Preparing for Deliverance
Reflection on Isaiah 5:24-30
Attack from a Foreign Army
When we consider the fact that God Himself sends an army to attack his own people, we see that God does not play favorites. God's own people will not get away with their idolatry.
This section opens with another farming metaphor, which speaks directly to the agrarian society of Israel, but this time it is said that even the root of the plant/people will become rotten. It is important that we point out that rotting of the root is because that plant is no longer rooted in the right source, which is its creator. In fact it is stated clearly that they have rejected the instruction of the Lord of Host, and despised the word of the Holy one of Israel (Isaiah 5:24).
1. Have you ever rejected God's instruction? What was the effect of that decision?
Although Israel is a nation of war that was known for their victories in battle, Isaiah's prophecy in chapter 5 says that Israel will not be victorious in this fight. Isaiah says the approaching army will come roaring like a lion, like young lions they roar; they growl and seize their prey. They carry it off and no one can rescue (Isaiah 5:29). The description of the forign enemy as a roaring lion, also speaks to Israel’s familiarity with indigenous African animals, which speak to their Africanness. But as we turned our attention to Mother's Day yesterday, I was reminded of my mother's tough love, those moments when my mother disciplined me harshly because I ignored her. This reminder helps me to understand harsh scriptures like Isaiah 5, where God's judgements seem harsher than usual. It is because even before Isaiah breathed this prophecy, Israel had been warned of their idolatry on numerous prior occasions.
2. What was the most harsh punishment you received from your mother? How has your opinion of that punishment changed over time?
This may seem like a hopeless end, but we know from the previous chapter that this is not the final word on God's Judgment on Israel. Isaiah explained that He who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called Holy- everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem (Isaiah 4:3). And we should be grateful for God's mercy through Christ our Lord, in which there is no desire that anyone would parish, but that all will receive eternal life. Isaiah is then clearly saying that many Israelites will perish in the judgement of the attack of a foreign army, but not all of them. Yet the convincing message still holds true, that God does not take lightly to idolatry, and does not even excuse his own people from doing it. This is what true justice is; when no one’s wealth, race, religion, politics, or sexual identity, is favored or discriminated against when facing judgement. Although we live in a world with broken and unjust/ungodly systems, we can confidently continue our fight for justice, for justice is found in God's judgement, and one day this justice will rule the whole earth.
3. God's judgement is just because it is not based on favoritism, how does this differ from our own systems of justice today?
You are welcomed to pray this prayer with me:
LORD, Most High,
When I read Isaiah 5, I consider your punishment too harsh. Help me to understand that this great judgment brought upon Israel came on them because of their own idolatry. In this they brought this judgment upon themselves. Help me to heed this and all of your warnings, so that when I face your judgement I can stand with a clear conscience. Humble my prideful heart by your word, and help me to correct the areas of my life where you see fit to correct me. I thank you for all of your judgments, even those that are hard for me to accept. May they all help me to rise to new heights in my relationship with you and with my neighbor. In Jesus, Name. Amen!