There would be conviction of sin, but no cleansing. 16:5; Is. Pauline Epistles When our Lord called His disciples there was no irresistible compulsion from outside. In his commentary, John MacArthur reminds us of the dire consequences of elevating an unqualified shepherd: "The church must heed Paul's warning and not lift up those whom the Lord will later have to cut down." Used with permission from John MacArthur. He, that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Slaves had a relationship and responsibilities that were different from that of hired servants. If you feel led to join the hosts of heaven in proclaiming the utter holiness of our God, sing a relevant chorus or hymn, such as Holy, Holy, Holy, during your prayer time today (or see the links below). John and his wife, Patricia, have four married children and fifteen grandchildren. BECAUSE I AM A MAN OF UNCLEAN LIPS, AND I LIVE AMONG A PEOPLE OF UNCLEAN LIPS; FOR MY EYES HAVE SEEN THE KING, THE LORD OF HOSTS. Within this sarcastic framework, Isaiah 6:10a must also be seen as ironic. 6, he sought the Lord for understanding and instruction When he saw Him in the temple, he pronounced a woe on himself: Isaiah realized two things in ch. -Deut 32:15 (used twice); Neh 9:25; Isa 6:10; Jer 5:28. What an awesome, even fearful experience for God's prophet! Isaiah saw himself 2Above him stood the seraphim. Lofty (07311) (ruwm) is a primary root which conveys three ideas (1) literal height, (2) height symbolic of notions (glory, exaltation - Ps 34:3 exalt His name), and (3) height symbolic of negative notions (arrogance & pride). Isaiah 6:9, which ostensibly records the content of Isaiah's message, is clearly ironic. What we must see, in the context of the whole Bible, is that this burning coal symbolizes the finished work of Christ on the cross. 790739 B.C. (See context inThe Wycliffe Bible Commentaryor borrow Wycliffe Bible Commentary), Wiersbe -How tragic it would be to have the throne without the altar! If you walk in the light of the Word of God, you will see yourself, and you will know that even as a child of God you need the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse you from all sin. Poetical Books He places His Spirit within us so that Christ is formed in us (Gal. This was Isaiah's response to a vision of the Thrice Holy God! In Isaiah 41:1 God says, "Coastlands, listen to me in silence, and let the peoples gain new strength; let them come forward, then let them speak; let us come together for judgment." "The key to overcoming fear is resting on the pillars of the promises of God." Yet Ro 1:18-32 (notes) speaks of a similar situation in which people knew the truth of God's revelation but refused to follow it. The approach of these notes is to accept Isaiah 6 as the prophet's call into ministry. Charles Ryrie says that the glory of God"is the manifestation of any or all of His attributes. We see the "ultimate" faithful remnant in the time of the "terminal generation" of the Nation of Israel which is described by the prophet Zechariah who writes, It will come about in all the land, Declares the LORD, That two parts in it will be cut off and perish; But the third will be left (REMNANT) in it. The Scorned Servant of Jehovah, Part 2B. Simon had been fishing all his life. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God. Titus He longs to equip us to serve Him. Overwhelmed by acute awareness of his own sinfulness This is remarkable considering Isaiah was a member of the religious elite" (Jerry Bridges), I am ruined - KJV "I am undone". (just as "the cloud the glory of Jehovah filled the Tabernacle" in Ex 40:35), His robe - In Psalm 104 God's "robe" is described as light, Covering Yourself with light as with a cloak (Ps 104:2). When the boats come in, the former fishermen leave everything behind and follow Jesus. They want to drive up to church, grab an hour of worship, and drive off--what Dr. Evans calls "drive-through worship." When Moses called God Adonai, he acknowledged that it was not his place as the slave to choose his work; he had to heed his Masters directives. . The joyful strain of the trumpet betokens the splendor of his triumph, leading captivity captive, and well might the clarions ring out the tidings of Emmanuels victorious return. What will my heart feel? Note that it was more important for the seraph to equip Isaiah to be a soul-winner than to praise God. Interpretive challenges in a long and significant book such as Isaiah are numerous. God's promises (whether to do good and bad [judgment]) are so certain that Scripture frequently speaks of them as already accomplished. David prayed for this end (and so should we considering that it is a prayer for the Lord's return and the real peace of Jerusalem! It may signify 1) the presence of God (cf. These sinners deserve death and will experience the wrath of God, with no hope of healing because they purposely reject what they knew to be the will of God. Dallas: Word, Incorporated), John Calvin commenting on John 12:41 writes, Lest readers should think that this prediction was inappropriately quoted, John expressly states, that the prophet was not sent as a teacher to a single age, but, on the contrary, that the glory of Christ was exhibited to him, that he might be a witness of those things which should take place under his reign. