Jeremiah 23

Jeremiah 23:1

Compassion

The section that follows now is full of the most tender promises and comfort. We read about the “everlasting lovingkindness” (Isaiah 54:8) of the LORD and of His “great compassion” (Isaiah 54:7) by virtue of His covenant and the glorious future that lies ahead for the people. Israel no longer needs to fear, for the people will no longer be put to shame (Isaiah 54:4).

It looked like she would be desolate forever, but that will turn out to be wrong. The shame of her widowhood will also be taken away. As a widow and a forsaken wife she will be restored, she will be accepted again and she will be married again. Her future will be so joyous that she will forget the shame of her youth, that is the time of her slavery in Egypt. There she is like a virgin bound by the LORD to Himself with a covenant of love (Jeremiah 2:2; Ezekiel 16:60).

She will also not remember the reproach of her widowhood, which is the time of her exile in Babylon (Jeremiah 51:5), for her “husband” is none other than her “Maker” (Isaiah 54:5). He Who became her Husband also originated her. Her Creator entered into a love relationship with her. He is “the LORD of hosts”, Who commands the heavenly and earthly hosts what they must do.

He is also their “Redeemer” to Whom the whole earth belongs and Who is therefore also able to provide it with all that it needs. He is her Redeemer, Who has redeemed her from the power of all her enemies, gives her back the inheritance and connects with her in marriage. He is what Boaz was to Ruth, the Redeemer, Who is also her Husband (Rth 4:1-13; Hosea 2:16).

Her relationship with Him has suffered greatly because of her unfaithfulness. But the LORD will call her back to Himself (Isaiah 54:6). He takes her back, just as a man takes back the woman he loved in his youth. She has displeased Him, but she is not like a hated one. To the LORD the time in which He had to forsake her, the time of her exile that seemed a long time to her (Lamentations 5:20), is “a brief moment” (Isaiah 54:7).

It may seem a long time to the remnant, but there will come an even longer period of time, an “everlasting lovingkindness” (Isaiah 54:8; Psalms 30:5a; cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17), in which they will enjoy God’s “great compassion” (Isaiah 54:7). This is in contrast to the brief moment of God’s “outburst of anger”.

Jeremiah 23:2

Compassion

The section that follows now is full of the most tender promises and comfort. We read about the “everlasting lovingkindness” (Isaiah 54:8) of the LORD and of His “great compassion” (Isaiah 54:7) by virtue of His covenant and the glorious future that lies ahead for the people. Israel no longer needs to fear, for the people will no longer be put to shame (Isaiah 54:4).

It looked like she would be desolate forever, but that will turn out to be wrong. The shame of her widowhood will also be taken away. As a widow and a forsaken wife she will be restored, she will be accepted again and she will be married again. Her future will be so joyous that she will forget the shame of her youth, that is the time of her slavery in Egypt. There she is like a virgin bound by the LORD to Himself with a covenant of love (Jeremiah 2:2; Ezekiel 16:60).

She will also not remember the reproach of her widowhood, which is the time of her exile in Babylon (Jeremiah 51:5), for her “husband” is none other than her “Maker” (Isaiah 54:5). He Who became her Husband also originated her. Her Creator entered into a love relationship with her. He is “the LORD of hosts”, Who commands the heavenly and earthly hosts what they must do.

He is also their “Redeemer” to Whom the whole earth belongs and Who is therefore also able to provide it with all that it needs. He is her Redeemer, Who has redeemed her from the power of all her enemies, gives her back the inheritance and connects with her in marriage. He is what Boaz was to Ruth, the Redeemer, Who is also her Husband (Rth 4:1-13; Hosea 2:16).

Her relationship with Him has suffered greatly because of her unfaithfulness. But the LORD will call her back to Himself (Isaiah 54:6). He takes her back, just as a man takes back the woman he loved in his youth. She has displeased Him, but she is not like a hated one. To the LORD the time in which He had to forsake her, the time of her exile that seemed a long time to her (Lamentations 5:20), is “a brief moment” (Isaiah 54:7).

It may seem a long time to the remnant, but there will come an even longer period of time, an “everlasting lovingkindness” (Isaiah 54:8; Psalms 30:5a; cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17), in which they will enjoy God’s “great compassion” (Isaiah 54:7). This is in contrast to the brief moment of God’s “outburst of anger”.

Jeremiah 23:3

Compassion

The section that follows now is full of the most tender promises and comfort. We read about the “everlasting lovingkindness” (Isaiah 54:8) of the LORD and of His “great compassion” (Isaiah 54:7) by virtue of His covenant and the glorious future that lies ahead for the people. Israel no longer needs to fear, for the people will no longer be put to shame (Isaiah 54:4).

It looked like she would be desolate forever, but that will turn out to be wrong. The shame of her widowhood will also be taken away. As a widow and a forsaken wife she will be restored, she will be accepted again and she will be married again. Her future will be so joyous that she will forget the shame of her youth, that is the time of her slavery in Egypt. There she is like a virgin bound by the LORD to Himself with a covenant of love (Jeremiah 2:2; Ezekiel 16:60).

She will also not remember the reproach of her widowhood, which is the time of her exile in Babylon (Jeremiah 51:5), for her “husband” is none other than her “Maker” (Isaiah 54:5). He Who became her Husband also originated her. Her Creator entered into a love relationship with her. He is “the LORD of hosts”, Who commands the heavenly and earthly hosts what they must do.

He is also their “Redeemer” to Whom the whole earth belongs and Who is therefore also able to provide it with all that it needs. He is her Redeemer, Who has redeemed her from the power of all her enemies, gives her back the inheritance and connects with her in marriage. He is what Boaz was to Ruth, the Redeemer, Who is also her Husband (Rth 4:1-13; Hosea 2:16).

Her relationship with Him has suffered greatly because of her unfaithfulness. But the LORD will call her back to Himself (Isaiah 54:6). He takes her back, just as a man takes back the woman he loved in his youth. She has displeased Him, but she is not like a hated one. To the LORD the time in which He had to forsake her, the time of her exile that seemed a long time to her (Lamentations 5:20), is “a brief moment” (Isaiah 54:7).

It may seem a long time to the remnant, but there will come an even longer period of time, an “everlasting lovingkindness” (Isaiah 54:8; Psalms 30:5a; cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17), in which they will enjoy God’s “great compassion” (Isaiah 54:7). This is in contrast to the brief moment of God’s “outburst of anger”.

Jeremiah 23:4

Compassion

The section that follows now is full of the most tender promises and comfort. We read about the “everlasting lovingkindness” (Isaiah 54:8) of the LORD and of His “great compassion” (Isaiah 54:7) by virtue of His covenant and the glorious future that lies ahead for the people. Israel no longer needs to fear, for the people will no longer be put to shame (Isaiah 54:4).

It looked like she would be desolate forever, but that will turn out to be wrong. The shame of her widowhood will also be taken away. As a widow and a forsaken wife she will be restored, she will be accepted again and she will be married again. Her future will be so joyous that she will forget the shame of her youth, that is the time of her slavery in Egypt. There she is like a virgin bound by the LORD to Himself with a covenant of love (Jeremiah 2:2; Ezekiel 16:60).

She will also not remember the reproach of her widowhood, which is the time of her exile in Babylon (Jeremiah 51:5), for her “husband” is none other than her “Maker” (Isaiah 54:5). He Who became her Husband also originated her. Her Creator entered into a love relationship with her. He is “the LORD of hosts”, Who commands the heavenly and earthly hosts what they must do.

He is also their “Redeemer” to Whom the whole earth belongs and Who is therefore also able to provide it with all that it needs. He is her Redeemer, Who has redeemed her from the power of all her enemies, gives her back the inheritance and connects with her in marriage. He is what Boaz was to Ruth, the Redeemer, Who is also her Husband (Rth 4:1-13; Hosea 2:16).

Her relationship with Him has suffered greatly because of her unfaithfulness. But the LORD will call her back to Himself (Isaiah 54:6). He takes her back, just as a man takes back the woman he loved in his youth. She has displeased Him, but she is not like a hated one. To the LORD the time in which He had to forsake her, the time of her exile that seemed a long time to her (Lamentations 5:20), is “a brief moment” (Isaiah 54:7).

It may seem a long time to the remnant, but there will come an even longer period of time, an “everlasting lovingkindness” (Isaiah 54:8; Psalms 30:5a; cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17), in which they will enjoy God’s “great compassion” (Isaiah 54:7). This is in contrast to the brief moment of God’s “outburst of anger”.

Jeremiah 23:5

Compassion

The section that follows now is full of the most tender promises and comfort. We read about the “everlasting lovingkindness” (Isaiah 54:8) of the LORD and of His “great compassion” (Isaiah 54:7) by virtue of His covenant and the glorious future that lies ahead for the people. Israel no longer needs to fear, for the people will no longer be put to shame (Isaiah 54:4).

It looked like she would be desolate forever, but that will turn out to be wrong. The shame of her widowhood will also be taken away. As a widow and a forsaken wife she will be restored, she will be accepted again and she will be married again. Her future will be so joyous that she will forget the shame of her youth, that is the time of her slavery in Egypt. There she is like a virgin bound by the LORD to Himself with a covenant of love (Jeremiah 2:2; Ezekiel 16:60).

She will also not remember the reproach of her widowhood, which is the time of her exile in Babylon (Jeremiah 51:5), for her “husband” is none other than her “Maker” (Isaiah 54:5). He Who became her Husband also originated her. Her Creator entered into a love relationship with her. He is “the LORD of hosts”, Who commands the heavenly and earthly hosts what they must do.

He is also their “Redeemer” to Whom the whole earth belongs and Who is therefore also able to provide it with all that it needs. He is her Redeemer, Who has redeemed her from the power of all her enemies, gives her back the inheritance and connects with her in marriage. He is what Boaz was to Ruth, the Redeemer, Who is also her Husband (Rth 4:1-13; Hosea 2:16).

Her relationship with Him has suffered greatly because of her unfaithfulness. But the LORD will call her back to Himself (Isaiah 54:6). He takes her back, just as a man takes back the woman he loved in his youth. She has displeased Him, but she is not like a hated one. To the LORD the time in which He had to forsake her, the time of her exile that seemed a long time to her (Lamentations 5:20), is “a brief moment” (Isaiah 54:7).

It may seem a long time to the remnant, but there will come an even longer period of time, an “everlasting lovingkindness” (Isaiah 54:8; Psalms 30:5a; cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17), in which they will enjoy God’s “great compassion” (Isaiah 54:7). This is in contrast to the brief moment of God’s “outburst of anger”.

