Isaiah
The book of Isaiah is a collection of prophecies and messages from God to the people of Israel, warning them of impending judgment and destruction due to their sins and idolatry. The book describes the Lord's condemnation of Israel's leaders and people for their corruption, injustice, and rebellion against Him. Despite this, the Lord promises to redeem and restore His people, and to bring about a new era of peace and justice through a future leader, the Messiah. The book also contains messages of comfort and hope for the faithful, and warnings to those who have rejected God's ways. Throughout the book, the Lord emphasizes His power, sovereignty, and love for His people, and calls them to return to Him and follow His commands. Ultimately, the book of Isaiah looks forward to a future time of redemption and restoration, when God will establish a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will live in peace and harmony with Him.
Chapter 1
The Lord condemns Israel for its sins, comparing them unfavorably to animals that know their masters, and describes the nation as burdened by iniquity and abandoned by God. The land is desolate, cities are burned, and foreigners devour the countryside, with only a remnant left. The Lord rejects Israel's sacrifices and rituals, calling them vain and iniquitous, and instead demands that they learn to do good, seek justice, and defend the oppressed. If they refuse, the sword will devour them, but if they repent, their sins will be forgiven and they will be redeemed.
Chapter 2
In the last days, the Lord's house will be exalted above all mountains and nations will flow to it to learn from God. The Lord will judge the nations, and they will turn their instruments of war into tools for peace. However, the house of Jacob has been cast aside due to their idolatry and reliance on foreign powers. The Lord will prevail over the proud and arrogant, and idols will be crushed as people seek refuge from God's majesty.
Chapter 3
The Lord will take away the strong leaders from Jerusalem and Judah, replacing them with inexperienced and weak leaders. The people will turn against each other, and social order will break down. Jerusalem and Judah have fallen because of their rebellion against the Lord, and they will be punished for their sins. The Lord will judge the elders and leaders for their oppression of the poor and their corruption. The daughters of Zion will be punished for their pride and vanity, losing their beautiful clothes and jewelry, and instead wearing mourning clothes.
Chapter 4
In a future time, women will seek marriage to escape shame, but the Lord's people will be esteemed and joyful. Those who remain in Jerusalem will be considered holy and will have their names written in the book of life. The Lord will purify the people of Zion and Jerusalem, washing away their sins through judgment and devotion. He will also provide protection and shelter for them, creating a cloud by day and fire by night, and a tabernacle for shade and security.
Chapter 5
The Lord describes a vineyard that he carefully tended, but it produced only wild vines instead of the expected grapes, symbolizing the unfaithfulness of the house of Israel. The Lord laments the injustices and corruption of the people, who prioritize wealth and drunkenness over justice and righteousness. As a result, the Lord will bring judgment and desolation upon the land, and the people will be led away as captives due to their ignorance and lack of knowledge. The Lord will be exalted in judgment, and the wicked will be punished for their iniquities.
Chapter 6
The prophet Isaiah has a vision of the Lord sitting on a throne in the temple, surrounded by Seraphims who cry out "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts." Isaiah feels unworthy due to his unclean lips, but a Seraphim touches his mouth with a burning coal, cleansing his sin. The Lord commissions Isaiah to speak to the people, warning them that they will not understand or comprehend the message, and that they will be blinded and hardened until the cities are desolate and the land is deserted.
Chapter 7
The kings of Syria and Israel formed an alliance to attack Judah, causing King Ahaz to fear. God sent Isaiah to reassure Ahaz that the plan would not succeed, as the leaders of Syria and Israel would soon be overthrown. The Lord offered Ahaz a sign, but he refused, so the Lord gave a sign anyway: a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son named Immanuel. The Lord also warned that Judah would face severe punishment and desolation at the hands of the Assyrians.
Chapter 8
The Lord instructs Isaiah to write a message on a large book, warning of swift plunder and spoils, and to name his newborn son 'Rush to take away the spoils; Hurry to be plundered' as a sign that before the boy can speak, the strength of Damascus and Samaria will be taken away by the Assyrians. The Lord also warns that the people of Judah have rejected the gentle waters of Shiloah and will be overwhelmed by the powerful waters of the Assyrian king. The Lord instructs Isaiah to sanctify him and not to fear the people's conspiracy, but to trust in him, and to bind the testimony and seal the law among his disciples.
