ISRAEL’S GLORIOUS FUTURE

ISAIAH 54

Forgiveness and redemption bring a song to the heart of the redeemed as Isaiah the prophet looks ahead with the eye of faith to Israel’s future.  During her captivity, Israel was like a rejected wife, childless and grieved in spirit.  In Isaiah 54, Israel is looked at as a restored wife who is being restored to her place of blessing.  This message is constant with Jeremiah 3:8 and Hosea 9 and Ezekiel 16 and 23.  The nation of Israel was married to Jehovah at Mt. Sinai but committed adultery by turning to other gods and the Lord abandon her temporarily.  Israel will be restored when the Messiah comes and establishes His Kingdom.  When the events of Zechariah 14:4 take place, singing and a “Shout aloud” will take place.  From all corners of the earth will the children of Zion return and repopulate the cities of restored Israel.

Isaiah 54:4-10 makes it clear that Jehovah’s anger was only for a brief moment, but now with great love and compassion will He show everlasting kindness.  God’s love is unchangeable and will never result in complete annihilation as evidence by the reference to the “waters of Noah.”  God will wait for His people to repent, but He will not break His covenant or promise (Philippians 1:6).

Isaiah 54:11-17 reveals a beautiful and touching account of God’s love for His people and His glorious plan for their ultimate future.  The New Jerusalem, seen by the prophet, is made of dazzling colors and precious stones.  The Apostle John in Revelations 21:10-27 fills in the blanks of the New Jerusalem.  As you think of this note that is in verse 13, God Himself teaches the citizens of the New Jerusalem.  The foundation of this New Jerusalem is righteousness.  Therefore, there is no need to fear the foe or to know terror.  This is the day when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth, and the peace that mankind has been longing for will not be a threat.  “Thou shalt not fear and as for terror, it shall not come near thee” (Isaiah 54: 14).  No weapon, no false accusations, no policy of extermination will ever again succeed against Israel.  The chapter closes with the fact that the Messiah will watch over Israel and protect them.  No anti-Semitism has ever prospered, and one only needs to look to history of the Pharaoh’s Herod and Hitler to get the message.  God will continue to watch over His people because they are His servants and witnesses, and they will never be destroyed.  There is coming a day when Israel will blossom and fill the face of the whole earth with goodness