Isaías 2

Bruce Hurt · Citado em PreceptAustin

Isaías 2:1-4

Chart from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission Another Isaiah Chart see on right side ISAIAH ("Jehovah is Salvation") See Excellent Timeline for Isaiah - page 39 JEHOVAH'S Judgment & Character (Isaiah 1-39) JEHOVAH'S Comfort & Redemption (Isaiah 40-66) Uzziah Jotham Ahaz 1-12 13-27 28-35 Hezekiah's Salvation & Blessing 36-39 True God 40-48 Suffering Messiah 49-57 Reigning Lord 58-66 Prophecies Regarding Judah & Jerusalem Is 1:1-12:6 Prophecies Against the Nations Warnings & Promises Historical Section Redemption Promised: Israel's Deliverance Redemption Provided: Israel's Deliverer Redemption Realized: Israel's Glorious Future Prophetic Historic Messianic Holiness, Righteousness & Justice of Jehovah Grace, Compassion & Glory of Jehovah God's Government "A throne" Is 6:1 God's Grace "A Lamb" Is 53:7 Time 740-680BC Isaiah 2:1 The word which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. (NASB: Lockman) English Translation of the Greek (Septuagint): The word which came to Esaias the son of Amos concerning Judea, and concerning Jerusalem. Amplified: THE WORD which Isaiah son of Amoz saw [revealed] concerning Judah and Jerusalem. (Amplified Bible - Lockman) KJV: The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. NET: Here is the message about Judah and Jerusalem that was revealed to Isaiah son of Amoz. (NET Bible) NJB: The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, concerning Judah and Jerusalem. (NJB) NLT: This is another vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: (NLT - Tyndale House) Young's Literal: The thing that Isaiah son of Amoz hath seen concerning Judah and Jerusalem: The word which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: Isaiah 1:1; 13:1; Amos 1:1; Micah 1:1; 6:9; Habakkuk 1:1 THE WORD ISAIAH SAW Isaiah 2:1 marks the beginning of a new section which runs through Isaiah 4:6 and is generally an "upbeat" hope filled section with several glorious divine promises to Israel (and by way of application to all those who are in Christ by grace through faith.) The vision of Isaiah 1:1 is now the word, a message describing the glorious eschatological future of Israel (assuming you read and interpret the text literally!) The word which Isaiah...saw (cf Amos 1:1; Micah 1:1-note; Hab 1:1-note) suggests that God gave His prophet a vision which he reduced into words for all saints of all ages to "see" the glorious future God has planned for His little nation of Israel, not because they are so good, but because God is so good and so faithful to keep His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (See Covenant: Abrahamic versus Mosaic). Michael Rydelnik notes that "The prophet announced what he had seen concerning Jerusalem and Judah. The picture of Israel in chap. 2 inspires hope that God will bring about His promised blessing by making the temple mount, or the mountain of the house of the LORD (Isa 2:2, cf. v. 3), the highest of the mountains." (Moody Bible Commentary) J M Riddle - Isaiah 2 marks the beginning of a new section in the prophecy: "The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem" (v. 1). There is an interesting difference between Isaiah 1:1 and Isaiah 2:1. In the first case, it was "The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem". In the second case, it is "The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem". This was a divinely-given guard against misinterpretation of the prophecy. Chapters 2-4 form a unit with two major sections, both of which describe the coming glory of Jerusalem. The unit begins and ends with a description of Jerusalem's coming glory, but the emphases are different. The unit commences by describing her administrative glory (Isaiah 2:1-5), and concludes by describing her ultimate moral glory (Isaiah 4:2-6). The intervening verses describe the way in which her moral glory will be achieved. Jerusalem's coming glory, described in Isaiah 2:1-5, will only be attained after sin has been thoroughly judged. There must be purging before blessing. Prophecy has been defined as "history written in advance". A prophet has been described as a man who "addresses the present in the light of the future". The accuracy of these definitions is supported from the opening section of this chapter. We have a clear description of Jerusalem as God's capital city in the millennial earth (Isaiah 2:1-4), and a strong appeal for appropriate conduct now in view of future events: "O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord" (Isiaah 2:5). .(What the Bible Teaches – Song of Solomon and Isaiah) John Walvoord comments that in this section we see that "Isaiah predicted the future kingdom of the Messiah. He wrote, “In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it” (Is 2:2; Zech. 14:16). Jerusalem was described as the capital of the world in a time of peace rather than war, a time when the Lord will teach His ways (Isa. 2:3, 4, 5). This will be fulfilled in the Millennium. (Walvoord, J. F. The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books) This is virtually identical to Isa 1:1 - "The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, concerning Judah and Jerusalem" but now Isaiah substitutes word for vision. Word… saw - This suggest Isaiah saw a vision of future events that deal with Judah and Jerusalem. Compare Isaiah's statement with the fact that John turned to see the voice that spoke with him Revelation 1:12 (note). In addition the fact that Isaiah saw the word suggests that the revelation contained both visionary and verbal elements. Judah and Jerusalem - This prophecy which actually continues through Isaiah 4 is directed towards the southern kingdom Judah and its capital Jerusalem. Keep in mind the recipients of these prophecies when you interpret these passages or read other commentaries -- these promises are not given to the church but to Judah and Jerusalem. Dr Raymond Ortlund wrote a very popular commentary on Isaiah (Preaching the Word: Isaiah - God Saves Sinners - 4.5 stars see the reviews!) in which he gives an example of the widespread influence of non-literal interpretation and spiritualization of Bible texts, writing on Isaiah 2 that "What follows in the rest of chapter 2 is a poem on the transforming power of hope and humility.....in the latter days the nations will abandon their worldviews and ideologies and gladly give to the church their esteem as the world’s leader in worship." Beloved, is this really what Isaiah's great prophecy in chapter 2 teaches? I think not! I fail to see a single mention of the word "church" in Isaiah 2. Could Isaiah's description of his intended audience be any clearer beloved? This genre of interpretation is very reminiscent of the tragic teaching of replacement theology / supersessionism, a "doctrine" which smacks of subtle Anti-Semitism. To miss Israel in the OT is to miss one of God's keys to interpreting all of Biblical prophecy, for as someone has said "Israel is 'God's Timepiece.'" Keep your eye on Israel in the Bible and God's Plan for the Ages will beautifully unfold from Genesis to Revelation. Replace Israel with the Church and Biblical prophecy becomes hopelessly mired in confusion and is virtually uninterpretable! And what is one result of this confusion? Many churches shy away from preaching prophetic passages (Excuses I have heard -- too much disagreement, is not practical or applicable to real life, "Who knows which interpretation is correct?", etc) which is tragic since 25% of Scripture was recorded originally as prophecy and 80% has been perfectly fulfilled leaving 20% which will be perfectly fulfilled! It follows that sadly many saints in the modern church are virtually completely ignorant concerning the remaining 20%! See more detailed comments on Ortlund's comments on Isaiah's prophecy in Isaiah 34-35 - non-literal interpretation of Isaiah 34. John Martin - "The prophets in Israel had at one time been called ”seers“ because of their divinely given power to ”see“ or foretell what would happen (1Sa 9:9). Here Isaiah was foretelling the future of Jerusalem and Judah. In the prophecies of restoration which are prominent in Isaiah’s book, he was not specific as to the exact time when they would be fulfilled (perhaps he did not know; cf. 1Pe 1:10, 11-note). Here he simply said in the last days . Other Bible passages make it clear that these predictions will be fulfilled in the Millennium, Christ’s 1,000-year reign on the earth. Because of God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Moses, and David, Isaiah knew that Israel will again be in the land and will again have a superior position among the nations. (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., et al: The Bible Knowledge Commentary. 