Chapter 9
The land of Zebulun and Naphtali, which had previously been oppressed, would see a great light and rejoice at the coming of a child who would bring peace and justice. This child, born to lead, would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Prince of Peace, and would reign on the throne of David forever. However, the people of Israel would not return to the Lord despite his warnings, and would be punished for their hypocrisy and wickedness, with the Lord's fury not being turned away. The people would ultimately turn against each other, with brother fighting against brother.
Chapter 10
God condemns those who create unjust laws to oppress the poor and vulnerable, and warns of an impending day of judgment and calamity. Assyria, the rod of God's fury, will be used to punish the wicked, but Assyria's own pride and arrogance will ultimately lead to its downfall. Despite Assyria's power, God will act against its king's haughty heart and bring it low. The remnant of Israel will be converted to the mighty God, and though Assyria will strike Israel, God's indignation will be consumed, and Assyria's yoke will be taken away from Israel's neck.
Chapter 11
A rod from the root of Jesse will bring forth a leader who will be filled with the Spirit of the Lord, possessing wisdom, understanding, and justice. This leader will judge the poor with fairness and reprove the meek with equity, striking down the wicked with the spirit of his lips. In his time, the natural world will be transformed, with predators and prey living in harmony, and the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord. The Lord will also gather the remnant of his people from various nations, and they will live in peace, with their enemies defeated and their rivalries ended.
Chapter 12
The speaker expresses gratitude to God for turning away His anger and providing consolation. They acknowledge God as their savior and strength, and express confidence in His salvation. The people are called to confess and invoke the Lord's name, making His plans known among the nations, and to rejoice and give praise for His magnificent works. The habitation of Zion is told to exult because the Great and Holy One of Israel is in their midst.
Chapter 13
The Lord commands his strong ones to prepare for war against Babylon, and a multitude of nations will gather to bring ruin to the earth. The day of the Lord's wrath is near, and it will be a time of devastation, pain, and darkness, with the earth laid waste and sinners crushed. The Lord will act against the evils of the world, and the pride of the unfaithful will cease, with the strong brought low and the people scattered. Babylon will be destroyed, left uninhabited and desolate, a haunt for wild beasts and serpents.
Chapter 14
The Lord will take pity on Jacob and cause them to rest on their own soil, while the oppressors will be subjugated. The king of Babylon will be overthrown, and the earth will rejoice at his downfall. The passage also describes the fall of Lucifer, who sought to exalt himself above God but was cast down to Hell. The Lord will also judge the king of Babylon, rejecting him from his grave and destroying his offspring, and will appoint his land as a possession for the hedgehog.
Chapter 15
Moab has been destroyed, and its cities, including Ar and Dibon, are in mourning. The people of Moab are wailing and weeping, with signs of grief such as shaved heads and beards. The destruction is so severe that even the natural world is affected, with withered plants and desolate waters. The survivors of Moab will be pursued and punished further, with even more bloodshed to come.
Chapter 16
The Lord will send a ruler to the mountain of the daughter of Zion, and Moab will be in distress, with its people fleeing and seeking refuge. A throne of mercy will be established in the tabernacle of David, judging and repaying what is just. Moab's pride and arrogance will be its downfall, and the land will be devastated, with its vineyards and harvests destroyed. In three years, Moab's glory will be taken away, leaving behind only a small and weak remnant.
Chapter 17
Damascus will be destroyed and left in ruins, with its cities abandoned and its people scattered. The glory of Israel will be reduced, and the people will be left like a few remaining grains of wheat or olives on a tree. In the aftermath, the people will turn away from their idols and false gods and acknowledge the Holy One of Israel. The chapter concludes with a warning to the multitude of peoples who have devastated and plundered others, stating that they will be quickly taken away like dust before the wind.
Chapter 18
The Lord warns a nation beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, a land spoiled by its rivers, of impending judgment. The people will be abandoned to the birds and wild beasts, and their land will be laid waste. Before the harvest, the land was flourishing, but it will be cut down and pruned. In the end, a gift will be carried to the Lord of hosts from this divided and downtrodden people, to Mount Zion.
