Isaiah 49:1-12 Who is God’s servant in Isaiah 49:1-12? God calls and names him before he is born, makes his mouth like a sword, and will be glorified in him. God uses the servant to bring the nation of Israel back to Himself, to be a light of salvation to all the world, to be a covenant, … Continue reading –>
The fact that Isaiah accurately predicted Cyrus by name disturbs people who do not believe that prophets receive predictions from God. To cope, they accept the theory that another prophet, a “second Isaiah,” living in the time of Cyrus, wrote Isaiah 40-66. Thus, the book of Isaiah is “sawn in two,” the same fate traditionally … Continue reading –>
Isaiah 44:26-45:6 What stunning prediction appears in Isaiah 44:26-45:6? Isaiah’s ministry lasted from about 745 B.C. to about 685 B.C. After mentioning a conqueror from the east and from the north (Isaiah 41:2-3, Isaiah 41:25) and implying that this was to be good news for Jerusalem (Isaiah 41:27), Isaiah accurately predicted Cyrus by name and described his activities. He did come from north … Continue reading –>
Isa: 42:1-7 What is the role and character of God’s unnamed servant, whom God chooses and on whom He puts His Spirit? Isa: 42:1-7. Choose the best answer or combination of answers: He provides justice for the nations. He accomplishes his goals quietly and gently, but successfully. He is a teacher. He serves as a covenant between … Continue reading –>
Isaiah 41:1-29 In Isaiah 41:8 God speaks of “Israel, my servant,” (NRSV) and in 42:1 he introduces “my servant.” Who is this servant? Is it Israel/Jacob, the ancestor of the Israelites? The nation of Israel? The Messiah/Christ, identified in the New Testament as Jesus? There are two kinds of references to servants of God woven through Isaiah 41-53. … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Isa: 41:1-29, Isa: 42:1-7, Isa: 44:26-45:6, Isa: 49:1-12. Memory Text: “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles” (Isaiah 42:1). “Many feel that it would be a great privilege to visit the scenes … Continue reading –>
Seven Little Fishers of Men By Andrew Mcchesney, Adventist Mission What is the power of a small group? The pastor of a Seventh-day Adventist church in northeastern Mexico announced to its 60 members that they should form small groups to meet during the week. Each group should have a name, a motto, a goal, and … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Read Ellen G. White, “Behold Your God!” in Prophets and Kings, pages 311-321. “In Isaiah’s day the spiritual understanding of mankind was dark through misapprehension of God. Long had Satan sought to lead men to look upon their Creator as the author of sin and suffering and death. Those whom he had thus deceived, … Continue reading –>
Isa: 40:19-20 Idolatry destroys a unique, intimate relationship with God by replacing Him with something else ( Exodus 20.4-5; Isa: 42:8). So, prophets refer to idolatry as spiritual “adultery” (Jer: 3:6-9, Ezek: 16:15-19). Read Isaiah 41:29. How does Isaiah characterize idols? How do you understand what he is saying there about them? Why is that so accurate a depiction of … Continue reading –>
Isa: 40:12-31 How does Isaiah 40 develop the themes of God’s mercy and power? Throughout this chapter,a God’s mercy and power are interwoven (see below) and even blended together, because they are both necessary in order for God to save His people. He wants to save them, because He is merciful; He is able to save … Continue reading –>