1985. Victor) Isaiah 2:2 Now it will come about that In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD Will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it. (NASB: Lockman) English Translation of the Greek (Septuagint): For in the last days the mountain of the Lord shall be glorious, and the house of God shall be on the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall come to it. Amplified: It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be [firmly] established as the highest of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow to it. (Amplified Bible - Lockman) KJV: And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. NET: In the future the mountain of the LORD's temple will endure as the most important of mountains, and will be the most prominent of hills. All the nations will stream to it, (NET Bible) NJB: It will happen in the final days that the mountain of Yahweh's house will rise higher than the mountains and tower above the heights. Then all the nations will stream to it, (NJB) NLT: In the last days, the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem will become the most important place on earth. People from all over the world will go there to worship. (NLT - Tyndale House) Young's Literal: And it hath come to pass, In the latter end of the days, Established is the mount of Jehovah's house, Above the top of the mounts, And it hath been lifted up above the heights, And flowed unto it have all the nations. Now it will come about that In the last days: Micah 4:1-3-note Last days - Ge 49:1; Nu 24:14; Job 19:25; Je 23:20; 30:24; 48:47; 49:39; Ezek 38:16; Da 2:28; 10:14; Acts 2:17; 2Ti 3:1; He 1:2; 2Pe 3:3 THE LAST DAYS Related Resources: Micah 4 Commentary Topical Study on The Last Days Prophetic Passage - Isaiah 2:1-4 is a prophecy which will be fulfilled at the Second Coming of Christ at the end of the last half of Daniel's Seventieth Week, at the end of the 3.5 year period ( the Great Tribulation) at which time the Messiah establishes His literal, earthly Millennial Kingdom. As an aside, note that all of the Jews who enter Messiah's (Millennial) Kingdom will be regenerate or born again (cp Zec 13:1, 8, 9-note, Ro 11:26, 27-note). Micah a contemporary prophet of Isaiah gives a virtually identical prophecy - And it will come about in the last days That the mountain of the house of the LORD Will be established as the chief of the mountains. It will be raised above the hills, And the peoples will stream to it. 2 And many nations will come and say, "Come and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD And to the house of the God of Jacob, That He may teach us about His ways And that we may walk in His paths." For from Zion will go forth the law, Even the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 3 And He will judge between many peoples And render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they train for war. (Micah 4:1-3-note) Grogan adds that "If we accept supernatural inspiration (Ed: Which I accept!), then we cannot exclude the possibility of independent revelation in the case of each prophet." (Isaiah: Expositor's Bible Commentary 7-Volume Old Testament. Zondervan Publishing) In view of the truth that ALL Scripture is God breathed (2Ti 3:16-note) and that the Holy Spirit moved in men of old to speak God's word (2Pe 1:21-note), this repetition in Isaiah and Micah emphasizes the supreme importance of this great truth concerning Jerusalem's future. It behooves believers to pay close attention to such repetition and not to ignore it (or become involved in wrangling about words or speculation such as who wrote first, whether one prophet copied the other, etc - cp Paul's admonition to his young disciple Timothy - 2Ti 2:14-note, 2Ti 2:23-note). As emphasized so often, one of the important aspects of prophecy is to give believers a future and a hope, and to motivate a godly, holy life (cp 1Ti 4:7, 8-note, 1Ti 4:9, 10, 11-note , 1Pe 1:14-note, 1Pe 1:15, 16-note, 1Pe 1:17-note; 2Co 7:1-note) in this present evil age (Gal 1:4). What you are looking for (forward to) will greatly influence what you are living for (1Jn 3:2-note, 1Jn 3:3-note, cp 2Co 5:7-note, 2Co 4:16-note, 2Co 4:17-note, 2Co 4:18-note, Titus 2:12-note, Titus 2:13-note, Gal 5:5) Chuck Smith writes that… In the Kingdom Age Jesus Christ will establish His throne on Mt. Zion. We will also go there to be taught by Him. (Rev.1:6-note, Rev 3:21-note, Rev 19:15-note, Rev 5:9,10-note.) So Isaiah goes from the dark, bleak history and now he jumps forward to a day yet future when Jesus Christ the Messiah comes and establishes the kingdom. And the Jews, as the scripture said, will look upon Him whom they have pierced, and they will recognize Him and they will weep over Him. Weep over their national blindness and their failure to recognize that He was their Messiah. And He will establish His kingdom there on the top of the mountains in Jerusalem. Traditionally, it is felt that the top of Mount Zion will be the place of the throne of Jesus Christ in the Kingdom Age. And this is going ahead now to the Kingdom Age. All nations show flow unto it. (Chuck Smith Commentary - see Isaiah under Sermon Notes) S Lewis Johnson rightly reminds us "One thing that we can say about prophecies is that it provides us not simply satisfaction for our curiosity concerning the future, but it is designed ultimately to give us consolation and edification through the knowledge of the future. (Messianic Prophecies in Isaiah) The last days (See also related discussion of the synonymous phrase "latter days" in the notes on Daniel 2:28 and notes on Daniel 10:14) - The last days is a term which is also found in the NT. In Hebrews 1:2-note and Acts 2:17 latter days seems to begin with the first coming of Christ. And passages such as Isa 2:2 and Micah 4:1 identify events that will occur in the last days, specifically that Christ will come a second time (see Second Coming) to establish His Millennial Kingdom. John

Isaías 2:5-9

Isaiah 2:5 Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the LORD (NASB: Lockman) English Translation of the Greek (Septuagint): And now, O house of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. Amplified: O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord. (Amplified Bible - Lockman) KJV: O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD. NET: O descendants of Jacob, come, let us walk in the LORD's guiding light. (NET Bible) NJB: House of Jacob, come, let us walk in Yahweh's light. (NJB) NLT: Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the LORD. (NLT - Tyndale House) Young's Literal: O house of Jacob, come, And we walk in the light of Jehovah.' ISAIAH ("Jehovah is Salvation") See Excellent Timeline for Isaiah - page 39 JEHOVAH'S Judgment & Character (Isaiah 1-39) JEHOVAH'S Comfort & Redemption (Isaiah 40-66) Uzziah Jotham Ahaz 1-12 13-27 28-35 Hezekiah's Salvation & Blessing 36-39 True God 40-48 Suffering Messiah 49-57 Reigning Lord 58-66 Prophecies Regarding Judah & Jerusalem Is 1:1-12:6 Prophecies Against the Nations Warnings & Promises Historical Section Redemption Promised: Israel's Deliverance Redemption Provided: Israel's Deliverer Redemption Realized: Israel's Glorious Future Prophetic Historic Messianic Holiness, Righteousness & Justice of Jehovah Grace, Compassion & Glory of Jehovah God's Government "A throne" Is 6:1 God's Grace "A Lamb" Is 53:7 Time 740-680BC Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the LORD: come Is 2:3; 50:10,11; 60:1,19; Ps 89:15; Luke 1:79; John 12:35,36; Romans 13:12-14; Ephesians 5:8; 1Thessalonians 5:5,6; 1John 1:7; Revelation 21:23,24 WALKING IN THE LIGHT Come… let us walk - Here Isaiah is speaking to those who have ears to hear in his own day. Come is not just a suggestion but a command which is followed by an exhortation (let us walk). The idea is now that you've heard about the behavior of the foreign nations in the future, let this motivate you to follow their example even now (in Isaiah's day). House of Jacob - 22v in Scripture (9 uses by Isaiah) - Ge 46:27; Ex 19:3; Ps. 114:1; Isa. 2:5, 6; 8:17; 10:20; 14:1; 29:22; 46:3; 48:1; 58:1; Jer. 2:4; 5:20; Ezek. 20:5; Amos 3:13; 9:8; Obad 1:17, 18; Mic. 2:7; 3:9; Lk. 1:33 John Martin makes the excellent point that - When great truths about the future are given in the Scriptures, readers are often reminded of how they should live in the present (e.g., 1Th 4:13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18-note; 1Th 5:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8-note; 2Pe 3:10, 11, 12, 13, 14-note; 1Jn 3:2, 3). In view of the fact that in the Millennium all nations will stream to Jerusalem to learn God’s Word, it would be sensible for Israel, already knowing that Law, to follow it (walking in its ”light“) until the Lord sets up His glorious kingdom. (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., et al: The Bible Knowledge Commentary. 