The Holy One of Israel will do something new.
The Holy One of Israel is the Lord and Creator of All. He is the One True God.
As the Bible tells us. “The time has come for judgment to begin in the House of the Lord.” We read that in 1 Peter 4:17. The Apostle Peter wrote those words nearly two thousand years ago. When he penned those words, the term ‘Christian’ was new to the world. And the Christian Church was just getting started. Surprisingly, the intense persecution they encountered spurred remarkable growth in those early years. As they say, ‘The rest is history.’ Now, more than ever, the time has come for judgment to begin at the House of God and expand across the globe.
With that short Church history in mind, and concerning God’s justice, The Holy One of Israel, will unleash the prophesied series of events that are foretold in the Bible. In this post, I finish the commentary on chapter forty-three in the Book of Isaiah. Here the focus is sinful Babylon and Israel.
In Isaiah 43:14-28:
The Holy One of Israel, that’s God to those who aren’t aware, once again declares His intentions for a final judgment against Babylon. In some form, the Babylon of old, will arise again to face this coming judgment. He follows that with a repeat of His promises to restore the Nation of Israel. However, that restoration will not take place until after they face the most terrible time of war and desolation in their history.
Of course, as in many prophetic passages, there is a clear historical context. But, as is often the case, God’s Prophets were inspired to write words that also pointed to the final culmination of all prophetic promises. Historians record the exploits of Cyrus, who ruled over the Medo-Persian Empire that conquered Babylon. No doubt, Cyrus thought he acted on his own initiative. But in reality, behind the curtain of God’s sovereignty, The Lord sent Cyrus and his army to Babylon as instruments of His vengeance for the sake of Israel and to bring them into a correct relationship with the Holy One of Israel. This resulted in the downfall of Babylon’s nobles and the Chaldeans, the Babylonians in general, fleeing in ships with cries of grief, hence the term “ships of wailing.” The Babylonians had a strong nautical tradition, as evidenced in historical inscriptions and ancient writings. This demonstrates God’s power and His commitment to both the judgment of Israel’s enemies and the restoration of Israel at the end of the prophetic cycle.
We are quickly approaching that end.
Isaiah 43:14
King Cyrus Conquered Babylon
The conquest of Babylon by King Cyrus, also known as the Fall of Babylon, is a significant event in ancient history that occurred around 539 BCE. Here is a summarized account of this event:
King Cyrus II of Persia, a powerful ruler, led his Persian and Median forces to conquer Babylon, which was a major city in Mesopotamia at the time. Cyrus had already expanded his empire significantly and aimed to add Babylon to his conquests.
The Babylonian Empire, led by King Nabonidus, was facing internal strife and had lost the support of many of its subjects. Additionally, the city of Babylon was well-fortified with massive walls and defenses.
Isaiah 43:10
Cyrus devised a strategic plan to enter the city. His forces diverted the Euphrates River, which ran through Babylon, allowing them to enter the city through the riverbed gates that had been left open by the Babylonians during a festival. This surprise maneuver caught the Babylonians off guard.
Cyrus and his troops swiftly entered Babylon, and the city fell without much resistance. King Nabonidus was captured, and Cyrus proclaimed victory, presenting himself as a liberator rather than a conqueror. He allowed the Babylonians to continue practicing their religion and culture and even issued a decree allowing the exiled Jewish population to return to their homeland, which is mentioned in the biblical Book of Ezra.
Cyrus’ conquest of Babylon marked the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and the beginning of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. His policy of tolerance and respect for the local customs and religions of conquered peoples earned him a favorable reputation in history. This event played a crucial role in reshaping the political landscape of the ancient Near East and laid the foundation for the Persian Empire’s continued expansion and influence in the region.
Isaiah 43:14 Holy One of Israel will judge Babylon
This is what the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says. “For your sake, I have sent to Babylon. And will bring them all down as fugitives, Even the Chaldeans, into the ships over which they rejoice.
The Lord will ‘buy back’ or redeem His lost children.
Isaiah 43:15 King Jesus is the Holy One of Israel
“I am the LORD, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King.”
He is Holy and must judge sin.
Isaiah 43:16 Making a way through the sea
This is what the LORD says, He who makes a way through the sea And a path through the mighty waters.
These words remind us of the miracle at the Red Sea. And it was a true miracle not the silly fake miracles from Bible critics.
