Isaiah re-affirms God’s plan of salvation for His chosen ones. Let us note the kindness and gentleness of the Lord toward His weak, weary people. He knows what we can bear. He is sensitive to our needs. Because the Lord knew what Judah must endure in captivity He upheld and sustained His bruised children with promises of mercy and, in due time, rest from sorrow, fear and bondage. The Lord will have mercy on Jacob, He will remember Israel. Purpose in pain Trials are necessary to mortify our flesh, humble our pride and shake our self-confidence. An easy life is an unproductive life, certainly in spiritual matters. In our need the Saviour proves His love for us and cultivates our growth in grace. It is…

Previously, in chapters 1-12, Isaiah has spoken of Messiah, His spiritual kingdom and the gospel of salvation by Him. Now begins a series of chapters in which ‘burdens’ or events are foretold concerning the ruin of the enemies of God’s people. These prophecies commence with Babylon into whose hands the people of Israel and Judah must be delivered captive for a period known as the Babylonian Exile or Babylonian Captivity. God gives Isaiah this vision to comfort the Jews during their exile and to confirm the remnant will be delivered from it. Tools in God’s hands Observe how God uses means to accomplish His purpose. He will destroy Babylon by means of the Medes and Persians, one empire will overthrow another. These nations acted freely…