Chapter 19
The Lord will bring judgment upon Egypt, causing its people to fight against each other and its leaders to give foolish counsel. Egypt's economy and infrastructure will collapse, with its rivers drying up and its industries failing. The Lord will deliver Egypt into the hands of cruel masters, but ultimately, Egypt will turn to the Lord and worship Him. In the future, Egypt, Assyria, and Israel will be united in a blessing from the Lord, with Israel being the Lord's inheritance.
Chapter 20
The Lord instructed Isaiah to walk naked and barefoot as a sign of the impending captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia by the Assyrians. This sign was meant to symbolize the shame and humiliation that Egypt and Ethiopia would face at the hands of the Assyrians. The people of these nations would be forced to flee naked and barefoot, and their hopes for help from one another would be dashed. The inhabitants of a nearby island would also be affected, realizing too late that they had placed their trust in Egypt and Ethiopia for protection from the Assyrians.
Chapter 21
A vision of judgment is announced, with Elam and Media laying siege to Babylon, causing the prophet to experience anguish and pain. A watchman is stationed to observe the approaching enemy, and he reports the fall of Babylon, with its idols crushed to the earth. The prophet also receives a message about the burden of Dumah, with the watchman responding that morning is approaching, and the people are urged to seek and convert. Additionally, the prophet speaks of the burden in Arabia, where the people are fleeing from war and will soon be defeated, with the glory of Kedar being taken away.
Chapter 22
The prophet laments the destruction of Jerusalem, describing the city's leaders as having fled and its people as being in a state of chaos and despair. Despite the impending doom, the people of Jerusalem are more concerned with their own pleasures and ignore the Lord's warning. The Lord then condemns Shebna, the steward of the temple, for his arrogance and announces that he will be replaced by Eliakim, who will be given authority and responsibility for the house of David. However, even Eliakim's power will eventually be broken, as the Lord has spoken.
Chapter 23
The Lord has planned to destroy Tyre, a powerful and arrogant city, to bring down its glory and humiliate its people. The city will be devastated, its merchants and traders will be ruined, and its people will be forced to flee. After 70 years, Tyre will be restored and will once again engage in commerce with the world, but this time its profits will be dedicated to the Lord.
Chapter 24
The Lord will lay waste to the earth, devastating and plundering it, and its inhabitants will be scattered due to their transgressions against God's laws and covenant. The earth will mourn and languish, and a curse will devour it, causing its caretakers to become crazed and few men to be left behind. The once joyful and prosperous earth will be reduced to solitude and calamity, with only a few remaining faithful ones who will lift up their voices in praise to the Lord. Ultimately, the Lord will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and will be glorified in the sight of his elders, while the unfaithful will be punished and the moon and sun will be ashamed.
Chapter 25
The Lord is praised for accomplishing miracles and being a refuge for the poor and oppressed. A strong city will be ruined and foreigners will be brought low, while the Lord will provide a feast for all peoples on the mountain. The Lord will also cast down death and take away the tears and disgrace of his people, and they will rejoice in his salvation. The hand of the Lord will rest on the mountain, and Moab will be trampled under him.
Chapter 26
A song will be sung in Judah, praising the city of strength, Zion, where the just will enter and serve in peace. The Lord will bring low the lofty city and humble the proud, while the path of the just will be upright. The people will endure in the Lord's judgments and learn justice, but the impious will not learn. The Lord will give peace and destroy his enemies, and the people will remember his name alone.
Chapter 27
The Lord will punish Leviathan, a symbol of evil, and protect his vineyard, Israel. He will judge and punish those who oppose him, and Israel will flourish despite their enemies. The iniquity of the house of Jacob will be forgiven when the Lord removes their sinful ways. The Lord will gather his people, the sons of Israel, from their exile and they will worship him in Jerusalem.
Chapter 28
The Lord will punish the arrogant and drunken leaders of Ephraim, trampling them underfoot and replacing them with a cornerstone of judgment and justice. Those who have made a deal with death and formed a pact with Hell will be overthrown, and their protection will be inundated by waters. The Lord will accomplish his work, teaching his people judgment and justice, and will separate the righteous from the wicked, just as a farmer separates grain from chaff.
