The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

. “grieved” (e.g., Gen. 6:6,7)c. “changed mind” (e.g., Exod. 13:17; 32:12,14; Num. 23:19)d. “compassion” (e.g., Deut. 32:36)Notice that all of these involve deep emotion! Here is the key: deep feelings that lead to action.This change of action is often directed at other persons, but also toward God. It is this change ofattitude and action toward God that infuses this term with such theological significance. But here caremust be exercised. God is said to “repent” (cf. Gen. 6:6,7; Exod. 32:14; Jdgs. 2:18; I Sam. 15:11,35; Ps.106:45), but this does not result from sorrow over sin or error, but a literary way of showing God’scompassion and care (cf. Num. 23:19; I Sam. 15:29; Ps. 110:4; Jer. 4:27-28; Ezek.24:14). Duepunishment for sin and rebellion is forgiven if the sinner truly turns away from his/her/their sin andturns to God.This term has a wide semantical field. Context is crucial in determining its intended meaning.The second term, swb, means “to turn” (turn from, turn back, turn to). If it is true that the twocovenant requirements are “repentance” and “faith” (e.g., Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Mark 1:4,15; 2:17; Luke3:3,8; 5:32; 13:3,5; 15:7; 17:3), then nhm refers to the intense feelings of recognizing one’s sin andturning from it, while swb would refer to the turning from sin to the turning to God (one example ofthese two spiritual actions is Amos 4:6-11, “you have not returned to Me” [five times] and Amos5:4,6,14, “seek Me. . .seek the LORD. . .seek good and not evil”).The first great example of the power of repentance is David’s sin with Bathsheba (cf. II Samuel 12;Psalm 32, 51). There were continuing consequences for David, his family, and Israel, but David wasrestored to fellowship with God! Even wicked Manasseh can repent and be forgiven (cf. II Chr. 33:12-13).Both of these terms are used in parallel in Ps. 90:13. There must be a recognition of sin and apurposeful, personal turning from it, as well as a desire to seek God and His righteousness (cf. Isa. 1:16-20). Repentance has a cognitive aspect, a personal aspect, and a moral aspect. All three are required,both to start a new relationship with God and to maintain the new relationship. The deep emotion ofregret turns into an abiding devotion to God and for God!6:11 “how long” This refers to the length of time God’s message will be rejected.6:12 “has removed men far away” This refers to an exile, but whether Assyria taking the northerntribes or Babylon taking the southern tribes is uncertain (possibly purposeful ambiguity).6:13 “Yet there will be a tenth portion in it” See Special Topic: The Remnant, Three Senses at 1:9.Also note (1) Isaiah’s son, Shear-jashub, 7:3, means “a remnant shall return” also (2) note the discussionat 10:20-22.} “it will be subject to burning” Verse 13, lines b and c, could be understood in two ways.1. literary context – God’s people in the metaphor of a great tree has been cut and burned, butthere is life in the stump. A shoot will come forth (i.e., the Messiah or Messianic community,cf. 4:2; 11:1; 53:2; Jer. 23:5; 33:15; Zech. 3:8; 6:12). But future problems remain (i.e.,burning).2. historically, culturally – the Canaanite fertility idols (i.e., Asherah) will be completely burned.God’s people will be freed from idolatry one day!96