1985. Victor) MacDonald suggests that "The glorious prospect of Christ’s kingdom moves Isaiah to call the people of Judah to repentance immediately. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson) Grogan has an interesting thought writing that "Isaiah viewed the future obedience of the nations to the true God as a challenge to the house of Jacob to walk in his ways. The nations are not yet coming to Jerusalem to be taught by the Lord, but Israel already has his word. How unthinkable then that she should continue to walk in darkness! The Christian is faced by the same kind of challenge in Ephesians 5:8-20 (see notes). (Grogan, G. Isaiah: Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament. Zondervan Publishing) Walk in the light of the LORD - (contrast Is 59:9, 10) Light exposes, reveals or uncovers that which is not seen because of darkness. In the immediate context, Isaiah has just shed a brilliant prophetic light on Israel's future glory. The upshot is that this sure hope of future grace and glory should serve to motivate a walk commensurate with that truth. Specifically what manner of walk is he calling for? Although it is not stated, comparison with numerous other texts leaves no doubt that God through His prophet Isaiah is exhorting his Jewish readers to a worthy walk, a walk of holiness (cp the effect of "hope" in 1Jn 3:2, 3). As stated many times on this website, what you are looking for will (or should) affect what you are living for. A true knowledge of the future should always impact our behavior in the present. Otherwise we have become hypocrites -- "smarter sinners", "modern day Pharisees" who will be held accountable for our greater revelation. NET Note - In this context, which speaks of the Lord's instruction and commands, the "light of the Lord" refers to his moral standards by which he seeks to guide his people. One could paraphrase, "let's obey the Lord's commands." Smith writes that the response of his Jewish hearers… will determine whether Isaiah's audience will enjoy the kingdom God prepared for those who follow Him, or miss out on this great privilege. That same choice is required of all people since the time of Isaiah. People in every generation must choose to come to God, learn of His ways, and enjoy His kingdom, or they can proudly focus on their own accomplishments, close their ears and eyes to what God says, and suffer a humiliation similar to what Isaiah prophesies (Is 2:6-22). (New American Commentary - New American Commentary – Volume 15a: Isaiah 1-39.) The psalmist says we are to walk not just in any light but in the light of a Person… Psalm 89:15 How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Thy countenance (of Your face). Augustus Montague Toplady comments that… Surely, next to the love of God's heart, believers value the smiles of his face; from which, as from the agency of the sun, arise the budding of conscious joy, the leaves of unsullied profession, the variegated blossom of holy tempers, and the beneficent fruits of moral righteousness. They are totally mistaken who suppose that the light of God's countenance, and the privileges of the gospel, and the comforts of the Spirit, conduce to make us indolent and inactive in the way of duty. The text cuts up this surmise by the roots. For, it does not say, they shall sit down in the light of thy countenance; or, they shall lie down in the light of thy countenance; but "they shall WALK in the light of thy countenance." What is walking? It is a progressive motion from one point of space to another. And what is that holy walking which God's Spirit enables all his people to observe? It is a continued, progressive motion from sin to holiness; from all that is evil, to every good word and work. And the self same "light of God's countenance" in which you, O believer, are enabled to walk, and which at first gave you spiritual feet wherewith to walk, will keep you in a walking and in a working state, to the end of your warfare. In Ephesians Paul writes to the predominantly Gentile believers… you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk (present imperative = command to make this your practice to walk in a manner which pleases the Lord) as children of light (Ep 5:8-note) In Romans Paul admonishes the believers at Rome that… The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on (aorist imperative = Command to do this immediately and effectively! Speaks of urgency. Soldiers put their gear on before battle lest they become seriously injured!) the Lord Jesus Christ, and make (present imperative + negative = stop making plans to sin!) no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (Ro 13:12-note, Ro 13:13, 14-note) Isaiah later speaks of walking rightly declaring that… He who walks righteously (then he enumerates what a righteous walk looks like), and speaks with sincerity, He who rejects unjust gain, And shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe; He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed, And shuts his eyes from looking upon evil; He will dwell on the heights; His refuge will be the impregnable rock; His bread will be given him; His water will be sure. Your eyes will see the King in His beauty (Christ Jesus, the King of kings); They will behold a far-distant land. (Is 33:15, 16, 17) And a highway will be there, a roadway, and it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for him who walks that way, and fools will not wander on it. No lion will be there, nor will any vicious beast go up on it. These will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the LORD will return, and come with joyful shouting to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Is 35:8, 9, 10) Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. (Is 40:31) "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. (Is 43:2) Later in Isaiah God explains how not to walk declaring… "I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in the way which is not good, (Why is it not good?) following their own thoughts (Is 65:2) Isaiah 2:6 For You have abandoned Your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled with influences from the east, and they are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they strike bargains with the children of foreigners. (NASB: Lockman) English Translation of the Greek (Septuagint): For he has forsaken his people the house of Israel, because their land is filled as at the beginning with divinations, as the land of the Philistines, and many strange children were born to them. Amplified: Surely [Lord] You have rejected and forsaken your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled [with customs] from the east and with soothsayers [who foretell] like the Philistines; also they strike hands and make pledges and agreements with the children of aliens. [Deut. 18:9-12.] (Amplified Bible - Lockman) KJV: Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers. NET: Indeed, O LORD, you have abandoned your people, the descendants of Jacob. For diviners from the east are everywhere; they consult omen readers like the Philistines do. Plenty of foreigners are