Isaiah 47-49

Isaiah 47

Babylon Brought Down

• “Sit in the dust… O virgin daughter of Babylon”
  • Virgin = unconquered, secure (formerly)

Now:

• Forced into humiliation
  • Veil removed
  • Nakedness exposed
• Reduced from royalty to slavery
• Israel’s Redeemer will accomplish Babylon’s fall
  • גֹּאֵל (gōʾēl)  Redeemer, family rescuer

God allowed Babylon to discipline Israel

• Babylon showed no mercy
• “I shall be mistress forever”
  • Pride 

Babylon boasted “I am, and there is no one besides me”

• However they will be brought down low (Daniel 5) 

Babylon trusted:

• Astrology
• Sorcery
• Magicians

God challenges them to save Babylon. No rescue available

Isaiah 48

Judah’s hypocrisy: they claim loyalty to God but lack faithfulness. 

God shows His power to Israel through prophecy, something an idol could never do. 

Israel described as stubborn

• “Neck is iron sinew”
• “Forehead brass”

They have seen the evidence of God’s power, why will they not declare it? 

Israel’s sin is deeply rooted- “ transgressor from the womb.”

Undeserving Mercy 

• God delays full destruction as His name not be profaned 
• “Furnace of affliction” for His sake
  • Trials not only to refine us, but also for His reputation? 

God declares:

• “I am the first and the last”
• He sends His servant / deliverer

Israel lost blessings through disobedience

God desires to guide Israel

• Teach what is best
• Lead in righteousness

But Israel resisted and loss of peace and blessing

Peace compared to:

• River
• Ocean waves

God will redeem Israel 

Final warning: No peace for the wicked

Isaiah 49

Second Servant Song

Servant/Messiah speaks personally

• Called from the womb and by name
• Mouth like sharp sword
• Possible discouragement “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;”
  • BUT trusts God’s purpose

Servant Restores Israel 

• He brings Jacob back to God
• Beyond Israel: “Light for the nations”

Future 

• Servant initially rejected
• Later honored by kings

God restores His people

• Frees captives
• Provides nourishment
• Leads 
• Creation rejoices at redemption

Israel fears abandonment BUT God responds with reassurance

• Mother cannot forget child
• God remembers even more deeply
• “Engraved on palms”
  • Permanent remembrance
  • Unbreakable 

Israel restored 

• Population grows again
• Former enemies serve Israel
• Nations help with restoration
• God’s faithfulness on display for all to see

Questions:

48:10 I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it: Why does God give us trials for His sake?

When God is speaking does it change between God the Father and God the Son – like in the verse in 48:16 sounds like Jesus Draw near to me, hear this:
    from the beginning I have not spoken in secret,
    from the time it came to be I have been there.”
And now the Lord God has sent me, and his Spirit.

What does 49:4 mean?
“I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;”

Application

Chapter 47 shows us that Babylon falls because of pride and cruelty. God can use enemies for judgment, but will ultimately defeat them. Chapter 48 shows that while Israel is disciplined and refined they are not abandoned. Sometimes it can feel like God is far away, but we must remember His perfect plan. Lastly, chapter 49 shows us that  God raises His Servant to restore Israel and save the world. There WILL be redemption and restoration.