Jeremiah 23:6

An Unshakable Covenant

Then the LORD gives the assurance that He will never be angry with Israel again, just as He gave such an assurance to Noah concerning the flood (Isaiah 54:9; Genesis 9:11). Just as a rainbow then underscored that assurance (Genesis 9:16), so now He speaks of “My covenant of peace” as something that will never be taken away. That covenant can be there because the punishment that brings them peace was on Him (Isaiah 53:5). The covenant cannot be broken. It is an everlasting covenant because it is based on the blood of the new covenant He has shed.

Whatever may change or succumb, not His lovingkindness for His people, for He is “the LORD who has compassion” on them (Isaiah 54:10). Just as Noah and his family come to a new earth after the flood, so God’s redeemed people will enter after the great tribulation the blessing of the millennial realm of peace on a renewed earth.

Jeremiah 23:7

An Unshakable Covenant

Then the LORD gives the assurance that He will never be angry with Israel again, just as He gave such an assurance to Noah concerning the flood (Isaiah 54:9; Genesis 9:11). Just as a rainbow then underscored that assurance (Genesis 9:16), so now He speaks of “My covenant of peace” as something that will never be taken away. That covenant can be there because the punishment that brings them peace was on Him (Isaiah 53:5). The covenant cannot be broken. It is an everlasting covenant because it is based on the blood of the new covenant He has shed.

Whatever may change or succumb, not His lovingkindness for His people, for He is “the LORD who has compassion” on them (Isaiah 54:10). Just as Noah and his family come to a new earth after the flood, so God’s redeemed people will enter after the great tribulation the blessing of the millennial realm of peace on a renewed earth.

Jeremiah 23:8

Zion Untouchable

These verses describe the future glory and happiness of God’s earthly people. This is done in a wonderful variety of ways that serve to present the coming deliverance and its consequences as opposed to the present misery. This last state we see in the beginning of Isa 54:11.

The “afflicted one” or the oppressed one shows how she has been under the antichrist in the great tribulation. “Storm-tossed” represents the hostile powers – the king of the North – who, under the leadership of satan, have battered God’s people to destroy them. “Not comforted” shows that she was without comforter. She had to undergo the judgment of Lo-Ammi, which means ‘not My people’ (Hosea 1:9), and was therefore deprived of the comfort of God. But the LORD will make Jerusalem shine and give it an unshakeable foundation of precious stones. The stones are set in “antimony” and the foundation are laid in “sapphires”.

The treasures of the earth, which man dulls to his own glory, reflect the features of God and of Christ and will serve for this purpose in the realm of peace. We see this, for example, in the “battlements of rubies”. The ruby has a blood red color and is a reminder of the blood of Christ and the work of reconciliation. Then all that has been created under the reign of the Lord Jesus fulfills its true purpose. The city will shine because of all the earthly glory that the LORD has given her and with which He adorns her like a bride (Isaiah 54:12; cf. Revelation 21:18-21). All this glory is reminiscent of the glory of Christ.

In the reflection of the glory of Christ, the children of Jerusalem will be “sons” taught as pupils by the LORD (Isaiah 54:13). The stones are called “sons” here. As pupils of the LORD they shall resemble the true servant of the LORD, the Messiah, Who was also the true Pupil, or Disciple (Isaiah 50:4; cf. Isaiah 8:16). They will not need human education to behave like sons.

Taught by God (John 6:45; 1 Thessalonians 4:9), they will come to acknowledge sin, and love will be their common feature after conversion. They will not have to teach each other about this (Jeremiah 31:34). That teaching is given to them by directing their eye toward the perfect Pupil, or Disciple, the perfect Servant. All this happiness, all this salvation, all this blessing will be enjoyed on the basis of Divine righteousness (Isaiah 54:14).

They will no longer be oppressed by enemies. Oppression will be far away from them. They need not fear a repetition of their affliction through the hand of nations sent by the LORD, such as Assyria and Babylon. If the enemies attempt to attack them anyway, it will mean the fall of those nations themselves through the people of God (Isaiah 54:15). Jerusalem will be impregnable. All things are in the hand of the LORD (Isaiah 54:16). There is no power in the world that can stand against God, because that power is created by Him (cf. Esther 7:6-10).

That may be of comfort to us. He is always stronger than the power that is against us. Therefore, no weapon formed against His people will be used successfully (Isaiah 54:17). He uses His creative power to defend His people. He will also give them the words to defend themselves against any accusation.

The closing lines of the chapter list all preceding promises and describe them as “the heritage of the servants of the LORD”. The Servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, has deserved everything; it is His righteous reward; the servants of the LORD, Israel, share in it by grace. He is entitled to it because righteousness is His own; they receive that right or that righteousness by grace.

While the true Servant Himself is the Righteous, the righteousness given to the people is based on grace: ““Their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.” In this way Jerusalem will be established. Israel will not be able to claim anything as a result of its own merit, any more than we, who are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24), can.

Jeremiah 23:9

Zion Untouchable

These verses describe the future glory and happiness of God’s earthly people. This is done in a wonderful variety of ways that serve to present the coming deliverance and its consequences as opposed to the present misery. This last state we see in the beginning of Isa 54:11.

The “afflicted one” or the oppressed one shows how she has been under the antichrist in the great tribulation. “Storm-tossed” represents the hostile powers – the king of the North – who, under the leadership of satan, have battered God’s people to destroy them. “Not comforted” shows that she was without comforter. She had to undergo the judgment of Lo-Ammi, which means ‘not My people’ (Hosea 1:9), and was therefore deprived of the comfort of God. But the LORD will make Jerusalem shine and give it an unshakeable foundation of precious stones. The stones are set in “antimony” and the foundation are laid in “sapphires”.

The treasures of the earth, which man dulls to his own glory, reflect the features of God and of Christ and will serve for this purpose in the realm of peace. We see this, for example, in the “battlements of rubies”. The ruby has a blood red color and is a reminder of the blood of Christ and the work of reconciliation. Then all that has been created under the reign of the Lord Jesus fulfills its true purpose. The city will shine because of all the earthly glory that the LORD has given her and with which He adorns her like a bride (Isaiah 54:12; cf. Revelation 21:18-21). All this glory is reminiscent of the glory of Christ.

In the reflection of the glory of Christ, the children of Jerusalem will be “sons” taught as pupils by the LORD (Isaiah 54:13). The stones are called “sons” here. As pupils of the LORD they shall resemble the true servant of the LORD, the Messiah, Who was also the true Pupil, or Disciple (Isaiah 50:4; cf. Isaiah 8:16). They will not need human education to behave like sons.

Taught by God (John 6:45; 1 Thessalonians 4:9), they will come to acknowledge sin, and love will be their common feature after conversion. They will not have to teach each other about this (Jeremiah 31:34). That teaching is given to them by directing their eye toward the perfect Pupil, or Disciple, the perfect Servant. All this happiness, all this salvation, all this blessing will be enjoyed on the basis of Divine righteousness (Isaiah 54:14).

They will no longer be oppressed by enemies. Oppression will be far away from them. They need not fear a repetition of their affliction through the hand of nations sent by the LORD, such as Assyria and Babylon. If the enemies attempt to attack them anyway, it will mean the fall of those nations themselves through the people of God (Isaiah 54:15). Jerusalem will be impregnable. All things are in the hand of the LORD (Isaiah 54:16). There is no power in the world that can stand against God, because that power is created by Him (cf. Esther 7:6-10).

That may be of comfort to us. He is always stronger than the power that is against us. Therefore, no weapon formed against His people will be used successfully (Isaiah 54:17). He uses His creative power to defend His people. He will also give them the words to defend themselves against any accusation.

The closing lines of the chapter list all preceding promises and describe them as “the heritage of the servants of the LORD”. The Servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, has deserved everything; it is His righteous reward; the servants of the LORD, Israel, share in it by grace. He is entitled to it because righteousness is His own; they receive that right or that righteousness by grace.

While the true Servant Himself is the Righteous, the righteousness given to the people is based on grace: ““Their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.” In this way Jerusalem will be established. Israel will not be able to claim anything as a result of its own merit, any more than we, who are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24), can.

Jeremiah 23:10

Zion Untouchable

These verses describe the future glory and happiness of God’s earthly people. This is done in a wonderful variety of ways that serve to present the coming deliverance and its consequences as opposed to the present misery. This last state we see in the beginning of Isa 54:11.

The “afflicted one” or the oppressed one shows how she has been under the antichrist in the great tribulation. “Storm-tossed” represents the hostile powers – the king of the North – who, under the leadership of satan, have battered God’s people to destroy them. “Not comforted” shows that she was without comforter. She had to undergo the judgment of Lo-Ammi, which means ‘not My people’ (Hosea 1:9), and was therefore deprived of the comfort of God. But the LORD will make Jerusalem shine and give it an unshakeable foundation of precious stones. The stones are set in “antimony” and the foundation are laid in “sapphires”.

The treasures of the earth, which man dulls to his own glory, reflect the features of God and of Christ and will serve for this purpose in the realm of peace. We see this, for example, in the “battlements of rubies”. The ruby has a blood red color and is a reminder of the blood of Christ and the work of reconciliation. Then all that has been created under the reign of the Lord Jesus fulfills its true purpose. The city will shine because of all the earthly glory that the LORD has given her and with which He adorns her like a bride (Isaiah 54:12; cf. Revelation 21:18-21). All this glory is reminiscent of the glory of Christ.

In the reflection of the glory of Christ, the children of Jerusalem will be “sons” taught as pupils by the LORD (Isaiah 54:13). The stones are called “sons” here. As pupils of the LORD they shall resemble the true servant of the LORD, the Messiah, Who was also the true Pupil, or Disciple (Isaiah 50:4; cf. Isaiah 8:16). They will not need human education to behave like sons.

Taught by God (John 6:45; 1 Thessalonians 4:9), they will come to acknowledge sin, and love will be their common feature after conversion. They will not have to teach each other about this (Jeremiah 31:34). That teaching is given to them by directing their eye toward the perfect Pupil, or Disciple, the perfect Servant. All this happiness, all this salvation, all this blessing will be enjoyed on the basis of Divine righteousness (Isaiah 54:14).

They will no longer be oppressed by enemies. Oppression will be far away from them. They need not fear a repetition of their affliction through the hand of nations sent by the LORD, such as Assyria and Babylon. If the enemies attempt to attack them anyway, it will mean the fall of those nations themselves through the people of God (Isaiah 54:15). Jerusalem will be impregnable. All things are in the hand of the LORD (Isaiah 54:16). There is no power in the world that can stand against God, because that power is created by Him (cf. Esther 7:6-10).

That may be of comfort to us. He is always stronger than the power that is against us. Therefore, no weapon formed against His people will be used successfully (Isaiah 54:17). He uses His creative power to defend His people. He will also give them the words to defend themselves against any accusation.

