Isaiah's tone, message, and focus change drastically at this juncture in his writing. After repeatedly warning about the impending consequences of their disobedience and pleading for repentance, Isaiah now looks into the future when the forecasted exile of Judah is almost over. Instead of harsh judgment, he offers comfort by speaking tenderly—“to the heart”—reassuring that sin has been paid for and redemption has come.
Author: Eva Burkholder
Prayer for Partners in the New Year
As we enter the new year, Mark and I want to pray for you—our partners—since you so faithfully pray for us:
Advent 2024 Fourth Sunday: Prince of Peace
(Oops! This title should be Advent 2-2023). My Advent ponderings this year are inspired by my recent study of Isaiah and one of the most beloved descriptions of the character of the Messiah. The first Sunday, I pondered wonderful counselor. Next mighty God on the second Sunday. Then everlasting father. Finally Isaiah describes this one-who-would-reign-on-David’s-throne as the PRINCE OF PEACE.
Advent 2023 Third Sunday: Everlasting Father
My Advent ponderings this year are inspired by my recent study of Isaiah and one of the most beloved descriptions of the character of the Messiah. The first Sunday, I pondered WONDERFUL COUNSELOR. Next MIGHTY GOD on the second Sunday. Isaiah then describes the one-with-the-government-on-his-shoulders as the EVERLASTING FATHER.
Advent 2023 Second Sunday: Mighty God
My Advent ponderings are inspired by my recent study of Isaiah and one of the most beloved descriptions of the character of the Messiah. The first Sunday, I pondered WONDERFUL COUNSELOR. Isaiah next describes this Son-given-to-us as the MIGHTY GOD.
Advent 2023 First Sunday: Wonderful Counselor
My Advent ponderings this year are inspired by my recent study of Isaiah and one of the most beloved descriptions of the character of the Messiah. We begin with "Wonderful Counselor."
Principles for Processing Judgment in Isaiah
When I began my study of Isaiah several months ago, I quickly became uncomfortable. This reaction surprised me because previously I've found this book to be comforting and encouraging. But this time it seemed all judgment and punishment. So I began to investigate how to process difficult passages of God’s judgment.
Righteousness and Justice in Isaiah
A major theme in Isaiah's message is righteousness and justice. These concepts bear studying because they mean different things to Isaiah than they do to us in the western, modern world. Furthermore, our Christian subculture associates righteousness with personal morality and justice with social political action. This is not how the Bible portrays them.
