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

} “although You were angry with me” This reflects YHWH’s reaction to His covenant love beingviolated repeatedly (cf. 40:1-2; 54:8; and many others). God’s wrath is difficult for many Bible readersto understand. For me a comparison of Deut. 5:9 with 5:10 and 7:9 helps. God’s anger is bestunderstood as parental discipline (cf. Heb. 12:5-13).} “Your anger is turned away” This VERB (BDB 996, KB 1427, Qal JUSSIVE) is often translated“repent,” when used of humans. In a sense YHWH repents (i.e., changed His mind and actions) towardHis covenant people (i.e., Hos. 11:8-9). In the OT it is often specifically connected to their repentance.However, in the NT (and new covenant, Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-38) it is motivated by His grace andmercy, apart from fallen humanity’s ability to perform/conform/reform!} “And You comfort me” This VERB (BDB 636, KB 688, Piel IMPERFECT) means “comfort,” or“console” (cf. 22:4; 40:1; 51:3,12,19; 61:2; 66:13). After judgment comes comfort; after disciplinefellowship is restored! There is hope for rebels and sinners in the unchanging merciful character ofYHWH (cf. Mal. 3:6).12:2 “God is my salvation” There is no VERB in this line of poetry, which intensifies the phrase.For the term “salvation” (BDB 447) see Special Topic at 33:2.} “I will trust” This VERB (BDB 105, KB 120, Qal IMPERFECT) denotes that which is firm (i.e.,reliable) or “to fall prostrate before.” This VERB expresses a confident reliance on God (cf. 26:3,4; Ps.78:22).} “and not be afraid” This VERB (BDB 808, KB 922, Qal IMPERFECT) is the opposite of trust (cf. Deut.28:66; Isa. 44:8,11). Because they trust YHWH, there is no reason to fear His wrath, but rely on Hiscovenant love and promises (cf. I John 4:17-18)!} “the LORD GOD” This is two related titles for Deity.1. %*, BDB 219 contraction of YHWH (cf. Exod. 17:16; Ps. 118:14; Isa. 26:4; 38:11)2. *&%*, BDB 217 (YHWH)For a full discussion of the theories connected to the covenant name of God from the VERB “to be,” seeSpecial Topic at 1:1.} “my strength and song” Like 12:2a, there is no VERB with these two NOUNS, which are pointed bythe Masoretic scholars.1. strength, BDB 738, describes the “Servant” in 49:5 and Israel’s praise in Ps. 81:12. song, BDB 274 I; these same two NOUNS are found in Moses’ song of victory in Exod. 15:2,also in Ps. 118:14The meaning of the second NOUN, %9/' is uncertain (BDB 275 II).1. song, NASB, NKJV, NJB, Peshitta (BDB 274 I, KB 274 I)2. might, NRSV, TEV, JPSOA (KB 274 II)3. LXX has “my glory and my praise”4. REB has “my refuge and defense”5. the same form (;9/') as here appears in Gen. 43:11, where it is translated “the best productsof the land”)} It is surprising that line 1 seems to affirm something that line 4 sees as progressive. Hebrew poetry isambiguous. See opening articles on Hebrew Poetry.149