The closing lines of the chapter list all preceding promises and describe them as “the heritage of the servants of the LORD”. The Servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, has deserved everything; it is His righteous reward; the servants of the LORD, Israel, share in it by grace. He is entitled to it because righteousness is His own; they receive that right or that righteousness by grace.

While the true Servant Himself is the Righteous, the righteousness given to the people is based on grace: ““Their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.” In this way Jerusalem will be established. Israel will not be able to claim anything as a result of its own merit, any more than we, who are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24), can.

Jeremiah 23:11

Zion Untouchable

These verses describe the future glory and happiness of God’s earthly people. This is done in a wonderful variety of ways that serve to present the coming deliverance and its consequences as opposed to the present misery. This last state we see in the beginning of Isa 54:11.

The “afflicted one” or the oppressed one shows how she has been under the antichrist in the great tribulation. “Storm-tossed” represents the hostile powers – the king of the North – who, under the leadership of satan, have battered God’s people to destroy them. “Not comforted” shows that she was without comforter. She had to undergo the judgment of Lo-Ammi, which means ‘not My people’ (Hosea 1:9), and was therefore deprived of the comfort of God. But the LORD will make Jerusalem shine and give it an unshakeable foundation of precious stones. The stones are set in “antimony” and the foundation are laid in “sapphires”.

The treasures of the earth, which man dulls to his own glory, reflect the features of God and of Christ and will serve for this purpose in the realm of peace. We see this, for example, in the “battlements of rubies”. The ruby has a blood red color and is a reminder of the blood of Christ and the work of reconciliation. Then all that has been created under the reign of the Lord Jesus fulfills its true purpose. The city will shine because of all the earthly glory that the LORD has given her and with which He adorns her like a bride (Isaiah 54:12; cf. Revelation 21:18-21). All this glory is reminiscent of the glory of Christ.

In the reflection of the glory of Christ, the children of Jerusalem will be “sons” taught as pupils by the LORD (Isaiah 54:13). The stones are called “sons” here. As pupils of the LORD they shall resemble the true servant of the LORD, the Messiah, Who was also the true Pupil, or Disciple (Isaiah 50:4; cf. Isaiah 8:16). They will not need human education to behave like sons.

Taught by God (John 6:45; 1 Thessalonians 4:9), they will come to acknowledge sin, and love will be their common feature after conversion. They will not have to teach each other about this (Jeremiah 31:34). That teaching is given to them by directing their eye toward the perfect Pupil, or Disciple, the perfect Servant. All this happiness, all this salvation, all this blessing will be enjoyed on the basis of Divine righteousness (Isaiah 54:14).

They will no longer be oppressed by enemies. Oppression will be far away from them. They need not fear a repetition of their affliction through the hand of nations sent by the LORD, such as Assyria and Babylon. If the enemies attempt to attack them anyway, it will mean the fall of those nations themselves through the people of God (Isaiah 54:15). Jerusalem will be impregnable. All things are in the hand of the LORD (Isaiah 54:16). There is no power in the world that can stand against God, because that power is created by Him (cf. Esther 7:6-10).

That may be of comfort to us. He is always stronger than the power that is against us. Therefore, no weapon formed against His people will be used successfully (Isaiah 54:17). He uses His creative power to defend His people. He will also give them the words to defend themselves against any accusation.

The closing lines of the chapter list all preceding promises and describe them as “the heritage of the servants of the LORD”. The Servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, has deserved everything; it is His righteous reward; the servants of the LORD, Israel, share in it by grace. He is entitled to it because righteousness is His own; they receive that right or that righteousness by grace.

While the true Servant Himself is the Righteous, the righteousness given to the people is based on grace: ““Their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.” In this way Jerusalem will be established. Israel will not be able to claim anything as a result of its own merit, any more than we, who are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24), can.

Jeremiah 23:12

Zion Untouchable

These verses describe the future glory and happiness of God’s earthly people. This is done in a wonderful variety of ways that serve to present the coming deliverance and its consequences as opposed to the present misery. This last state we see in the beginning of Isa 54:11.

The “afflicted one” or the oppressed one shows how she has been under the antichrist in the great tribulation. “Storm-tossed” represents the hostile powers – the king of the North – who, under the leadership of satan, have battered God’s people to destroy them. “Not comforted” shows that she was without comforter. She had to undergo the judgment of Lo-Ammi, which means ‘not My people’ (Hosea 1:9), and was therefore deprived of the comfort of God. But the LORD will make Jerusalem shine and give it an unshakeable foundation of precious stones. The stones are set in “antimony” and the foundation are laid in “sapphires”.

The treasures of the earth, which man dulls to his own glory, reflect the features of God and of Christ and will serve for this purpose in the realm of peace. We see this, for example, in the “battlements of rubies”. The ruby has a blood red color and is a reminder of the blood of Christ and the work of reconciliation. Then all that has been created under the reign of the Lord Jesus fulfills its true purpose. The city will shine because of all the earthly glory that the LORD has given her and with which He adorns her like a bride (Isaiah 54:12; cf. Revelation 21:18-21). All this glory is reminiscent of the glory of Christ.

In the reflection of the glory of Christ, the children of Jerusalem will be “sons” taught as pupils by the LORD (Isaiah 54:13). The stones are called “sons” here. As pupils of the LORD they shall resemble the true servant of the LORD, the Messiah, Who was also the true Pupil, or Disciple (Isaiah 50:4; cf. Isaiah 8:16). They will not need human education to behave like sons.

Taught by God (John 6:45; 1 Thessalonians 4:9), they will come to acknowledge sin, and love will be their common feature after conversion. They will not have to teach each other about this (Jeremiah 31:34). That teaching is given to them by directing their eye toward the perfect Pupil, or Disciple, the perfect Servant. All this happiness, all this salvation, all this blessing will be enjoyed on the basis of Divine righteousness (Isaiah 54:14).

They will no longer be oppressed by enemies. Oppression will be far away from them. They need not fear a repetition of their affliction through the hand of nations sent by the LORD, such as Assyria and Babylon. If the enemies attempt to attack them anyway, it will mean the fall of those nations themselves through the people of God (Isaiah 54:15). Jerusalem will be impregnable. All things are in the hand of the LORD (Isaiah 54:16). There is no power in the world that can stand against God, because that power is created by Him (cf. Esther 7:6-10).

That may be of comfort to us. He is always stronger than the power that is against us. Therefore, no weapon formed against His people will be used successfully (Isaiah 54:17). He uses His creative power to defend His people. He will also give them the words to defend themselves against any accusation.

The closing lines of the chapter list all preceding promises and describe them as “the heritage of the servants of the LORD”. The Servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, has deserved everything; it is His righteous reward; the servants of the LORD, Israel, share in it by grace. He is entitled to it because righteousness is His own; they receive that right or that righteousness by grace.

While the true Servant Himself is the Righteous, the righteousness given to the people is based on grace: ““Their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.” In this way Jerusalem will be established. Israel will not be able to claim anything as a result of its own merit, any more than we, who are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24), can.

Jeremiah 23:13

Zion Untouchable

These verses describe the future glory and happiness of God’s earthly people. This is done in a wonderful variety of ways that serve to present the coming deliverance and its consequences as opposed to the present misery. This last state we see in the beginning of Isa 54:11.

The “afflicted one” or the oppressed one shows how she has been under the antichrist in the great tribulation. “Storm-tossed” represents the hostile powers – the king of the North – who, under the leadership of satan, have battered God’s people to destroy them. “Not comforted” shows that she was without comforter. She had to undergo the judgment of Lo-Ammi, which means ‘not My people’ (Hosea 1:9), and was therefore deprived of the comfort of God. But the LORD will make Jerusalem shine and give it an unshakeable foundation of precious stones. The stones are set in “antimony” and the foundation are laid in “sapphires”.

The treasures of the earth, which man dulls to his own glory, reflect the features of God and of Christ and will serve for this purpose in the realm of peace. We see this, for example, in the “battlements of rubies”. The ruby has a blood red color and is a reminder of the blood of Christ and the work of reconciliation. Then all that has been created under the reign of the Lord Jesus fulfills its true purpose. The city will shine because of all the earthly glory that the LORD has given her and with which He adorns her like a bride (Isaiah 54:12; cf. Revelation 21:18-21). All this glory is reminiscent of the glory of Christ.

In the reflection of the glory of Christ, the children of Jerusalem will be “sons” taught as pupils by the LORD (Isaiah 54:13). The stones are called “sons” here. As pupils of the LORD they shall resemble the true servant of the LORD, the Messiah, Who was also the true Pupil, or Disciple (Isaiah 50:4; cf. Isaiah 8:16). They will not need human education to behave like sons.

Taught by God (John 6:45; 1 Thessalonians 4:9), they will come to acknowledge sin, and love will be their common feature after conversion. They will not have to teach each other about this (Jeremiah 31:34). That teaching is given to them by directing their eye toward the perfect Pupil, or Disciple, the perfect Servant. All this happiness, all this salvation, all this blessing will be enjoyed on the basis of Divine righteousness (Isaiah 54:14).

They will no longer be oppressed by enemies. Oppression will be far away from them. They need not fear a repetition of their affliction through the hand of nations sent by the LORD, such as Assyria and Babylon. If the enemies attempt to attack them anyway, it will mean the fall of those nations themselves through the people of God (Isaiah 54:15). Jerusalem will be impregnable. All things are in the hand of the LORD (Isaiah 54:16). There is no power in the world that can stand against God, because that power is created by Him (cf. Esther 7:6-10).

That may be of comfort to us. He is always stronger than the power that is against us. Therefore, no weapon formed against His people will be used successfully (Isaiah 54:17). He uses His creative power to defend His people. He will also give them the words to defend themselves against any accusation.

The closing lines of the chapter list all preceding promises and describe them as “the heritage of the servants of the LORD”. The Servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, has deserved everything; it is His righteous reward; the servants of the LORD, Israel, share in it by grace. He is entitled to it because righteousness is His own; they receive that right or that righteousness by grace.

While the true Servant Himself is the Righteous, the righteousness given to the people is based on grace: ““Their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.” In this way Jerusalem will be established. Israel will not be able to claim anything as a result of its own merit, any more than we, who are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24), can.

Jeremiah 23:14

Zion Untouchable

These verses describe the future glory and happiness of God’s earthly people. This is done in a wonderful variety of ways that serve to present the coming deliverance and its consequences as opposed to the present misery. This last state we see in the beginning of Isa 54:11.

The “afflicted one” or the oppressed one shows how she has been under the antichrist in the great tribulation. “Storm-tossed” represents the hostile powers – the king of the North – who, under the leadership of satan, have battered God’s people to destroy them. “Not comforted” shows that she was without comforter. She had to undergo the judgment of Lo-Ammi, which means ‘not My people’ (Hosea 1:9), and was therefore deprived of the comfort of God. But the LORD will make Jerusalem shine and give it an unshakeable foundation of precious stones. The stones are set in “antimony” and the foundation are laid in “sapphires”.