around. (NET Bible) NJB: You have rejected your people, the House of Jacob, for it has long been full of sorcerers like the Philistines, and is overrun with foreigners. (NJB) NLT: For Thou hast abandoned Thy people, the house of Jacob, Because they are filled with influences from the east, And they are soothsayers like the Philistines, And they strike bargains with the children of foreigners. (NLT - Tyndale House) Young's Literal: For Thou hast left Thy people, the house of Jacob. For they have been filled from the east, And are sorcerers like the Philistines, And with the children of strangers strike hands. For You have abandoned Your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled with influences from the east: Deuteronomy 31:16,17; 2Chronicles 15:2; 24:20; Lamentations 5:20; Romans 11:1,2,20) (East - Numbers 23:7 REASONS FOR JEHOVAH'S ABANDONMENT OF THE HOUSE OF JACOB NET Indeed, O LORD (words added by NET), you have abandoned your people, the descendants of Jacob. For diviners from the east are everywhere; they consult omen readers like the Philistines do. Plenty of foreigners are around. Isaiah 2:1-5 opens with a prophecy of Messiah's future reign, but in Isaiah 2:6-9, the prophecy changes abruptly to one of divine condemnation. Isaiah 2:10–18 then gives a graphic description of God's judgment and men's desperate but futile attempt to escape. For = term of explanation. In analyzing this term of explanation, often the explanation is deduced from the observing the preceding passages, but in this case the explanation follows - "because they are filled… " In Isaiah 2:6-9 we see Judah and Jerusalem "full" but empty and in Is 2:10-19 we see the proud high but made low! God is never mocked. Isaiah moves from glory back to gloom beginning in Isa 2:6 and continuing through Isa 4:1, these passages including Isaiah's exposition of the terrifying Day of the LORD (Day of Yahweh). You - Isaiah is now addressing God directly. You have abandoned Your people - He is speaking of Judah and Jerusalem whose pride precluded reception of God's presence and blessing. Abandoned (05203) (natash/natas) means to abandon, to forsake, to leave alone. About 50% of the 40 uses convey the idea to forsake, reject leave alone. The idea is to cause a relationship or association to cease until there is the possibility of renewal. Things abandoned or forsaken - Of land that should be "forsaken" in the seventh year (Ex. 23:11), of Israel who abandoned God (Dt. 32:15), of Saul's father who forgot about the donkeys (1 Sa 10:2), of David who left his flock (1 Sa 17:20), of the psalmist who pleaded with God not abandon him (Ps. 27:9), of God abandoning His dwelling place at Shiloh (Ps 78:60), of abandoning a quarrel (Pr 17:14), of a mother's teaching which should not be forsaken (Pr 6:20). Natash means to not permit when Laban was not allowed to kiss his grandchildren good-bye (Ge 31:28). Ps 94:14 is good news for us who are prone to wander "For the LORD will not abandon His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance." The Lxx translates natash in this passage with the verb aniemi which basically describes a relaxation of tension (grip, or loosening chains) and figuratively with a person or people group means to abandon or desert (something He won't do to believers - Heb 13:6). Gilbrant on natash - The primary meaning of nātash in the Qal stem is "to abandon." The Niphal stem has this meaning, as well as the meaning "to be scattered." In some contexts, the meaning of abandon is tempered and simply means "to leave." At other times, the word is intensified and means "to cast away." There are two unique uses of the word. In Gen. 31:28, this verb means "to allow." Laban complained that Jacob had left without allowing him the opportunity to kiss his sons and daughters farewell. In Isa. 21:15, the word appears as a Qal passive participle and refers to a "drawn" sword. A more common meaning is abandoning. For example, after Israel became prosperous they abandoned the Lord, as Moses prophesied (Deut. 32:15). After the Lord brought Israel from Egypt, He abandoned them into the hand of the Midianites in accord with the Israelites' breaking of the Covenant (Judg. 6:13). Saul's father abandoned the matter of the lost donkeys and became concerned about his missing son (1 Sam. 10:2). Similarly, Isaiah prophesied that the palace of Jerusalem would be abandoned (Isa. 32:14), and Proverbs advises abandoning quarrels before they break out (Prov. 17:14). With the milder meaning of "to leave," we find that the Lord left or deposited the quail upon the camp of Israel (Num. 11:31), David left the sheep with the keeper (1 Sam. 17:20) and the Lord left the bloodguilt upon Ephraim (Hos. 12:14). A specialized usage of this verb appears in Exo. 23:11, where the Lord commanded his people to let the land "lie fallow" in the seventh year. They did not abandon the land; they simply left it uncultivated for the Sabbath year. In Ezek. 32:4, nātash appears in parallel with shākhan, "to hurl." In this context, a more forceful idea of casting away is intended rather than abandonment. The same idea occurs in Jer. 23:39, where the prophet writes that the Lord would cast the Israelites from his presence. Another use concerns spreading out—an idea which often occurs in military contexts. For example, the Philistines spread themselves out in Lehi to fight against Judah (Jdg. 15:9). Similarly, the Amalekites were spread out in the valley to celebrate their victory after their battle in Judah (1 Sam. 30:16). Isaiah likened Moab to a vine whose tendrils had spread themselves out and had passed over the sea (Isa. 16:8), which implies economic prosperity that reaches into other lands. In Isa. 33:23, this verb, in the Niphal stem, means "to hang loose"; in this context, the tackle of a ship is loose and cannot hold the mast firm. (Complete Biblical Library Hebrew-English Dictionary) Natash - 40x in 39v in the NAS - abandon(7), abandoned(5), allow(1), cast away(1), ceased(1), drawn(1), fall(1), forego(1), forsake(3), forsaken(2), forsook(1), hangs slack(1), leave(2), left(5), lie fallow(1), neglected(1), spread(6). Gen. 31:28; Exod. 23:11; Num. 11:31; Deut. 32:15; Jdg. 6:13; 15:9; 1 Sam. 4:2; 10:2; 12:22; 17:20, 22, 28; 30:16; 2 Sam. 5:18, 22; 1 Ki. 8:57; 2 Ki. 21:14; Neh. 10:31; Ps. 27:9; 78:60; 94:14; Prov. 1:8; 6:20; 17:14; Isa. 2:6; 16:8; 21:15; 32:14; 33:23; Jer. 7:29; 12:7; 15:6; 23:33, 39; Ezek. 29:5; 31:12; 32:4; Hos. 12:14; Amos 5:2. The TWOT notes that "Often natas is used of God forsaking or casting off his people (Jdg 6:13; 1Sa 12:22; 1Ki 8:57; 2Ki 21:14; Ps 94:14; Isa 2:6; Jer 7:29; 12:7; 23:33, 39). On the other hand, God (Dt 32:15; Je 15:6), David (Ps 27:9) or Egypt (Ezek 29:5) may be the object of natas. The term is also used of forsaking the tabernacle at Shiloh (Ps 78:60) and of rejecting the teaching of one’s mother (Pr 1:8, 6:20). (Harris, R L, Archer, G L & Waltke, B K Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. Moody Press) For example, in the book of Judges (see the "theme" Jdg 21:25-note) Israel repeatedly forgot and forsook the living God to chase after the deceptive dross and dregs of vain idols. And so we read… Then Gideon said to Him (the Angel of the LORD), "O my lord (Appropriately a "little l, rather than a capital "L", for it appears Gideon had not yet had his eyes opened to understand with Whom he was speaking! May our eyes be opened by the Spirit to hear the Lord's voice in His Word!), if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned (natash) us and given us into the hand of Midian." Why Will God Judge His People? They are Satiated With Sinful Influences! Because (term of explanation) - Always be alert to this and similar connective conjunctions such as "since", "for" (not always explanatory - check the context) and ask "Why?" (see interrogate with the 5W'S & H). These conjunctions explain the reason for what precedes, in this case the reason for God's abandonment. The Holy One of Israel is not capricious, but gives clear reasons for abandoning His people. In fact this entire next section from Isa 2:6 through Isa 4:1 deals with God's "reason" for forsaking His chosen people. They - Notice that in Is 2:5 Isaiah includes himself in the exhortation to a worthy walk, but in this