Jeremiah 17

Jeremiah 17:1

The Wicked Character of Babylon

In these verses the wicked character of Babylon is further described. It is a lascivious, herself-exalting city that has arrogated to herself divine attributes. The statement “I am” (Isaiah 47:8) can only be made by the LORD, for it applies only to Him (Exodus 3:14). In the New Testament it is clear that everything that is said here about Babylon must be applied in our time to apostate Christianity, especially the roman-catholic church (Revelation 18:7). She does not feel like a widow, while the true church does. The true church lives in the awareness of the absence of her Husband, the Lord Jesus. She misses Him. After all, He is not visibly present.

The roman-catholic church, however, moderates in the person of the pope that she replaces Christ on earth, that He is present. She does not miss Him. Because of her false presentation of matters she does not take Him into account. In her corruption she wants to exert influence over the whole earth. “For this reason in one day her plagues will come” (Revelation 18:8a).

Babylon believes that her sorceries will protect her from disaster (Isaiah 47:9). The LORD laughs at it and mocks it. Suddenly disaster will strike her. Cyrus has gradually taken the land, but the city has fallen in one day and she has lost everything: husband, children and glory.

In her foolishness she also thinks that nobody sees her (Isaiah 47:10). Once again she says in her moderation that she possesses divine qualities: “I am.”

Jeremiah 17:2

The Wicked Character of Babylon

In these verses the wicked character of Babylon is further described. It is a lascivious, herself-exalting city that has arrogated to herself divine attributes. The statement “I am” (Isaiah 47:8) can only be made by the LORD, for it applies only to Him (Exodus 3:14). In the New Testament it is clear that everything that is said here about Babylon must be applied in our time to apostate Christianity, especially the roman-catholic church (Revelation 18:7). She does not feel like a widow, while the true church does. The true church lives in the awareness of the absence of her Husband, the Lord Jesus. She misses Him. After all, He is not visibly present.

The roman-catholic church, however, moderates in the person of the pope that she replaces Christ on earth, that He is present. She does not miss Him. Because of her false presentation of matters she does not take Him into account. In her corruption she wants to exert influence over the whole earth. “For this reason in one day her plagues will come” (Revelation 18:8a).

Babylon believes that her sorceries will protect her from disaster (Isaiah 47:9). The LORD laughs at it and mocks it. Suddenly disaster will strike her. Cyrus has gradually taken the land, but the city has fallen in one day and she has lost everything: husband, children and glory.

In her foolishness she also thinks that nobody sees her (Isaiah 47:10). Once again she says in her moderation that she possesses divine qualities: “I am.”

Jeremiah 17:3

The Wicked Character of Babylon

In these verses the wicked character of Babylon is further described. It is a lascivious, herself-exalting city that has arrogated to herself divine attributes. The statement “I am” (Isaiah 47:8) can only be made by the LORD, for it applies only to Him (Exodus 3:14). In the New Testament it is clear that everything that is said here about Babylon must be applied in our time to apostate Christianity, especially the roman-catholic church (Revelation 18:7). She does not feel like a widow, while the true church does. The true church lives in the awareness of the absence of her Husband, the Lord Jesus. She misses Him. After all, He is not visibly present.

The roman-catholic church, however, moderates in the person of the pope that she replaces Christ on earth, that He is present. She does not miss Him. Because of her false presentation of matters she does not take Him into account. In her corruption she wants to exert influence over the whole earth. “For this reason in one day her plagues will come” (Revelation 18:8a).

Babylon believes that her sorceries will protect her from disaster (Isaiah 47:9). The LORD laughs at it and mocks it. Suddenly disaster will strike her. Cyrus has gradually taken the land, but the city has fallen in one day and she has lost everything: husband, children and glory.

In her foolishness she also thinks that nobody sees her (Isaiah 47:10). Once again she says in her moderation that she possesses divine qualities: “I am.”

Jeremiah 17:4

Evil Can Be Repelled by Nothing

She is so full of herself that she has completely banished the thought of the omnipresent God from Whom nothing is hidden. She imagines her natural wisdom and knowledge so great, that she does not realize that she is blind and that her own wisdom and knowledge lead her to these follies. Therefore, an evil will come upon her of which she has no suspicion and against which no spell will help (Daniel 5:30). All her sorceries will prove to be useless (Isaiah 47:11).

The LORD mocks it (Isaiah 47:12; cf. 1 Kings 18:26-27). After all, she has practiced black magic for so long. He says: ‘Then let’s see what it is worth, perhaps it will frighten Me. If not, let the astrologers tell her how to escape disaster (Isaiah 47:13). Surely they claim that they can read the future from the position of the stars and deliver the horoscope every month?’ How many people read in it regularly and attribute a certain value to it?

Babylon is a city of people practicing the dark practices of spiritism. The city relies on that too. The city is the home basis of idolatry, of the worship of demonic powers. This is also true of Babylon in the future, the roman-catholic church, in which we can also involve the liberal professing Christianity: “And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird”” (Revelation 18:2).

Let it be clear: they are all like stubbles that the fire burns (Isaiah 47:14). The fire of hell is their share. It is a fire that serves to suffer in it forever. That is what happens when you do not turn to the one and true God, but follow your own way of error (cf. Isaiah 53:6a). Then there is no one who saves. All traders will go back to their own places and leave Babylon to her fate (Isaiah 47:15).

Jeremiah 17:5

Evil Can Be Repelled by Nothing

She is so full of herself that she has completely banished the thought of the omnipresent God from Whom nothing is hidden. She imagines her natural wisdom and knowledge so great, that she does not realize that she is blind and that her own wisdom and knowledge lead her to these follies. Therefore, an evil will come upon her of which she has no suspicion and against which no spell will help (Daniel 5:30). All her sorceries will prove to be useless (Isaiah 47:11).

The LORD mocks it (Isaiah 47:12; cf. 1 Kings 18:26-27). After all, she has practiced black magic for so long. He says: ‘Then let’s see what it is worth, perhaps it will frighten Me. If not, let the astrologers tell her how to escape disaster (Isaiah 47:13). Surely they claim that they can read the future from the position of the stars and deliver the horoscope every month?’ How many people read in it regularly and attribute a certain value to it?

Babylon is a city of people practicing the dark practices of spiritism. The city relies on that too. The city is the home basis of idolatry, of the worship of demonic powers. This is also true of Babylon in the future, the roman-catholic church, in which we can also involve the liberal professing Christianity: “And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird”” (Revelation 18:2).

Let it be clear: they are all like stubbles that the fire burns (Isaiah 47:14). The fire of hell is their share. It is a fire that serves to suffer in it forever. That is what happens when you do not turn to the one and true God, but follow your own way of error (cf. Isaiah 53:6a). Then there is no one who saves. All traders will go back to their own places and leave Babylon to her fate (Isaiah 47:15).