Chapter 29
The city of Ariel, also known as Jerusalem, will be besieged and brought low by God, with its people speaking from the ground in a lowly voice. The multitude of nations that have struggled against Ariel will be like a fleeting dream, and those who have prevailed against it will fade away. The Lord will mix a spirit of deep sleep for the people, closing their eyes and covering their prophets and leaders. The people's fear of God is superficial, and they have drawn near to Him only with their mouths, so He will accomplish a wonder that will conceal the understanding of their prudent ones.
Chapter 30
The Lord condemns the people for seeking help from Egypt instead of from Him, and warns that Egypt's assistance will be of no use. The people are rebuked for rejecting God's law and seeking false prophecies, and are told that their iniquity will lead to sudden destruction. However, if they return to God and are quiet, they will be saved. The Lord waits to take pity on them, and will ultimately restore and bless them, giving them guidance and provision.
Chapter 31
Those who trust in Egypt's military power and horses for assistance will be disappointed, as Egypt is not God and its strength is limited. The Lord will permit harm to come to those who have not sought Him, and both the helpers and those being helped will fall together. The Lord will protect Jerusalem like a bird protecting its nest, and in that day, the Israelites will cast away their idols and turn back to God. Assyria will fall by a sword not of man, and its strength will pass away in terror.
Chapter 32
A king will reign in justice and princes will rule with judgment, bringing peace and security to the people. The foolish will no longer be leaders, and the deceitful will be exposed for their wicked plans. The wealthy and confident will be disturbed and mourn the loss of their luxuries, as the land becomes desolate and overrun with thorns and briers. However, with the pouring out of the Spirit, the desert will become fruitful, and justice and peace will reign, bringing rest and security to the people.
Chapter 33
The wicked will be punished and plundered, while the righteous will be saved and exalted. The Lord will be magnified and will fill Zion with judgment and justice, and the people will have faith in his salvation. The earth will mourn and languish due to the wickedness of its inhabitants, but the Lord will rise up and be exalted. Those who walk in justice and speak the truth will live on high and be protected, while the sinners will be consumed by fire. The Lord will look with favor upon Zion and Jerusalem, and will save his people from their iniquity.
Chapter 34
The Lord's indignation and fury are upon all nations, and He has put them to death, giving them over to slaughter. The earth will languish and the heavens will be affected as a result of the bloodshed. The Lord's sword will descend upon Idumea and the people of His slaughter, bringing judgment and a great slaughter to the land of Edom. The land will be desolate, uninhabitable, and remain so forever, becoming a place for wild animals and a symbol of God's vengeance and retribution.
Chapter 35
The desolate land will rejoice and flourish, receiving the glory of the Lord and the beauty of God. The weak and fainthearted are encouraged to take courage, as God will bring vindication and salvation. The blind, deaf, disabled, and mute will be healed, and the dry land will have water and greenery. A holy path will be established, free from harm, where the redeemed of the Lord will walk and return to Zion with everlasting joy.
Chapter 36
Sennacherib, the king of the Assyrians, sent Rabshakeh to Jerusalem to persuade Hezekiah to surrender, claiming that trusting in Egypt or the Lord would be futile. Rabshakeh mocked Hezekiah's faith and offered the people a chance to surrender and be taken to a land similar to their own, warning them not to trust in Hezekiah's claims that the Lord would deliver them. The people remained silent, as Hezekiah had commanded them not to respond, and the officials reported Rabshakeh's words to Hezekiah, tearing their garments in distress.
Chapter 37
King Hezekiah sent Eliakim and Shebna to Isaiah after hearing the Assyrian king's blasphemy, asking Isaiah to pray for the remnant left behind. Isaiah replied that God would send a spirit to the Assyrian king, causing him to return to his land and fall by the sword. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, sent a letter to Hezekiah, boasting of his conquests and warning Hezekiah not to trust in God. Hezekiah prayed to God, asking for salvation and that all kingdoms acknowledge God's power. Isaiah responded that God would protect Jerusalem and that Sennacherib would not enter the city. An angel of the Lord then struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, and Sennacherib departed, only to be killed by his sons in the temple of Nisroch.
Chapter 38
Hezekiah became ill and was near death, and Isaiah told him that he would not recover. Hezekiah prayed to God, reminding Him of his faithfulness and weeping bitterly. God heard Hezekiah's prayer and sent Isaiah to tell him that He would add 15 years to his life and rescue him and Jerusalem from the Assyrians. As a sign, God caused the sun to move backward 10 lines on the sundial of Ahaz.