section of "indictments" against Judah and Jerusalem he does not include himself but instead uses pronouns they… their… them. In this next section extending from Isa 2:6 through Isa 4:1 (Isa 4:1 is a "poor chapter break" and would have been more appropriate in chapter 3) after outlining Israel's future hope in the Messianic age to come and calling for a walk concordant with that sure hope, Isaiah returns to review God's righteous indignation against Judah because of her greed, idolatry and haughty spirit. Filled with influences from the east - (see filled with idols below in Is 2:8) What a contrast with the previous section where "many peoples (Gentiles) will come" to Jerusalem to learn of God. Here many Jews were pursuing spirituality and had become filled with the ways of the world's religions, especially the Eastern religions! Young - The picture is that of a vessel that is filled, and hence has no room to hold anything further. The nation is filled with what comes from the east, which is always represented as the source from whence these superstitions have filled the nation. To state the case in a slightly different fashion, we may say that the nation is filled with the east. By means of caravans crossing the desert east and northeast of Palestine there had actually been an influx of soothsayers and an introduction to eastern ways of life. The east is probably the Syrian desert and the lands beyond. (The Book of Isaiah: Volume 1) Filled (04390)(male) means to fill or to be full, to complete, to fulfill, to finish, to satisfy. Male is used of something full in both the spatial and temporal sense. The first use in Ge 1:22 is God's command to His creatures to "fill (Lxx = pleroo) the waters" and then to Adam and Eve to "fill (Lxx = pleroo) the earth" (Ge 1:28; same command to Noah in Ge 9:1), these uses conveying the sense of to procreate. In a figurative sense male describes that "the earth was filled (Lxx = pimplemi = satiated, completely filled) with violence (Ge 6:11, 13, cp Ps 74:20)" or a man's hand "full (Lxx = pimplemi) of bribes" (Ps 26:10), God's right hand "full of righteousness." (Ps 48:10). In Isaiah 2:6 the Lxx translates male with the verb empiplemi which means to have one's fill of something (in the sense of enjoying it!) in this context referring to "influences from the east." They were filled with and enjoyed ungodly influences which incited the wrath of God against His chosen people. Sin always "comes home to roost" so to speak (cp Gal 6:7-8). Warren

Isaías 2:10-12

Isaías 2:13-17

ISAIAH ("Jehovah is Salvation") See Excellent Timeline for Isaiah - page 39 JEHOVAH'S Judgment & Character (Isaiah 1-39) JEHOVAH'S Comfort & Redemption (Isaiah 40-66) Uzziah Jotham Ahaz 1-12 13-27 28-35 Hezekiah's Salvation & Blessing 36-39 True God 40-48 Suffering Messiah 49-57 Reigning Lord 58-66 Prophecies Regarding Judah & Jerusalem Is 1:1-12:6 Prophecies Against the Nations Warnings & Promises Historical Section Redemption Promised: Israel's Deliverance Redemption Provided: Israel's Deliverer Redemption Realized: Israel's Glorious Future Prophetic Historic Messianic Holiness, Righteousness & Justice of Jehovah Grace, Compassion & Glory of Jehovah God's Government "A throne" Is 6:1 God's Grace "A Lamb" Is 53:7 Time 740-680BC Isaiah 2:13 And it will be against all the cedars of Lebanon that are lofty and lifted up, Against all the oaks of Bashan, (NASB: Lockman) English Translation of the Greek (Septuagint): and upon every cedar of Libanus, of them that are high and towering, and upon every oak of Basan, Amplified: [The wrath of God will begin by coming down] against all the cedars of Lebanon [west of the Jordan] that are high and lifted up, and against all the oaks of Bashan [east of the Jordan], (Amplified Bible Lockman) KJV: And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, NET: for all the cedars of Lebanon, that are so high and mighty, for all the oaks of Bashan; (NET Bible) NJB: for all the cedars of Lebanon, high and proud, and for all the oaks of Bashan; (NJB) NLT: And it will be against all the cedars of Lebanon that are lofty and lifted up, Against all the oaks of Bashan, (NLT - Tyndale House) Young's Literal: And for all cedars of Lebanon, The high and the exalted ones, And for all oaks of Bashan, And it will be against all the cedars of Lebanon that are lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan: Is 10:33,34; 14:8; 37:24; Ezekiel 31:3-12; Amos 2:5; Zechariah 11:1,2 DIVINE JUDGMENT AFFECTS CREATION It - Refers to the Day of the LORD (and the divine judgment it brings) (Is 2:12-note) It will be against all the cedars...the oaks - As discussed below there is no reason to not interpret this literally. So even as God's judgment would be against the glory of men, it would also fall upon the glory of creation. And so in the Revelation John describes a literal fulfillment of this prophecy writing "And the first (trumpet) sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up. (Rev 8:7-note) ISBE emphasizes the glory of the great cedars of Lebanon - "Cedar trees are everywhere mentioned with admiration in the Old Testament. Solomon made the cedar the first of trees (1Ki 4:33). They are the “glory of Lebanon” (Is 35:2; 60:13). The most boastful threat of Sennacherib was that he would cut down the tall cedars of Lebanon (Is 37:24)." (Orr, J., M.A., D.D. The International standard Bible encyclopedia: 1915 edition) Cedars of Lebanon (See Lebanon) - Some take the natural and manmade allusions in Is 2:13, 14, 15, 16 as metaphors for personages (such as kings or military leaders), but there is no reason these should be interpreted literally. We know that the earth was subjected to God's curse because of sin and the Day of the LORD is simply a culmination of God's wrath against sin and that wrath includes not only men but the creation. Motyer agrees with a literal interpretation but nicely ties it in with the emphasis on human pride in Isa 2:11, 12, 17, writing that "every exalted thing, whether natural (Is 2:13, 14) or made with human hands (Is 2:15, 16), somehow reflects humankind’s arrogant pride and so falls when it falls. There is an ambivalence in the Old Testament view of the created world. As God’s world, it always sides with him (Is 1:2), but as humanity’s world it is implicated in the curse humanity’s sin has brought. The thorns of Genesis 3:18 are at once nature’s hostility to the sinner and nature’s corruption by sin (cf. Ro 8:20, 21, 22, 23). (Motyer, J. A. The Prophecy of Isaiah: Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.) (Bolding added) MacArthur interprets the passage literally writing that "The cedars and oaks were objects of great admiration to people of OT times (Ps 92:12; 104:16; Ezek. 27:6; 31:3). Yet even these impressive created objects would face destruction because of human rebellion. W E Vine gives us an example of a figurative interpretation in spite of the fact that it can be interpreted literally - "the cedars of Lebanon and the oaks of Bashan, illustrative of natural glory and power, are symbolic of military leaders of the nations gathered finally against the Jews." There is nothing in the text which allows one to conclude the trees are military leaders. Keil - The prophet then proceeds to enumerate all the high things upon which that day would fall, arranging them two and two, and binding them in pairs by a double correlative Vav. The day of Jehovah comes, as the first two pairs affirm, upon everything lofty in nature. (Keil, C. F., & Delitzsch, F. Commentary on the Old Testament. 7:80. