Isaiah 7–12 Introduction: Immanuel and Hope
GOD’S ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE OPPRESSED REMNANT
INTRO TO ISAIAH 7-12
Introduction
Chapters 1–12 can be considered a unit, but its two subsections (1–6, 7–12) differ in approach. Chapters 1–6 cover the reigns of Uzziah and Jotham, while chapters 7–12 pertain to the later age of King Ahaz in Judah, the southern kingdom, so the messages differ. However, Isaiah continues to rebuke God’s people for their sins, as in chapters 1–6. They should not be surprised by God’s judgment, for their sinful behavior demanded such a condemning sentence.
Like a raging fire, judgment was advancing and would culminate in the fall of Samaria, the capital, in 722/721 BC. The threat of judgment had begun to seep into the southern kingdom of Judah as well. Although this second section assumes God’s judgment, it is in this context that God presents His encouraging hope to Judah’s faithful remnant. God is faithful and would keep a remnant for Himself.
Though pronounced in these chapters, judgment should rightly be seen as the backdrop rather than the focal point. This section’s reading is like our view of the night sky. Though the dark sky is vast and mysterious, our eyes naturally drift to the spots of light—the moon and stars. All eyes turned to the prophet’s seeds of hope.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 examines our faith and allows us to determine on which side we belong. Judgment is coming for their many sins. This will drastically affect everyone, but there is a beautiful hope.
A Messianic hope is spread before the faithful to grab hold of their attention as they march into judgment. Their children have hope seeded in their hearts. God has not only forsaken them, but He has also instilled hope.
King Ahaz wrongly persisted in his treaty and alliance with Assyria, but there would be real hope for the believers who put their hope in God. Choose your hope!
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 brings realistic encouragement and direction to God’s faithful. The ones relying on Assyria to help them would suffer the same judgment as Assyria.
Those, however, who were expecting God’s judgment were few; they were clearly a minority. God challenges this minority to continue to fear Him and keep God’s Word as a basis for their actions and hopes. Immanuel is the hope of Israel and in those days of great darkness and temptation to quit, they can remember God’s special encouragement.
Chapter 9:1-7
Chapter 9:1-7 is separated from 9:8-10:4. The section 9:1-7 more clearly develops the future of God’s people. The places that first met with isolation and judgment would be the first to recover.
The reign of a new king would strengthen their country’s people to a glorious position. Even the Gentiles would somehow receive a portion of this glory. There would be no end to the increase of this peaceful government. David’s descendants would rule forever. Though a rather vague promise at the time, they could hope in the God who knows and plans the future. And we can rejoice in the reign of Jesus Christ!
Chapter 9:8-10:4
Section 9:8-10:4 reminds us not only of the great calamity that was coming, but the reasons it was coming and why it would be so severe. God is angry with the sin of His people. Their lifestyles were wholly independent from God their Maker and Leader.
A number of their sins are listed out as logs to be put in the fire. Each of the four sections concludes by explaining why the judgment of their land and people is not yet sufficient. God’s people dare not play with sin; the judgment would be too harsh. God will judge; false hopes are in vain.
Chapter 10:5-34
Chapter 10:5-34 portrays God as the source of comfort to the faithful. Judgment was sure but so was God’s comfort. God would still be near. He promised.
The consolation comes from looking at God. God who brought Assyria to accomplish His design, will also stop them at the proper time. God will destroy Assyria. Israel’s real comfort, though, is not seen in this judgment but in the promise of a remnant.
Israel would survive! God would also bring this about. We get our comfort from God, whether it is in how He deals with Assyria, their friend, which became their enemy, or by promising to them that there would be a remnant.
Chapter 11:1-12:6
Chapter 11:1-12:6 delights our hearts with a greater glimpse of the beautiful kingdom God has established.
We see, first of all, the kingdom will be a very special because of its great king. Perfect trust and reliance in God is rewarded with a harmonious peace-loving state.
The four ‘then’ clauses reminded Israel of their future blessings. Though they were not desirous for them in their day, and yet the “then” indicates a certainty which delights the heart. The ‘root of Jesse’, which is Jesus Christ becomes the focus for the Gentiles who would be used to bring back the Jews. The fourth ‘then’ is appropriately two songs of praise and thanksgiving. As God led Israel safely out of Egypt, so these people in similar and wonderful ways would be gathered. Salvation will become everything to them. These hopes are partially realized today.
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