Chapter 39
Merodach Baladan, the king of Babylon, sent letters and gifts to Hezekiah after hearing of his recovery from illness. Hezekiah showed the Babylonian envoys all his treasures and riches, which caught the attention of Isaiah the prophet. Isaiah prophesied that all of Hezekiah's treasures and descendants would be taken away to Babylon, with some of his sons becoming eunuchs in the Babylonian palace. Hezekiah accepted the prophecy, but expressed a desire for peace and truth during his lifetime.
Chapter 40
The Lord comforts His people, telling them their sins have been forgiven and that He will reveal His glory. A voice cries out to prepare the way for the Lord, and all flesh will see His glory. The prophet emphasizes the transience of human life, comparing it to grass that withers and falls, but the Word of the Lord endures forever. The Lord is a powerful God who created the universe and governs it with His strength, and those who hope in Him will renew their strength and find comfort.
Chapter 41
The Lord declares His power and authority, calling the nations to gather and acknowledge His strength. He has raised up a just ruler from the east who will conquer and rule over kings. The Lord reminds Israel that He is their God and has chosen them, promising to strengthen and assist them against their enemies. He will bring water to the parched land and plant trees in the desert, demonstrating His power and wisdom. The Lord challenges the idols and false gods to predict the future or accomplish good or evil, but they are unable to do so.
Chapter 42
The Lord describes his servant, who will bring justice to the nations and establish truth, and will not be swayed by external influences. The Lord has called this servant in righteousness and will preserve him as a covenant to the people and a light to the Gentiles. The Lord will give the servant the power to open the eyes of the blind and free the prisoners. The Lord will also destroy his enemies and desolate the earth, but will lead the blind along a new path and turn darkness into light. The people, however, have been unfaithful and have been plundered and devastated as a result of their sins.
Chapter 43
The Lord tells Israel not to be afraid, as He has redeemed them and will be with them through trials. He reminds them of His power and love, and that He has chosen them for His glory. The Lord declares that He is the only God and Savior, and that He has no equal. He reminds Israel of His past deliverance and promises to do new things, bringing life-giving water to the desert for His people. However, He also rebukes Israel for not calling upon Him or offering sacrifices, and for burdening Him with their sins, yet He offers to forgive their iniquities and invites them to come to judgment together.
Chapter 44
The Lord reminds Jacob and Israel that He is their Helper and Creator, and they should not be afraid. He will pour out His Spirit and blessings upon them, and they will flourish. The Lord declares that He is the only God, and there is no one like Him, challenging anyone to compare themselves to Him. He mocks the makers of idols, saying they are useless and will be confounded, and contrasts this with His own power to create and redeem. The Lord reminds Israel that He has forgiven their sins and redeemed them, and He calls on the heavens and the earth to praise Him. He also declares that He will fulfill His plans, including the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple, and He appoints Cyrus as His shepherd to accomplish His will.
Chapter 45
The Lord declares that He has chosen Cyrus, a non-Israelite king, to subjugate nations and free the Israelites from captivity. The Lord asserts His sovereignty, stating that He is the only God and the creator of all things, including light and darkness, peace and disaster. He warns against those who question His authority, and announces that He will raise up Cyrus to bring justice and free His people. The Lord also declares that all nations will eventually turn to Him and be saved, and that every knee will bow to Him.
Chapter 46
The idols of the Babylonians, Bel and Nebo, have been destroyed and their people are being taken captive. In contrast, God reminds the Israelites that He has carried and sustained them from birth to old age and will continue to do so. God challenges the Israelites to compare Him to the idols they have made, which are powerless and unable to save. God declares that He is the only true God, and His plans will be fulfilled, including bringing justice and salvation to His people in Zion.
Chapter 47
The Lord condemns Babylon for its cruelty and arrogance, declaring that its time of glory is over and it will be punished for its wickedness. Babylon's downfall will be sudden and complete, with no one able to save it from the destruction that is coming. The city's reliance on sorcery and enchantments will prove useless against the calamity that will overwhelm it. The Lord will avenge Himself on Babylon, and its merchants and wise men will be unable to save it from destruction.
