Hello My Friends! It's been a little while, and I'm sorry for that. I hope this finds everyone well. When we last spoke, we were starting a study on Isaiah. So, let's get back to it today.
Proverbs 2:6 says:
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
Dear LORD,
Please give us the knowledge and understanding we need in these dark days. Draw us closer to You through your Word. We love you so. Amen
Isaiah 1:18-20
"Come let us settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are scarlet, they will be as white as snow, though they are crimson red, they will be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land. But if you refuse and rebel you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Hebrew meanings:
settle: to reprove, to judge, or convict
sins: a crime or its penalties
red: to be red, ruddy, dyed red
willing: to consent, to yield, to desire
obedient: to hear intelligently, to obey, to listen
things: property, goods
land: the whole earth under God's dominion
refuse: the refusal or rejection of an offer, Used to describe refusing to obey God
rebel: to be causative, make bitter, resist, revoke
sword: usually pictures the sword with the bow and shield as the standard fighting equipment of the time
mouth: besides the literal meaning, this word is used as the instrument of speech. When Moses claimed to be an ineffectual speaker, he was heavy in the mouth
When you put all the Ancient Hebrew meanings into the context, here is what you get:
"Come let us (convict) this," says the LORD. "Though your (crimes) are scarlet, they will be as white as snow, though they are crimson (red), they will be like wool. If you (desire) and are (hearing intelligently), you will eat the good (property) of the (whole earth under God's dominion). But if you (reject the offer) and (resist), you will be devoured by the (standard fighting equipment of the time)." For the (instrument of speech) of the LORD has spoken.
Did you catch the very first line? Come let US settle this. I don't know for sure, but I'm thinking that this is the three of them (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) talking about how they will handle a very rebellious Israel. They've had enough! You see, the three of them have been around since before our time and THIS earth began! Fascinating, isn't it?
Though some of the word meanings don't add a whole lot to verses, there are a few that made me think "Oh NO! They're in trouble!" Convict is one of them...The LORD has had enough! I read somewhere that when you see LORD in all capital letters, this is Jesus as a Warrior. Yes...Jesus. Jesus IS from the very beginning! Most people just talk about the loving Jesus. But He is a warrior, too. I like that side of Him because NOTHING will get by Him and I am safe from everything because this mighty Warrior is always with me. But, I've found a rabbit trail. (Insert eye rolling emoji here.)
Another one that I loved was the whole earth under God's dominion. We will eat the good of everything God owns....EVERYTHING. That is what He truly wants. That is why He made us. To share in His goodness and walk with Him. To praise Him and honor Him. But then...Adam.
The last is "But if you reject the offer"...WOW! When I first read that, my thoughts were Silly Israelites...why in the world would you reject HIS offer?? Right after that, my thoughts were: OMG! I reject His offers all the time. He holds out His scarred hand to me to pull me up, and says, "I'm only a Word away...I AM THE WORD. Open it and come closer." Instead I lay on my bed and wallow in my sadness, anger, disbelief, grief. Yet He stands there patiently holding out His hand. I pray I never reject so long that He says, "Come let us convict this situation."
I was planning to do more verses today since I've neglected writing for so long, but I think we will do better to ponder what we've learned today. I'll take on the next verses tomorrow and we'll see what the LORD has to say.
In Search of CHRIST,
Terrie
Great insight. Thanks.
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