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. The call had gone to Peter in verse 10, but all those who experience the catch follow Jesus. This generation is being confirmed in its rebellion and will not be given another chance. Read Isaiah 45:23, and learn from it that our Lord Jesus is Jehovah, and let us joyfully adore Him as our Savior and God, to Whom be glory for ever and ever. What usually happens is that the soul is smitten with a sense of its sinfulness, and desires to withdraw from the Divine presence. Because Sin continually chases after us, seeking to drag us into the miry clay!) Young comments, The action of the seraph in touching the coal to the lips of Isaiah symbolized the fact that, the necessary propitiatory sacrifice having been made, his sins were forgiven. Isaiahs woeful cry is silenced. 0:36. His name was Paul, and he cried out, "O wretched man that I am! Isaiah 9:6. HALLELUJAH! March 19, 2018. I can only imagine, Surrounded by your glory Then after the prophet's confession and cleansing in preparation for his service, he hears a voice saying: "Whom shall I send and who will go for us?". The nearer we are to the Lord the greater the sense of our utter unworthiness. That happened to Israel in Isaiahs day and to many of the individuals in it. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books) (Bolding added), In Isaiah 6 the prophet was described as seeing the glory of God. God's command to preach the truth was in effect His command to harden and blind Judah! Isaiah 6:1. of Scripture. Its great to realize that in heaven we will finally be free from the presence and power of sin, both our own sin and the evil that surrounds us. The Old Testament Many hear the sound of God's word, but do not feel the power of it. Criswell -This verse describes the extent of the destruction as nearly complete. Ray Pritchard - Once Peter realized who Jesus really wasthe true Son of God from heavenhe saw himself in a new light. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament, Wiersbe's expository outlines on the Old Testament, Hide Me In Your Holiness - a beautiful old Maranatha chorus, How Deep The Father's Love For Us - Fernando Ortega, Here Am I Send Me - Powerful Missionary Quotes with Musical Background, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: Old Testament, Isaiah 1-39: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition, The Bridge Illustration = The Romans Road to Salvation, Collected writings of W. E. Vine. In the present context while elevation in regard to rank is certainly intended, it also suggests a more literal meaning, implying Isaiah had to look upwards to see the lofty Lord. (See context in The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: Old Testament), How could this (Isa 6:9,10) be the message of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1Ti 2:3, 4)? He saw that he was a sinful man in a sinful community. (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments) (Bolding added), Isaiah had seen the Lord of glory, Who is none other than Jesus HimselfJesus is God, yet He is also a distinct part of the mysterious Trinity, and He is also Jesus the Son. The LORD of hosts - In Isa 6:1, 8, 11 the divine name is Adonai but the Seraphim acclaim Him as Jehovah Sabaoth, LORD of the armies. conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy When he saw what Jesus did in supplying such a huge haul of fish, he recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Ryrie - Though the people would not pay attention, Isaiah was to continue to prophesy of the Babylonian deportation. John Fish makes an interesting observation on Isaiah 6 noting that, Preachers often speak on Isaiah, chapter six because of the vision of the awesome majesty and holiness of God presented there. 2022ho04575 h isaiah cuenca peterson 0 45 silverhorn ct apt 41 merced ca 95348 20230302 2022ho05929 h katherine m swinburne 144832 3533 6th ave #5 san diego ca 92103 20230302 2022ho05932 h samuel crigan 0 4925 robert j mathews pkwy,suite 100 el dorado hills ca 95762 20230302 2022ho06060 h judy c hu 0 1571 46th ave san francisco ca 94122 20230302 (The Commission of Isaiah - Emmaus Journal V4:1, Summer, 95), Comment: Considering the current state of the Church in America perhaps it is time for pulpits to preach Isaiah's message that the Church might be awoken from her slumber and her easy compromise with the world ("Why not go to PG-13 movies"? Isaiah did the same thing we would have done. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point The New Testament This is condescending grace indeed! Consequently "God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to a depraved mind" (Ro 1:24-note, Ro 1:28-note). Historical Books Ahaz was 25 when he began to reign in Judah and he reigned until age 41 (2 Chr. On problem passages he often offers views and reasons, but is brief due to his limitations of space. The upshot is that those who have rejected truth, are to be irreparably hardened by the very truth they chose to reject! 