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson) Keil goes on to elaborate on Isaiah's use of nature with an interesting discussion... In order to understand the prophet, we must bear in mind what the Scriptures invariably assume, from their first chapter to the very close, namely, that the totality of nature is bound up with man in one common history; that man and the totality of nature are inseparably connected together as centre and circumference; that this circumference is affected by the sin which proceeds from man, as well as by the anger or the mercy which proceeds from God to man; that the judgments of God, as the history of the nations proves, involve in fellow-suffering even that part of the creation which is not free; and that this participation in the “corruption” (phthora) and “glory” (doxa) of humanity will come out with peculiar distinctness and force at the close of the world’s history, in a manner corresponding to the commencement; and lastly, that the world in its present condition needs a palingenesia, or regeneration, quite as much as the corporeal nature of man, before it can become an object of good pleasure on the part of God. We cannot be surprised, therefore, that, in accordance with this fundamental view of the Scriptures, when the judgment of God fell upon Israel, it should also be described as going down to the land of Israel, and as overthrowing not only the false glory of the nation itself, but everything glorious in the surrounding nature, which had been made to minister to its national pride and love of show, and to which its sin adhered in many different ways. What the prophet foretold began to be fulfilled even in the Assyrian wars. The cedar woods of Lebanon were unsparingly destroyed; the heights and valleys of the land were trodden down and laid waste; and, in the period of the great empires which commenced with Tiglath-pileser, the Holy Land was reduced to a shadow of its former promised beauty. (Ibid) (Ed comment on Keil's note: And there is a day yet future when it will be laid waste, e.g., see Re 8:7ff -note) Isaiah 2:14 Against all the lofty mountains, against all the hills that are lifted up, (NASB: Lockman) English Translation of the Greek (Septuagint): and upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, Amplified: And [after that] against all the high mountains and all the hills that are lifted up, (Amplified Bible - Lockman) KJV: And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, NET: for all the tall mountains, for all the high hills, (NET Bible) NJB: for all the high mountains and for all the proud hills (NJB) NLT: Against all the lofty mountains, Against all the hills that are lifted up, (NLT - Tyndale House) Young's Literal: And for all the high mountains, And for all the exalted heights, Against all the lofty mountains, against all the hills that are lifted up : Is 30:25; 40:4; Ps 68:16; 110:5,6) Isaiah continues the description of God's judgment which includes His creation. Isaiah 2:15 Against every high tower, against every fortified wall, (NASB: Lockman) English Translation of the Greek (Septuagint): and upon every high tower, and upon every high wall, Amplified: And against every high tower and every fenced wall, (Amplified Bible - Lockman) KJV: And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, NET: for every high tower, for every fortified wall, 16 for all the large ships, for all the impressive ships. (NET Bible) NJB: for every lofty tower and for every towering wall; (NJB) NLT: Against every high tower, Against every fortified wall, (NLT - Tyndale House) Young's Literal: And for every high tower, And for every fenced wall, Against every high tower, against every fortified wall: Against every...against every - speaks of the totality of the destruction. High tower...fortified wall - These are literal structures which are representative of man's arrogance that he can build towers high enough and walls thick enough to assure his security. God's judgment will show the vanity of such reasoning. High towers will be no obstacle for the Most High God! Isaiah records "And on every lofty mountain and on every high hill there will be streams running with water on the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall." (Isa. 30:25). Fortified wall - The Hebrew word for fortified (batsar) speaks of that which is inaccessible or impenetrable and wall (chomah) describes a wall. What may be impenetrable by man will be penetrated by the judgment of God! Men who place their confidence in anything but God will find their sources of confidence will be of no protective value. Keil commenting on Is 2:15, 16 writes that "The glory of nature is followed by what is lofty and glorious in the world of men, such as magnificent fortifications, grand commercial buildings, and treasures which minister to the lust of the eye. (Ibid) Isaiah 2:16 Against all the ships of Tarshish and against all the beautiful craft. (NASB: Lockman) English Translation of the Greek (Septuagint): and upon every ship of the sea, and upon every display of fine ships. Amplified: And against all the ships of Tarshish and all the picturesque and desirable imagery [designed for mere ornament and luxury]. (Amplified Bible - Lockman) KJV: And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. NET: for all the large ships, for all the impressive ships. (NET Bible) NJB: for all the ships of Tarshish and for everything held precious. (NJB) NLT: Against all the ships of Tarshish, And against all the beautiful craft. (NLT - Tyndale House) Young's Literal: And for all ships of Tarshish, And for all desirable pictures. Against all the ships of Tarshish and against all the beautiful craft.: Is 23:1; 1Ki 10:22; 22:48,49; Psalms 47:7; Revelation 18:17, 18, 19 Beautiful - Nu 33:52; Re 18:11 Against all...against all (Hebrew = kol) - emphasizes the totality of the destruction. This refers to the lofty, lucrative commercial activities of man such trade being essential in the life of the nations. They will be brought low in the coming day of judgment, the Day of the Lord. Ships of Tarshish (see Tarshish) - These were at that time the largest ships, capable of the greatest voyages and of transporting the greatest cargoes. These are best interpreted as literal ships but clearly reflect man's ability to build and to "triumph" over the mighty sea. John describes the "abasement" of man's commercial enterprises just before Christ returns to set up His Millennial kingdom... for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!’ And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a distance, 18 and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What city is like the great city?’ (Babylon) 19 “And they threw dust on their heads and were crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became rich by her wealth, for in one hour she has been laid waste!’ (Re 18:17-note, Re 18:18-note, Re 18:19-note) Beautiful (02532) (hemdah) describes that which is pleasant or desirable. It is used to describe an object of value. What men value, God will judge. Craft (07914) (sakiyah) is translated as ship, but by others as picture and thus the variance of interpretations. Beautiful craft - Because of the variance of translation of the Hebrew word sakiyah, this could represent ships or could refer to "pleasant pictures" (KJV, cp Amplified, NJB, Young's). Isaiah 2:17 The pride of man will be humbled and the loftiness of men will be abased; And the LORD alone will be exalted in that day (NASB: Lockman) English Translation of the Greek (Septuagint): And every man shall be brought low, and the pride of men shall fall: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. Amplified: Then the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. (Amplified Bible - Lockman) KJV: And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. NET: Proud men will be humiliated, arrogant men will be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. 18 The worthless idols will be completely eliminated. (NET Bible) NJB: Human pride will be humbled, human arrogance brought low, and Yahweh alone will be exalted, on that day. 18 When the idols all disappear, (NJB) NLT: And the pride of man will be humbled, And the loftiness of men will be abased, And the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. (NLT - Tyndale House) Young's Literal: And bowed down hath been the haughtiness of man, And humbled the loftiness of men, And set on high hath Jehovah alone been in that day. The pride of man will be humbled and the loftiness of men will be abased; and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day: Is 2:11; 13:11; Jer 48:29,30; Ezek 28:2-7 MAN HUMBLED JEHOVAH EXALTED Isaiah 2:11-note is almost identical. Man has had his "day" so to speak, but this is God's day and when it arrives, He alone will be exalted among the nations. This prophecy is yet to be fulfilled, but just as many other OT prophecies have been literally fulfilled, so too will this prophecy be literally fulfilled.