Jeremiah 17:6

Evil Can Be Repelled by Nothing

She is so full of herself that she has completely banished the thought of the omnipresent God from Whom nothing is hidden. She imagines her natural wisdom and knowledge so great, that she does not realize that she is blind and that her own wisdom and knowledge lead her to these follies. Therefore, an evil will come upon her of which she has no suspicion and against which no spell will help (Daniel 5:30). All her sorceries will prove to be useless (Isaiah 47:11).

The LORD mocks it (Isaiah 47:12; cf. 1 Kings 18:26-27). After all, she has practiced black magic for so long. He says: ‘Then let’s see what it is worth, perhaps it will frighten Me. If not, let the astrologers tell her how to escape disaster (Isaiah 47:13). Surely they claim that they can read the future from the position of the stars and deliver the horoscope every month?’ How many people read in it regularly and attribute a certain value to it?

Babylon is a city of people practicing the dark practices of spiritism. The city relies on that too. The city is the home basis of idolatry, of the worship of demonic powers. This is also true of Babylon in the future, the roman-catholic church, in which we can also involve the liberal professing Christianity: “And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird”” (Revelation 18:2).

Let it be clear: they are all like stubbles that the fire burns (Isaiah 47:14). The fire of hell is their share. It is a fire that serves to suffer in it forever. That is what happens when you do not turn to the one and true God, but follow your own way of error (cf. Isaiah 53:6a). Then there is no one who saves. All traders will go back to their own places and leave Babylon to her fate (Isaiah 47:15).

Jeremiah 17:7

Evil Can Be Repelled by Nothing

She is so full of herself that she has completely banished the thought of the omnipresent God from Whom nothing is hidden. She imagines her natural wisdom and knowledge so great, that she does not realize that she is blind and that her own wisdom and knowledge lead her to these follies. Therefore, an evil will come upon her of which she has no suspicion and against which no spell will help (Daniel 5:30). All her sorceries will prove to be useless (Isaiah 47:11).

The LORD mocks it (Isaiah 47:12; cf. 1 Kings 18:26-27). After all, she has practiced black magic for so long. He says: ‘Then let’s see what it is worth, perhaps it will frighten Me. If not, let the astrologers tell her how to escape disaster (Isaiah 47:13). Surely they claim that they can read the future from the position of the stars and deliver the horoscope every month?’ How many people read in it regularly and attribute a certain value to it?

Babylon is a city of people practicing the dark practices of spiritism. The city relies on that too. The city is the home basis of idolatry, of the worship of demonic powers. This is also true of Babylon in the future, the roman-catholic church, in which we can also involve the liberal professing Christianity: “And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird”” (Revelation 18:2).

Let it be clear: they are all like stubbles that the fire burns (Isaiah 47:14). The fire of hell is their share. It is a fire that serves to suffer in it forever. That is what happens when you do not turn to the one and true God, but follow your own way of error (cf. Isaiah 53:6a). Then there is no one who saves. All traders will go back to their own places and leave Babylon to her fate (Isaiah 47:15).

Jeremiah 17:8

Evil Can Be Repelled by Nothing

She is so full of herself that she has completely banished the thought of the omnipresent God from Whom nothing is hidden. She imagines her natural wisdom and knowledge so great, that she does not realize that she is blind and that her own wisdom and knowledge lead her to these follies. Therefore, an evil will come upon her of which she has no suspicion and against which no spell will help (Daniel 5:30). All her sorceries will prove to be useless (Isaiah 47:11).

The LORD mocks it (Isaiah 47:12; cf. 1 Kings 18:26-27). After all, she has practiced black magic for so long. He says: ‘Then let’s see what it is worth, perhaps it will frighten Me. If not, let the astrologers tell her how to escape disaster (Isaiah 47:13). Surely they claim that they can read the future from the position of the stars and deliver the horoscope every month?’ How many people read in it regularly and attribute a certain value to it?

Babylon is a city of people practicing the dark practices of spiritism. The city relies on that too. The city is the home basis of idolatry, of the worship of demonic powers. This is also true of Babylon in the future, the roman-catholic church, in which we can also involve the liberal professing Christianity: “And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird”” (Revelation 18:2).

Let it be clear: they are all like stubbles that the fire burns (Isaiah 47:14). The fire of hell is their share. It is a fire that serves to suffer in it forever. That is what happens when you do not turn to the one and true God, but follow your own way of error (cf. Isaiah 53:6a). Then there is no one who saves. All traders will go back to their own places and leave Babylon to her fate (Isaiah 47:15).

Jeremiah 17:10

Confession of Israel

This chapter is especially addressed to the prisoners of Judah, “who came forth from the loins of Judah”, that is, those who have their source, their origin, in Judah (Isaiah 48:1). It indicates their natural ancestry. Judah means ‘praise’ (Genesis 49:8), which indicates the purpose of their existence in the presence God: a people who praise God. They have a great confession – they “are named Israel,” which means “warrior of God” (Genesis 32:28) – but their ways are not consistent with that. They swear “by the name of the LORD” and call Him “the God of Israel”, but they are untruthful in this.

They boast of being of “the holy city” (Isaiah 48:2), but they behave unholy. They do not think that they are dealing with “the LORD of hosts”, a Name that demands reverence and submission and not an outward religion. The apostle Paul later writes: “They are not all Israel who are [descended] from Israel” (Romans 9:6b). The same unfortunately also applies to many Christians who have been baptized and attend church meetings, but are not born again and therefore do not have a personal relationship with the living God.

Jeremiah 17:11

Confession of Israel

This chapter is especially addressed to the prisoners of Judah, “who came forth from the loins of Judah”, that is, those who have their source, their origin, in Judah (Isaiah 48:1). It indicates their natural ancestry. Judah means ‘praise’ (Genesis 49:8), which indicates the purpose of their existence in the presence God: a people who praise God. They have a great confession – they “are named Israel,” which means “warrior of God” (Genesis 32:28) – but their ways are not consistent with that. They swear “by the name of the LORD” and call Him “the God of Israel”, but they are untruthful in this.

They boast of being of “the holy city” (Isaiah 48:2), but they behave unholy. They do not think that they are dealing with “the LORD of hosts”, a Name that demands reverence and submission and not an outward religion. The apostle Paul later writes: “They are not all Israel who are [descended] from Israel” (Romans 9:6b). The same unfortunately also applies to many Christians who have been baptized and attend church meetings, but are not born again and therefore do not have a personal relationship with the living God.

Jeremiah 17:12

Former and New Things

Now follows a renewed explanation of the might God alone has to proclaim future things without failure (Isaiah 48:3-6). But there is a difference with earlier explanations of this unique feature of God. In earlier statements (Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 43:9) that statement is in contrast to the idols and idolaters in Israel (Isaiah 46:9-10). Here it concerns the prophecy of the LORD in view of the apostasy and hardening of Israel.