11:8). They are likely to stare, take pictures, buy postcards, and go home with another vacation memory. Isaiah 6:7 HE TOUCHED MY MOUTH WITH IT AND SAID, "BEHOLD, THIS HAS TOUCHED YOUR LIPS; AND YOUR INIQUITY IS TAKEN AWAY AND YOUR SIN IS FORGIVEN. Delayed obedience is disobedience beloved! 1:13). Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. Isaiah 9:6 Isaiah 9:6 may be the most familiar Old Testament prophecy about the birth of Christ. Verse 1 says that Isaiah saw the Lord. For the first time he really worships God. And at times the prophet may have been tempted to look to Judahs king, rather than to Yahweh, for the continued prosperity of the nation. The New Testament Man can only see God as He has revealed Himself. The Gospels 1 Corinthians It takes special faith and obedience to continue to preach to an unheeding people who are only hardened by the Word instead of being softened by it. Some see this threefold repetition of holy as an OT allusion to the Trinity, with which while compatible would not be dogmatic proof of the Trinity (eg, it would probably be inappropriate to use Isa 6:3 as strong substantiation of the Trinity in the OT). But God's redeeming grace hastened to meet his need, applying to his lips a coal from the incense altar (originally from the altar of blood sacrifice; cf. Fulfillment of some of his prophesies in his own lifetime provided his credentials for the prophetic office. 750731 B.C.) In heaven? He essentially offered himself as a blank check, to be filled in as God saw fit With Isaiah we see a three-step process: first, acute realization of ones own sinfulness in the light of Gods holiness; second, hearing the gospel that ones sins are forgiven; and finally the response of gratitude, love, and surrender leading to actionFor many of us, such realizations may come in stages as we gradually grow in the Christian life. Opportunity in human life is as often judgment as it is salvation. (See context in The Prophecy of Isaiah). Jan 1, 1984. His son Jotham (ca. Exalted (05375) (nasa') is a common OT verb (some 612 verses) and conveys the sense of lift up or lifted up as in Isa 6:1. The message and the revelation are to be repeatedly before the nation, yet she is forbidden to perceive and understand. Multiple related passages dealing with "judicial hardening"and the related topic of Jesus speaking in parables - Dt 29:4+, Isa 6:9,10+ Mt 13:11-15+ Mk 4:11-12+ Lk 8:10+ Jn 9:39-41, Jn 12:38-40Acts 28:26,27+ Ro 11:7-10+, 2Co 3:14-15+, Eph 4:17-18+, 2Th 2:10-12+. The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. (See context in Bible Knowledge Commentary) (Bolding added), It appears evident, from this passage, that the glory which the prophet saw was the glory of Jehovah: John, therefore, saying here that it was the glory of Jesus, shows that he considered Jesus to be Jehovah. When Job came into the presence of God, he no longer wanted to talk about maintaining his righteousness. The interested reader is referred to other resources for more in depth discussion (Smith: New American Commentary, Oswalt: The New International Commentary). Only so can we really be prepared to give an effectual testimony. Acts We need to be like the vintage RCA dog and "tilt our ears" when we hear the Master's voice! As in Isaiah 6:9 the imperatival forms should be taken as rhetorical and as anticipating the people's response. They need to have their lips touched with a living coal. My friend, you cannot rush into the presence of God. God Himself tells us, 'Be still, and know that I am God' (Ps. Isaiah 9:6 Isaiah 9:6 may be the most familiar Old Testament prophecy about the birth of Christ. (See context inThe Prophecy of Isaiah), Wiersbe -It would be like the stump of a fallen tree from which the shoots (the holy seed) would come, and they would continue the true faith in the land. See related study of this great Name of God - Jehovah Rapha: (Jehovah Rophe) The LORD our Healer, Vine -The people had so persistently perverted their ways that they had gone beyond the possibility of conversion and healing. After Paul met the Lord, he no longer saw himself as a self-righteous Pharisee, but as a lost sinner in need of salvation. Isaiah was a contemporary of Hosea and Micah. Forgiven (03722) (kaphar/kapar) means to cover, to make atonement (to effect a kopher or ransom price, the price that God's justice required), make amends, to pardon, to release. Nashville: Thomas Nelson). GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point That live coal was witness of the fire, ever burning, which was never to go out (Leviticus 6:13). in context of judgment - Da 8:13-note, Da 12:6-note) - Isaiah knew that God would not cast off His people forever (cf Ex. (Rev 15:8-note). 7-11. Holy is the Judge of Creation, all lies bare before His eyes! Whenever you read in the Old Testament that any man saw the Lord, understand it of the Second Person of the Divine Trinity, the Lord Jesus Christ. Each one had six wings. With twain they veiled their faces, as was meet, Today in the Word - Apart from Meyou are nothing. (Jn 15:5). 