1 Pet.1:18-19), and is full and complete (Jn.10:28), and yields great relief and comfort to guilty minds. Sins remembered no more: (Jer.31:34; 33:8; 50:20, Ps.25:7; 63:5; 103:12; Isa.43:25; 44:22; Mic.7:19; Heb.8:12; 10:2,16-17; 1 Jn.1:7). Thank You Jesus!
For she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins . . . this can only, in a limited sense, hold good of Judah's restoration after the first captivity. For how can it be said her warfare was accomplished, when as yet the infuriating yoke of the Antichrist and also of Rome was before them? The double for her sins must refer to the twofold captivity, the Assyrian and the Roman; at the coming close of this latter dispersion, and then only, can her iniquity be said to be pardoned, or fully expiated. It certainly does not mean double as much as she deserved, because our Almighty God does NOT work like that! But ample punishment was in store in her twofold captivity. Messiah is the antitypical Israel (Mat.2:15; Hos.11:1). He certainly has received of sufferings amply more than enough to compensate for our sins (Rom.5:15, 17).
*****The sins of Jerusalem were paid for by the One who suffered without the gate Heb.13:12). This is the difference between the dealings of God with His people in the Old Testament and with us in our day. In reality, it separates Christianity from all pagan religions and from the Mosaic Law. The difference is wrapped up in that big word propitiation. Propitiation is the act of placating and overcoming distrust and hostility; the act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing; the act of soothing the wrath of God and making with God.
In the heathen religions the people bring an offering to their gods to pacify them, and that is what propitiation means. Many people think that that is what it means in the Bible . . . they think that they have to do something, because God is angry, so they have to do something to win Him over. The people in heathen religions are always doing that because their gods are always angry and difficult to get along with. The feelings of these ‘gods’ are so easily hurt, and they are not very friendly. The FACT is that sin has alienated the sinner from God, and it is the One and only TRUE God who has already done something! You do NOT have to do anything to win Him over. Propitiation is toward God, and reconciliation is toward us. God has done EVERYTHING that needs to be done. Today we need to be reconciled to God, NOT to do something to win Him over. God is already won over to all who trust and believe in His only begotten Son (Jn.3:16)! That is what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. We need only accept what Christ has already done. This is the wonderful Promise of comfort for the lost world today.
Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (KJV)
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness . . . this is not the voice of the Holy Ghost as some say; but that of John the Baptist, as is confirmed by all the evangelists (Mat.3:3), and by John himself (Jn.1:23), who was a voice . . . not like a voice and nothing else; he had not only a loud, booming voice . . . but a very enlightening teaching voice. He had the voice of a prophet, for he WAS a prophet. We read of the voices of the prophets, their doctrines and prophecies (Acts 13:27); his voice was the voice of one that cried, that published and proclaimed out loud, openly and publicly, with great eagerness and fervency, and what he had to say was done in the wilderness of Judea (Mat.3:1-3; Mk.1:4). When Judea became a Roman province, and the Jews were brought into the wilderness of the people (Eze.20:35-36), they were as to their religious affairs, in a very forlorn and wilderness condition.
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God . . . meaning the Messiah to whose proper deity a noble testimony is here borne, being called the Lord and our God: whose way John prepared by preaching the doctrine of repentance (Mat.3:1-3; Mk.1:4), administering the ordinance of baptism (Mat.3:11; Mk.1:8-9; Jn.1:25-28), pointing to the Messiah, and urging the people to believe in Him; and he also called upon them to prepare the way (Mal.3:1; Mat.3:3; Mk.1:2-3; Lk.3:4), and make a plain path to meet Him in, by repenting of their sins, amending their ways, and warmly embracing Him when He comes, laying aside all those sentiments which opposed Him, His Gospel and His Kingdom.
*****All four writers of the Gospel records: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John . . . all quote this verse as applying to John the Baptist. I totally agree. (Mat.3:1-3; Mk.1:4; Lk.3:2-3; Jn.1:6-8).
Isaiah 40:4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: (KJV)
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low . . . which is not to be understood literally, but parabolic, meaning that as a result of John's ministry, and our Lord's Coming, those who were depressed and bowed down with the guilt of sin, and were low and humble in their own eyes, would be raised up and comforted; and that those who were self-righteous and proud, would be humbled; their pride and arrogance would be brought down, and they would be treated with neglect and contempt, while great notice was taken of lowly minded ones (Lk.14:11;18:14).
And the crooked shall be straight and the rough places plain . . . what before was dark and complicated in prophecy would now become clear; and that doctrines that were not so well understood would now become clear.
Isaiah 40:5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (KJV)
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed . . . Christ Himself, who is the brightness of his Father's glory (Heb.1:3), and His own glory, as the glory of the of the only begotten of the Father (Jn.1:14); the glorious perfections of His nature, seen in the miracles He had done, and in the doctrines taught by Him; the glory of the Father (Mat.6:27; Mk.8:38), in the Person of Christ; and the glory of His attributes, in the work of salvation by Him; all which is most clearly determined in the mirror of the Gospel, or in the ministry of the Word by John the Baptist, Christ Himself and His apostles.
And all flesh shall see it together . . . not the Jews only, but Gentiles too (vs.2); not with their bodily eyes, but with the eyes of their understanding (Eph.1:18). The TRUE church shall see the salvation of the Lord and His glory, as displayed in it, being set forth in the everlasting Gospel for all to see (Lk.3:6).
For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it . . . that His glory would be revealed and be visible to all, and therefore sure and certain; for what He has said . . . He does, and what He has spoken. . . He makes good!
*****Luke 3:6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God . . . the salvation of God is meant, the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of God's appointing and sending; and who is the Author of that salvation which God decided on and approved of. John the Baptist gave instructions to several kinds of people. All those that profess and promise repentance, MUST show it by reformation, according to their lifestyles. The Gospel requires mercy, not sacrifice; and its plan is to engage us to do all the good we can, and to be just to all men. The same principle that leads men to forego unjust gain, leads them to restore that which is gained by wrong. John tells the soldiers their duty. Men should be cautioned against the temptations of their employments. These answers declared the present duty of the inquirers, and at once formed a test of their sincerity. Since NONE can or will accept Christ's salvation without true repentance, the evidence and effects of this repentance are set out for us here. http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm
Isaiah 40:6 The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: (KJV)
The voice said, cry . . . this is not the same voice as in verse 3, nor is it the voice of an angel, as some say, but it is the Voice of the Lord, the voice of prophecy. It seems to me that this is the Lord's Voice to the prophet, or to any and every Gospel minister, giving them an order to prophesy and preach, without which they cannot preach rightfully. It is the same as: Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (KJV)
And he said, what shall I cry? . . . what shall I publish, proclaim, or preach? A minister of the Gospel is to preach NOT out of his own heart, NOR of his own head, NOR of his own inventing, but only what is agreeable to the mind of Christ, as revealed in His Holy Word. The reply to the question is,
All flesh is grass . . . which declares the frailty and weakness of men. All humans, no matter how large and strong, are temporary. God's Promises alone are steadfast (vs.8, 15, 17, 23-24). 1 Peter 1:24-25 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (KJV)
And all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field . . . all the glory of man, all that is excellent and valuable in him, or belonging to him, is here today and quite possibly gone tomorrow! What is thought to be his riches, honors, strength, beauty, wisdom and knowledge . . . and all his seeming holiness and righteousness, all these things are fading and perishing, like a pretty flower, which appears lovely for a short while, and suddenly it is dead. This may be applied to the splendor of the legal dispensation, which is done away by a more excellent glory taking place (2 Cor.3:10).
