The Lord speaks of a people who feel their need of righteousness and follow Christ seeking what He alone can supply. These are God’s elect people and Isaiah calls them to listen to the word of God. It is a fitting instruction. In this world the Lord’s people suffer at the hands of enemies who make them drink ‘the cup of trembling’. God’s purpose is to show us salvation in Christ, bring to an end the hurt of His church and gladden the hearts of those He calls ‘my people’ and ‘my nation’. An urgent cry The chapter divides into three sections. In verses 1-8 God promises salvation and deliverance to those He loves in Christ. In verses 9-16, God’s people cry to Him to…

In the opening of our chapter the Lord lays blame for man’s separation from God squarely on the shoulders of the sinner. The reference to divorce and children sold into servitude reveal this. Had the Lord put away the Jews a bill of divorcement would have existed. Had the Lord sold His children a creditor’s statement of debt could be produced. That neither can be brought forward shows where the blame lies. The Jews abandoned God by their disobedience and sin.  Christ rejected The Lord speaks of coming and calling but no man answering. If this is a reference to the coming of the Messiah, as it appears to be, it reflects the widespread rejection of the Lord Jesus by the Jews during His earthly…