Chapter 48
The Lord rebukes the house of Jacob for swearing by His name but not in truth or justice, and reminds them that He foretold events before they happened to prevent them from attributing them to their idols. The Lord declares that He has refined and chosen Israel, not for their own sake, but for His own, and that He will not give His glory to another. He calls Israel to listen and obey, promising that if they had paid attention to His commandments, their peace and justice would have been abundant. The Lord commands Israel to depart from Babylon and announces that He has redeemed His servant Jacob.
Chapter 49
The Lord has called and appointed his servant, Israel, from birth to bring back the tribes of Jacob and to be a light for the Gentiles, offering salvation to the furthest regions of the earth. The servant will be glorified in the eyes of the Lord and will be assisted in a pleasing time to lift up the earth and possess the scattered inheritances. Zion will be consoled and rebuilt, and the Lord will take pity on his poor ones, never forgetting them. The Lord will also judge those who have judged his people and will save his children, feeding their enemies their own flesh and making all flesh know that he is the Lord who saves.
Chapter 50
The Lord questions why Israel has been given a bill of divorce and sold into bondage, stating it is due to their iniquities and wickedness. The Lord asserts His power to deliver and redeem, but Israel has not heeded His call. The Lord has given the prophet a learned tongue to speak words of comfort to the weak, and the prophet has not turned back from his mission despite suffering and persecution. The Lord is the prophet's helper, and those who condemn him will be worn away like a garment. The passage concludes with a warning to those who kindle their own fires of rebellion, stating they will sleep in anguish, and an encouragement to those who fear the Lord to hope in His name.
Chapter 51
The Lord reminds the Israelites of their heritage and the blessings of their ancestors, Abraham and Sarah, and promises to console and restore Zion. He calls on the people to listen to His law and judgment, which will be a light to the nations. The Lord also reminds them that His salvation is eternal and will not fail, and that He will ultimately judge the wicked and deliver the righteous. The chapter concludes with the Lord promising to take away the cup of His indignation from His people and to give it to those who have oppressed them.
Chapter 52
Zion is called to rise up and put on garments of glory, as the uncircumcised and unclean will no longer pass through her. The Lord declares that his people were sold for nothing but will be redeemed without money, and that he will put an end to their oppression. The Lord's people will know his name and see his salvation, and the watchmen will praise together when the Lord converts Zion. The Lord will precede his people and gather them, and his servant will be exalted and lifted up, sprinkling many nations and causing kings to be silent in awe.
Chapter 53
The Messiah is described as a humble and unassuming figure, despised and rejected by men, yet he bears the weight of humanity's sins and sorrows. He is wounded and bruised for the sake of others, and by his wounds, people are healed. Despite being innocent, he is offered up as a sacrifice for the sins of others, and he willingly submits to his fate without protest. Ultimately, his sacrifice is rewarded as he is exalted and given a great number of people to justify, having taken away the sins of many.
Chapter 54
The Lord tells those who are barren and childless to rejoice, for they will have more children than those who have husbands. He instructs them to expand their homes and prepare for a large family, for they will inherit the nations and inhabit desolate cities. The Lord promises to redeem and restore them, and to show them everlasting mercy, swearing not to be angry with them or rebuke them. He also promises to establish their children in peace and justice, and to protect them from harm, for they are the servants of the Lord.
Chapter 55
God invites all who are thirsty to come and receive spiritual nourishment without cost, urging them to listen to Him and receive eternal life through an everlasting covenant. He promises that His word will accomplish its intended purpose and bring prosperity, and that those who follow Him will go forth in joy and peace, with creation itself rejoicing at their presence. Those who have strayed from God are called to return to Him, and He promises to take pity on them and forgive their iniquities. God's ways and thoughts are far above human understanding, but He will bring about His will through His word.
Chapter 56
The Lord commands to preserve judgment and accomplish justice, and those who keep the Sabbath and hold to His covenant will be blessed. The Lord also promises to give a place in His house and an everlasting name to the eunuchs and foreigners who worship Him and keep His covenant. In contrast, the watchmen and shepherds of Israel are blind, ignorant, and corrupt, seeking only their own gain and pleasure.