*****The vanity of all creatures, is that all flesh is as grass, weak and withering. All humans are so, and therefore it is absolutely impossible to save ourselves . . . and all our friends and relatives are so, and therefore they cannot save us. No matter the beauty of the creature, or its strength, which might make it likeable . . . it is but as the flower of grass, soon gone, and therefore NO creature can recommend us to God for Him to accept us! We ALL are dying creatures; all our comforts in this world are temporary comforts, and therefore CANNOT make our eternal souls happy. We must look elsewhere for salvation, and that ONE and ONLY Place is JESUS! John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV) . . . The Father is in Heaven!
We can rest assured that the Promise of God is valid! We should be convinced that the Word of the Lord can do for us that which flesh cannot do! Since the Promise stands for ever (vs.8), it will furnish us with a happiness that will run parallel with the duration of our souls, which must live forever.
Isaiah 40:7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. (KJV)
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth . . . and so does all men, and all their glory.
Because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it .. . referring to some impetuous and blasting wind blowing upon herbs and flowers, to the withering and fading of them (Ps.103:15), legal ordinances ceased upon the pouring forth of the Spirit (Jn.3:3-8).
Spirit of the Lord . . . rather, wind of God (Ps.103:16). The withering east wind of those countries is sent by God (Jonah 4:8).
Surely the people is grass . . the people may refer to the Babylonians, but better yet, mankind in general (Isa.42:5), as in verse 6, all flesh; this whole race, that is, man.
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. (KJV)
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth . . . this is repeated, to bring attention to it, as being a matter of importance, and for confirming it.
But the word of our God shall stand for ever . . . the apostle Peter says: 1 Peter 1:23-25 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (KJV)
And this is the word, which by the Gospel is preached unto you . . . who seems to separate the Word from the Gospel, by which it is preached, and to intend Christ IS the essential Word; who stands or abides forever as a divine Person; in His office as Mediator, being Prophet, Priest and King forever; in the effectiveness of His Blood (1 Pet.1:18-19), His righteousness (1 Cor.1:30), His Sacrifice (Heb.7:27; 9:26; 10:12); and in the fullness of His grace (Jn.1:16; Eph.1:6-8). It is true of the written Word or Gospel, which remains, is everlasting, and will stand and continue, aside from the persecutions of tyrants, the craft and falsehoods of false teachers, the criticism of ungodly men, and the death of the best of men.
*****In verses 7-8, man is compared to the grass of the field. So . . . How can there be comfort in being reminded that we are like grass . . . here today, gone tomorrow?
Yes . . . man is faint, frail and feeble, but the Word of God is strong, sure and secure. God's Word is our hiding place, a foundation upon which we can rest; it is our sword and buckler, our high tower, our protection, our security and our salvation. It is only the Gospel of Jesus Christ that gives eternal life to man who is just a fleeting creature on this Earth.
Isaiah 40:9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! (KJV)
O Zion, that bringest good tidings . . . this is the joint image of the messengers who announce God's gracious purpose to Zion (vs.1). Isa. 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! (KJV)
Get thee up into the high mountain . . . it was customary for those who were about to broadcast any great thing, to go up on a hill from which they could be seen and heard by all (Judg.9:7; Mat.5:1).
O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings . . . Jerusalem, the church of God so called, to whom the faith of the Gospel is delivered, which is the pillar and ground of truth; which receives, retains and maintains it, and sends forth ministers to proclaim it.
Lift it up, and be not afraid . . . of the criticisms and scorning of men on account of it, or of their persecutions for it; or lest it should not be welcome, or be received as truth.
Say unto the cities of Judah . . . the inhabitants of them literally understood, and to the several churches and congregations of the saints everywhere.
Behold your God! . . . behold (see) especially at His Second Coming (Zec.12:10; 14:5), behold that Divine Person is come, that was promised, prophesied of and expected . . . Immanuel (Isa.7:14; 8:8; Mat.1:23), God with us. He is God in human nature, God manifest in the flesh (Jn.1:14), God your Saviour, and who being truly God, and is able to save to the uttermost (Heb.7:25). All people must look to Him with faith (Rom.5:1-2), to be justified and saved. The Son of God is the Lamb of God that has borne your sins, and took them away. He is the Lord and Christ (Messiah), crowned with glory and honor, who is on the same throne with His Divine Father, having all power in heaven and earth (Mat.24:30; 28:18; Rev.5:13). Lamb of God: (Jn.1:29, 36; Rev.7:17; 14:10; 15:3; 19:9; 21:22-23; 22:1, 3).
*****Good tidings is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the good tidings of John the Baptist was Behold your God! Unless you can SEE Jesus Christ as God manifest in the flesh (Jn.1:14), you have NOT really seen Him, nor do you even begin to KNOW Him! You must come to Him as He is . . . NOT just as a Man, but as Almighty God, as Immanuel, God with us. If He were ONLY a human, He could NOT be my Saviour; but He is Immanuel, God in the Flesh AND Divine, the only begotten Son of God the Father, and He IS very capable to be my Saviour, and yours!
Isaiah 40:10 Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. (KJV)
Behold, the Lord God will come with a strong hand . . . some understand this of the Second Coming of Christ, of which Coming is absolutely CERTAIN, for divine assurances are given of this by God’s Promise and Prophecy; and this Coming will be attended with great power, which will be needed to raise the dead (Dan.12:2; 1 Thes.4:14-17; Rev.20:4-6, 13), summon all nations before Him (Mat.25:32), and to pass and carry out the proper sentence on them!
And his arm shall rule for him . . . when his arm shall openly bear rule, Christ (Messiah) will take to Himself His great power and reign as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev.19:16).. He is said to come with a strong hand, with great power, for His work demands this. Some render it, against a strong one (the devil), whose head He came to break (Gen.3:15), whose works He came to destroy, by whom He was tempted (Mat.4), and whom He shall one day conquer and destroy (Rev.20:10). His arm: (Ps.98:1. 136:12; Isa.30:30; 40:10-11, 14; 59:16; 62:8; 63:12; Jer.1:5; 48:25; Eze.31:17).