Isaías 2:18-22

Isaiah 2:18 But the idols will completely vanish. (NASB: Lockman) English Translation of the Greek (Septuagint): And they shall hide all idols made with hands, Amplified: And the idols shall utterly pass away (be abolished). (Amplified Bible - Lockman) KJV: And the idols he shall utterly abolish. NET: The worthless idols will be completely eliminated. (NET Bible) NJB: When the idols all disappear, (NJB) NLT:But the idols will completely vanish. (NLT - Tyndale House) Young's Literal: And the idols -- they completely pass away. ISAIAH ("Jehovah is Salvation") See Excellent Timeline for Isaiah - page 39 JEHOVAH'S Judgment & Character (Isaiah 1-39) JEHOVAH'S Comfort & Redemption (Isaiah 40-66) Uzziah Jotham Ahaz 1-12 13-27 28-35 Hezekiah's Salvation & Blessing 36-39 True God 40-48 Suffering Messiah 49-57 Reigning Lord 58-66 Prophecies Regarding Judah & Jerusalem Is 1:1-12:6 Prophecies Against the Nations Warnings & Promises Historical Section Redemption Promised: Israel's Deliverance Redemption Provided: Israel's Deliverer Redemption Realized: Israel's Glorious Future Prophetic Historic Messianic Holiness, Righteousness & Justice of Jehovah Grace, Compassion & Glory of Jehovah God's Government "A throne" Is 6:1 God's Grace "A Lamb" Is 53:7 Time 740-680BC But the idols will completely vanish: Is 27:9; Ezek 36:25; 37:23; Ho 14:8; Zeph 1:3; Zec 13:2 Isaiah 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The idols will completely vanish - Click Isaiah 2:8 for discussion of idols including passages that take us to the end of this age when Babylon the mother of idolatry will be finally and fully destroyed! Related Resources: Greek Word studies on - Idols = eidolon; Idolater = eidololatres; Idolatry = eidololatreia Idols (0457) (eliyl/elil [plural = elilim]) (Used in Is 2:8, 18, 20; 10:10, 11; 19:1, 3; 31:7) describes that which is worthless, good for nothing, of no value. The spelling of the Hebrew word for idol is very close to the Hebrew word for God (= el) (and some etymologists suggest it is actually a diminutive of the Hebrew word for God). The term for God however relates to the idea of strength or power, which makes Isaiah's contrast with "nothing" (eliyl) all that more pointed and dramatic! Worthless and good for nothing is a fitting name for objects of worship made by human hands! God's assessment of any "god" but Himself is that “all gods of the peoples are nought (nothing)” (Ps 96:5YLT = 1Chr 16:26YLT) The following is a Biblical summary of eliyl - They are the product of human hands (Is 2:8, 20; 31:7; Lv 26:1), and one can therefore discard them (Is 31:7); they are dumb (Hab 2:18); they quiver before Yahweh (Is 19:1) and vanish before Him (Is 2:18). The expression eliyl recalls the impotence and the insignificance of these strange gods. The force of the term is probably most clearly seen in Ps 96:5YLT “for all gods of the peoples are nothing, but Yahweh made the heavens.” Elilim often parallels other words related to idols - pesel/pāsîl “sculpted image” (Is 10:10; Lv 26:1; Hab 2:18; Ps 97:7), 'atsab “carved image” (Isa 10:11), gilluwl “idols” (Ezek 30:13), and massēkâh “molten image” (Lv 19:4; Hab 2:18). As Sam Storms says we in modern societies can also practice "idolatry without idols"! Storms writes that… Idolatry need not entail a statue of Buddha or genuflecting in a pagan temple. Idolatry is any tendency in the human heart to dethrone God for the sake of something else, whether that be money, sex, ambition, power, pride, or something as seemingly innocuous as respectability. To the extent that we give our affections to anything other than God on the assumption that it can do for our souls what he can’t, we are guilty of idolatry. John Piper defines covetousness as “desiring something so much that you lose your contentment in God” (“Future Grace,” 221). Thus the opposite of covetousness is resting satisfied with God. Covetousness is idolatry “because the contentment that the heart should be getting from God, it starts to get from something else” (221). Covetousness, simply put, “is a heart divided between two gods” (221). (See papers by Storms in Resource List for Col 3:5-notes) Eissfeldt summarizes the OT designations for “idol” into five groups according to the OT Scriptures… (1) Derogatory terms: bōšet =“shame” (bos = to be ashamed), šiqqûs = “horrible thing,” tôebâ = “abomination” (tb = abhor), hattat = "sin” (ht' = to miss a mark, fall short), 'ēmâ = “horror”; (2) Terms that deny the existence of the gods represented by the idols: hebel = “vapor, breath,” šeqer = “lie” (šqr = to deceive), šāw = “vanity, deceit” elîl = “nothing,” lō-ēl (no god) and lō-elōhîm “not-god” (3) Terms that deny idols divine dignity and relegate them to the sphere of the lower, evil spirits: śeîrîm = “satyrs,” šēdîm = “demons,” → āwen = “harm, disaster, evil power”; (4) Designations that declare them to be foreign and so more or less explicitly describe them as useless: phrases with ahēr = “other”, zār = “foreign, strange, different” (verbal adj of the root of zur = to turn away), nēkār = “strange, foreign” → hādāš = “new”; (5) Designations that identify them with their images and so declare them to be lifeless matter: massēkâ and nesek = “molten image,” pesel and pāsîl = “sculpted image,” ōseb and āsāb = “carved image,” → selem and semel = “carved image,” gillûlîm = “(hewn) blocks of stone,” sîr = “image,” maśkît = “showpiece,” and neśûâ = “processional image.” (Adapted from the Theological Lexicon of the OT) The Septuagint (LXX) renders elilim variously, most frequently with cheiropoiēta “human product” (6x) and eidola “idols” (4x). Paul describes the vanity of idols writing to the Corinthians that… concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. (1Co 8:4) Completely vanish - While modern Israel does not overtly worship idols in the classic sense described in the OT, the majority of Israel is not even orthodox but decidedly secular. As such they, like America, are still involved in a form of "idol worship", for anything placed in the place of the Holy One of Israel is tantamount to idol worship. This verse will not be fulfilled until the Millennium when Israel will have no other gods before her Beloved, the Messiah Who reigns the world from Jerusalem. Young explains why idols must completely vanish for they… are the root from whence the other evils flow. When men turn to idolatry they pervert everything else. The root, therefore, must be done away. (Young, Ed: The Book of Isaiah - Volume 1, Chapters 1-18. Eerdmans Pub. 1992) Completely (03632) (kaliyl) expresses totality, both of accomplishment and of destruction. It means perfect, complete, whole, wholly, all and pertains to a complete degree of an attribute. Kaliyl - 15 verses in the OT - Ex. 28:31; 39:22; Lev. 6:22f; Num. 4:6; Deut. 13:16; 33:10; Jdg. 20:40; 1 Sam. 7:9; Ps. 51:19; Isa. 2:18; Lam. 2:15; Ezek. 16:14; 27:3; 28:12. The NAS renders kaliyl as all(2), burned entirely(1), completely(1), entirely(1), perfect(3), perfection(1), pure(1), whole(3), whole burnt offering(2), whole burnt offerings(1). Vanish (02498) (chalaph) means to to hasten away, pass on or away, to be over. The word has the meaning of to pass away or to vanish with reference to days (Job 9:26), rain (Song 2:11), and idols (Is 2:18). The Lxx translates with the verb katakrupto which means to cover over or conceal. Given that they are "nothing" they will be easy to cover over! Why do we find them so enthalling? Chalaph - 27v in the OT - Ge 31:7, 41; 35:2; 41:14; Lv 27:10; Jdg 5:26; 1Sa 10:3; 2Sa 12:20; Job 4:15; 9:11, 26; 11:10; 14:7; 20:24; 29:20; Ps 90:5,6; 102:26; Song 2:11; Is 2:18; 8:8; 9:10; 21:1; 24:5; 40:31; 41:1; Hab 1:11 Through His mouthpiece Zechariah Jehovah declares that… “It will come about in that day,” (What day? This refers specifically to the Millennial Kingdom) declares the Lord of hosts, “that I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered; and I will also remove the prophets and the unclean spirit from the land. (Zec 13:2) Ortlund comments that… Idols are precious. They are always our hard-won silver and gold. That’s why we prize them. They are beautiful, but also contemptible. J. R. R. Tolkien portrayed this in The Lord of the Rings. Everyone who wears the golden ring of power morphs into something weirdly subhuman, like Gollum, who cherishes it as “My Precious.” So for Middle-earth to be saved, the ring must be thrown into the fire of Mount Doom and destroyed forever. Tolkien understood that the key to life is not only what we lay hold of but also what we throw away. Paul wrote, “I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8-note). What golden idols do we cherish as essential to our happiness? What must we throw away, to possess the one treasure we really cannot live without—Christ, who will not make us weird but beautiful, like himself? (Ortlund, Raymond: Isaiah God Saves Sinners - Preaching the Word Series. Crossway. 