The treasures of the earth, which man dulls to his own glory, reflect the features of God and of Christ and will serve for this purpose in the realm of peace. We see this, for example, in the “battlements of rubies”. The ruby has a blood red color and is a reminder of the blood of Christ and the work of reconciliation. Then all that has been created under the reign of the Lord Jesus fulfills its true purpose. The city will shine because of all the earthly glory that the LORD has given her and with which He adorns her like a bride (Isaiah 54:12; cf. Revelation 21:18-21). All this glory is reminiscent of the glory of Christ.

In the reflection of the glory of Christ, the children of Jerusalem will be “sons” taught as pupils by the LORD (Isaiah 54:13). The stones are called “sons” here. As pupils of the LORD they shall resemble the true servant of the LORD, the Messiah, Who was also the true Pupil, or Disciple (Isaiah 50:4; cf. Isaiah 8:16). They will not need human education to behave like sons.

Taught by God (John 6:45; 1 Thessalonians 4:9), they will come to acknowledge sin, and love will be their common feature after conversion. They will not have to teach each other about this (Jeremiah 31:34). That teaching is given to them by directing their eye toward the perfect Pupil, or Disciple, the perfect Servant. All this happiness, all this salvation, all this blessing will be enjoyed on the basis of Divine righteousness (Isaiah 54:14).

They will no longer be oppressed by enemies. Oppression will be far away from them. They need not fear a repetition of their affliction through the hand of nations sent by the LORD, such as Assyria and Babylon. If the enemies attempt to attack them anyway, it will mean the fall of those nations themselves through the people of God (Isaiah 54:15). Jerusalem will be impregnable. All things are in the hand of the LORD (Isaiah 54:16). There is no power in the world that can stand against God, because that power is created by Him (cf. Esther 7:6-10).

That may be of comfort to us. He is always stronger than the power that is against us. Therefore, no weapon formed against His people will be used successfully (Isaiah 54:17). He uses His creative power to defend His people. He will also give them the words to defend themselves against any accusation.

The closing lines of the chapter list all preceding promises and describe them as “the heritage of the servants of the LORD”. The Servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, has deserved everything; it is His righteous reward; the servants of the LORD, Israel, share in it by grace. He is entitled to it because righteousness is His own; they receive that right or that righteousness by grace.

While the true Servant Himself is the Righteous, the righteousness given to the people is based on grace: ““Their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.” In this way Jerusalem will be established. Israel will not be able to claim anything as a result of its own merit, any more than we, who are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24), can.

Jeremiah 23:16

Invitation

After the work of the Servant is accomplished (Isaiah 53), the blessings of the new covenant can come richly to Israel (Isaiah 54). The blessings then flow so abundantly that they go beyond the borders of Israel. For Israel, this day is a day of joy. That is why they must not remain silent (cf. 2 Kings 7:9) and must pass on the blessings. They invite others (Isaiah 55:1).

The prophet now makes an invitation to come and participate in the spiritual providence that the LORD has made for those who willingly turn away from their own plans and actions in order to listen diligently to His voice. The invitation begins with the exclamation “Ho!” – Hebrew hoy. This expression is usually used for mourning or judgment, but here it is positive and is an exclamation for those who are spiritually distant. In the call in Isaiah 55:1 the invitation “come” – Hebrew halach, literally “go” – sounds three times.

The first to be called are “every one who thirsts”. This points, as the verses afterward also show, to everyone, both the still scattered Israelites and all nations in the future. The only condition to be allowed to come is to be thirsty. Thirst is the longing for God (Psalms 42:2a). In our time it applies to ourselves.

To the thirsty sounds the invitation: “Come to the waters.” To which waters? Where should they go? The answer is: to the Rock, that is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). Because that the Rock has been smitten (Isaiah 53:10), the water flows abundantly and all who are thirsty can go to the Rock to receive water (John 7:37).

The second “come” we hear in the invitation to buy and eat, “come, buy and eat”. How to do that? How to obtain salvation? By buying, which means that there is a personal act involved. That does not mean that good works have to be done, because the sequel reads buy “without money and without cost”. However, it is not free, because the price has been paid by Another, namely the Servant of the LORD. It is a price so high, that no one but He could pay it (Psalms 49:7-8).

The third time is “come, buy wine and milk”. What should they buy? Wine and milk. Wine speaks of the joy of salvation. For Israel and the nations in the realm of peace, it is the blessings of the new covenant, including forgiveness of sins and new life. Milk then speaks of spiritual food, which is the Word of God needed by the new life in order to grow (1 Peter 2:2).

It is clear that it is not literally about water, wine and milk. They are pictures of higher things than natural products. The true food and drink are the flesh and blood of the Lord Jesus He gave on the cross for the life of the world (John 6:51). The LORD offers the water of life for free, without cost (Revelation 22:17b). The spiritual meaning of water is mentioned in Isaiah 44, where reference is made to the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 44:3; cf. John 7:38-39). Wine has also been mentioned earlier (Isaiah 25:6-7) and is a picture of joy (Psalms 104:15). In the same way we must understand the mention of milk (see the previous paragraph).

You can buy “without money and without cost”. It is all Divine grace. From the point of view of the recipient, the possession of spiritual blessings depends only on the sense of need and a willingness to accept them. Buying without money presupposes spiritual bankruptcy. Nothing more is expected of one’s own effort (Romans 11:6). Israel has invested money and work in idols. Hence the serious appeal expressed at the beginning of the chapter in the exclamation “Ho!” This exclamation is not just an invitation, but sheds light on the state of affairs of those who pursue their own interests instead of listening to the voice of the LORD.

The LORD continues His call with the gracious words of Isa 55:2. The satisfaction of the soul is obtained through the obedience of faith. If we listen diligently to the voice of the Lord and do His will, we can enjoy true spiritual joy. Often we hesitate to obey Him. We then give a lot of time and energy to things that occupy us but are not food for the soul, which are not the true bread for the heart.

What God says here goes beyond meeting our needs. He wants to give us abundant satisfaction. This is “the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Then He asks His people to turn their ear to Him to listen and come to Him, that their souls may live (Isaiah 55:3). Something similar He also says to the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:20).

The call “come” in Isaiah 55:3 is the fourth call to come, after the three times in Isaiah 55:1. It is now: “Come to Me.” Now it is clear. The beaten Rock, from which water comes, and the abundant wine and milk, refer to and are available from a Person, a Seller Who sells without money. That Person is the Servant of the LORD, risen from the dead, Whose work is finished, and Who is now the source of all grace, the source of all God’s blessings.

Although in these first three verses there is much that can be applied to the gospel, it is primarily a call to those who are spiritually distant. They are souls in need of revival which can only be experienced by returning to the LORD.

The LORD connects a promise to the conversion of His people. In human affairs a covenant is made that is ratified by each of the parties. Here the LORD shows that He is free to give the blessings of the covenant to those who come to Him. This can happen because Another, namely the Servant of the LORD, has taken upon Himself the obligations of the covenant. Therefore, this covenant is in reality a promise that will surely be fulfilled (cf. Galatians 3:17-18).

“The faithful mercies shown to David” are, according to Acts 13, where this verse is quoted from the Septuagint, “THE HOLY [and] SURE [blessings] OF DAVID” (Acts 13:34) which are based on the resurrection of Christ. The resurrection of Christ makes the mercies trustworthy. Here the mercies are the abundant blessings of the new covenant. Paul uses this quotation as the second of three Old Testament quotations that prove that they have been fulfilled in Christ. The first refers to His birth (Acts 13:33), the second to His resurrection (Acts 13:34) and the third to His imperishableness (Acts 13:35).

We also see here a reference to God’s faithful mercies regarding His promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The covenant of Moses is no longer mentioned, but the covenant with David. It is as if the LORD wants to point here to the covenant which is based on the work of the Servant, Who is also the Son of David.

Jeremiah 23:17

Invitation

After the work of the Servant is accomplished (Isaiah 53), the blessings of the new covenant can come richly to Israel (Isaiah 54). The blessings then flow so abundantly that they go beyond the borders of Israel. For Israel, this day is a day of joy. That is why they must not remain silent (cf. 2 Kings 7:9) and must pass on the blessings. They invite others (Isaiah 55:1).

The prophet now makes an invitation to come and participate in the spiritual providence that the LORD has made for those who willingly turn away from their own plans and actions in order to listen diligently to His voice. The invitation begins with the exclamation “Ho!” – Hebrew hoy. This expression is usually used for mourning or judgment, but here it is positive and is an exclamation for those who are spiritually distant. In the call in Isaiah 55:1 the invitation “come” – Hebrew halach, literally “go” – sounds three times.

The first to be called are “every one who thirsts”. This points, as the verses afterward also show, to everyone, both the still scattered Israelites and all nations in the future. The only condition to be allowed to come is to be thirsty. Thirst is the longing for God (Psalms 42:2a). In our time it applies to ourselves.

To the thirsty sounds the invitation: “Come to the waters.” To which waters? Where should they go? The answer is: to the Rock, that is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). Because that the Rock has been smitten (Isaiah 53:10), the water flows abundantly and all who are thirsty can go to the Rock to receive water (John 7:37).

The second “come” we hear in the invitation to buy and eat, “come, buy and eat”. How to do that? How to obtain salvation? By buying, which means that there is a personal act involved. That does not mean that good works have to be done, because the sequel reads buy “without money and without cost”. However, it is not free, because the price has been paid by Another, namely the Servant of the LORD. It is a price so high, that no one but He could pay it (Psalms 49:7-8).

The third time is “come, buy wine and milk”. What should they buy? Wine and milk. Wine speaks of the joy of salvation. For Israel and the nations in the realm of peace, it is the blessings of the new covenant, including forgiveness of sins and new life. Milk then speaks of spiritual food, which is the Word of God needed by the new life in order to grow (1 Peter 2:2).

It is clear that it is not literally about water, wine and milk. They are pictures of higher things than natural products. The true food and drink are the flesh and blood of the Lord Jesus He gave on the cross for the life of the world (John 6:51). The LORD offers the water of life for free, without cost (Revelation 22:17b). The spiritual meaning of water is mentioned in Isaiah 44, where reference is made to the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 44:3; cf. John 7:38-39). Wine has also been mentioned earlier (Isaiah 25:6-7) and is a picture of joy (Psalms 104:15). In the same way we must understand the mention of milk (see the previous paragraph).