Behold, his reward is with him . . . His reward will be with Him to give to every man according to their works (1 Cor.3:13-15), for their work will be as an open book before Him. He shall indeed judge the world in righteousness (Rev.22:12).
And his work before him . . . the work of redemption and salvation, which was hard and difficult, yet He took great delight in it, and has finished it. This work is said to be before Him, and was well known to Him, and was definitely in His power to carry out.
Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. (KJV)
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd . . . Christ the Shepherd has a flock, a special flock of distinct and special people, and it is but a little flock (Mat.7:14; 20:16; 22:14; Lk.12:32). This flock is His by His Father's gift (Jn.10:29), and His because He paid the price for it (Ps.111:9; Mat.20:28). When He calls them by name, they come to Him for they know His Voice (Jn.10:4, 16). Feed . . . includes all parts of the shepherd's care (Eze.34:23; Ps.23:3; Heb.13:20; 1 Pet.2:25).
He shall gather the lambs with his arm . . . carry, applies to Messiah's restoration of Israel, as sheep scattered in all lands, and unable to move of themselves to their own land (Ps.80:1; Jer.23:3). As Israel was carried from the womb, meaning in its earliest days (Isa.63:9-12; Ps.77:20), so it shall be in their old age, meaning the latter days (Isa.46:3-4).
And carry them in his bosom . . . I love this! It expresses His great affection to His sheep, so greatly loved, that we are held close to His Bosom. Being in His bosom means that we lie near His heart, and are actually upon it, it also means a most intimate relationship with Him.
And shall gently lead those that are with young . . . He leads them gently, step by step, as a thoughtful shepherd does the ewes giving suck, and the weak ones of the flock. He watches them, in a way of protection, when they are liable to fall into the hands of powerful enemies, and to be hurt by them.
*****The Lord Jesus took the Title of Shepherd when He came to Earth the First time. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (KJV) John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.(KJV) He also said: John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. (KJV) Dear one, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Shepherd of our soul!
Creation, a Revelation of God (40:12-22)
The next verse introduces the section of Isaiah that speaks of the greatness of God as Creator of this Universe!
Isaiah 40:12 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? (KJV)
Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand? . . . Isaiah fears that the Jews might suppose that He who was just described as a Shepherd, is just a mere man, so here, He is now described as the Almighty God. The following account of the power, wisdom and all sufficiency of God, is to be understood of Christ (Messiah), and is to show that He is equal to the work of redemption and salvation He is involved in, and would come and perform it, and that He is well able to do it, as well as to execute His office as a Shepherd; and also to see, that He had also taken upon Himself the work of a Saviour, as well as the office of a Shepherd . . . BUT He in NO way ever lost His dignity and glory as a Divine Person of the Godhead! Jesus Christ WAS and IS Almighty God, Creator of the Universe (Jn.1:1-3)! He was never in the least ever lessened . . . He was none other than the infinite Being, who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand! The waters of the seas, for which He had provided a container, where He had collected and put them together . . . the sizes of which are exactly known to Him, and the vast amount of water is no more in His Hands than a spoonful in the hands of a man.
And meted out heaven with the span . . . which He has stretched out as a curtain (vs.22), and the measure of which is but one hand's breadth with Him; and is no more to Him than stretching out a carpet or canopy; and is just as easily measured by Him as a piece of cloth is by a man with a measuring stick.
And comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure . . . dust of the earth, all the earth is to Him but as a few grains of dust contained in a small measure (literally, a small measure is a third part of a larger measure). The Earth is no more with the Lord than so much dust as a man can hold between his thumb and two fingers.
And weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance . . . just as easily as a man can throw his goods into a pair of scales, and get the true weight of them, the Lord can raise the mountains and the hills in proper proportion with equal ease, as if He had weighed them in a pair of scales, and has so exactly weighed them. This seems to hint that the mountains and hills to be a sort of stabilizer to the Earth, and shows the original formation of them from the beginning. The answer to the question: Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand?. . . itis the EXACT same Divine Person of whom it is said, Behold your God, and who should come with a strong hand, and feed his flock (vs.10-11).
*****Who else but God could do this? Therefore, although the redemption and restoration of His people, foretold here, was a work beyond man's power, they must NEVER doubt its fulfilment since all things are possible to Him who can accurately regulate the proportion of the waters as if He had measured them with His Hand. Have you ever considered the immeasurable works of God?
Almighty God, the Creator, has an extremely vast reach. If we consider the celestial globe, you cannot help but be astonished at the extent of it! Our Great God measures the heavens with a span, and to Him they are but a hand-width, so large-handed is He. As we view the Earth, we must realize that He has total command of it. All the waters in the world He can measure in the hollow of His Hand, where we can hold but very little water in ours. The dry land He also easily manages, for He sees the dust of the Earth as that which we take up between our thumb and two fingers.
His strength is unlimited, and He can just as easily move mountains and hills as a tradesman can put his goods into a scales to weigh them. This may refer to the work of Creation, when the heavens were stretched out, and the earth and waters were put together in just proportions, just as if they had been measured, and the mountains were made of such a weight as to serve for stabilizer to the globe, and no more.
Isaiah 40:13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? (KJV)
Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord . . . WHO told the LORD what to do . . . in the Creation of all things, in enhancing the heavens, and moving upon the face of the waters? NO one! Not anyone, not an angel nor man; there was NONE with Him! He did NOT need anyone to guide and direct Him as to what to do! Directed is the same as in verse 12 for meted out. The sense is, the Lord measures out heaven with His span . . . but who can measure Him?
Or being his counsellor, hath taught him? . . . the LORD needed NO ONE to counsel Him! Romans 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (KJV) 1 Cor.2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? (KJV)
Isaiah 40:14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? (KJV)
With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him . . . this is the same as above, simply repeated in other words, all the more strongly to deny that NO mere creature counselled, taught, nor instructed the Spirit of Christ, in the ordering and managing the works of Creation.
And taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding? . . . NO creature gave Him judgment, knowledge nor understanding in designing and planning the world, nor anything in it, in the beautiful and consistent manner that it is formed, which clearly reveals it to be an absolute work of wisdom, SO much more than any human or angelical creature could have ever conceived or imagined! Psalm 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. (KJV)
*****Verses 13-14 shows that the Almighty LORD has absolutely NO equal! There is NO one to whom He can go for advice. God has never seen His equal . . . nor will He ever see it! His wisdom is unsearchable, and no creature anywhere can give Him either information or direction. There is NONE can do what God has done and continues to do; so there is NONE that can assist Him in His work, nor can they suggest anything to Him which He has not thought of. When the LORD, by His Spirit made the world (Job 26:13), there was NO one that directed His Spirit, nor gave Him any advice, either in what to do or how to do it. Nor does the LORD need any counsellor to direct Him in the government of the world, nor is there any with whom He consults, as the wisest kings do with those that know law and judgment (Est.1:13; Dan.2:2; 4:6-7; 5:7). The LORD does NOT need to be told what is to be done, for He knows it perfectly; nor does He need to be advised concerning what or how it should be done, for He knows the right and the proper means. Dear one, in the great work of our redemption by Christ Jesus, all matters were determined before the world was, when there was NO one to teach God in the way of judgment.
Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. (KJV)
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket . . . not only the Chaldeans and Babylonians, and other nations who were most troublesome to the Jews, but ALL the nations of the world . . . these nations when compared to the LORD, of His immeasurable and immense Being, are but as a single drop of water that is left in the bucket, when all is poured out of it; which is NOTHING compared to the deep well out of which the water is drawn.
And are accounted as the small dust of the balance . . . the nations are accounted as NOTHING with God, any more than the small dust which sticks on the scale. It adds NO weight, nor turns one way or the other, so it is of no concern.
Behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing . . . by which are meant not merely islands, properly so called, which are encompassed by the sea, but all such countries which were Gentile. Isles and islands are symbolic for Gentiles many times in the Bible. Small dust may mean any light thing, as chaff, straw, stubble, feathers, down of thistles, which are easily carried away with the little force; and so we can render the words, behold, the isles are as some little thing which flies away.
Isaiah 40:16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. (KJV)
And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn . . . the mighty trees of Lebanon are not sufficient to burn a sacrifice with, suitable to the glory, majesty and splendor of the LORD!
Nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering . . . although Lebanon was a mountain and forest abounding with great trees, there was a great amount of cattle there, yet neither was sufficient to furnish a proper burnt offering to the LORD. He and only He Himself could provide a Lamb sufficient for a burnt offering, and He has done it, the only begotten Son of God (Jn.3:16). Christ Jesus has offered Himself as an Offering and a Sacrifice to God the Father, on OUR behalf, a sweet smelling savor, by which He has put away sin, and made full atonement for it. Atonement: (1 Cor.2:7; Heb.7:27; 9:24-28; 10:10,12, 14; 1 Pet.3:18)
Redemption of our souls: (Ps.111:9; 130:7; Mat.20:28; Mk.10:45; Lk.2:38; Acts 20:28; Rom.3:24-26; 1Cor.1:30; 6:20; 7:23; Gal.1:4; 2:20; 4:4-5; Eph.1:7; 5:2; Col.1:14, 20-22; 1 Tim.2:6; Tit.2:14; Heb.9:12,15; 1 Per.1:18-19; Rev.5:9-10)
Isaiah 40:17 All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity. (KJV)
All nations before him are as nothing . . . as if they were unknowns, and were not real beings in comparison of Him, who is the Being of beings, the Author of all beings which exist in all nations; who are all in His sight, and are not only as grasshoppers, as is after mentioned (vs.22), but all nations are as NOTHING as compared to the LORD!
And they are counted to him as less than nothing, and vanity . . . if there is or could be such a thing that is less than nothing, that is what the nations are. Vanity is utter emptiness.
Isaiah 40:18 To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? (KJV)
To whom then will ye liken God? . . . there is absolutely NOTHING in all of Creation that can bear ANY resemblance to Him, OR He to them! Since ALL nations are as a drop of the bucket, as the small dust on the scale, as nothing, indeed, less than nothing, and vanity . . . to WHAT likeness can we compare Him?
In what rank can He be placed? To what class of beings can He be likened? What likeness can be given of Him? Is there anything fit to be named with Him, or compared to Him? This, with what follows, is mentioned as a remedy to prevent the Jews from falling into idolatry in Babylon, where they would be exposed to it; and/or to prevent Christians in latter times from going into the idolatry of Rome (Rev.17:1-7). Jer. 10:6 Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might. (KJV)
*****You and I know very little about the majestic power and wisdom of the Almighty LORD! All we know is what He has revealed in His Book. He only tells us what we need to know! I don't think we could possibly comprehend what He has already told us.
Isaiah contrasted God to idols. To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? Have you everconsidered the pictures of Jesus? Personally, I do not care for any pictures of Jesus because they are NOT pictures of Jesus. Stores that sell such ‘supposed’ pictures of the LORD, and people who are buy them think I am wrong. As I see it, we do not need pictures of Him. The only ‘picture’ we need is the one that is in our heart. . . . . . . . http://hisservants.org/pictures_of_christ_h_s.htm
Next is the first rather mocking or sarcastic attack that Isaiah will make against idolatry.
Isaiah 40:19 The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains. (KJV)
The workman melteth a graven image . . . a man melts some kind of metal: iron, brass, copper or lead, then pours it into a mold to make an image (idol), and afterward he engraves it.
And the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold . . . a goldsmith stretches out plates of gold, and covers the image with them, so that it looks as if it was made of solid gold, deceiving the eyes of men; such is the stupidity and vanity are there in mortals to believe that there can be deity ‘a god’ in a piece of workmanship!
And casteth silver chains to put about the graven image . . . either for ornament, or rather to fasten it to some wall or pillar, that it may stand upright, and may not be taken down and stolen away, or blown down with the wind, or fall of itself and be broken . . . thus ridiculing the weakness of these idols, and the folly of the makers and worshippers of them. The rich make a very elaborate idol. They think that they have a rich god, but their rich god is no more a ‘god’ that those cheap, wooden idols of the poor people.
Isaiah 40:20 He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved. (KJV)
He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation . . . many people could not afford a gold or silver ‘god’ but they would still have an idol, probably of wood.
He chooseth a tree that will not rot . . . he goes to the forest, and chooses the best tree for his purpose he can find, one that will not rot, as the cedar or cypress; and although he cannot afford an idol made of metal, but must choose one of wood, yet he will still get the best he can afford, that will last longest, an incorruptible deity.
He seeketh unto him a cunning workman, to prepare a graven image that shall not be moved . . . when they decide what kind of wood to make their ‘god’, he looks for a creative workman, to form it in an image, carving and engraving, in the best way he can, and then fasten it in a proper place, that it may not fall; a poor helpless deity, that cannot secure itself, and much less be of any service to its worshippers. Jer. 10:3-5 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. 5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. (KJV) . . . This sounds like the modern ‘Christmas’ trees!
*****The poor can afford only a crude, wooden idol that he fashions from a piece of wood. How absurd and ridiculous idolatry is! How idolaters shame themselves, and how foolish they are to think that these ‘gods’ of their own making, could possibly be able to do them any kindness whatsoever. So utterly vain were they in their imaginations; and how was their foolish heart darkened (Rom.1:21).