Isaiah 43:17 Mystery Babylon’s armies destroyed again.
Who brings out the chariot and the horse, the army and the mighty man? They will lie down together and not rise again. They have been extinguished, and have gone out like a wick.
God can and will snuff out all armies that stand against Him. In the final judgments, Jesus will personally ride as the triumphant King and crush the Antichrist and the snake, Satan.
Isaiah 43:18 New things to consider
“Do not call to mind the former things, Or consider things of the past.
No need to remember past judgments. All will pale in comparison.
Isaiah 43:19 The Holy One of Israel makes A pathway through the wilderness
“Behold, I am going to do something new. Now it will spring up. Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
A new thing will happen, and a new way through the barren desert will emerge.
Isaiah 43:20 And rivers through the desert
“The animals of the field will glorify Me, The jackals and the ostriches. Because I have given waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My chosen people.
As Moses struck a rock and waters came forth, The Lord Jesus will bring eternally refreshing living waters to God’s Chosen People. And that’s not just the Jewish people but the whole house of God. The Church is grafted into the original vine. Together we are the spiritual offspring of Abraham.
Isaiah 43:21 The Holy One of Israel Created the Chosen People
“The people whom I formed for Myself Will declare My praise.
For the most part, the Jewish people live in rebellion and denial of God. But soon they will sing praise when He delivers them.
Isaiah 43:22 But the Jews rejected their King
“Yet you have not called on Me, Jacob. But you have become weary of Me, Israel.
They refuse to call upon God in truth.
Isaiah 43:23 They dishonored the Holy One of Israel
“You have not brought to Me the sheep of your burnt offerings. Nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, Nor wearied you with incense.
They sacrifices are given in vain.
Isaiah 43:24 They wearied the Lord with their sins
“You have not bought Me sweet cane with money, Nor have you satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices. Rather, you have burdened Me with your sins. You have wearied Me with your wrongdoings.
The sins have wearied the Lord
Isaiah 43:25 Only the Holy One of Israel can cleanse their sins
“I, I alone, am the one who wipes out your wrongdoings for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.
And yet, their righteousness depends on the Holy One of Israel. They cannot be cleaned without repentance.
Isaiah 43:26 The Holy One of Israel is willing to talk
“Meet Me in court, let’s argue our case together. State your cause, so that you may be proved right.
The beautiful thing about the Lord is His great mercy and willingness to meet us where we are.
Isaiah 43:27 All are guilty, thus the need for judgment
“Your first forefather sinned, And your spokesmen have rebelled against Me.
From the first to the last, all have sinned and are in need of forgiveness.
Isaiah 43:28 Many will not escape God’s wrath
“So I will profane the officials of the sanctuary, And I will turn Jacob over to destruction and Israel to abuse.
This chapter ends with a warning of destruction, but we know the final end to the Nation of Israel will be a glorious new beginning.
More from the Book of Isaiah
God will redeem Israel as a people for himself Isaiah 43:1-7
A Voice in the Wilderness. Isaiah 40 & John the Baptist
Streams in the desert: Isaiah 35 Restoring the planet
The ClayWriter
White Stone Watcher get a copy for a special someone
Hello readers,
I’ve served as a children and youth pastor for over three decades. It was a great honor and pleasure to serve the Lord in that way. It’s been my prayer, that many of them will learn of Jesus’ love and decide to commit their lives to follow Him.
I wrote the fiction story, ‘White Stone Watcher’ for them and their parents. In the story, we see a young man, and his best friend, Amanda. They face the normal challenges that today’s kids face at school. But with one huge difference.
Their challenge is twelve feet tall to be exact with an enormous set of six wings. Just like the prophet Isaiah saw in the throne room of God. He’s a Watcher, an angelic being who is still invisible to Amanda. The messenger from God is about to lead both of them on a spiritual journey. They find they can’t escape the unseen war that rages all around them. They will become key players that God will use in the battle between the Sons of Darkness and the Children of Light.
I invite you to pray about a youth who might enjoy and benefit from this story. As the world grows darker, our youth must become aware that the Lord is calling them to join the Children of Light in the fight for what is righteous. We’re all involved, whether we realize it or not. If they won’t go to church, maybe they’ll read a book about someone just like them facing challenges at school.
God is calling them.
Praying for the youth, and spiritual awakening.
Let me know what you think.