You can buy “without money and without cost”. It is all Divine grace. From the point of view of the recipient, the possession of spiritual blessings depends only on the sense of need and a willingness to accept them. Buying without money presupposes spiritual bankruptcy. Nothing more is expected of one’s own effort (Romans 11:6). Israel has invested money and work in idols. Hence the serious appeal expressed at the beginning of the chapter in the exclamation “Ho!” This exclamation is not just an invitation, but sheds light on the state of affairs of those who pursue their own interests instead of listening to the voice of the LORD.

The LORD continues His call with the gracious words of Isa 55:2. The satisfaction of the soul is obtained through the obedience of faith. If we listen diligently to the voice of the Lord and do His will, we can enjoy true spiritual joy. Often we hesitate to obey Him. We then give a lot of time and energy to things that occupy us but are not food for the soul, which are not the true bread for the heart.

What God says here goes beyond meeting our needs. He wants to give us abundant satisfaction. This is “the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Then He asks His people to turn their ear to Him to listen and come to Him, that their souls may live (Isaiah 55:3). Something similar He also says to the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:20).

The call “come” in Isaiah 55:3 is the fourth call to come, after the three times in Isaiah 55:1. It is now: “Come to Me.” Now it is clear. The beaten Rock, from which water comes, and the abundant wine and milk, refer to and are available from a Person, a Seller Who sells without money. That Person is the Servant of the LORD, risen from the dead, Whose work is finished, and Who is now the source of all grace, the source of all God’s blessings.

Although in these first three verses there is much that can be applied to the gospel, it is primarily a call to those who are spiritually distant. They are souls in need of revival which can only be experienced by returning to the LORD.

The LORD connects a promise to the conversion of His people. In human affairs a covenant is made that is ratified by each of the parties. Here the LORD shows that He is free to give the blessings of the covenant to those who come to Him. This can happen because Another, namely the Servant of the LORD, has taken upon Himself the obligations of the covenant. Therefore, this covenant is in reality a promise that will surely be fulfilled (cf. Galatians 3:17-18).

“The faithful mercies shown to David” are, according to Acts 13, where this verse is quoted from the Septuagint, “THE HOLY [and] SURE [blessings] OF DAVID” (Acts 13:34) which are based on the resurrection of Christ. The resurrection of Christ makes the mercies trustworthy. Here the mercies are the abundant blessings of the new covenant. Paul uses this quotation as the second of three Old Testament quotations that prove that they have been fulfilled in Christ. The first refers to His birth (Acts 13:33), the second to His resurrection (Acts 13:34) and the third to His imperishableness (Acts 13:35).

We also see here a reference to God’s faithful mercies regarding His promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The covenant of Moses is no longer mentioned, but the covenant with David. It is as if the LORD wants to point here to the covenant which is based on the work of the Servant, Who is also the Son of David.

Jeremiah 23:18

Invitation

After the work of the Servant is accomplished (Isaiah 53), the blessings of the new covenant can come richly to Israel (Isaiah 54). The blessings then flow so abundantly that they go beyond the borders of Israel. For Israel, this day is a day of joy. That is why they must not remain silent (cf. 2 Kings 7:9) and must pass on the blessings. They invite others (Isaiah 55:1).

The prophet now makes an invitation to come and participate in the spiritual providence that the LORD has made for those who willingly turn away from their own plans and actions in order to listen diligently to His voice. The invitation begins with the exclamation “Ho!” – Hebrew hoy. This expression is usually used for mourning or judgment, but here it is positive and is an exclamation for those who are spiritually distant. In the call in Isaiah 55:1 the invitation “come” – Hebrew halach, literally “go” – sounds three times.

The first to be called are “every one who thirsts”. This points, as the verses afterward also show, to everyone, both the still scattered Israelites and all nations in the future. The only condition to be allowed to come is to be thirsty. Thirst is the longing for God (Psalms 42:2a). In our time it applies to ourselves.

To the thirsty sounds the invitation: “Come to the waters.” To which waters? Where should they go? The answer is: to the Rock, that is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). Because that the Rock has been smitten (Isaiah 53:10), the water flows abundantly and all who are thirsty can go to the Rock to receive water (John 7:37).

The second “come” we hear in the invitation to buy and eat, “come, buy and eat”. How to do that? How to obtain salvation? By buying, which means that there is a personal act involved. That does not mean that good works have to be done, because the sequel reads buy “without money and without cost”. However, it is not free, because the price has been paid by Another, namely the Servant of the LORD. It is a price so high, that no one but He could pay it (Psalms 49:7-8).

The third time is “come, buy wine and milk”. What should they buy? Wine and milk. Wine speaks of the joy of salvation. For Israel and the nations in the realm of peace, it is the blessings of the new covenant, including forgiveness of sins and new life. Milk then speaks of spiritual food, which is the Word of God needed by the new life in order to grow (1 Peter 2:2).

It is clear that it is not literally about water, wine and milk. They are pictures of higher things than natural products. The true food and drink are the flesh and blood of the Lord Jesus He gave on the cross for the life of the world (John 6:51). The LORD offers the water of life for free, without cost (Revelation 22:17b). The spiritual meaning of water is mentioned in Isaiah 44, where reference is made to the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 44:3; cf. John 7:38-39). Wine has also been mentioned earlier (Isaiah 25:6-7) and is a picture of joy (Psalms 104:15). In the same way we must understand the mention of milk (see the previous paragraph).

You can buy “without money and without cost”. It is all Divine grace. From the point of view of the recipient, the possession of spiritual blessings depends only on the sense of need and a willingness to accept them. Buying without money presupposes spiritual bankruptcy. Nothing more is expected of one’s own effort (Romans 11:6). Israel has invested money and work in idols. Hence the serious appeal expressed at the beginning of the chapter in the exclamation “Ho!” This exclamation is not just an invitation, but sheds light on the state of affairs of those who pursue their own interests instead of listening to the voice of the LORD.

The LORD continues His call with the gracious words of Isa 55:2. The satisfaction of the soul is obtained through the obedience of faith. If we listen diligently to the voice of the Lord and do His will, we can enjoy true spiritual joy. Often we hesitate to obey Him. We then give a lot of time and energy to things that occupy us but are not food for the soul, which are not the true bread for the heart.

What God says here goes beyond meeting our needs. He wants to give us abundant satisfaction. This is “the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Then He asks His people to turn their ear to Him to listen and come to Him, that their souls may live (Isaiah 55:3). Something similar He also says to the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:20).

The call “come” in Isaiah 55:3 is the fourth call to come, after the three times in Isaiah 55:1. It is now: “Come to Me.” Now it is clear. The beaten Rock, from which water comes, and the abundant wine and milk, refer to and are available from a Person, a Seller Who sells without money. That Person is the Servant of the LORD, risen from the dead, Whose work is finished, and Who is now the source of all grace, the source of all God’s blessings.

Although in these first three verses there is much that can be applied to the gospel, it is primarily a call to those who are spiritually distant. They are souls in need of revival which can only be experienced by returning to the LORD.

The LORD connects a promise to the conversion of His people. In human affairs a covenant is made that is ratified by each of the parties. Here the LORD shows that He is free to give the blessings of the covenant to those who come to Him. This can happen because Another, namely the Servant of the LORD, has taken upon Himself the obligations of the covenant. Therefore, this covenant is in reality a promise that will surely be fulfilled (cf. Galatians 3:17-18).

“The faithful mercies shown to David” are, according to Acts 13, where this verse is quoted from the Septuagint, “THE HOLY [and] SURE [blessings] OF DAVID” (Acts 13:34) which are based on the resurrection of Christ. The resurrection of Christ makes the mercies trustworthy. Here the mercies are the abundant blessings of the new covenant. Paul uses this quotation as the second of three Old Testament quotations that prove that they have been fulfilled in Christ. The first refers to His birth (Acts 13:33), the second to His resurrection (Acts 13:34) and the third to His imperishableness (Acts 13:35).

We also see here a reference to God’s faithful mercies regarding His promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The covenant of Moses is no longer mentioned, but the covenant with David. It is as if the LORD wants to point here to the covenant which is based on the work of the Servant, Who is also the Son of David.

Jeremiah 23:19

Dominion of David

What David was, the true David will be. In Isaiah 55:4 David is a type of Christ, of Him Who is more than David, the Son of David. Christ is the God-given “witness to the peoples” and their “leader and commander” (cf. Ezekiel 34:24; Ezekiel 37:24). David was “leader and commander”, but the Son of David is also “witness to the peoples”. This is not so much a witness in a trial, but a Witness Who reveals the truth of God to the peoples (John 18:37).

When Christ has world domination, He will call a nation that did not know Him, which is what the nations in general characterized (Isaiah 55:5). The nations will run to Him because of “the LORD your God, even the Holy One of Israel”, for what He has done to His people. He deserves all honor for that.

This makes clear that the Son of David is also the Son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1), to whom it is said: “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 22:18a). In the present time, the time that Israel has fallen, salvation has already come to the nations. How much more the fulness of Israel – and that is what these verses are about – will be the salvation of the nations (Romans 11:11-12).

Jeremiah 23:20

Dominion of David

What David was, the true David will be. In Isaiah 55:4 David is a type of Christ, of Him Who is more than David, the Son of David. Christ is the God-given “witness to the peoples” and their “leader and commander” (cf. Ezekiel 34:24; Ezekiel 37:24). David was “leader and commander”, but the Son of David is also “witness to the peoples”. This is not so much a witness in a trial, but a Witness Who reveals the truth of God to the peoples (John 18:37).

When Christ has world domination, He will call a nation that did not know Him, which is what the nations in general characterized (Isaiah 55:5). The nations will run to Him because of “the LORD your God, even the Holy One of Israel”, for what He has done to His people. He deserves all honor for that.

This makes clear that the Son of David is also the Son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1), to whom it is said: “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 22:18a). In the present time, the time that Israel has fallen, salvation has already come to the nations. How much more the fulness of Israel – and that is what these verses are about – will be the salvation of the nations (Romans 11:11-12).

Jeremiah 23:21

Call to Seek the LORD

In Isaiah 55:6 there is a general call to the astray to seek the LORD while He is still to be found. There comes a moment when the time of grace will be over. Then they will seek, but will not find Him. Already in the days of Cyrus that call sounds. For all those who do not answer and remain in Babylon, the LORD becomes the forgotten God. Also for the Jews and the nations in the great tribulation, this message is a last call, before it is too late. God’s patience comes to an end. The door of the ark will be closed once. This applies to the world, it also applies to every person in his or her life.

The one who has gone astray is called to forsake “his way” and “his thoughts” and to return to the LORD (Isaiah 55:7). On his return he is awaited by a God Who has compassion and abundantly pardons – literally ‘He multiplies forgiveness’. These are the voluntariness and fullness of Divine grace for the truly repentant sinner.