He has declared and proclaimed that He will bring salvation (Isaiah 48:3). But the people did not want to bow their necks to obey Him. There is no place for Him in their minds (Isaiah 48:4). If He, while the people are in such a state, would accomplish the announced salvation, it could still happen that the people would attribute it to the idols of Babylon (Isaiah 48:5).

What is an encouragement for the faithful, that He will redeem them, is a warning for the stubborn. God tells the stubborn what He is going to do so that they will not think to attribute the redemption to the idols. He guards for His honor. He wants them to acknowledge that it is He Who does it (Isaiah 48:6a).

Furthermore, the LORD will show them things He creates new, not things He created a long time ago (Isaiah 48:6b-8). Man is so evil, that he can misuse the knowledge God gives him of what He is going to do in order to attribute what He does to the idols. These new things relate to the deliverance of Israel from the power of Babylon. He will work this suddenly.

The LORD says all this because He knows the heart of His people. If He had given His people the wages they deserve, He would have destroyed them. But He cannot deny His mercy. For the sake of Himself He has subdued them and has not exterminated them (Isaiah 48:9). The severe exile, as well as the still future great tribulation and the present bitter experiences, are a purifying process (Isaiah 48:10). He has “refined” them, “but not as silver”, for their value far exceeds that of silver.

The exile has purified them of idolatry. But since their hearts were not cleansed, they rejected Christ. The house of Israel is empty and swept and decorated, where the demon of idolatry will return with “seven other spirits more wicked than itself” (Matthew 12:43-45). Israel must be cleansed of these too. For this purpose God sends the great tribulation. The price of salvation must also be paid. Paying that price is what the LORD has announced as new things in this section. That will be explained in the next part, Isaiah 49-57.

This gracious purpose is what the Lord has in mind in the trials we face. It will enable us to appreciate and praise His love and grace that we experience in them. We will then be kept from despair. He only wants to remove all the ‘slugs’, the dirt, from our life of faith and make our faith, which is compared to gold, pure gold (1 Peter 1:7; Zechariah 13:9).

This refining process will come to an end and show a blessed result. He will do it “for My own sake, for My own sake”, the repetition underlining the great importance of this fact (Isaiah 48:11). And what will He do? He will deliver His people. The opponents of the LORD and His people will never find any ground to taunt God and His actions. His ways and His actions constitute His glory which will never be given up. To Him all honor will only belong and be given.

Jeremiah 17:13

Former and New Things

Now follows a renewed explanation of the might God alone has to proclaim future things without failure (Isaiah 48:3-6). But there is a difference with earlier explanations of this unique feature of God. In earlier statements (Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 43:9) that statement is in contrast to the idols and idolaters in Israel (Isaiah 46:9-10). Here it concerns the prophecy of the LORD in view of the apostasy and hardening of Israel.

He has declared and proclaimed that He will bring salvation (Isaiah 48:3). But the people did not want to bow their necks to obey Him. There is no place for Him in their minds (Isaiah 48:4). If He, while the people are in such a state, would accomplish the announced salvation, it could still happen that the people would attribute it to the idols of Babylon (Isaiah 48:5).

What is an encouragement for the faithful, that He will redeem them, is a warning for the stubborn. God tells the stubborn what He is going to do so that they will not think to attribute the redemption to the idols. He guards for His honor. He wants them to acknowledge that it is He Who does it (Isaiah 48:6a).

Furthermore, the LORD will show them things He creates new, not things He created a long time ago (Isaiah 48:6b-8). Man is so evil, that he can misuse the knowledge God gives him of what He is going to do in order to attribute what He does to the idols. These new things relate to the deliverance of Israel from the power of Babylon. He will work this suddenly.

The LORD says all this because He knows the heart of His people. If He had given His people the wages they deserve, He would have destroyed them. But He cannot deny His mercy. For the sake of Himself He has subdued them and has not exterminated them (Isaiah 48:9). The severe exile, as well as the still future great tribulation and the present bitter experiences, are a purifying process (Isaiah 48:10). He has “refined” them, “but not as silver”, for their value far exceeds that of silver.

The exile has purified them of idolatry. But since their hearts were not cleansed, they rejected Christ. The house of Israel is empty and swept and decorated, where the demon of idolatry will return with “seven other spirits more wicked than itself” (Matthew 12:43-45). Israel must be cleansed of these too. For this purpose God sends the great tribulation. The price of salvation must also be paid. Paying that price is what the LORD has announced as new things in this section. That will be explained in the next part, Isaiah 49-57.

This gracious purpose is what the Lord has in mind in the trials we face. It will enable us to appreciate and praise His love and grace that we experience in them. We will then be kept from despair. He only wants to remove all the ‘slugs’, the dirt, from our life of faith and make our faith, which is compared to gold, pure gold (1 Peter 1:7; Zechariah 13:9).

This refining process will come to an end and show a blessed result. He will do it “for My own sake, for My own sake”, the repetition underlining the great importance of this fact (Isaiah 48:11). And what will He do? He will deliver His people. The opponents of the LORD and His people will never find any ground to taunt God and His actions. His ways and His actions constitute His glory which will never be given up. To Him all honor will only belong and be given.

Jeremiah 17:14

Former and New Things

Now follows a renewed explanation of the might God alone has to proclaim future things without failure (Isaiah 48:3-6). But there is a difference with earlier explanations of this unique feature of God. In earlier statements (Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 43:9) that statement is in contrast to the idols and idolaters in Israel (Isaiah 46:9-10). Here it concerns the prophecy of the LORD in view of the apostasy and hardening of Israel.

He has declared and proclaimed that He will bring salvation (Isaiah 48:3). But the people did not want to bow their necks to obey Him. There is no place for Him in their minds (Isaiah 48:4). If He, while the people are in such a state, would accomplish the announced salvation, it could still happen that the people would attribute it to the idols of Babylon (Isaiah 48:5).

What is an encouragement for the faithful, that He will redeem them, is a warning for the stubborn. God tells the stubborn what He is going to do so that they will not think to attribute the redemption to the idols. He guards for His honor. He wants them to acknowledge that it is He Who does it (Isaiah 48:6a).

Furthermore, the LORD will show them things He creates new, not things He created a long time ago (Isaiah 48:6b-8). Man is so evil, that he can misuse the knowledge God gives him of what He is going to do in order to attribute what He does to the idols. These new things relate to the deliverance of Israel from the power of Babylon. He will work this suddenly.

The LORD says all this because He knows the heart of His people. If He had given His people the wages they deserve, He would have destroyed them. But He cannot deny His mercy. For the sake of Himself He has subdued them and has not exterminated them (Isaiah 48:9). The severe exile, as well as the still future great tribulation and the present bitter experiences, are a purifying process (Isaiah 48:10). He has “refined” them, “but not as silver”, for their value far exceeds that of silver.

