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

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE TWO BOOKS OF GODA. In one sense the title of this Special Topic could describe1. nature (i.e., creation, cf. Ps.19:1-6)2. Scripture (cf. Ps. 19:7-14)This is why I do not think that ultimately there should be a conflict between science and faith,all truth is God’s truth. Please see my commentary on Genesis 1-11 online free atwww.freebiblecommentary.orgB. There are two books mentioned in the Bible (cf. Dan. 7:10; Rev. 20:12)1. The book that contains all the deeds of humans, both good and bad. In a sense it is ametaphor of God’s memory and that one day all humans will give an account to theirCreator of their stewardship of the gift of life.a. Psalm 56:8; 139:16b. Isaiah 65:6c. Malachi 3:16d. Rev. 20:12-132. The book that lists those who have a faith/repentant/obedient relationship withYHWH/Jesus. This is a metaphor of God’s memory of those who are redeemed andheaven-bound.a. Exodus 32:32-33b. Psalm 69:28c. Isaiah 4:3d. Daniel 12:1e. Philippians 4:3f. Hebrew 12:23g. Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27h. also mentioned in I Enoch 47:3; 81:1-2; 103:2; 108:3These books represent God’s faithfulness to His Word. For those who rebel and refuse,He remembers; for those who repent, believe, obey, serve, and persevere, He forgets (cf.Ps. 103:11-13; Isa. 1:18; 38:17; 43:25; 44:22; Micah 7:19). There is abundant assuranceand confidence in God’s unchanging, merciful, character, promises, and provisions. Godis trustworthy!4:4 This verse has two metaphors for spiritual cleansing.1. washinga. wash away, BDB 934, KB 122, Qal PERFECTb. purged (lit. “rinsed away”), BDB 188, KB 216, Hiphil IMPERFECT (had sacrificialconnotation, cf. II Chr. 4:6; Ezek. 40:38)2. firea. by a spirit of judgment, cf. 28:6b. by a spirit of burning, cf. 1:31; 9:19 (see Special Topic: Fire at 1:31).It is quite possible that “spirit” (ruah) should be understood as a violent, destructive wind of YHWH’sjudgment. Judah will be judged and cleansed of her willful rebellion.67