God has authority over all earthly powers, even those who do not consciously recognize Him. It is Cyrus that God calls to redeem Israel. After an indictment of the pagan gods Yahweh summons Cyrus from the east by name. All the nations are urged to recognize the one true God, Yahweh. Yahweh will transform Israel from a worm to a heavy sledge studded with knives. Chapter 42 delivers the first of four “Servant of the Lord” oracles. Many identifications have been proposed-historical Israel, ideal Israel, an Old Testament historical character before or during the lifetime of the prophet, or the prophet himself. It seems to me that we are all servants of the Lord who uses us whether we are conscious or unconscious of Her Will. Salvation is always at hand for all, despite our unbelief. This time Yahweh uses even the enemy to deliver Israel despite its resistance and disobedience. It takes a visionary to keep any nation focused on the big picture. Isaiah was surely a great one.
God has authority over all earthly powers, even those who do not consciously recognize Him. It is Cyrus that God calls to redeem Israel. After an indictment of the pagan gods Yahweh summons Cyrus from the east by name. All the nations are urged to recognize the one true God, Yahweh. Yahweh will transform Israel from a worm to a heavy sledge studded with knives. Chapter 42 delivers the first of four “Servant of the Lord” oracles. Many identifications have been proposed-historical Israel, ideal Israel, an Old Testament historical character before or during the lifetime of the prophet, or the prophet himself. It seems to me that we are all servants of the Lord who uses us whether we are conscious or unconscious of Her Will. Salvation is always at hand for all, despite our unbelief. This time Yahweh uses even the enemy to deliver Israel despite its resistance and disobedience. It takes a visionary to keep any nation focused on the big picture. Isaiah was surely a great one.
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