Idolaters in reality, shame those who worship the only true and living God. They spared no cost on their idols; while many church people reluctantly count as wasted time or money spent in the service of Almighty God. Idolaters took great care that their idols would not be moved; while so many willfully provoke the LORD to depart from them. True and Living God: (Mat.16:16; Jn.6:69; Rom.9:26; 2 Cor.3:3; 5:16; 1 Tim.6:17; heb.3:12; 9:14; 10:31; 12:22)
Isaiah 40:21 Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? (KJV)
Have ye not known? . . . this is Isaiah speaking, focusing on the idolaters, appealing to their own natural knowledge, that they should know that idols were nothing, had NO holiness in them: that it is God that made the Earth and governs the world, and only He should be worshipped.
Have ye not heard? . . . by tradition from the ancients, from your forefathers, who received it from theirs, and have delivered it to you.
Hath it not been told you from the beginning? . . . have you not heard how the world began?
Have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? . . . what the Earth is founded upon, and who laid the foundations of it? (Jn.1:3; Heb.1:2; 11:3). None other than that holy and majestic Being of the Almighty God, the invisible things of Him, His eternal power and Godhead (Gen.1:26; 11:7), from the things that are made, even from His founding of the Earth.
*****It is absurd to compare the majestic Almighty Creator to a stupid idol. Romans 1:20-23 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (KJV)
Isaiah 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: (KJV)
It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth . . . the Earth is round or globular, not a flat plain, but round, hung as a ball in the air . . . and it is here where the LORD sits as Sovereign, being the Maker of it. He is above it, orders and directs its motion, and governs all things in it. The LORD sits or dwells in the heavens, from where He observes the children of men.
And the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers . . . years ago, we rode horseback to the top of a high mountain in Arizona. Cars and trucks looked like grasshoppers from up there. So much more must puny mortals be in the sight of God, and in comparison to Him! This may mean, not only the smallness of men, but what weak, impotent, useless, worthless, and short lived creatures men are in His sight (Num.13:33).
That stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain . . . referring to the firmament or expanse made at the Creation, and still continues; which is as a curtain to Himself, which He draws around Himself. He dwells in the highest heaven and is not accessible to mortals; and which He stretches out as a canopy around this Earth.
And spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in it . . . for Himself to dwell in, so stretching out the heavens like curtains all around Him. Tents being made of curtains or skins, the LORD’S tent is the heavens! See Special Comments at the end of this Chapter for more on Heavens.
*****The Bible does NOT teach that the Earth is flat; but scientists in the days of Columbus taught this theory. Those so-called scientists (like those today) did not have sense enough to pay any attention to the Word of God. How sad for them! It is clearly stated in this verse that the Earth is a sphere, a globe, a round body positioned in an even greater Universe . . . and God's throne is FAR beyond the most powerful telescopes available, as they search out the limitless treasure house of space.
Isaiah 40:23 That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity. (KJV)
That bringeth princes to nothing . . . the greatest men of the Earth, kings, rulers and nobles, these He has power to bring to the dust; and all their counsels, schemes and purposes, come to nothing; and their kingdoms too in time. Where are the Babylon, Persian and Grecian monarchies, and those great princes that formerly reigned in them?
He maketh the judges of the earth as vanity . . . their decrees and decisions stand for nothing, so that they are no more respected and served.
Isaiah 40:24 Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble. (KJV)
Yea, they shall not be planted . . . as trees are, like the cedars in Lebanon, although they shall seem to be like the grass of the field and herbs of the Earth. They shall not grow and flourish; they shall be plucked up and be no more; this is said of the princes and judges of the Earth.
They shall not be sown . . . as seed is, which springs up, producing fruit . . . it shall not be with them; great and important men shall be as if they had not been sown, no fruit being brought forth by them.
Yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth . . . to continue and abide, for they shall soon vanish and disappear, as the most powerful princes and wisest judges do.
He shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither . . . as grass withers, when a severe wind blows upon it.
And the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble . . . which is not able to stand before the force of it; unable are the greatest rulers on Earth to stand before the tempest of divine wrath and vengeance. If God just blows on them in anger, all their glory and grandeur, pomp and power withers away like the flower of the field; and IF He comes forth in all the fury of His wrath in a tempestuous way against them, they are no more able to stand before Him than stubble before a violent storm (Rev.6:15-17).
***** That those who act against the LORD, no matter how difficult they may be to their fellow-creatures, will certainly be humbled and brought down by the mighty Hand of God. Princes and judges, who have great authority, and abuse it to support their injustice and oppression, consider as nothing of those around them; but, when the Great God takes them to task, He brings them to nothing; He humbles them and makes them utterly useless. He makes them totally unable to stand before His judgments. He will lower the boom on them when they think they are settled. He has only to blow on them, for them to wither and come to nothing, and the great whirlwind shall take them away as dry stubble. Dear one, those that will not bow before the LORD cannot stand before Him.
Isaiah 40:25 To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. (KJV)
To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal, saith the Holy One? . . . or who is on the same level with the Holy One? Since the greatest men on Earth are brought to nothing by Him, and are no more . . . this is repeated from verse 18, and supported with fresh strength of argument, to show that there is absolutely NOTHING whatsoever, that is an suitable likeness and resemblance, by which to represent the LORD. Jer. 10:6 Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might. (KJV)
Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. (KJV)
Lift up your eyes on high . . . from the Earth, and the inhabitants of it, even those of the greatest power and influence in it, to the heavens above, those that are visible to the eye.
And behold who hath created these things . . . that are seen in the heavens, the sun, moon and stars; consider the Creator of them, what a glorious Being He must be. What power He must possess; what dazzling light He must dwell in; what glory and majesty He must be clothed with! He infinitely exceeds all mortal creatures!
That bringeth out their host by number . . . not only bringing them into being, at the first creation of them, but at EVERY proper season since; causing the sun to rise every morning, the stars to appear at night, and the moon in its revolution; as a general brings forth his army, commanding it in order, musters it, and knows the exact number of stars in the heavens.
He calleth them all by names . . . suitable to their position and influence; He knows the proper names of them all, which no astrologer can ever pretend to know. Of such knowledge, no general of an army has; for although the stars are uncountable to men, and the names of most unknown, they ALL are perfectly known to Him that made them (Ps.147:4).
By the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power not one faileth . . . through the omnipotence of the LORD, not only the sun and moon, the great luminaries, continue in being, and constantly keep their order; with every star keeps its place, or performs its course, retains its influence and in every instance obeys the commands of its Creator; never failing to appear at His order, and of doing what He appoints it to do. http://hisservants.org/describing_god_h_s.htm
Consideration, a Call from God (40:27-31)
In the light of all of this, God calls us to do some considering.