The exile has purified them of idolatry. But since their hearts were not cleansed, they rejected Christ. The house of Israel is empty and swept and decorated, where the demon of idolatry will return with “seven other spirits more wicked than itself” (Matthew 12:43-45). Israel must be cleansed of these too. For this purpose God sends the great tribulation. The price of salvation must also be paid. Paying that price is what the LORD has announced as new things in this section. That will be explained in the next part, Isaiah 49-57.

This gracious purpose is what the Lord has in mind in the trials we face. It will enable us to appreciate and praise His love and grace that we experience in them. We will then be kept from despair. He only wants to remove all the ‘slugs’, the dirt, from our life of faith and make our faith, which is compared to gold, pure gold (1 Peter 1:7; Zechariah 13:9).

This refining process will come to an end and show a blessed result. He will do it “for My own sake, for My own sake”, the repetition underlining the great importance of this fact (Isaiah 48:11). And what will He do? He will deliver His people. The opponents of the LORD and His people will never find any ground to taunt God and His actions. His ways and His actions constitute His glory which will never be given up. To Him all honor will only belong and be given.

Jeremiah 17:15

Former and New Things

Now follows a renewed explanation of the might God alone has to proclaim future things without failure (Isaiah 48:3-6). But there is a difference with earlier explanations of this unique feature of God. In earlier statements (Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 43:9) that statement is in contrast to the idols and idolaters in Israel (Isaiah 46:9-10). Here it concerns the prophecy of the LORD in view of the apostasy and hardening of Israel.

He has declared and proclaimed that He will bring salvation (Isaiah 48:3). But the people did not want to bow their necks to obey Him. There is no place for Him in their minds (Isaiah 48:4). If He, while the people are in such a state, would accomplish the announced salvation, it could still happen that the people would attribute it to the idols of Babylon (Isaiah 48:5).

What is an encouragement for the faithful, that He will redeem them, is a warning for the stubborn. God tells the stubborn what He is going to do so that they will not think to attribute the redemption to the idols. He guards for His honor. He wants them to acknowledge that it is He Who does it (Isaiah 48:6a).

Furthermore, the LORD will show them things He creates new, not things He created a long time ago (Isaiah 48:6b-8). Man is so evil, that he can misuse the knowledge God gives him of what He is going to do in order to attribute what He does to the idols. These new things relate to the deliverance of Israel from the power of Babylon. He will work this suddenly.

The LORD says all this because He knows the heart of His people. If He had given His people the wages they deserve, He would have destroyed them. But He cannot deny His mercy. For the sake of Himself He has subdued them and has not exterminated them (Isaiah 48:9). The severe exile, as well as the still future great tribulation and the present bitter experiences, are a purifying process (Isaiah 48:10). He has “refined” them, “but not as silver”, for their value far exceeds that of silver.

The exile has purified them of idolatry. But since their hearts were not cleansed, they rejected Christ. The house of Israel is empty and swept and decorated, where the demon of idolatry will return with “seven other spirits more wicked than itself” (Matthew 12:43-45). Israel must be cleansed of these too. For this purpose God sends the great tribulation. The price of salvation must also be paid. Paying that price is what the LORD has announced as new things in this section. That will be explained in the next part, Isaiah 49-57.

This gracious purpose is what the Lord has in mind in the trials we face. It will enable us to appreciate and praise His love and grace that we experience in them. We will then be kept from despair. He only wants to remove all the ‘slugs’, the dirt, from our life of faith and make our faith, which is compared to gold, pure gold (1 Peter 1:7; Zechariah 13:9).

This refining process will come to an end and show a blessed result. He will do it “for My own sake, for My own sake”, the repetition underlining the great importance of this fact (Isaiah 48:11). And what will He do? He will deliver His people. The opponents of the LORD and His people will never find any ground to taunt God and His actions. His ways and His actions constitute His glory which will never be given up. To Him all honor will only belong and be given.

Jeremiah 17:16

Former and New Things

Now follows a renewed explanation of the might God alone has to proclaim future things without failure (Isaiah 48:3-6). But there is a difference with earlier explanations of this unique feature of God. In earlier statements (Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 43:9) that statement is in contrast to the idols and idolaters in Israel (Isaiah 46:9-10). Here it concerns the prophecy of the LORD in view of the apostasy and hardening of Israel.

He has declared and proclaimed that He will bring salvation (Isaiah 48:3). But the people did not want to bow their necks to obey Him. There is no place for Him in their minds (Isaiah 48:4). If He, while the people are in such a state, would accomplish the announced salvation, it could still happen that the people would attribute it to the idols of Babylon (Isaiah 48:5).

What is an encouragement for the faithful, that He will redeem them, is a warning for the stubborn. God tells the stubborn what He is going to do so that they will not think to attribute the redemption to the idols. He guards for His honor. He wants them to acknowledge that it is He Who does it (Isaiah 48:6a).

Furthermore, the LORD will show them things He creates new, not things He created a long time ago (Isaiah 48:6b-8). Man is so evil, that he can misuse the knowledge God gives him of what He is going to do in order to attribute what He does to the idols. These new things relate to the deliverance of Israel from the power of Babylon. He will work this suddenly.

The LORD says all this because He knows the heart of His people. If He had given His people the wages they deserve, He would have destroyed them. But He cannot deny His mercy. For the sake of Himself He has subdued them and has not exterminated them (Isaiah 48:9). The severe exile, as well as the still future great tribulation and the present bitter experiences, are a purifying process (Isaiah 48:10). He has “refined” them, “but not as silver”, for their value far exceeds that of silver.

The exile has purified them of idolatry. But since their hearts were not cleansed, they rejected Christ. The house of Israel is empty and swept and decorated, where the demon of idolatry will return with “seven other spirits more wicked than itself” (Matthew 12:43-45). Israel must be cleansed of these too. For this purpose God sends the great tribulation. The price of salvation must also be paid. Paying that price is what the LORD has announced as new things in this section. That will be explained in the next part, Isaiah 49-57.

This gracious purpose is what the Lord has in mind in the trials we face. It will enable us to appreciate and praise His love and grace that we experience in them. We will then be kept from despair. He only wants to remove all the ‘slugs’, the dirt, from our life of faith and make our faith, which is compared to gold, pure gold (1 Peter 1:7; Zechariah 13:9).

This refining process will come to an end and show a blessed result. He will do it “for My own sake, for My own sake”, the repetition underlining the great importance of this fact (Isaiah 48:11). And what will He do? He will deliver His people. The opponents of the LORD and His people will never find any ground to taunt God and His actions. His ways and His actions constitute His glory which will never be given up. To Him all honor will only belong and be given.