The thoughts and ways of the one who has gone astray form a great contrast with the thoughts and ways of the LORD (Isaiah 55:8-9). The whole of this magnificent prophecy concerning the death and resurrection of Christ and the glorious results thereof are completely above all human thoughts and ways (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Jeremiah 23:22

Call to Seek the LORD

In Isaiah 55:6 there is a general call to the astray to seek the LORD while He is still to be found. There comes a moment when the time of grace will be over. Then they will seek, but will not find Him. Already in the days of Cyrus that call sounds. For all those who do not answer and remain in Babylon, the LORD becomes the forgotten God. Also for the Jews and the nations in the great tribulation, this message is a last call, before it is too late. God’s patience comes to an end. The door of the ark will be closed once. This applies to the world, it also applies to every person in his or her life.

The one who has gone astray is called to forsake “his way” and “his thoughts” and to return to the LORD (Isaiah 55:7). On his return he is awaited by a God Who has compassion and abundantly pardons – literally ‘He multiplies forgiveness’. These are the voluntariness and fullness of Divine grace for the truly repentant sinner.

The thoughts and ways of the one who has gone astray form a great contrast with the thoughts and ways of the LORD (Isaiah 55:8-9). The whole of this magnificent prophecy concerning the death and resurrection of Christ and the glorious results thereof are completely above all human thoughts and ways (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Jeremiah 23:23

Call to Seek the LORD

In Isaiah 55:6 there is a general call to the astray to seek the LORD while He is still to be found. There comes a moment when the time of grace will be over. Then they will seek, but will not find Him. Already in the days of Cyrus that call sounds. For all those who do not answer and remain in Babylon, the LORD becomes the forgotten God. Also for the Jews and the nations in the great tribulation, this message is a last call, before it is too late. God’s patience comes to an end. The door of the ark will be closed once. This applies to the world, it also applies to every person in his or her life.

The one who has gone astray is called to forsake “his way” and “his thoughts” and to return to the LORD (Isaiah 55:7). On his return he is awaited by a God Who has compassion and abundantly pardons – literally ‘He multiplies forgiveness’. These are the voluntariness and fullness of Divine grace for the truly repentant sinner.

The thoughts and ways of the one who has gone astray form a great contrast with the thoughts and ways of the LORD (Isaiah 55:8-9). The whole of this magnificent prophecy concerning the death and resurrection of Christ and the glorious results thereof are completely above all human thoughts and ways (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Jeremiah 23:24

Call to Seek the LORD

In Isaiah 55:6 there is a general call to the astray to seek the LORD while He is still to be found. There comes a moment when the time of grace will be over. Then they will seek, but will not find Him. Already in the days of Cyrus that call sounds. For all those who do not answer and remain in Babylon, the LORD becomes the forgotten God. Also for the Jews and the nations in the great tribulation, this message is a last call, before it is too late. God’s patience comes to an end. The door of the ark will be closed once. This applies to the world, it also applies to every person in his or her life.

The one who has gone astray is called to forsake “his way” and “his thoughts” and to return to the LORD (Isaiah 55:7). On his return he is awaited by a God Who has compassion and abundantly pardons – literally ‘He multiplies forgiveness’. These are the voluntariness and fullness of Divine grace for the truly repentant sinner.

The thoughts and ways of the one who has gone astray form a great contrast with the thoughts and ways of the LORD (Isaiah 55:8-9). The whole of this magnificent prophecy concerning the death and resurrection of Christ and the glorious results thereof are completely above all human thoughts and ways (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Jeremiah 23:25

God’s Word Accomplishes What He Desires

In these verses His words are added to His thoughts and His ways, through which He reveals and makes known His thoughts and His ways. Just as He has absolute control over the rain and the snow and what the earth produces and to which man is utterly powerless to change anything, so His word will go forth from His mouth. Thus His thoughts will be fulfilled, in grace! Let us remember that God’s thoughts are too numerous to count (Psalms 40:5) and that His thoughts are always full of peace and a blessed future (Jeremiah 29:11).

It is with His word as with the rain and the snow through which He cultivates fertility. When they have done that work, they rise again as vapor. Likewise, His word will not return without having done what He sent it to do. He who opens his heart as fertile ground and receives and absorbs the Word will show its effect in his life. It does its work there. God’s word is fruitful and powerful, which will never fail in the purpose to which He sends it, either in grace or in judgment (cf. Hebrews 6:7-8).

His word is His messenger (Isaiah 9:8; Psalms 107:20; Psalms 147:15; 18). His word is presented here as a person. It runs like a quick messenger and fulfills God’s will with all the vibrant power, both in nature and in the midst of people.

A word is the expression of a thought. Christ is called the Word of God. He has explained God (John 1:18). Through the word that emanates from God, one lives (Deuteronomy 8:3). Just as what comes out of the soil of the earth was produced by rain and snow, so it is with the soil of the heart of man and the word of God.

Jeremiah 23:26

God’s Word Accomplishes What He Desires

In these verses His words are added to His thoughts and His ways, through which He reveals and makes known His thoughts and His ways. Just as He has absolute control over the rain and the snow and what the earth produces and to which man is utterly powerless to change anything, so His word will go forth from His mouth. Thus His thoughts will be fulfilled, in grace! Let us remember that God’s thoughts are too numerous to count (Psalms 40:5) and that His thoughts are always full of peace and a blessed future (Jeremiah 29:11).

It is with His word as with the rain and the snow through which He cultivates fertility. When they have done that work, they rise again as vapor. Likewise, His word will not return without having done what He sent it to do. He who opens his heart as fertile ground and receives and absorbs the Word will show its effect in his life. It does its work there. God’s word is fruitful and powerful, which will never fail in the purpose to which He sends it, either in grace or in judgment (cf. Hebrews 6:7-8).

His word is His messenger (Isaiah 9:8; Psalms 107:20; Psalms 147:15; 18). His word is presented here as a person. It runs like a quick messenger and fulfills God’s will with all the vibrant power, both in nature and in the midst of people.

A word is the expression of a thought. Christ is called the Word of God. He has explained God (John 1:18). Through the word that emanates from God, one lives (Deuteronomy 8:3). Just as what comes out of the soil of the earth was produced by rain and snow, so it is with the soil of the heart of man and the word of God.

Jeremiah 23:27

Joy, Peace and Prosperity

In Isaiah 55:12 the LORD graciously applies the principles related to His Word to the promise of the ineffable blessing for Israel in the coming day. He makes His Word true to a remnant according to His gracious choice that He will bring back to the land. This will take place when “the times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24) are over. All activities of life will be carried out through this remnant in peace without fearful haste. They will never again have to make their way through hostile armies or flee from them.

Not only mankind, but also nature will have been brought into harmony with God’s gracious purposes. There will be harmony between nature rejoicing (Psalms 98:8) and the hearts of God’s redeemed rejoicing ones. Instead of that jubilation, creation now sighs because of the curse that has come on it through sin (Romans 8:22). What reminds us of sin, the “thorn bush” and the “nettle” resulting from the fall of man into sin (Genesis 3:18), will give way to the mighty, imperishable cypress and the humble, sweet-smelling, evergreen myrtle (Isaiah 55:13). These trees will be a remembrance of all the goodness of the LORD. The whole of the realm of peace will be an everlasting remembrance of the LORD. His glory and His features and acts of grace and power constitute the blessing of the realm of peace.

Jeremiah 23:28

Joy, Peace and Prosperity

In Isaiah 55:12 the LORD graciously applies the principles related to His Word to the promise of the ineffable blessing for Israel in the coming day. He makes His Word true to a remnant according to His gracious choice that He will bring back to the land. This will take place when “the times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24) are over. All activities of life will be carried out through this remnant in peace without fearful haste. They will never again have to make their way through hostile armies or flee from them.

Not only mankind, but also nature will have been brought into harmony with God’s gracious purposes. There will be harmony between nature rejoicing (Psalms 98:8) and the hearts of God’s redeemed rejoicing ones. Instead of that jubilation, creation now sighs because of the curse that has come on it through sin (Romans 8:22). What reminds us of sin, the “thorn bush” and the “nettle” resulting from the fall of man into sin (Genesis 3:18), will give way to the mighty, imperishable cypress and the humble, sweet-smelling, evergreen myrtle (Isaiah 55:13). These trees will be a remembrance of all the goodness of the LORD. The whole of the realm of peace will be an everlasting remembrance of the LORD. His glory and His features and acts of grace and power constitute the blessing of the realm of peace.

Jeremiah 23:30

Introduction

The opening words of this chapter are a repetition of the admonition in the previous chapter (Isaiah 55:6-7). The thoughts and ways of Israel are not those of the LORD (Isaiah 55:8). The precious promises that follow in that chapter are an exhortation for those living in sin to leave their ways and for the unrighteous to give up their thoughts.

In the previous chapter we heard the invitation – four times “come” – to receive the blessings of the new covenant. In the next two chapters, Isaiah 56-57, which is the final part of the second part, Isaiah 49-57, we can recognize the response to this invitation. First, in the pious nations who will be introduced into the kingdom of God, Isaiah 56:1-8, and second, in the wicked Israelites who will be banished from that same kingdom, Isaiah 56:9 to Isaiah 57:21. In these two groups we recognize the fulfillment of the words of the Lord Jesus to the centurion of Capernaum (Matthew 8:11-12; Matthew 19:30).

Do Righteousness

Let them “preserve justice” and “do righteousness” (Isaiah 56:1). Then they will be in accordance with the attributes and actions that apply to God’s kingdom. The reason why they should do this is twofold: the kingdom will soon become public in salvation as well as in righteousness. When they realize how near His salvation is and that His righteous acts are about to be revealed, they will be encouraged to persevere.

A special blessing is promised to him who keeps God’s commandment (Isaiah 56:2). Of all God’s commandments, the sabbath commandment is mentioned here as an illustration of keeping God’s commandments. This is the best test of whether someone really wants to keep them. He who loves the LORD shall keep them. In addition, the sabbath is also a sign of the covenant (Ezekiel 20:12) in connection with the new covenant. Keeping the sabbath reveals the mind of the heart that wants to do righteousness. It is open, not only to the Israelites, but to every “son of man” (Isaiah 56:2), i.e. also to those from the nations.

Besides keeping from profaning the sabbath the LORD also speaks about keeping the hand from doing any evil. The hand speaks of deeds. He who lives internally (heart) and externally (hand) in accordance with God is “blessed”.

For us, the sabbath is the peace in Christ, which we can only enjoy if our hand does not do evil.

Jeremiah 23:31

Introduction

The opening words of this chapter are a repetition of the admonition in the previous chapter (Isaiah 55:6-7). The thoughts and ways of Israel are not those of the LORD (Isaiah 55:8). The precious promises that follow in that chapter are an exhortation for those living in sin to leave their ways and for the unrighteous to give up their thoughts.