Isaiah 40:27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? (KJV)
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel . . . the Jews, supposed to be in captivity, are here meant, whom the prophet rebukes for murmuring at the calamities and afflictions there endured by them. Some think that this refers to the church and people of God in the latter days, are here intended, being under suffering circumstances, either under the Roman Antichrist, and/or Roman church (Rev.17), not only inwardly fretting, but openly complaining and uttering, as follows:
My way is hid from the Lord . . . meaning not their course of life, or their religious actions, their profession of the Gospel, their attendance on public worship, their prayers and other duties of religion; but their sufferings for His Name's sake, the tribulations they endured, the afflicted way in which they walked, which they imagined God took no notice of, since no way was opened in Providence for their deliverance out of them.
And my judgment is passed over from my God . . . my cause and case are neglected by Him; He does not undertake my cause, nor plead it against my enemies, or right my wrongs, and avenge the injuries done me, or deliver me out of the hands of those that struggle with me. The answer to which complaint follows, and which clearly shows there was no just foundation for it.
*****God knows all about the difficulties and problems of His people. If you belong to Him, He is well able to quiet the storms of life around you, but sometimes there are lessons He wants us to learn from the storm around us. When you are in the midst of a storm, do you sit, bellyache and criticize God? IF the LORD is allowing you to go through a storm, there is a lesson He wants you to learn! God will not let you go through trials unless He wants you to learn something. The LORD will NEVER leave or forsake any of His TRUE children! (Heb.13:5).
Isaiah 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. (KJV)
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard? . . . from the history of the church in all the ages; from the lives of all good men; from your own knowledge, from the Holy Scriptures and from the prophets.
That the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? . . . the Maker of the world, that has made it, continually upholds and governs it, and judges righteously in it; the LORD who is from everlasting to everlasting (Ps.41:13; 90:2; 103:17; 106:48), never changing, always the same; whose Name alone is God, the self-existent and all-knowing Being, the Maker and Former of ALL things; who has not only created the Earth, and the foundations of it, and the livable part of the world, that is dwelt in, but even the far extremities of the Earth; and therefore knows and will take care of His own people, wherever they may be.
There is no searching of his understanding . . . it is infinite, reaching to all persons and all things, so that He is well able to provide for His people, or plead their cause; nor is their case not known to Him, for He knows all things and He has the power and wisdom to help them.
Isaiah 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (KJV)
He giveth power to the faint . . . even the young and strong can faint under afflictions, if they do not have immediate deliverance, or their prayers are not answered at once, or Promises not fulfilled as they expected . . . to these He gives fresh supplies of spiritual strength and faith, enlarging their views, to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, and confirms His blessings and Promises of grace unto them (Ps.27:13-14).
And to them that have no might he increaseth strength . . . not that they have no power at all, for then it could not be properly said their strength was increased by Him; but that their might and power was very small, and that in their own mind, they had none, and when their strength is freshened, they can say along with the apostle Paul: When I am weak, then am I strong (2 Cor.12:10).
Isaiah 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: (KJV)
Even the youths shall faint and be weary . . . meaning those that are in the prime of their strength, and glory in it, yet because the Hand of God was upon them, by one disease or another, their strength is weakened, or they meet with something that they cannot handle and sink under it, and are discouraged and forced to give up. Some think the Babylonians and Chaldeans are meant here, the enemies of Israel, and by whom they were carried away captive. This may also apply to the latter days, when the Antichrist persecutes the church of God, and will be smitten by him, and found it too hard when he tries to completely destroy Christianity out of the world (Rev.17).
And the young men shall utterly fail . . . they shall stumble and fall, die and perish. They will not be able to stand up under the pressure.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV)
But they that wait upon the Lord . . . as children on their earthly parents do them honor, obey them and receive food and blessings from them; as servants on their masters, to have pleasure do their work and receive wages; and as beggars at the door who knock and wait, tell their case and wait, meet with repulses, yet keep their place, and continue waiting . . . such acts expect a knowledge and reverence of God and confidence in Him, not only with the body but with the soul also, with a great degree of faithfulness, and with patience and quietness. To wait upon the Lord is to patiently wait for Him to reveal Himself, for He sometimes hides Himself. To wait upon Him is to wait for Him to show Himself again, and His Presence is well worth waiting for, also for Him to perform His Promises, for any Promise He has made, He shall fulfill.
They shall mount up with wings as eagles . . . swiftly and with power; which expresses the movement of affections heavenwards towards Almighty God and things above; and of the exercise of faith and hope in Christ, who is now at the right Hand of God; of the expectation of glory and happiness in Heaven hereafter.
Right Hand of God: (Mk.16:19; Lk.22:69; Acts 2:33; 7:55-56; Rom.8:34; Col.3:1; Heb.10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet.3:22).
They shall run, and not be weary . . . in the way of God's commandments; they show great affection for them, always cheerful and eager to obey them, delight and pleasure in them, therefore there is no weariness.
And they shall, walk, and not faint . . . in the ways of God, in the Name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, as they have received Him by leaning and trusting in Him, and continuing to do so, until they receive the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls (Phil.3:20-21); and so they shall not sink under their burdens.
*****In verses 30-31, there are three degrees of power mentioned; and several commentators have compared them to the three stages of Christian growth that you have in: 1 John 2:12-14 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. (KJV) . . .
http://www.godcannotlie.org/first_john_ch2.htm . . . These three stages of growth are: #1. baby Christian #2. adult Christian and (3) mature Christian. No matter who you are, if you are going to move WITH God through this Earth, it WILL cost you something. But God will furnish you strength and wisdom whatever your condition. If you need strength to walk, He will give it to you. If you need strength to run, He has that for you also. This is a wonderful Chapter revealing the grace of God which gives us comfort and strength, as we see the LORD as our Creator, as our Saviour, and as our Sustainer.
Special Comments
The Bible speaks of three heavens, not 7 as some say. The first heaven is our immediate atmosphere, the second heaven is outer space as far as it stretches, and the third Heaven is the place where our awesome God Himself lives. It is what Jesus called the Father's house (Jn.14:2).
The First heaven . . . The firmament, the Earth’s Atmosphere, which is the close by sky, where the fowls of the heaven (Gen. 2:19; 7:3, 23; Ps. 8:8), and the eagles of heaven fly (Lam. 4:19); It is the atmosphere that surrounds the Earth. Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: (KJV) . . . The first heaven is made up of of the clouds and the atmosphere, the heavens close above us, until we come to the stars.
Psalm 78:23-24 Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven, 24 And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. (KJV) . . . The doors of heaven or windows of heaven means the firmament, the sky, the atmosphere around us. The first heaven is described as from where God would provide food or rain. Consider the following:
Genesis 7:11-12 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. 12 And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights. (KJV)
Genesis 8:2 The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained; (KJV)
Deut. 11:17 And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you. (KJV)
Deut. 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (KJV)
Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (KJV)
Psalm 78:24 And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. (KJV)
John 6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. (KJV)
John 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. (KJV)
The Second Heaven . . . is the Outer Space, the starry heavens (Deut.17:3; Jer. 8:2; Mat.24:29). The second heaven is the starry heavens, where our atmosphere ends. It is the heavens where the sun, moon and stars are fixed in a continual and flawless orbit. The stars seem endless and the distance between them is to us staggering!
