Chapter 693 of 1163

ISAIAH 48

Rebuke. When you end up in trouble because you did not listen to sound advice, the last thing you want to hear is somebody saying, “I told you so!” But that is just what God says to Israel in this chapter. He had warned them that their sins would bring judgment, but they hardened their necks and closed their ears. It was time to repent and seek forgiveness.

Refining. The captivity was about to end. It had been a time of refining for the nation (v. 10; Job 23:10; 1 Pet. 1:7), but they had learned to turn from idols and trust Jehovah alone. If you resist, the fire will burn you and make you hard; if you submit, the fire will purify you and make you tender.

Renewing. God declares new things (Isa. 42:9) and does new things (Isa. 43:19), and His people can hear new things (v. 6). Verse 20 has its parallel in 2 Corinthians 6:14–18. As you obey God, He leads you (v. 17), gives you peace (v. 18), and meets your needs (v. 21). No matter how weak you are, you can lean on Him (v. 2).

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