+DEV+ By Grace: Gentiles Included [7 of 27]

Date: March 17, 2013 9:59 PM
Topic: +DEV+  By Grace: Gentiles Included [7 of 27]

By Grace: Gentiles Included [7 of 27]

"The LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land. Aliens will join them and unite with the house of Jacob." (Isaiah 14:1)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 14:1-2; Ephesians 2:1-19

The Hebrew word for "compassion" here is that of a mother's deep love for her child. The LORD loves Jacob - Israel - as a son. He promised Abraham children as numerous as "the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore" (Genesis 22:17). Isaiah reiterates God's promise - the Israelites will settle in their own land. During the Babylonian captivity, a remnant returned to the land under leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah. Is this the return Isaiah has in mind?

Verse 2 argues against that notion. Israel has never made "captives of their captors, and rule[d] over their transgressors." No, Isaiah is speaking about an age where "aliens will join and unite" with Israel. The doubling indicates true unity - a real and perfect union. Has this already occurred? Yes. In Christ! "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility..." (Eph. 2:14). God's promise to Abraham included the Gentiles. Israel was but a conduit for God's ultimate purpose.

Insight: A key to understanding the Bible is that God's people have different names. In the OT they are called "Israel;" in the NT, the "Church."




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