In the previous chapter we heard the invitation – four times “come” – to receive the blessings of the new covenant. In the next two chapters, Isaiah 56-57, which is the final part of the second part, Isaiah 49-57, we can recognize the response to this invitation. First, in the pious nations who will be introduced into the kingdom of God, Isaiah 56:1-8, and second, in the wicked Israelites who will be banished from that same kingdom, Isaiah 56:9 to Isaiah 57:21. In these two groups we recognize the fulfillment of the words of the Lord Jesus to the centurion of Capernaum (Matthew 8:11-12; Matthew 19:30).

Do Righteousness

Let them “preserve justice” and “do righteousness” (Isaiah 56:1). Then they will be in accordance with the attributes and actions that apply to God’s kingdom. The reason why they should do this is twofold: the kingdom will soon become public in salvation as well as in righteousness. When they realize how near His salvation is and that His righteous acts are about to be revealed, they will be encouraged to persevere.

A special blessing is promised to him who keeps God’s commandment (Isaiah 56:2). Of all God’s commandments, the sabbath commandment is mentioned here as an illustration of keeping God’s commandments. This is the best test of whether someone really wants to keep them. He who loves the LORD shall keep them. In addition, the sabbath is also a sign of the covenant (Ezekiel 20:12) in connection with the new covenant. Keeping the sabbath reveals the mind of the heart that wants to do righteousness. It is open, not only to the Israelites, but to every “son of man” (Isaiah 56:2), i.e. also to those from the nations.

Besides keeping from profaning the sabbath the LORD also speaks about keeping the hand from doing any evil. The hand speaks of deeds. He who lives internally (heart) and externally (hand) in accordance with God is “blessed”.

For us, the sabbath is the peace in Christ, which we can only enjoy if our hand does not do evil.

Jeremiah 23:32

Foreigner and Eunuch

Isaiah 56:3 mentions the two kinds of people who are outside the promises of Israel. The first is “the foreigner”. This is the foreigner by origin but who has come to live in the land and knows the LORD. He has joined the Jewish people – such a person is called “proselyte” – and maintains the Jewish laws. There are such people in Babylon. The foreigner might think that the call to go back to the land of Israel does not apply to him.

But he need not fear that the LORD will separate him from His people and rob him of the privileges he has enjoyed. The “blessed” of Isaiah 56:2 applies to all men, all mortals, who fulfill the conditions of Isa 56:1. It is not his genealogy that is decisive, but the question whether he preserves justice and does righteousness as mentioned in Isaiah 56:1.

The second is the “the eunuch”. The law forbids him, even though he is an Israelite, to become part of God’s people (Deuteronomy 23:1). He can think he cannot be part of it because he knows his own condition as eunuch. Just as a dry tree bears no fruit, a eunuch one cannot conceive offspring.

However, the LORD has an encouraging word for “the eunuchs” who cling to His covenant (Isaiah 56:4). Their fears will prove to be unfounded. They are allowed to be in His house. He even gives them the promise of a memorial and a name that are better than that of sons and daughters (Isaiah 56:5). Anyone who thinks he is only a second-rate believer, someone who thinks he is underprivileged, not in count, gets an extra encouragement here.

We may gratefully accept this encouragement and pass it on to others. Every member of His people is one for whom the Lord Jesus has given His life. Their name will never be eradicated, but will be known to God forever (cf. Revelation 3:12). It is not about who they are originally, but what they have become in Him.

If they keep from profaning the sabbath (Isaiah 56:6), God will bring them to His holy mountain and give them joy in His house of prayer (Isaiah 56:7). He will destroy any barrier to fellowship. They will be a full part of the congregation of Israel. He will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices on His altar, for His house will be called “a house of prayer for all the peoples” (cf. Matthew 21:13). And He Who in the future brings together the dispersed, will still bring together more people (Isaiah 56:8). The LORD will bring together these dispersed, the eunuchs, the scattered of Israel, the ten tribes, as well as the others, the nations.

This also applies to today. The gospel continues and every day many throughout the world come to repentance (Acts 2:47). They come to His house, the New Testament church of the living God. The church is also first and foremost a house of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Jeremiah 23:33

Foreigner and Eunuch

Isaiah 56:3 mentions the two kinds of people who are outside the promises of Israel. The first is “the foreigner”. This is the foreigner by origin but who has come to live in the land and knows the LORD. He has joined the Jewish people – such a person is called “proselyte” – and maintains the Jewish laws. There are such people in Babylon. The foreigner might think that the call to go back to the land of Israel does not apply to him.

But he need not fear that the LORD will separate him from His people and rob him of the privileges he has enjoyed. The “blessed” of Isaiah 56:2 applies to all men, all mortals, who fulfill the conditions of Isa 56:1. It is not his genealogy that is decisive, but the question whether he preserves justice and does righteousness as mentioned in Isaiah 56:1.

The second is the “the eunuch”. The law forbids him, even though he is an Israelite, to become part of God’s people (Deuteronomy 23:1). He can think he cannot be part of it because he knows his own condition as eunuch. Just as a dry tree bears no fruit, a eunuch one cannot conceive offspring.

However, the LORD has an encouraging word for “the eunuchs” who cling to His covenant (Isaiah 56:4). Their fears will prove to be unfounded. They are allowed to be in His house. He even gives them the promise of a memorial and a name that are better than that of sons and daughters (Isaiah 56:5). Anyone who thinks he is only a second-rate believer, someone who thinks he is underprivileged, not in count, gets an extra encouragement here.

We may gratefully accept this encouragement and pass it on to others. Every member of His people is one for whom the Lord Jesus has given His life. Their name will never be eradicated, but will be known to God forever (cf. Revelation 3:12). It is not about who they are originally, but what they have become in Him.

If they keep from profaning the sabbath (Isaiah 56:6), God will bring them to His holy mountain and give them joy in His house of prayer (Isaiah 56:7). He will destroy any barrier to fellowship. They will be a full part of the congregation of Israel. He will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices on His altar, for His house will be called “a house of prayer for all the peoples” (cf. Matthew 21:13). And He Who in the future brings together the dispersed, will still bring together more people (Isaiah 56:8). The LORD will bring together these dispersed, the eunuchs, the scattered of Israel, the ten tribes, as well as the others, the nations.

This also applies to today. The gospel continues and every day many throughout the world come to repentance (Acts 2:47). They come to His house, the New Testament church of the living God. The church is also first and foremost a house of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Jeremiah 23:34

Foreigner and Eunuch

Isaiah 56:3 mentions the two kinds of people who are outside the promises of Israel. The first is “the foreigner”. This is the foreigner by origin but who has come to live in the land and knows the LORD. He has joined the Jewish people – such a person is called “proselyte” – and maintains the Jewish laws. There are such people in Babylon. The foreigner might think that the call to go back to the land of Israel does not apply to him.

But he need not fear that the LORD will separate him from His people and rob him of the privileges he has enjoyed. The “blessed” of Isaiah 56:2 applies to all men, all mortals, who fulfill the conditions of Isa 56:1. It is not his genealogy that is decisive, but the question whether he preserves justice and does righteousness as mentioned in Isaiah 56:1.

The second is the “the eunuch”. The law forbids him, even though he is an Israelite, to become part of God’s people (Deuteronomy 23:1). He can think he cannot be part of it because he knows his own condition as eunuch. Just as a dry tree bears no fruit, a eunuch one cannot conceive offspring.

However, the LORD has an encouraging word for “the eunuchs” who cling to His covenant (Isaiah 56:4). Their fears will prove to be unfounded. They are allowed to be in His house. He even gives them the promise of a memorial and a name that are better than that of sons and daughters (Isaiah 56:5). Anyone who thinks he is only a second-rate believer, someone who thinks he is underprivileged, not in count, gets an extra encouragement here.

We may gratefully accept this encouragement and pass it on to others. Every member of His people is one for whom the Lord Jesus has given His life. Their name will never be eradicated, but will be known to God forever (cf. Revelation 3:12). It is not about who they are originally, but what they have become in Him.

If they keep from profaning the sabbath (Isaiah 56:6), God will bring them to His holy mountain and give them joy in His house of prayer (Isaiah 56:7). He will destroy any barrier to fellowship. They will be a full part of the congregation of Israel. He will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices on His altar, for His house will be called “a house of prayer for all the peoples” (cf. Matthew 21:13). And He Who in the future brings together the dispersed, will still bring together more people (Isaiah 56:8). The LORD will bring together these dispersed, the eunuchs, the scattered of Israel, the ten tribes, as well as the others, the nations.

This also applies to today. The gospel continues and every day many throughout the world come to repentance (Acts 2:47). They come to His house, the New Testament church of the living God. The church is also first and foremost a house of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Jeremiah 23:35

Foreigner and Eunuch

Isaiah 56:3 mentions the two kinds of people who are outside the promises of Israel. The first is “the foreigner”. This is the foreigner by origin but who has come to live in the land and knows the LORD. He has joined the Jewish people – such a person is called “proselyte” – and maintains the Jewish laws. There are such people in Babylon. The foreigner might think that the call to go back to the land of Israel does not apply to him.

But he need not fear that the LORD will separate him from His people and rob him of the privileges he has enjoyed. The “blessed” of Isaiah 56:2 applies to all men, all mortals, who fulfill the conditions of Isa 56:1. It is not his genealogy that is decisive, but the question whether he preserves justice and does righteousness as mentioned in Isaiah 56:1.

The second is the “the eunuch”. The law forbids him, even though he is an Israelite, to become part of God’s people (Deuteronomy 23:1). He can think he cannot be part of it because he knows his own condition as eunuch. Just as a dry tree bears no fruit, a eunuch one cannot conceive offspring.

However, the LORD has an encouraging word for “the eunuchs” who cling to His covenant (Isaiah 56:4). Their fears will prove to be unfounded. They are allowed to be in His house. He even gives them the promise of a memorial and a name that are better than that of sons and daughters (Isaiah 56:5). Anyone who thinks he is only a second-rate believer, someone who thinks he is underprivileged, not in count, gets an extra encouragement here.

We may gratefully accept this encouragement and pass it on to others. Every member of His people is one for whom the Lord Jesus has given His life. Their name will never be eradicated, but will be known to God forever (cf. Revelation 3:12). It is not about who they are originally, but what they have become in Him.

If they keep from profaning the sabbath (Isaiah 56:6), God will bring them to His holy mountain and give them joy in His house of prayer (Isaiah 56:7). He will destroy any barrier to fellowship. They will be a full part of the congregation of Israel. He will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices on His altar, for His house will be called “a house of prayer for all the peoples” (cf. Matthew 21:13). And He Who in the future brings together the dispersed, will still bring together more people (Isaiah 56:8). The LORD will bring together these dispersed, the eunuchs, the scattered of Israel, the ten tribes, as well as the others, the nations.