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (KJV) . . . In ancient times people stood in awe of the starry expanse, whereas today we have a better understanding of just how immense it really is.
The second heaven is where the sun, moon, stars and constellations are fixed.
Genesis 1:17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, (KJV)
Isaiah 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: (KJV)
Jeremiah 8:2 And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth. (KJV)
Psalm 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, (KJV)
Psalm 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. (KJV)
The Third Heaven . . . is where God and the holy angels and spirits of just men dwell. It is called the Heaven of heavens:
Deut.10:14 Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. (KJV)
1 Kings 8:27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? (KJV)
2 Chron. 2:6 But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him? (KJV)
2 Chron. 6:18 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! (KJV)
Nehemiah 9:6 Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. (KJV)
Psalm 148:4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. (KJV)
The third heaven is above and beyond the space and stars. It is where NO man has seen by telescope, nor will he ever see it! The third Heaven is where our awesome Triune God lives and from where He rules! http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_books_our_awesome_triune_god.html
It is specifically named the third heaven by Paul in:
2 Cor. 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. (KJV)
Paul mentions being caught up to paradise in:
2 Cor. 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. (KJV) . . . Paradise describes a different feature of the third heaven.
The word paradise occurs just three times in the New Testament:
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (KJV)
Rev. 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (KJV)
It occurs often in the Old Testament, as the translation of the word garden;
Genesis 2:8-10 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. 10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads. (KJV)
Genesis 2:15-16 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: (KJV)
Genesis 2:23-24 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (KJV)
Genesis 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. (KJV)
Numbers 24:6 As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. (KJV)
Isaiah 51:3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. (KJV)
Ezekiel 28:13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. (KJV)
Ezekiel 31:8-9 The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chesnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty. 9 I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him. (KJV)
Joel 2:3 A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. (KJV)
Ecc. 2:5 I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits: (KJV)
Jesus ascended to the place (third Heaven), where He was before He became Man (Jn.1:1:14). .
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (KJV)
Hebrews 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; (KJV)
The word heavens is also used for visions or a spiritual event. Stephen said:
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (KJV)
Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: (KJV)
Mark 1:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: (KJV)
John 1:31-34 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. (KJV)
The term heaven is used in a symbol in:
Isaiah 14:13-14 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (KJV)
Consider the term doors of heaven:
Psalm 78:23 Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven, (KJV) . . . doors opened!
Ezekiel 1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. (KJV) . . . Doors opened!
1 Kings 8:35 When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them: (KJV) . . . Doors shut!
The third Heaven is the kingdom of heaven: Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. (KJV)
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (KJV)
The eternal kingdom: 2 Peter 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (KJV)
The eternal inheritance: 1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, (KJV)
Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (KJV)
The better country: Hebrews 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. (KJV)
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (KJV)
Heaven is the dwelling place of the righteous who possess eternal life: 2 Cor. 5:1-2 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven. (KJV)
Phil. 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (KJV)
An eternal weight of glory: 2 Cor. 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (KJV)
Where they are delivered from all sufferings for ever, a deliverance from all evils:
2 Cor. 5:1-2 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: (KJV)
Rev. 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (KJV)
Christ Jesus calls it His Father's house: John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (KJV)
He also calls it paradise; Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.(KJV)
Rev. 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (KJV)
It is the location of the heavenly Jerusalem, before it comes to Earth: Gal. 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. (KJV)
Heb.12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (KJV)
Rev. 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. (KJV)
Heaven is the majestic inheritance of all TRUE believers where there is fullness of joy and everlasting blessedness. The place of our inheritance is the third Heaven, where Jesus went ahead to prepare a place for us, that we may be with Him, where He is now! John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (KJV)
The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain the Almighty God: (1 Ki.8:27; 2 Chron.2:6; 6:18).
There IS indeed a Heaven, where Almighty God lives, and where all His TRUE children shall one day live! BUT, there IS indeed, a Hell, which has been prepared for the devil and his angels (Mat.25:41). Because of this, and because I have a deep concern for lost souls who are headed there, I must add the following.
Now, consider this: Psalm 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. (KJV) . . . This magnificent, enthroned One in Heaven laughs; the LORD scoffs at them. If heaven and earth are the warriors, it is very easy to foretell which will be the victor. Those that make this mighty struggle are the people of the Earth, and the kings of the Earth, who contest with is the One that sits in the Heavens. He is in Heaven, a place of such a vast prospect that He can oversee them all and all their meager projects. Dear one, the Almighty LORD has tremendous power and He can overcome any and all who come against Him! He sits there, as One calm and at rest, totally out of the reach of all their weak threats and attempts and He sits in the heavens laughs! There He sits as Eternal Judge in all the affairs of the children of men.
God gave the Ten Commandments to protect mankind. They, and everything else in the Holy Word of God is thrown out the door today, as we experience lawlessness in this country because of the fact that crime is not being punished as it should. It is sad indeed as we look at this world. In the moral realm there is corruption; in the spiritual realm there is compromise and indifference. And in the social realm, all people want is comfort and pleasure.
SO . . . how does God feel about all this? He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. . . . What kind of laughter is this? Do you think that the LORD is being funny? IF we look at it from God’s viewpoint . . . these vile sinners are running to and fro shaking their tiny fists in God’s Face, daring Him to judge them . . . and dear one, THAT is exactly what He shall do!
God looks down on these scrawny little creatures and laughs, because it is utterly ridiculous. He looks down and laughs. Pint-size men standing in opposition to the Almighty God do NOT have a chance! Immoral sinners may play their brief role here on Earth, walking on that broad road to Hell. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV)
How ridiculous and preposterous it is for anyone to oppose God!
Have You E’er Thought About Hell?
Have you ever, really thought about Hell?
This place, where one day, millions shall dwell?
We should be burden’d, by this horrid place,
Where no one will e’er see, God’s gracious Face!
Have you e’er really thought, about Hell’s fires?
Eternal fires, that will never expire?
Have you e’er thought, these fires have been prepar’d?
For the devil, and all who his evils share?
Have you ever wondered, where can hell be?
This prepared place, for all eternity?
The center of the Earth, is what some think,
Where e’er it is, there’s no water to drink!
Have you e’er thought, about the darkness of Hell?
Deep, scary blackness, where evil ones dwell?
Have you e;er thought, that black too was prepar’d?
And will by all who God condemns, be shar’d?
Have you e’er thought, to Hell I don’t want to go?
This everlasting place, far, far below?