Jeremiah 17:17

Former and New Things

Now follows a renewed explanation of the might God alone has to proclaim future things without failure (Isaiah 48:3-6). But there is a difference with earlier explanations of this unique feature of God. In earlier statements (Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 43:9) that statement is in contrast to the idols and idolaters in Israel (Isaiah 46:9-10). Here it concerns the prophecy of the LORD in view of the apostasy and hardening of Israel.

He has declared and proclaimed that He will bring salvation (Isaiah 48:3). But the people did not want to bow their necks to obey Him. There is no place for Him in their minds (Isaiah 48:4). If He, while the people are in such a state, would accomplish the announced salvation, it could still happen that the people would attribute it to the idols of Babylon (Isaiah 48:5).

What is an encouragement for the faithful, that He will redeem them, is a warning for the stubborn. God tells the stubborn what He is going to do so that they will not think to attribute the redemption to the idols. He guards for His honor. He wants them to acknowledge that it is He Who does it (Isaiah 48:6a).

Furthermore, the LORD will show them things He creates new, not things He created a long time ago (Isaiah 48:6b-8). Man is so evil, that he can misuse the knowledge God gives him of what He is going to do in order to attribute what He does to the idols. These new things relate to the deliverance of Israel from the power of Babylon. He will work this suddenly.

The LORD says all this because He knows the heart of His people. If He had given His people the wages they deserve, He would have destroyed them. But He cannot deny His mercy. For the sake of Himself He has subdued them and has not exterminated them (Isaiah 48:9). The severe exile, as well as the still future great tribulation and the present bitter experiences, are a purifying process (Isaiah 48:10). He has “refined” them, “but not as silver”, for their value far exceeds that of silver.

The exile has purified them of idolatry. But since their hearts were not cleansed, they rejected Christ. The house of Israel is empty and swept and decorated, where the demon of idolatry will return with “seven other spirits more wicked than itself” (Matthew 12:43-45). Israel must be cleansed of these too. For this purpose God sends the great tribulation. The price of salvation must also be paid. Paying that price is what the LORD has announced as new things in this section. That will be explained in the next part, Isaiah 49-57.

This gracious purpose is what the Lord has in mind in the trials we face. It will enable us to appreciate and praise His love and grace that we experience in them. We will then be kept from despair. He only wants to remove all the ‘slugs’, the dirt, from our life of faith and make our faith, which is compared to gold, pure gold (1 Peter 1:7; Zechariah 13:9).

This refining process will come to an end and show a blessed result. He will do it “for My own sake, for My own sake”, the repetition underlining the great importance of this fact (Isaiah 48:11). And what will He do? He will deliver His people. The opponents of the LORD and His people will never find any ground to taunt God and His actions. His ways and His actions constitute His glory which will never be given up. To Him all honor will only belong and be given.

Jeremiah 17:18

Former and New Things

Now follows a renewed explanation of the might God alone has to proclaim future things without failure (Isaiah 48:3-6). But there is a difference with earlier explanations of this unique feature of God. In earlier statements (Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 43:9) that statement is in contrast to the idols and idolaters in Israel (Isaiah 46:9-10). Here it concerns the prophecy of the LORD in view of the apostasy and hardening of Israel.

He has declared and proclaimed that He will bring salvation (Isaiah 48:3). But the people did not want to bow their necks to obey Him. There is no place for Him in their minds (Isaiah 48:4). If He, while the people are in such a state, would accomplish the announced salvation, it could still happen that the people would attribute it to the idols of Babylon (Isaiah 48:5).

What is an encouragement for the faithful, that He will redeem them, is a warning for the stubborn. God tells the stubborn what He is going to do so that they will not think to attribute the redemption to the idols. He guards for His honor. He wants them to acknowledge that it is He Who does it (Isaiah 48:6a).

Furthermore, the LORD will show them things He creates new, not things He created a long time ago (Isaiah 48:6b-8). Man is so evil, that he can misuse the knowledge God gives him of what He is going to do in order to attribute what He does to the idols. These new things relate to the deliverance of Israel from the power of Babylon. He will work this suddenly.

The LORD says all this because He knows the heart of His people. If He had given His people the wages they deserve, He would have destroyed them. But He cannot deny His mercy. For the sake of Himself He has subdued them and has not exterminated them (Isaiah 48:9). The severe exile, as well as the still future great tribulation and the present bitter experiences, are a purifying process (Isaiah 48:10). He has “refined” them, “but not as silver”, for their value far exceeds that of silver.

The exile has purified them of idolatry. But since their hearts were not cleansed, they rejected Christ. The house of Israel is empty and swept and decorated, where the demon of idolatry will return with “seven other spirits more wicked than itself” (Matthew 12:43-45). Israel must be cleansed of these too. For this purpose God sends the great tribulation. The price of salvation must also be paid. Paying that price is what the LORD has announced as new things in this section. That will be explained in the next part, Isaiah 49-57.

This gracious purpose is what the Lord has in mind in the trials we face. It will enable us to appreciate and praise His love and grace that we experience in them. We will then be kept from despair. He only wants to remove all the ‘slugs’, the dirt, from our life of faith and make our faith, which is compared to gold, pure gold (1 Peter 1:7; Zechariah 13:9).

This refining process will come to an end and show a blessed result. He will do it “for My own sake, for My own sake”, the repetition underlining the great importance of this fact (Isaiah 48:11). And what will He do? He will deliver His people. The opponents of the LORD and His people will never find any ground to taunt God and His actions. His ways and His actions constitute His glory which will never be given up. To Him all honor will only belong and be given.

Jeremiah 17:19

Former and New Things

Now follows a renewed explanation of the might God alone has to proclaim future things without failure (Isaiah 48:3-6). But there is a difference with earlier explanations of this unique feature of God. In earlier statements (Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 43:9) that statement is in contrast to the idols and idolaters in Israel (Isaiah 46:9-10). Here it concerns the prophecy of the LORD in view of the apostasy and hardening of Israel.

He has declared and proclaimed that He will bring salvation (Isaiah 48:3). But the people did not want to bow their necks to obey Him. There is no place for Him in their minds (Isaiah 48:4). If He, while the people are in such a state, would accomplish the announced salvation, it could still happen that the people would attribute it to the idols of Babylon (Isaiah 48:5).

What is an encouragement for the faithful, that He will redeem them, is a warning for the stubborn. God tells the stubborn what He is going to do so that they will not think to attribute the redemption to the idols. He guards for His honor. He wants them to acknowledge that it is He Who does it (Isaiah 48:6a).

Furthermore, the LORD will show them things He creates new, not things He created a long time ago (Isaiah 48:6b-8). Man is so evil, that he can misuse the knowledge God gives him of what He is going to do in order to attribute what He does to the idols. These new things relate to the deliverance of Israel from the power of Babylon. He will work this suddenly.