This also applies to today. The gospel continues and every day many throughout the world come to repentance (Acts 2:47). They come to His house, the New Testament church of the living God. The church is also first and foremost a house of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Jeremiah 23:36

Foreigner and Eunuch

Isaiah 56:3 mentions the two kinds of people who are outside the promises of Israel. The first is “the foreigner”. This is the foreigner by origin but who has come to live in the land and knows the LORD. He has joined the Jewish people – such a person is called “proselyte” – and maintains the Jewish laws. There are such people in Babylon. The foreigner might think that the call to go back to the land of Israel does not apply to him.

But he need not fear that the LORD will separate him from His people and rob him of the privileges he has enjoyed. The “blessed” of Isaiah 56:2 applies to all men, all mortals, who fulfill the conditions of Isa 56:1. It is not his genealogy that is decisive, but the question whether he preserves justice and does righteousness as mentioned in Isaiah 56:1.

The second is the “the eunuch”. The law forbids him, even though he is an Israelite, to become part of God’s people (Deuteronomy 23:1). He can think he cannot be part of it because he knows his own condition as eunuch. Just as a dry tree bears no fruit, a eunuch one cannot conceive offspring.

However, the LORD has an encouraging word for “the eunuchs” who cling to His covenant (Isaiah 56:4). Their fears will prove to be unfounded. They are allowed to be in His house. He even gives them the promise of a memorial and a name that are better than that of sons and daughters (Isaiah 56:5). Anyone who thinks he is only a second-rate believer, someone who thinks he is underprivileged, not in count, gets an extra encouragement here.

We may gratefully accept this encouragement and pass it on to others. Every member of His people is one for whom the Lord Jesus has given His life. Their name will never be eradicated, but will be known to God forever (cf. Revelation 3:12). It is not about who they are originally, but what they have become in Him.

If they keep from profaning the sabbath (Isaiah 56:6), God will bring them to His holy mountain and give them joy in His house of prayer (Isaiah 56:7). He will destroy any barrier to fellowship. They will be a full part of the congregation of Israel. He will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices on His altar, for His house will be called “a house of prayer for all the peoples” (cf. Matthew 21:13). And He Who in the future brings together the dispersed, will still bring together more people (Isaiah 56:8). The LORD will bring together these dispersed, the eunuchs, the scattered of Israel, the ten tribes, as well as the others, the nations.

This also applies to today. The gospel continues and every day many throughout the world come to repentance (Acts 2:47). They come to His house, the New Testament church of the living God. The church is also first and foremost a house of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Jeremiah 23:37

Foreigner and Eunuch

Isaiah 56:3 mentions the two kinds of people who are outside the promises of Israel. The first is “the foreigner”. This is the foreigner by origin but who has come to live in the land and knows the LORD. He has joined the Jewish people – such a person is called “proselyte” – and maintains the Jewish laws. There are such people in Babylon. The foreigner might think that the call to go back to the land of Israel does not apply to him.

But he need not fear that the LORD will separate him from His people and rob him of the privileges he has enjoyed. The “blessed” of Isaiah 56:2 applies to all men, all mortals, who fulfill the conditions of Isa 56:1. It is not his genealogy that is decisive, but the question whether he preserves justice and does righteousness as mentioned in Isaiah 56:1.

The second is the “the eunuch”. The law forbids him, even though he is an Israelite, to become part of God’s people (Deuteronomy 23:1). He can think he cannot be part of it because he knows his own condition as eunuch. Just as a dry tree bears no fruit, a eunuch one cannot conceive offspring.

However, the LORD has an encouraging word for “the eunuchs” who cling to His covenant (Isaiah 56:4). Their fears will prove to be unfounded. They are allowed to be in His house. He even gives them the promise of a memorial and a name that are better than that of sons and daughters (Isaiah 56:5). Anyone who thinks he is only a second-rate believer, someone who thinks he is underprivileged, not in count, gets an extra encouragement here.

We may gratefully accept this encouragement and pass it on to others. Every member of His people is one for whom the Lord Jesus has given His life. Their name will never be eradicated, but will be known to God forever (cf. Revelation 3:12). It is not about who they are originally, but what they have become in Him.

If they keep from profaning the sabbath (Isaiah 56:6), God will bring them to His holy mountain and give them joy in His house of prayer (Isaiah 56:7). He will destroy any barrier to fellowship. They will be a full part of the congregation of Israel. He will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices on His altar, for His house will be called “a house of prayer for all the peoples” (cf. Matthew 21:13). And He Who in the future brings together the dispersed, will still bring together more people (Isaiah 56:8). The LORD will bring together these dispersed, the eunuchs, the scattered of Israel, the ten tribes, as well as the others, the nations.

This also applies to today. The gospel continues and every day many throughout the world come to repentance (Acts 2:47). They come to His house, the New Testament church of the living God. The church is also first and foremost a house of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Jeremiah 23:38

Judgment on the Wicked

With Isaiah 56:9 begins a new section that continues through Isaiah 57. We are in a quite different atmosphere with a quite different tone. It is no longer about restoration, but about judgment. While the faithful nations and outcasts are being saved, judgment goes to the apostates in Israel, the followers of the antichrist. The beasts, that is the Assyrians under the leadership of the king of the North, are called upon to feast on the unbelieving part of the people of Israel (Isaiah 56:9).

This is due to the attitude of their leaders, who are watchmen of the people and have the task to warn the people of danger. The safety of the people, however, is not at all their concern (cf. Jeremiah 6:17). They are blind to it (Isaiah 56:10). They think only of their own convenience and enjoyment. They dream, lie down, slumber and are blind to spiritual values and reality. It is from this attitude, as it were, that the call goes out to the beasts to come and devour them. The LORD never judges without showing the righteousness of judgment. He does so by revealing the moral condition of the people and their leaders.

These leaders only awaken from their own ease when they can indulge in pleasure-seeking, revels and drinking bouts (Isaiah 56:11). They are dogs that fatten themselves to satisfy their lust for pleasure, but they cannot bark to warn the people. They are worthless shepherds. They go their own way, the way that gives them the most. If there is any thought of tomorrow, then only to revel even more (Isaiah 56:12).

All those who have been given a responsibility by the Lord Jesus to take care of His flock as shepherds must guard against a gradual decrease in their obligations toward the flock. They must also guard against lording over the herd or seeking sordid gain (1 Peter 5:2-3).

The situation outlined above also applies to today. Who still has the courage to take spiritual responsibility and to warn against the secularism of the church, against all kinds of modern idols such as psychology, the prosperity gospel, cultic fashion, for wolves in sheep’s clothing who spread error under the cover of Christendom? Who still warns the young people in the church against the charismatic errors of our time, such as speaking in tongues, visions and so-called prophetic messages? On the other hand, there must be a call to study God’s Word for themselves in order not to fall prey to every wind of doctrine.

Jeremiah 23:39

Judgment on the Wicked

With Isaiah 56:9 begins a new section that continues through Isaiah 57. We are in a quite different atmosphere with a quite different tone. It is no longer about restoration, but about judgment. While the faithful nations and outcasts are being saved, judgment goes to the apostates in Israel, the followers of the antichrist. The beasts, that is the Assyrians under the leadership of the king of the North, are called upon to feast on the unbelieving part of the people of Israel (Isaiah 56:9).

This is due to the attitude of their leaders, who are watchmen of the people and have the task to warn the people of danger. The safety of the people, however, is not at all their concern (cf. Jeremiah 6:17). They are blind to it (Isaiah 56:10). They think only of their own convenience and enjoyment. They dream, lie down, slumber and are blind to spiritual values and reality. It is from this attitude, as it were, that the call goes out to the beasts to come and devour them. The LORD never judges without showing the righteousness of judgment. He does so by revealing the moral condition of the people and their leaders.

These leaders only awaken from their own ease when they can indulge in pleasure-seeking, revels and drinking bouts (Isaiah 56:11). They are dogs that fatten themselves to satisfy their lust for pleasure, but they cannot bark to warn the people. They are worthless shepherds. They go their own way, the way that gives them the most. If there is any thought of tomorrow, then only to revel even more (Isaiah 56:12).

All those who have been given a responsibility by the Lord Jesus to take care of His flock as shepherds must guard against a gradual decrease in their obligations toward the flock. They must also guard against lording over the herd or seeking sordid gain (1 Peter 5:2-3).

The situation outlined above also applies to today. Who still has the courage to take spiritual responsibility and to warn against the secularism of the church, against all kinds of modern idols such as psychology, the prosperity gospel, cultic fashion, for wolves in sheep’s clothing who spread error under the cover of Christendom? Who still warns the young people in the church against the charismatic errors of our time, such as speaking in tongues, visions and so-called prophetic messages? On the other hand, there must be a call to study God’s Word for themselves in order not to fall prey to every wind of doctrine.

Jeremiah 23:40

Judgment on the Wicked

With Isaiah 56:9 begins a new section that continues through Isaiah 57. We are in a quite different atmosphere with a quite different tone. It is no longer about restoration, but about judgment. While the faithful nations and outcasts are being saved, judgment goes to the apostates in Israel, the followers of the antichrist. The beasts, that is the Assyrians under the leadership of the king of the North, are called upon to feast on the unbelieving part of the people of Israel (Isaiah 56:9).

This is due to the attitude of their leaders, who are watchmen of the people and have the task to warn the people of danger. The safety of the people, however, is not at all their concern (cf. Jeremiah 6:17). They are blind to it (Isaiah 56:10). They think only of their own convenience and enjoyment. They dream, lie down, slumber and are blind to spiritual values and reality. It is from this attitude, as it were, that the call goes out to the beasts to come and devour them. The LORD never judges without showing the righteousness of judgment. He does so by revealing the moral condition of the people and their leaders.

These leaders only awaken from their own ease when they can indulge in pleasure-seeking, revels and drinking bouts (Isaiah 56:11). They are dogs that fatten themselves to satisfy their lust for pleasure, but they cannot bark to warn the people. They are worthless shepherds. They go their own way, the way that gives them the most. If there is any thought of tomorrow, then only to revel even more (Isaiah 56:12).

All those who have been given a responsibility by the Lord Jesus to take care of His flock as shepherds must guard against a gradual decrease in their obligations toward the flock. They must also guard against lording over the herd or seeking sordid gain (1 Peter 5:2-3).

The situation outlined above also applies to today. Who still has the courage to take spiritual responsibility and to warn against the secularism of the church, against all kinds of modern idols such as psychology, the prosperity gospel, cultic fashion, for wolves in sheep’s clothing who spread error under the cover of Christendom? Who still warns the young people in the church against the charismatic errors of our time, such as speaking in tongues, visions and so-called prophetic messages? On the other hand, there must be a call to study God’s Word for themselves in order not to fall prey to every wind of doctrine.