5:8). Bareness/Productivity- Isaiah 54, Genesis 1, . (Listen free online - Isaiah 6:1.mp3 Isaiah 6:2.mp3 Isaiah 6:3-5.mp3 Isaiah 6:6-8.mp3 Isaiah 6:9-13.mp3)(See context in Thru the Bible), Ironside feels that the altar ultimately pictures. In more than five decades of ministry from the same pulpit, he has preached verse by These would, in turn, be subject again to chastisement (burning) but not eradication. The holiness of God involving His inner essence is largely hidden, but His glory is manifest, being declared by the whole creation. Cookie Notice: Unfortunately, as Dr. Tony Evans points out, this "hurry up and get it" mentality has invaded the church. Lets also remember that God made us holy in Jesus Christ not just to prepare us for heaven in the sweet by-and-by, but so we can live above the pull of sin in the mixed-up here-and-now. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. For this, the northern neighbors threatened to dethrone him, and war resulted (734 B.C.). 10:4); or it may be 2) an indication of the sanctuary scene with the smoke rising from the altar of incense; or 3) the smoke may be an indication of the wrath of Yahweh (cf. More than any other prophet, Isaiah provides data on the future day of the Lord and the time following. Tame' describes that which has become ceremonially impure by not following the Levitical laws properly or who had come in contact with something that rendered him unclean. To argue over how he saw Him is to miss the splendor of this scene. This period of the Day of the Lord corresponds to the last 3.5 years ofDaniel's Seventieth Weekduring which time the Campaign of Armageddon will be waged and be brought to an abrupt termination when the King o kings returns (Rev 19:11-16-note) and defeats all of His and Israel's enemies (Rev 19:17-21-note). To remove the guilt of a wrongdoing (Ex 29:36). When I listened to John MacArthur's monumental and devastating sermon in September which was a response to the Democratic Party platform, I thought the culture could not get any lower. His writing style has no rival in its versatility of expression, brilliance of imagery, and richness of vocabulary. I am a sinful man. when he penned the account of Sennacheribs death (cf. For I am undone." (Nu 21:6), Comment: Here the word fiery or burning probably refers to the burning pain and the inflammation which resulted from the venomous bite, which brought death to all who would not look at the bronze serpent and live. And they came, and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. Some commentators feel this verb is better translated "I am silenced, still, cannot reply" and thus Young's Literal renders it "I have been silent". 20:7). 29:9,10; 42:18; 43:8; Deut. Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? Sin (02403)(chattat/chattath) like it's NT counterpart (hamartia [word study]) means to miss the mark or to fall short of the divine standard. For details about this sermon and for related resources, click here: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/80-324 To receive John MacArthurs monthly letter, as well as free resources by mail, click here: https://www.gty.org/home/newtogty/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracetoyou Twitter: https://twitter.com/gracetoyou Google +: https://plus.google.com/+gracetoyou Copyright 2007, Grace to You. Is there not a principle here for believers today? had to take over the duties of king before his fathers death. God's glory is essentially the profound, glowing, visible, confluent expression of the attributes of Deity which bears witness to a still more profound and incomprehensible reality of essence. The year of King Uzziah's death (see similar dating Isa 14:28) (~ 740 or 739BC) (2Ki 15:1-7 where Uzziah = Azariah, 2Chr 26:1-23) Under Uzziah's 52 year reign Judah experienced prosperity (a "golden age") and power (cp 2Chr 26:8) during a time when Assyria was still weak. He has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969. The description of God leaves no doubt that Isaiah was dealing with the Lord of heaven and earth. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. Get out of your mind the idea of expecting God to come with compulsions and pleadings. Major Prophets And something new is entering his hearthumility. 'Avon is is a twisting of the standard or deviation from it and thus refers to iniquity, guilt or punishment for guilt. Their slain will be thrown out, their dead bodies will stink; the mountains will be soaked with their blood. But he was not perfect. