Isaiah Chapter 2: Ideal Jerusalem Contrasted with Current Reality
Chapters two and three continue the theme of the problem that God has with his people. Chapter two begins with a vision of what Israel (Specifically Judah, and even more precisely, Jerusalem) should and will one day be. However, that is quickly contrasted with the description of what Israel is actually like in Isaiah’s day. Religiously, in chapter two, followed by the description of the social reality in chapter three.
Future Jerusalem (2:2-4)
In the future, Jerusalem will fulfill its true purpose, as the center of God’s interaction with the nations of the world. It will be the place where all peoples are drawn, where all peoples learn about and from God, and where all peoples find harmony and peace. Interestingly, we see here that the peoples are attracted to God, but also encourage each other to come to Him. Also, they learn God’s ways not in theory alone, but walk in those ways that they are taught. We see here a form of evangelism-discipleship seen elsewhere throughout scripture.
In light of this future picture, Israel is called walk in God’s ways themselves (v.5). They need this exhortation, because they are not being their ideal, intended selves.
Perverted Religion (2:6-22)
Instead of drawing the world to God, they have conformed to the world. Instead of teaching and following God’s ways, they have followed the ways of false religions and idols. Instead of allowing God to bring peace, they have armed themselves for war. They have relied on idols and their own strength instead of God.
YHWH is against the proud and self-assured. He will bring them low and humble them. There is no power on earth that compares to his. There is nothing more worthy of our trust. Yet Israel has trusted themselves, false gods, and other worldly powers rather than YHWH. This will be a continuing theme of Isaiah, and really, a key aspect of the Biblical message.
When the day of YHWH comes, all idols and all idolatry will be abandoned. Not just the outdated idols that have become passe, but all the false gods that we turn to with our trust: ideas and ideologies, powerful leaders and promises of politicians, everything we put in the place of God that promises to fulfill our needs. Whatever they may be.
Isaiah calls on the people to stop trusting human powers.
Future Jerusalem (2:2-4)
In the future, Jerusalem will fulfill its true purpose, as the center of God’s interaction with the nations of the world. It will be the place where all peoples are drawn, where all peoples learn about and from God, and where all peoples find harmony and peace. Interestingly, we see here that the peoples are attracted to God, but also encourage each other to come to Him. Also, they learn God’s ways not in theory alone, but walk in those ways that they are taught. We see here a form of evangelism-discipleship seen elsewhere throughout scripture.
In light of this future picture, Israel is called walk in God’s ways themselves (v.5). They need this exhortation, because they are not being their ideal, intended selves.
Perverted Religion (2:6-22)
Instead of drawing the world to God, they have conformed to the world. Instead of teaching and following God’s ways, they have followed the ways of false religions and idols. Instead of allowing God to bring peace, they have armed themselves for war. They have relied on idols and their own strength instead of God.
YHWH is against the proud and self-assured. He will bring them low and humble them. There is no power on earth that compares to his. There is nothing more worthy of our trust. Yet Israel has trusted themselves, false gods, and other worldly powers rather than YHWH. This will be a continuing theme of Isaiah, and really, a key aspect of the Biblical message.
When the day of YHWH comes, all idols and all idolatry will be abandoned. Not just the outdated idols that have become passe, but all the false gods that we turn to with our trust: ideas and ideologies, powerful leaders and promises of politicians, everything we put in the place of God that promises to fulfill our needs. Whatever they may be.
Isaiah calls on the people to stop trusting human powers.
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