2005) Isaiah 2:19 Men will go into caves of the rocks and into holes of the ground Before * the terror of the LORD and the splendor of His majesty, when He arises to make the earth tremble. (NASB: Lockman) English Translation of the Greek (Septuagint): having carried them into the caves, and into the clefts of the rocks, and into the caverns of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and by reason of the glory of his might, when he shall arise to strike terribly the earth. Amplified: Then shall [the stricken, deprived of all in which they had trusted] go into the caves of the rocks and into the holes of the earth from before the terror and dread of the Lord and from before the glory of His majesty, when He arises to shake mightily and terribly the earth. [Luke 23:30.] (Amplified Bible - Lockman) KJV: And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. NET: They will go into caves in the rocky cliffs and into holes in the ground, trying to escape the dreadful judgment of the LORD and his royal splendor, when he rises up to terrify the earth. (NET Bible) NJB: they will go into the caverns of the rocks and into the fissures of the earth in terror of Yahweh, at the brilliance of his majesty, when he arises to make the earth quake. (NJB) NLT: And men will go into caves of the rocks, And into holes of the ground Before the terror of the LORD, And before the splendor of His majesty, When He arises to make the earth tremble. (NLT - Tyndale House) Young's Literal: And men have entered into caverns of rocks, And into caves of dust, Because of the fear of Jehovah, And because of the honour of His excellency, In His rising to terrify the earth. Men will go into caves of the rocks and into holes of the ground before the terror of the LORD and the splendor of His majesty: Is 2:10,21; 1Sa 13:6; 14:11; Je 16:16; Ho 10:8; Mic 7:17; Lk 23:30; He 11:38; Re 6:15; 9:6 Of the rocks - Is 2:10; 2Th 1:9 Isaiah 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A DESPERATE DAY! NOWHERE TO RUN! NOWHERE TO HIDE! Men will go into caves of the rocks - In Isa 2:10 this action is commanded and here it is declared as that which in fact will be done! Men who gloried in their prowess and strength will flee from God in fear to seek shelter in the rocks and dirt! Jesus quotes from a similar passage in Hosea 10:8 in Luke 23:30+ which are His last words as He walks to the Cross, there warning the women wailing for Him that they should wail for themselves as a horrible destruction is destined for Jerusalem in less than 40 years (70 AD). \ John describes another horrible time, the one of a kind Great Tribulation of the last of the Last Days, when the Jews would experience the Time of Jacob's distress described in Jeremiah 30:7. The earth-dwellers (unbelieving Jews and Gentiles ) at that time will be so horrified at God's hand of judgment that they will cry out "to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb." (Rev 6:16+). Caves (04631 - מְעָרָה) (mearah) is an underground chamber, usually of natural origin and often used as a shelter, hideout, or burial cave. The related word den usually refers to a wild animal's covert hiding place (as when David fled from Saul = Ps 57:1). In ancient days caves served as burial places and were valuable property. The Lxx translates mearah with the noun schismas (English - schism - a division or separation) which means crack, cleft or fissure. How ironic that all who refuse to humble themselves and seek their hiding place in the cleft of the Rock Christ Jesus, will seek to hide themselves from His all seeing eye in the day of distress which as described below will be consummated when the wrath of God falls full force on a faithless world in the time of tribulation which precedes the rising of the Sun (Son) of righteousness Who will return and bring healing in His wings, not only to the believing Jewish remnant but to all who have chosen to hide themselves in the Rock of their salvation, Christ Jesus. Glory! Hallelujah! Caves could be natural or artificial and were found in open fields (Ge 23:20), rocks (Isaiah 2:19) and were used as dwelling-places (Ge 19:30), places of concealment (1 Samuel 13:6; 14:11; 1 Kings 18:4; cp Hebrews 11:38), resting places (1 Samuel 24:3; 1 Kings 19:9), burial places (Genesis 23:19; cp John 11:38), haunts of robbers (Jeremiah 7:11; cp Matthew 21:13), hiding placed of wild beasts (different Hebrew word - Nahum 2:12), often capacious (1 Samuel 22:1,2; 24:3), afford no protection from the judgments of God (Isaiah 2:19; Ezekiel 33:27; cf Revelation 6:15), were occasionally give names (Adullam - 1 Samuel 22:1, Machpelah Genesis 23:9, Makkedah Joshua 10:16,17). Torrey Topical Textbook Caves American Tract Society Cave Easton's Bible Dictionary Cave Fausset Bible Dictionary Caves Holman Bible Dictionary Caves Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Cave Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Cave International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Cave Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Caves The Jewish Encyclopedia Caves in Palestine Mearah - 34 verses Genesis 19:30 Lot went up from Zoar, and stayed in the mountains, and his two daughters with him; for he was afraid to stay in Zoar; and he stayed in a cave, he and his two daughters. Genesis 23:9 that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he owns, which is at the end of his field; for the full price let him give it to me in your presence for a burial site." 11 "No, my lord, hear me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the presence of the sons of my people I give it to you; bury your dead." 17 So Ephron's field, which was in Machpelah, which faced Mamre, the field and cave which was in it, and all the trees which were in the field, that were within all the confines of its border, were deeded over 19 After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field at Machpelah facing Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. 20 So the field and the cave that is in it, were deeded over to Abraham for a burial site by the sons of Heth. Genesis 25:9 Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre, Genesis 49:29 Then he charged them and said to them, "I am about to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought along with the field from Ephron the Hittite for a burial site. 32 the field and the cave that is in it, purchased from the sons of Heth." Genesis 50:13 for his sons carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre, which Abraham had bought along with the field for a burial site from Ephron the Hittite. Joshua 10:16 Now these five kings had fled and hidden themselves in the cave at Makkedah. 17 It was told Joshua, saying, "The five kings have been found hidden in the cave at Makkedah." 18 Joshua said, "Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and assign men by it to guard them, 22 Then Joshua said, "Open the mouth of the cave and bring these five kings out to me from the cave." 23 They did so, and brought these five kings out to him from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. 27 It came about at sunset that Joshua gave a command, and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had hidden themselves, and put large stones over the mouth of the cave, to this very day. Judges 6:2 The power of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of Midian the sons of Israel made for themselves the dens which were in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds. 1 Samuel 13:6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were hard-pressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, in cliffs, in cellars, and in pits. 1 Samuel 22:1 So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father's household heard of it, they went down there to him. 1 Samuel 24:3 He came to the sheepfolds on the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the inner recesses of the cave. 7 David persuaded his men with these words and did not allow them to rise up against Saul. And Saul arose, left the cave, and went on his way. 8 Now afterward David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself. 10 "Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD had given you today into my hand in the cave, and some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said, 'I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD'S anointed.' 2 Samuel 23:13 Then three of the thirty chief men went down and came to David in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam, while the troop of the Philistines was camping in the valley of Rephaim. 1 Kings 18:4 for when Jezebel destroyed the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave, and provided them with bread and water.) 13 "Has it not been told to my master what I did when Jezebel killed the prophets of the LORD, that I hid a hundred prophets of the LORD by fifties in a cave, and provided them with bread and water? 1 Kings 19:9 Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Chronicles 11:15 Now three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam, while the army of the Philistines was camping in the valley of Rephaim. Isaiah 2:19 Men will go into caves of the rocks And into holes of the ground Before the terror of the LORD And the splendor of His majesty, When He arises to make the earth tremble. Isaiah 32:14 Because the palace has been abandoned, the populated city forsaken. Hill and watch-tower have become caves forever, A delight for wild donkeys, a pasture for flocks; Jeremiah 7:11 "Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Behold, I, even I, have seen it," declares the LORD. Ezekiel 33:27 "Thus you shall say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "As I live, surely those who are in the waste places will fall by the sword, and whoever is in the open field I will give to the beasts to be devoured, and those who are in the strongholds and in the caves will die of pestilence. This world wide "terror of the LORD" will be clearly manifest for all to see (and feel and experience) in the horrible seven years commonly known as the Tribulation (Note: Jesus used the term which strictly speaking refers the Great Tribulation the final 3.5 years when "the wrath of God is finished" Rev 15:1-note) (Daniel's Seventieth Week) and being described in the Revelation 6 through Revelation 20… And the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us (cp Ge 3:8 = Adam and Eve - hiding is the effect of sin in the presence of God's holiness!) from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb" (Rev 6:15-note, Re 6:16-note) Tony