Isaiah 12-17

Isaiah 12-17 

“The Lord of hosts has sworn: As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand,” –Isaiah 14:24

It’s no surprise that God’s promise of consistency is a comfort. In the midst of daily life, events and interactions can seem like dead-ends and one-offs, particularly from our imperfect perspective. Yet we see in His oath that “…as I have planned, so shall it be…” To quote one commentary, “for nothing new can arise to Him who sees the end from the beginning.”

Consider the context. Isaiah is relaying the future downfall of kings and empires. He is relaying the consequences of deceitful leaders and the willing people. He is also relaying the hope in the future Immanuel.

“then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness.” –Isaiah 16:5

It’s a lot to take in, as it likely was for Isaiah’s audience. What comfort can be had in all this? As stated, there is comfort through His consistency. There is comfort through His promise of hope.

“So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.” –Hebrews 6:17-18