The LORD says all this because He knows the heart of His people. If He had given His people the wages they deserve, He would have destroyed them. But He cannot deny His mercy. For the sake of Himself He has subdued them and has not exterminated them (Isaiah 48:9). The severe exile, as well as the still future great tribulation and the present bitter experiences, are a purifying process (Isaiah 48:10). He has “refined” them, “but not as silver”, for their value far exceeds that of silver.

The exile has purified them of idolatry. But since their hearts were not cleansed, they rejected Christ. The house of Israel is empty and swept and decorated, where the demon of idolatry will return with “seven other spirits more wicked than itself” (Matthew 12:43-45). Israel must be cleansed of these too. For this purpose God sends the great tribulation. The price of salvation must also be paid. Paying that price is what the LORD has announced as new things in this section. That will be explained in the next part, Isaiah 49-57.

This gracious purpose is what the Lord has in mind in the trials we face. It will enable us to appreciate and praise His love and grace that we experience in them. We will then be kept from despair. He only wants to remove all the ‘slugs’, the dirt, from our life of faith and make our faith, which is compared to gold, pure gold (1 Peter 1:7; Zechariah 13:9).

This refining process will come to an end and show a blessed result. He will do it “for My own sake, for My own sake”, the repetition underlining the great importance of this fact (Isaiah 48:11). And what will He do? He will deliver His people. The opponents of the LORD and His people will never find any ground to taunt God and His actions. His ways and His actions constitute His glory which will never be given up. To Him all honor will only belong and be given.

Jeremiah 17:20

Former and New Things

Now follows a renewed explanation of the might God alone has to proclaim future things without failure (Isaiah 48:3-6). But there is a difference with earlier explanations of this unique feature of God. In earlier statements (Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 43:9) that statement is in contrast to the idols and idolaters in Israel (Isaiah 46:9-10). Here it concerns the prophecy of the LORD in view of the apostasy and hardening of Israel.

He has declared and proclaimed that He will bring salvation (Isaiah 48:3). But the people did not want to bow their necks to obey Him. There is no place for Him in their minds (Isaiah 48:4). If He, while the people are in such a state, would accomplish the announced salvation, it could still happen that the people would attribute it to the idols of Babylon (Isaiah 48:5).

What is an encouragement for the faithful, that He will redeem them, is a warning for the stubborn. God tells the stubborn what He is going to do so that they will not think to attribute the redemption to the idols. He guards for His honor. He wants them to acknowledge that it is He Who does it (Isaiah 48:6a).

Furthermore, the LORD will show them things He creates new, not things He created a long time ago (Isaiah 48:6b-8). Man is so evil, that he can misuse the knowledge God gives him of what He is going to do in order to attribute what He does to the idols. These new things relate to the deliverance of Israel from the power of Babylon. He will work this suddenly.

The LORD says all this because He knows the heart of His people. If He had given His people the wages they deserve, He would have destroyed them. But He cannot deny His mercy. For the sake of Himself He has subdued them and has not exterminated them (Isaiah 48:9). The severe exile, as well as the still future great tribulation and the present bitter experiences, are a purifying process (Isaiah 48:10). He has “refined” them, “but not as silver”, for their value far exceeds that of silver.

The exile has purified them of idolatry. But since their hearts were not cleansed, they rejected Christ. The house of Israel is empty and swept and decorated, where the demon of idolatry will return with “seven other spirits more wicked than itself” (Matthew 12:43-45). Israel must be cleansed of these too. For this purpose God sends the great tribulation. The price of salvation must also be paid. Paying that price is what the LORD has announced as new things in this section. That will be explained in the next part, Isaiah 49-57.

This gracious purpose is what the Lord has in mind in the trials we face. It will enable us to appreciate and praise His love and grace that we experience in them. We will then be kept from despair. He only wants to remove all the ‘slugs’, the dirt, from our life of faith and make our faith, which is compared to gold, pure gold (1 Peter 1:7; Zechariah 13:9).

This refining process will come to an end and show a blessed result. He will do it “for My own sake, for My own sake”, the repetition underlining the great importance of this fact (Isaiah 48:11). And what will He do? He will deliver His people. The opponents of the LORD and His people will never find any ground to taunt God and His actions. His ways and His actions constitute His glory which will never be given up. To Him all honor will only belong and be given.

Jeremiah 17:21

The LORD in His Absolute Godhead

A second time the people are called to listen (Isaiah 48:12; Isaiah 48:1), and also a third and a fourth time (Isaiah 48:14; 16). At His second call the LORD introduces Himself in His absolute Godhead. He is “I am”, the Eternal, the Unchanging (Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 44:6). What is said here of the LORD is also said of Christ (Revelation 1:8; 17; Revelation 22:13) and reaffirms that the Lord Jesus is God. He is “the first”, which means that He is at the beginning of history. He is also “the last”, which means that He is still there at the end of history.

He also points to His impressive power as Creator (Isaiah 48:13). Christ is the Creator (Colossians 1:16; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2). He is the God Who brings about everything. Thus, with His word of power, God is directing all of history and leads it to its consummation in Christ.

His third call to the people to listen is linked to the power with which He controls events (Isaiah 48:14-15). Who among all the idols is equal to Him in this? They have not been able to predict it and even less to edit it. He loves Cyrus for the work he will do for Him. With this He points again to the Lord Jesus and His work. Cyrus has been called by the LORD as the destroyer of Babylon and He will make his way prosperous.

Here we see Cyrus again as a type of the Lord Jesus. We recognize the love of God for Cyrus in the love of God the Father for His Son, which is clearly described in the Gospel according to John (John 3:35; John 5:20; John 10:17; John 15:9; John 17:23-26). Just as Cyrus judged Babylon at the time and made Israel return to his own land, so the Lord Jesus Christ will judge Babylon of the end time and save the believing remnant of Israel.

The fourth time He tells the people to listen is because He, as God, has proven His power to predict and fulfill future things (Isaiah 48:16a). God has always done this in a clear and open way, in contrast to the indistinct mutterings and whispers of the idols.

The “Me” mentioned in Isaiah 48:16b is different from the “Me” in the first part of the verse. In the first line it is about God and that is always the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The last line of Isa 48:16 suddenly introduces the Servant of the LORD speaking, that is Christ. That Christ is speaking can be concluded from a comparison with the first verse of Isaiah 61 (Isaiah 61:1).

This conclusion provides another striking proof of the trinity of God (cf. Isaiah 6:8). There is talk of the LORD, that is God Whom we may know as Father, of “Me”, that is the Servant, and of the Spirit. Also in Isaiah 11 and Isaiah 42 we find the three Persons of the Godhead: the LORD, the Servant, and the Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 42:1). The words of the Servant are undoubtedly an introduction to what He will explain about Himself in the next chapter (Isaiah 49:5-6).