Move off that broad road, to the narrow path,
This will remove you, from God’s holy wrath!
That narrow path of light, will to Heav’n lead!
If to God’s Word, you will only pay heed!
To Heav’n or Hell, just two places to go,
Heav’n’s bliss, or Hell’s eternal sorrow!
****************************
CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE!
His servant, Connie Kramer Sept.17, 2016 #1393
ETERNAL FIRES of HELL: (Deut.32:22; Isa.33:14; Mat.3:12; 5:22; 13:42; 25:41,50; Mk.9:43,45,47; Lk.16:19-31; Jam.3:6; Rev.14:10-11; 20:10-11,14; 21:8).
OUTER DARKNESS: (Mat 8:12; 22:13; 25:30; 2 Thes.1:9 [no God, no light]; 2 Pet.2:4,17; Jude 1:6,13). GOD’S LOVE: (Mat,18:14; 21:37; Mk.12:6; Jn.3:16; 14:21; 16:27; 17:23; Rom.5:5,8; 8:32,38-39; 2 Cor.13:14; Eph.2:4-5; 2 Thes.2:16; Tit.3:4; Heb.12:6; 1 Jn.3:1; 4:9,16,19) GRACE OF GOD: (Rom.1:7; 3:21-26; 5:2,15; 6:14; 15:8-12; 16:20; 1 Cor.1:4; 3:10; 15:10; 2 Cor.1:12,20; 6:1; 8:1; 9:14; 13:14; Gal.2:21; Eph.2:8-9; 3:2,7; Col.1:6; 1 Thes.1:1; 2 Thes.1:12; Tit.2:11;) HEAVEN: (Jn.14:1-6; 1 Pet.1:3-5; Rev.21) PATH of LIGHT: (Ps.119:105; Mat.4:16; 5:14,16; Jn.1:5; 8:12; 12:35; Eph.6:14; Jam.1:17; 1 Pet.2:9; Jn.1:7; Rev.21:23)
My personal thoughts about Hell
We made a trip to Yellowstone a while back. Beautiful country up there! We never did get to see Old Faithful, because the roads were all tore up, being repaired, and neither of us are capable of walking.
There were hot springs everywhere. I want to comment on one thing that we saw . . . that being the boiling water in several places. I took pictures. It actually was scary to say the least! I was amazed. It certainly made us think! That hot water had to come from heat beneath the Earth, a volcano! I searched to find out more on volcanoes. There are volcanoes in every part of the Earth!
Now, considering this fact . . . consider just how many hot springs there are in the world, and then consider how many volcanoes there are all over the world.
What I am trying to get across to you is just how many hot springs and volcanoes there are all over the world. Where are they? Beneath the ground, in the center of the Earth. So . . . what does it look like down there? I would want to say that God tells us in every Passage in the Bible that speaks of Hell and the lake of fire! It is only common sense to think that Hell is in the center of the Earth. And thinking how large the Earth is, it is only common sense to think that Hell will indeed be large enough to house all the wicked of the world. (Isa.5:14; 14:9; 30:33; Pro.27:20; Eze.32:21; Hab.2:5; Mat.7:13; Rev.20:13-15).
SERIOUSLY CONSIDER WHAT THE BIBLE STATES ABOUT HELL!
EVERLASTING FIRE. Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [KJV]Jesus' Words.
EVERLASTING BURNINGS. Isaiah 33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? [KJV]
A FURNACE OF FIRE. Matthew 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.[KJV]Jesus' Words.
OUTER DARKNESS. Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.[KJV] Jesus' Words.
Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.[KJV] Jesus' Words.
SO . . . how do we reconcile these two things? In reality fire and darkness are opposites! In my mind, they can be reconciled! When we consider just how large this Earth is, and when we consider the center of the Earth, it too is massive. It seems to me that there are many, many caves down there just as there are here on the Earth, and they would indeed be dark, just like the caves here. Anyone who has ever been in a cave, knows just how dark they can be. There is not a bit of light, it is pitch dark, black as can be! On the other hand, there are fires everywhere else down there from the volcanoes. When I think of Hell, this is what comes to my mind.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV)
Book of Isaiah . . Isaiah's Mini-Bible
Isaiah Ch.1 . . Isaiah Ch.2 . . Isaiah Ch.3 . . Isaiah Ch.4 . . Isaiah Ch.5 . . Isaiah Ch.6 . . Isaiah Ch.7 . . Isaiah Ch.8 . . Isaiah Ch.9 . . Isa.Ch.10 . . Isa.Ch.11 . . Isa.Ch12 . . Home Page
JUDGMENT ON THE NATIONS . . . . . Isaiah Ch.13 . . Isaiah Ch.14 . . Isaiah Ch.15 . . Isaiah Ch.16 . . Isaiah Ch.17 . . Isaiah Ch.18 . . Isaiah Ch.19 . . Isaiah Ch.20 . . Isaiah Ch.21 . . Isaiah Ch.22 . . Isaiah Ch.23 . . Home Page
ISAIAH’S APOCALYPSE . . . . . Isaiah Ch.24 . . Isaiah Ch.25 . . Isaiah Ch.26 . . Isaiah Ch.27 . . Home Page
ISAIAH'S SIX WOES . . . Isaiah Ch.28 . . Isaiah Ch.29 . . Isaiah Ch.30 . . Isaiah Ch.31 . . Isaiah Ch.32 . . Isaiah Ch.33 . . Isaiah Ch.34 . . Isaiah Ch.35 . . Home Page
Isaiah's Historic Part . . Isaiah Ch.36 . . Isaiah Ch.37 . . Isaiah Ch.38 . . Isaiah Ch.39 . . Home Page
Isaiah Speaks of Messiah's Incarnation. . Isaiah Ch.40 . . Isaiah Ch.41 . . Isaiah Ch.42 . . Isaiah Ch.43 . . Isaiah Ch.44 . . Isaiah Ch.45 . . Isaiah Ch.46 . . Isaiah Ch.47 . . Isaiah Ch.48 . . Home Page
Isaiah's Introduction to the Suffering Servant
Isaiah's Suffering Servant Prophecy. . . Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Isaiah's Redemption Through the Suffering Servant . . . Isaiah Ch.49 . . Isaiah Ch.50 . . Isaiah Ch.51 . . Isaiah Ch.52 . . Isaiah Ch.53 . . Isaiah Ch.54 . . Isaiah Ch.55 . . Isaiah Ch.56 . . Isaiah Ch.57 . . Home Page
Isaiah's Vision of the Dispersion . . . Isaiah Ch.58 . . Isaiah Ch59 . . Isaiah Ch.60 . . Isaiah Ch.61 . . Isaiah Ch.62 . . Isaiah Ch.63 . . Isaiah Ch.64 . . Isaiah Ch.65 . . Isaiah Ch.66 . . Home Page
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