Chapter 57
The righteous are taken away, and no one understands, while the wicked are consoled by idols and engage in immoral acts. God condemns their actions and warns them of His anger, yet they continue to sin and forget Him. Those who have faith in God will inherit the earth and possess His holy mountain, while the wicked will not find peace. God desires to heal and restore those who have strayed, but the impious will not know peace.
Chapter 58
The people of Israel claim to seek God and follow His ways, but they are actually consumed by their own desires and sinful actions. Their fasting and worship are hypocritical, as they continue to oppress and mistreat others. God calls them to true fasting, which involves releasing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and caring for the needy. If they turn from their wicked ways and follow God's commands, He will bring them light, healing, and restoration, and they will be called the repairers of the broken and the restorers of the desolate places.
Chapter 59
The people's sins have separated them from God, causing Him to turn away and not hear their prayers. They are consumed by evil, speaking lies and shedding innocent blood, and their thoughts are filled with devastation and destruction. Despite their cries for justice and salvation, God's judgment is far from them, and they are left to stumble in darkness. However, God sees their wickedness and decides to take matters into His own hands, clothing Himself with justice and salvation to bring vindication to His people and repayment to His enemies.
Chapter 60
The Lord will bring light and glory to Jerusalem, and the nations will come to its light. The city will be restored and its people will return, bringing with them wealth and offerings. The nations will serve Jerusalem, and those who do not will perish. The city will be a place of peace and justice, and the Lord will be its everlasting light. The people will be righteous and will inherit the earth, and the Lord will accomplish this suddenly.
Chapter 61
The Lord has anointed a servant to bring good news to the meek, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. This servant will console mourners, rebuild deserted places, and restore the desolate cities. The people will be called priests of the Lord, and they will be blessed with double portion in their land, everlasting joy, and a perpetual covenant. The Lord will bring forth justice and praise in the sight of all nations.
Chapter 62
The Lord will not rest until Zion's Savior is revealed in splendor, and the Gentiles will see her glory. The people will be given a new name, and the land will be called Inhabited, as the Lord delights in them. The city will be protected by watchmen who will not be silent until Jerusalem is established as a praise on earth. The Lord will ensure that the people will enjoy the fruits of their labor, and a way will be prepared for the people as the Lord's Savior approaches, bringing redemption.
Chapter 63
The Lord, dressed in red garments, has come to bring salvation and justice, having trampled his enemies in his fury and wrath. He recalls the compassion and mercies he has shown to the house of Israel, and how he has been their Savior throughout their tribulations. However, the people have provoked his wrath and afflicted his Holy Spirit, leading him to become their enemy. The Lord is now asked to return and reclaim his people, who have strayed from his ways and been possessed by their enemies.
Chapter 64
The speaker longs for God to reveal Himself in power, causing the mountains to melt and the nations to tremble. They acknowledge that God has performed miracles in the past, but now He seems distant and angry due to the people's sin. The people have become unclean and their attempts at justice are worthless, and they cry out to God as their Father and Maker, asking Him not to be angry and to remember that they are His people. The city of Jerusalem lies in ruins, and the people ask if God will continue to restrain Himself and afflict them.
Chapter 65
The Lord says that He has extended His hands to an unbelieving people who provoke Him to anger, and they will face His retribution. However, He will spare a remnant of His servants and lead them to inherit His holy mountain. Those who have forsaken the Lord will be punished, while His servants will be blessed and rejoice. The Lord will create a new heavens and a new earth, and Jerusalem will be a place of exultation and joy, where there will be no more weeping or outcry, and His people will live long and peaceful lives.
Chapter 66
The Lord declares that heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool, and He does not need a house built by humans. He looks with favor on the humble and contrite in spirit, but those who offer sacrifices in their own ways are like those who slaughter a man or offer swine's blood. The Lord will lead them to their feared illusions because they did not respond to His call. He will glorify those who tremble at His word, while their enemies will be confounded. The Lord will give birth to a new nation, and Zion will rejoice with her sons. He will turn a river of peace toward her and console her. The Lord will arrive with fire to render His wrath and divide with fire among all flesh. He will gather all nations and languages to see His glory, and some will be sent to the Gentiles to announce His glory. The Lord will take some to be priests and Levites, and all flesh will approach to adore before His face.
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