Jeremiah 17:22

The LORD in His Absolute Godhead

A second time the people are called to listen (Isaiah 48:12; Isaiah 48:1), and also a third and a fourth time (Isaiah 48:14; 16). At His second call the LORD introduces Himself in His absolute Godhead. He is “I am”, the Eternal, the Unchanging (Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 44:6). What is said here of the LORD is also said of Christ (Revelation 1:8; 17; Revelation 22:13) and reaffirms that the Lord Jesus is God. He is “the first”, which means that He is at the beginning of history. He is also “the last”, which means that He is still there at the end of history.

He also points to His impressive power as Creator (Isaiah 48:13). Christ is the Creator (Colossians 1:16; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2). He is the God Who brings about everything. Thus, with His word of power, God is directing all of history and leads it to its consummation in Christ.

His third call to the people to listen is linked to the power with which He controls events (Isaiah 48:14-15). Who among all the idols is equal to Him in this? They have not been able to predict it and even less to edit it. He loves Cyrus for the work he will do for Him. With this He points again to the Lord Jesus and His work. Cyrus has been called by the LORD as the destroyer of Babylon and He will make his way prosperous.

Here we see Cyrus again as a type of the Lord Jesus. We recognize the love of God for Cyrus in the love of God the Father for His Son, which is clearly described in the Gospel according to John (John 3:35; John 5:20; John 10:17; John 15:9; John 17:23-26). Just as Cyrus judged Babylon at the time and made Israel return to his own land, so the Lord Jesus Christ will judge Babylon of the end time and save the believing remnant of Israel.

The fourth time He tells the people to listen is because He, as God, has proven His power to predict and fulfill future things (Isaiah 48:16a). God has always done this in a clear and open way, in contrast to the indistinct mutterings and whispers of the idols.

The “Me” mentioned in Isaiah 48:16b is different from the “Me” in the first part of the verse. In the first line it is about God and that is always the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The last line of Isa 48:16 suddenly introduces the Servant of the LORD speaking, that is Christ. That Christ is speaking can be concluded from a comparison with the first verse of Isaiah 61 (Isaiah 61:1).

This conclusion provides another striking proof of the trinity of God (cf. Isaiah 6:8). There is talk of the LORD, that is God Whom we may know as Father, of “Me”, that is the Servant, and of the Spirit. Also in Isaiah 11 and Isaiah 42 we find the three Persons of the Godhead: the LORD, the Servant, and the Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 42:1). The words of the Servant are undoubtedly an introduction to what He will explain about Himself in the next chapter (Isaiah 49:5-6).

Jeremiah 17:23

The LORD in His Absolute Godhead

A second time the people are called to listen (Isaiah 48:12; Isaiah 48:1), and also a third and a fourth time (Isaiah 48:14; 16). At His second call the LORD introduces Himself in His absolute Godhead. He is “I am”, the Eternal, the Unchanging (Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 44:6). What is said here of the LORD is also said of Christ (Revelation 1:8; 17; Revelation 22:13) and reaffirms that the Lord Jesus is God. He is “the first”, which means that He is at the beginning of history. He is also “the last”, which means that He is still there at the end of history.

He also points to His impressive power as Creator (Isaiah 48:13). Christ is the Creator (Colossians 1:16; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2). He is the God Who brings about everything. Thus, with His word of power, God is directing all of history and leads it to its consummation in Christ.

His third call to the people to listen is linked to the power with which He controls events (Isaiah 48:14-15). Who among all the idols is equal to Him in this? They have not been able to predict it and even less to edit it. He loves Cyrus for the work he will do for Him. With this He points again to the Lord Jesus and His work. Cyrus has been called by the LORD as the destroyer of Babylon and He will make his way prosperous.

Here we see Cyrus again as a type of the Lord Jesus. We recognize the love of God for Cyrus in the love of God the Father for His Son, which is clearly described in the Gospel according to John (John 3:35; John 5:20; John 10:17; John 15:9; John 17:23-26). Just as Cyrus judged Babylon at the time and made Israel return to his own land, so the Lord Jesus Christ will judge Babylon of the end time and save the believing remnant of Israel.

The fourth time He tells the people to listen is because He, as God, has proven His power to predict and fulfill future things (Isaiah 48:16a). God has always done this in a clear and open way, in contrast to the indistinct mutterings and whispers of the idols.

The “Me” mentioned in Isaiah 48:16b is different from the “Me” in the first part of the verse. In the first line it is about God and that is always the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The last line of Isa 48:16 suddenly introduces the Servant of the LORD speaking, that is Christ. That Christ is speaking can be concluded from a comparison with the first verse of Isaiah 61 (Isaiah 61:1).

This conclusion provides another striking proof of the trinity of God (cf. Isaiah 6:8). There is talk of the LORD, that is God Whom we may know as Father, of “Me”, that is the Servant, and of the Spirit. Also in Isaiah 11 and Isaiah 42 we find the three Persons of the Godhead: the LORD, the Servant, and the Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 42:1). The words of the Servant are undoubtedly an introduction to what He will explain about Himself in the next chapter (Isaiah 49:5-6).

Jeremiah 17:24

The LORD in His Absolute Godhead

A second time the people are called to listen (Isaiah 48:12; Isaiah 48:1), and also a third and a fourth time (Isaiah 48:14; 16). At His second call the LORD introduces Himself in His absolute Godhead. He is “I am”, the Eternal, the Unchanging (Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 44:6). What is said here of the LORD is also said of Christ (Revelation 1:8; 17; Revelation 22:13) and reaffirms that the Lord Jesus is God. He is “the first”, which means that He is at the beginning of history. He is also “the last”, which means that He is still there at the end of history.

He also points to His impressive power as Creator (Isaiah 48:13). Christ is the Creator (Colossians 1:16; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2). He is the God Who brings about everything. Thus, with His word of power, God is directing all of history and leads it to its consummation in Christ.

His third call to the people to listen is linked to the power with which He controls events (Isaiah 48:14-15). Who among all the idols is equal to Him in this? They have not been able to predict it and even less to edit it. He loves Cyrus for the work he will do for Him. With this He points again to the Lord Jesus and His work. Cyrus has been called by the LORD as the destroyer of Babylon and He will make his way prosperous.

Here we see Cyrus again as a type of the Lord Jesus. We recognize the love of God for Cyrus in the love of God the Father for His Son, which is clearly described in the Gospel according to John (John 3:35; John 5:20; John 10:17; John 15:9; John 17:23-26). Just as Cyrus judged Babylon at the time and made Israel return to his own land, so the Lord Jesus Christ will judge Babylon of the end time and save the believing remnant of Israel.

The fourth time He tells the people to listen is because He, as God, has proven His power to predict and fulfill future things (Isaiah 48:16a). God has always done this in a clear and open way, in contrast to the indistinct mutterings and whispers of the idols.

