Day 407 Bible Only Podcast

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This is part of a larger oracle, but the chapter itself is arranged like a lyrical symphony. The “A” movement in the first seven verses is a condemnation of those who, while being of lineage the LORD’s people, have chosen to ignore Him. The charges that the LORD brings against them are a smorgasbord of defilement. Consider how their ways have granted them a brashness that tells God to “Keep to yourself, for I am too holy for you.”

The 2^nd movement is God’s response: “I will bring forth offspring from Jacob, and from Judah possessors of mountains…” These future offspring, these “people who have sought Me,” will inherit the land from north to south and from east to west. The rest of this movement answers the inevitable question: but what about the current generation? “But you who forsake the LORD…” probably tells you what you need to know. The tension reaches a crescendo with three successive “Behold..but” statements: A and B dance in tension, as Behold, they will inherit but you shall be destroyed.

This would all feel typical except for what happens next. The 3^rd movement, which it’s important to notice builds out of the prior tension, pushes beyond all former boundaries. “For behold,” verse 17 begins, “I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.” That this was a terrifying prospect to the hearer is reflected immediately: “But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create…” As you read, consider what Isaiah’s eyes and his hearers’ imaginations could see: are these words of comfort or terror? What is it like to hear hope and judgment so near to one another?

That’s why I want to read Isaiah 65 again!