 |
Hey Reading Community,
Last week, we thoroughly explored the judgment that was brought against Israel, Judah, Assyria, and Babylon. In fact, if you wrap up all these rebellious empires into one, you have the lofty city that became an archetype for Isaiah (23-27). This archetype, Isaiah said, would be brought low and judged in this era and the next, making way for a new Jerusalem that would become a place where all people could experience God.
After Isaiah warned Hezekiah of the coming exile to Babylon in ch.39, we cross a threshold as we begin reading ch. 40. All of the sudden we’re transported 150 years into the future and the exile we read about in 2 Kings 24-25 is now passed. The opening poem of Isaiah 40 presumes that the exile is over, and the prophet announces that God has not forgotten his people or his covenant promises.
The prophet goes on to address the shattered faith of his people in chs. 41-47, and then moves on to develop the portrait of a suffering-servant king who will take up rightful rule over his people, but paradoxically through his death. Read more about this concept in this week's blog. The same persecution that would be waged against this suffering king would also be waged against those who chose to follow him, but God has a plan of how to protect those who repent and turn to him, and for those who cling to evil and wickedness.
Onwards!
Jon, Tim, & The Bible Project Crew
P.S. Want to dive deeper? Start with our blog on Biblical Theology. This week, we take a look at Isaiah and the Suffering Servant King |
|
|
|
|
 |
Chapter 8
the prophets before the exile |
|
|
|
 |
Week 18
Summary |
|
This week, we are exploring most of the second half of Isaiah, chs. 44-66. We drop into the middle of a trial God is holding to demonstrate that the Israelite’s were not transformed by the exile, and that their hearts remain hard as ever (see ch. 48).
The next section of Isaiah (chs. 49-55), is crucially important for understanding Jesus and how the apostles talked about him as the suffering messianic King. In Isaiah 49-55, we see a king who is a faithful representative of Israel and will become a blessing to all the nations by establishing God’s kingdom over all the earth. However, this servant would accomplish all this by dying as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of his people.
After his death and exaltation, God forces his people to make a choice: those who are humble can repent and receive God’s kingdom from the suffering servant, or they can harden their hearts and refuse to participate. Isaiah 56-66 paints a portrait of what the new creation of God’s kingdom is like, and challenge God’s people to hope and pray for that day. |
| Hungry to Read Ahead? |
| Strap in! Next week we will be reading through Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah! |
| Want a Different Pace? |
| Visit the Read Scripture Website and download the app to read at your own pace and keep track on all your devices. Or, download the good ol' paper copy! |
|
|
|
|
| Thank you! |
| Whether you gave us a one-time gift, are a monthly supporter, a full-time prayer warrior, a Bible Project advocate, or just an eager participant in the Read Scripture community, we are so grateful for you because this project wouldn't be possible without you. |
|
|
|
|