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him (Revelation 1:7). Isaiahs response was When he heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? he responded, Here am I! While this may have been a literal coal, it is used symbolically (otherwise it would have literally burned Isaiah) and in the context was God's vehicle for purifying His prophet of his uncleanness. This coal came from the altar before Gods throne--the real altar of which the earthly ones were only copies or shadows. Peter also felt overwhelmed and sinful in God's presence after Jesus performed a miracle one day in Galilee (Lk 5:8). You come to the Father through Christ. In this verse Isaiah's prophetic warning was given some 150 years in advance of its fulfillment. As Motyer says "Typically of Isaiah, hope is the unexpected fringe attached to the garment of doom." Ten times the Scripture records that Pharaoh hardened his own heart (Ex 7:13, 14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34, 35; 13:15), and ten times it records God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart (Ex 4:21; 7:3; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4, 8, 17). 23:10; Lk 6:46); (b) the servants right to direction in service (Isa 6:8, 9, 10, 11). The Substituted Servant, Part 1. Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word, John MacArthur is a popular author and conference speaker. The glory of Israel in the Kingdom of God. Isaiah 6:12 THE LORD HAS REMOVED MEN FAR AWAY, AND THE FORSAKEN PLACES ARE MANY IN THE MIDST OF THE LAND: The LORD has removed men far away - This phrase is still part of the answer to Isaiah's question "How long? The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary. A new form appears in the New Testament: the Incarnate Word [John 1:14]. Antiochus IV of Syria almost consumed even this remnant during the inter-testamental period. For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lipsfor mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." Woe is me - It is interesting to note the prophet himself pronounced 6 woes on Israel (Is 5:8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22 - a different, albeit synonymous Hebrew word [hoy in Isaiah 5, 'oy in Isaiah 6] than that translated "woe" in this verse), but when confronted with the transcendent glory infinite holiness of God, in alarm and despair, he could only cry "woe". Ironside -Even though the Word seemed to have no other effect than to harden them in their sins and rebellion, Isaiah was to proclaim the message faithfully. That live coal told of the fire of judgment having burned itself out upon the offering. though the darkness hide Thee, ", Isaiah might as well command them to be spiritually insensitive, because, as the preceding (Isaiah 1-5) and following chapters (Isaiah 7-12) make clear, the people are bent on that anyway. 4:8). Isaiah 6:2. Oh, it was the unclouded view he had of the essential glory of the Son of God! Donna played a pivotal role in taking the disco, dance music, and R&B scene to new heights. (Notes from My Bible, p. 85). Note that in Isa 6:5 Isaiah laments that he is morally unworthy to be in the King's presence. (See context in The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 139), Uzziahs reign was a kind of Victorian era in Jewish history. But now power is in question, and it is not the Lord (Adonai) but Jehovah (Lord) who answers (referring to creation power)and Jehovah said unto him, Who hath made mans mouth? 15:34, 35; 2 Chr. ), he responded with a cheerful readiness, though he knew from the beginning that his ministry would be one of fruitless warning and exhortation (6:913). 26 Feb Feb 120: Sam Smith, Stillwater, dec. Isaiah Jones, Bixby, 5-2; Evan Rodriguez, Broken Arrow, dec. Cameron Kiser, Ponca City, 4-2 126: Kaleb Collins, Broken Arrow, dec . The sight of divine greatness and holiness makes him feel his own littleness and sinfulness. He does not blind the eyes of those that would fain see, and apart from His interposition, would see. Iniquity (05771)('avon) is a verb with the basic meaning of to bend, twist, distort. It is true that God does bless His Word even when it is given out by those who are playing around with sin, but in time God judges them severely. Comment: God considers Isaiah 6:9, 10 so significant that they are quoted no less than six times in the NT (Mt 13:14, 15; Mk 4:12; Lk 8:10; Jn 12:40; Acts 28:25, 26, 27, 28; Ro11:8)! TODAY ALONG THE WAY- Its a staggering thought to realize that naturally unholy people like us can look forward to sharing heaven with our sinless God. Praise God. You will find that other men had the same reaction when they came into the presence of God. 18:7). The fulfillment of the hardening judgment of the nation, the blinding of their eyes did not set in completely in Isaiah's day. (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Today in the Word - How did Isaiah respond to this vision? Skinner explains that "As the terebinth and oak when cut down retain the principle of vitality in their roots, which will again spring up into a great tree (cf. And for this reason (What reason? Jesus has taken Peters humble faith and scared him to death with Gods presence. The prophesied judgment (cf. That was also the experience of Saul of Tarsus, who became Paul the apostle. But this holy thing touches Isaiah's dirty mouth, and it does not hurt him, it heals him. This interpretation, which holds in balance both Israel's moral responsibility and the LORD's sovereign work among His people, is consistent with other pertinent texts both within and outside the Book of Isaiah.