The “Me” mentioned in Isaiah 48:16b is different from the “Me” in the first part of the verse. In the first line it is about God and that is always the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The last line of Isa 48:16 suddenly introduces the Servant of the LORD speaking, that is Christ. That Christ is speaking can be concluded from a comparison with the first verse of Isaiah 61 (Isaiah 61:1).

This conclusion provides another striking proof of the trinity of God (cf. Isaiah 6:8). There is talk of the LORD, that is God Whom we may know as Father, of “Me”, that is the Servant, and of the Spirit. Also in Isaiah 11 and Isaiah 42 we find the three Persons of the Godhead: the LORD, the Servant, and the Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 42:1). The words of the Servant are undoubtedly an introduction to what He will explain about Himself in the next chapter (Isaiah 49:5-6).

Jeremiah 17:25

The LORD in His Absolute Godhead

A second time the people are called to listen (Isaiah 48:12; Isaiah 48:1), and also a third and a fourth time (Isaiah 48:14; 16). At His second call the LORD introduces Himself in His absolute Godhead. He is “I am”, the Eternal, the Unchanging (Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 44:6). What is said here of the LORD is also said of Christ (Revelation 1:8; 17; Revelation 22:13) and reaffirms that the Lord Jesus is God. He is “the first”, which means that He is at the beginning of history. He is also “the last”, which means that He is still there at the end of history.

He also points to His impressive power as Creator (Isaiah 48:13). Christ is the Creator (Colossians 1:16; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2). He is the God Who brings about everything. Thus, with His word of power, God is directing all of history and leads it to its consummation in Christ.

His third call to the people to listen is linked to the power with which He controls events (Isaiah 48:14-15). Who among all the idols is equal to Him in this? They have not been able to predict it and even less to edit it. He loves Cyrus for the work he will do for Him. With this He points again to the Lord Jesus and His work. Cyrus has been called by the LORD as the destroyer of Babylon and He will make his way prosperous.

Here we see Cyrus again as a type of the Lord Jesus. We recognize the love of God for Cyrus in the love of God the Father for His Son, which is clearly described in the Gospel according to John (John 3:35; John 5:20; John 10:17; John 15:9; John 17:23-26). Just as Cyrus judged Babylon at the time and made Israel return to his own land, so the Lord Jesus Christ will judge Babylon of the end time and save the believing remnant of Israel.

The fourth time He tells the people to listen is because He, as God, has proven His power to predict and fulfill future things (Isaiah 48:16a). God has always done this in a clear and open way, in contrast to the indistinct mutterings and whispers of the idols.

The “Me” mentioned in Isaiah 48:16b is different from the “Me” in the first part of the verse. In the first line it is about God and that is always the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The last line of Isa 48:16 suddenly introduces the Servant of the LORD speaking, that is Christ. That Christ is speaking can be concluded from a comparison with the first verse of Isaiah 61 (Isaiah 61:1).

This conclusion provides another striking proof of the trinity of God (cf. Isaiah 6:8). There is talk of the LORD, that is God Whom we may know as Father, of “Me”, that is the Servant, and of the Spirit. Also in Isaiah 11 and Isaiah 42 we find the three Persons of the Godhead: the LORD, the Servant, and the Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 42:1). The words of the Servant are undoubtedly an introduction to what He will explain about Himself in the next chapter (Isaiah 49:5-6).

Jeremiah 17:26

Listening to Spirit and Word

The LORD, Who prepared everything for the deliverance of His people through Cyrus, sent His Servant (Isaiah 48:16b), Who acts through the Holy Spirit to effect a great redemption for His people (Isaiah 48:17). He wants to teach them, to give them insight in the way they are going, that it will go well for them, that they may enter that way with joy and confidence.

It is as if we hear the Lord Jesus say to His disciples “learn from Me” (Matthew 11:29), that they will have rest in their hearts in the most difficult circumstances. He who is willing to be taught by Him will do well. That it will go well with them is the purpose of the LORD for His people in all the trials and bitter experiences they will have in exile.

This is the merciful purpose of the chastisements God gives us. He gives them “for [our] good, so that we may share His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). This is not just guidance in itself, but disciplinary action that teaches us. Therefore, we will stop doing what is of no use and we will put our wandering feet on the path to the goal: conformity to His Son (Romans 8:28-29).

Therefore, the urgent appeal follows to have a listening and obedient ear (Isaiah 48:18). The words “if you only” are an emotional utterance of the LORD, a heart cry (cf. Deuteronomy 5:28-29), which we also hear from the Savior’s mouth in relation with Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-42). He is so eager to give well-being or peace to His people, a well-being or peace that flows like a river. Well-being or peace and true prosperity depend on a repentant heart and faith that accepts and obeys the Word of God.

Peace is compared with the peaceful flow of a river, righteousness with the mighty waves of the sea, and descendants and offspring with the abundance of sand and grains (Isaiah 48:19). This will be a reality in the realm of peace. His peace and righteousness are their portion there.

What Israel as a nation will experience, we may enjoy spiritually. Spiritual fertility depends on peace and righteousness. If we live by His Word, His peace will fill our hearts and nothing can take away our peace of mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

Jeremiah 17:27

Listening to Spirit and Word

The LORD, Who prepared everything for the deliverance of His people through Cyrus, sent His Servant (Isaiah 48:16b), Who acts through the Holy Spirit to effect a great redemption for His people (Isaiah 48:17). He wants to teach them, to give them insight in the way they are going, that it will go well for them, that they may enter that way with joy and confidence.

It is as if we hear the Lord Jesus say to His disciples “learn from Me” (Matthew 11:29), that they will have rest in their hearts in the most difficult circumstances. He who is willing to be taught by Him will do well. That it will go well with them is the purpose of the LORD for His people in all the trials and bitter experiences they will have in exile.

This is the merciful purpose of the chastisements God gives us. He gives them “for [our] good, so that we may share His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). This is not just guidance in itself, but disciplinary action that teaches us. Therefore, we will stop doing what is of no use and we will put our wandering feet on the path to the goal: conformity to His Son (Romans 8:28-29).

Therefore, the urgent appeal follows to have a listening and obedient ear (Isaiah 48:18). The words “if you only” are an emotional utterance of the LORD, a heart cry (cf. Deuteronomy 5:28-29), which we also hear from the Savior’s mouth in relation with Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-42). He is so eager to give well-being or peace to His people, a well-being or peace that flows like a river. Well-being or peace and true prosperity depend on a repentant heart and faith that accepts and obeys the Word of God.

Peace is compared with the peaceful flow of a river, righteousness with the mighty waves of the sea, and descendants and offspring with the abundance of sand and grains (Isaiah 48:19). This will be a reality in the realm of peace. His peace and righteousness are their portion there.

What Israel as a nation will experience, we may enjoy spiritually. Spiritual fertility depends on peace and righteousness. If we live by His Word, His peace will fill our hearts and nothing can take away our peace of mind (Philippians 4:6-7).