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

2. the second (0/!, BDB 53) means “trusting,” or “faithfulness.” It is a MASCULINE NOUN (cf.26:2; Deut. 32:20).Together they (the amen family of words) imply the complete and total faithfulness of God to His plans,promises, and purposes (i.e., Gen. 3:15; 12:3; Exod. 19:5-6; Isa. 2:2-4; 19:23-25, see Special Topic at1:3).25:2 “a city into a heap” Here again is a city which symbolizes the rebellion of man (cf. 24:10). Itstands for every capital of every human society which has tried to make its own way and meet its ownneeds without God. See note at 24:10 and chart at chapter 26, Introduction D.The term “heap” (BDB 164) is used of the pile of rubble after a city is destroyed (cf. 37:26; II Kgs.19:25; Jer. 9:11; 51:37). Fortified cities were their strongest defense, but now they are piles of stones!} “A palace of strangers” JPSOA emendates this to “the citadel of arrogant men” (footnote), which isfollowed by JB, The Bible: An American Translation, by Smith and Goodspeed, and A Translation ofthe Old Testament Scriptures From the Original Hebrew by Spurrell. The LXX has “a city of ungodly(or impious) men.”This involves a change from1. MT, .*9', BDB 266 I, KB 267, Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE, “stranger”2. .*$', BDB 267, “insolent,” “prideful”This is the confusion of the Hebrew “R” and “D,” which look so similar.25:3 “a strong people will glorify Thee” This possibly refers to differing groups of Gentiles.1. 18:2,7 (Cush)2. 19:19-25 (Egypt and Assyria)3. 24:14-15 (nations of the east and west [coastlands])The term “strong people” (BDB 766 & 738) is parallel to “ruthless nations” (BDB 156 & 792, vv. 4d,eand 5). The demonstration of YHWH’s power (i.e., “wonderful things,” BDB 810, v. 1) convinces themthat He is the LORD of the universe.} “Cities of ruthless nations will revere You” Here again is a play on the word “city,” but theallusion seems to be that even these rebellious cities (i.e., 24:10; 25:2,3,12; 26:1-6) are going to one daypraise and serve God. The surprising but recurrent universalism of Isaiah (i.e., 2:2-4; 19:23-25; 24:14-16a; 43:21) appears again (praise God!).25:4 This is an obvious allusion to God caring for the socially and religiously ostracized (i.e., 4:5-6;32:2). God loves the poor (cf. 29:19). Notice how YHWH acts toward the poor, helpless, and sociallyostracized.1. a defense for the helpless2. a defense for the needy in distress3. a refuge from the storm, cf. 4:6; 32:24. a shade from the heatThis is so different from “the ruthless” (BDB 792, cf. 29:5,20). This is how society was meant to be(i.e., Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5).Also notice that these needy and poor people must seek/trust in YHWH and His promised help.God works with fallen humans in a covenant relationship. He always takes the initiative and sets theconditions, but humans must respond (cf. Ps. 50:15; 91:15; 107:6,13) to His offer in repentance, faith,obedience, and perseverance. Both the OT and NT have benefits and responsibilities! See Special Topicat 1:3.248