Deliverance of Jerusalem
(Mark Chagall, Etching, 1939)

Prophetic Passage - This passage is clearly prophetic and has not yet been fulfilled. As I write these notes Jan 1, 2009, the United Nations has yet to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel (even though it was declared a sovereign nation in May, 1948!). In addition, the Palestinians continue to seek half of Jerusalem to be their capital. Finally, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem  (just above and to the east of the Wailing Wall) is under Muslim control which clearly impedes any attempt to rebuild the Jewish Temple on the mount. In summary, we see that Zion (Jerusalem) is in need of redemption even today and will be in this state of need until the Redeemer returns and liberates Zion forever.

My translation of the Septuagint (LXX) is loosely that "the state of captivity (of Zion) will be saved with (or after) judgment and with mercy."

Notice that one verse (Isa 1:27) describes salvation (redemption) but four verses describe God's judgment (Isa 1:28, 29, 30, 31). Praise God that in the middle of wrath, He remembers mercy!

Zion (reference) (06726) (siyyon) is of uncertain meaning but many favor the idea of fortress or defense (see TWOT note below). Some sources say Zion means "parched place" so clearly there is no consensus. In any event, the name Zion is synonymous with Jerusalem, the city that Messiah will redeem and make righteous and faithful (Is 1:26-note). Although it is probably obvious, the redemption of Zion clearly includes the inhabitants of the city, specifically the Jewish inhabitants.

Baker explains that Zion...

refers to (1) the city of Jerusalem, the City of David (2Sa 5:7); (2) the Temple Mount or Temple (Ps. 9:11); or (3) to the area or cities of larger Judah (Ps. 69:35). It was God’s chosen location for His people. It was recognized ideally to be none other than a reference on earth to “the city of our God, His holy mountain” (Ps. 48:2, nasb), the city and country that God would show to Abraham and his descendants (Ge 12:1). (Baker, W. The Complete Word Study Dictionary : Old Testament. Page 948. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers)

John E Hartley writes that...

It is possibly related to Arabic sâna from root s-w-n, meaning protect, defend; hence sıyôn may have meant place of defence, fortress. Others suggest derivation from root sāhâ “be bald”; cf. Syriac spelling sehyôn for this name.

Zion is the fortified mound between the Kidron and the Tyropean valleys that David captured from the Jebusites (2Sa 5:7). Subsequently, it became known as the city of David. With the building of the temple to the north, that hill later became known as Mount Zion. Zion may even refer specifically to the temple vicinity or more generally to Jerusalem itself; sometimes it includes the entire nation, the covenant community itself (Is 1:27; Ps 97:8). “Zion” appears frequently in Ps and Lam. It seldom refers to the political capital of Judah, but much more often stands for the city of God in the new age.

From the time Solomon built the temple, Zion became the center of Yahweh’s activity. Yahweh identified himself as “the One who dwells on Mount Zion” (Isa 8:18). Here he initiates his work of salvation and here he begins his judgment against sin (Amos 1:2). (Harris, R L, Archer, G L & Waltke, B K Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. Moody Press) 

Zion - 154x in the OT in the NAS (Note concentration of uses in Isaiah) - 2Sa 5:7; 1Ki. 8:1; 2Ki. 19:21, 31; 1Chr. 11:5; 2 Chr. 5:2; Ps. 2:6; 9:11, 14; 14:7; 20:2; 48:2, 11, 12; 50:2; 51:18; 53:6; 65:1; 69:35; 74:2; 76:2; 78:68; 84:7; 87:2, 5; 97:8; 99:2; 102:13, 16, 21; 110:2; 125:1; 126:1; 128:5; 129:5; 132:13; 133:3; 134:3; 135:21; 137:1, 3; 146:10; 147:12; 149:2; Song 3:11;

Isa. 1:8, 27; 2:3; 3:16, 17; 4:3, 4, 5; 8:18; 10:12, 24, 32; 12:6; 14:32; 16:1; 18:7; 24:23; 28:16; 29:8; 30:19; 31:4, 9; 33:5, 14, 20; 34:8; 35:10; 37:22, 32; 40:9; 41:27; 46:13; 49:14; 51:3, 11, 16; 52:1, 2, 7, 8; 59:20; 60:14; 61:3; 62:1, 11; 64:10; 66:8;

Jer. 3:14; 4:6, 31; 6:2, 23; 8:19; 9:19; 14:19; 26:18; 30:17; 31:6, 12; 50:5, 28; 51:10, 24, 35; Lam. 1:4, 6, 17; 2:1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 18; 4:2, 11, 22; 5:11, 18; Joel 2:1, 15, 23, 32; 3:16, 17, 21; Amos 1:2; 6:1; Obad. 1:17, 21; Mic. 1:13; 3:10, 12; 4:2, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13; Zeph. 3:14, 16; Zech. 1:14, 17; 2:7, 10; 8:2, 3; 9:9, 13

When Will This
Prophecy Be Fulfilled?

Refer to the diagram below
The Redemption of Zion

As stated, Isaiah's prophecy (Is 1:27) has not yet been fulfilled and awaits a future fulfillment. This fulfillment will take place when the Messiah returns (at His Second Coming) as King of kings and Lord of lords (Re 19:16-note), which will specifically occur at the end of Daniel's Seventieth Week, the seven year period, which is divided into two 3.5 year segments, the last 3.5 years (42 months, 1260 days) known as the Great Tribulation (Mt 24:15, 21 [initiated "when you see the Abomination of desolation standing...in the holy place" = Antichrist will enter the rebuilt Jewish temple and declare himself "god" - 2Th 2:3, 4], Da 9:27-note, "He" = Antichrist, "one week" = 7 years, "middle of week" = after 3.5 years which then inaugurates the last 3.5 yr period, the Great Tribulation, which is terminated by the return of the Redeemer, cp Mt 24:22, 30). At the termination of the  Great Tribulation the city of Jerusalem will be redeemed from Gentile dominion. In the introductory comments on this note, I have alluded to why Zion is in need of redemption even in our time, and Jesus helps us clarify this need in His prophecy that...

Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until ("Until" = an expression of time which in context signifies Gentile dominion of Jerusalem will one day come to an end. Is 1:27 describes in part how that end will be accomplished = "Zion will be redeemed") the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Lk 21:24b)

The times of the Gentiles will come to an end ("be fulfilled") when the King of kings returns to redeem Zion! What are the times of the Gentiles? The times of the Gentiles describes a continuous period of time which began when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon captured Jerusalem (Zion) in 586BC. Since that time, Jerusalem (Zion) has continually been under Gentile dominion to one degree or another. In the book of the Revelation we learn some additional facts about the times of the Gentiles in the time immediately preceding the return of the Messiah to redeem Zion.  In Revelation 11:2 the apostle John is instructed to...

(Context = Re 11:1-note) Leave out the court which is outside the temple (the Jewish temple - which does not currently exist but which will be rebuilt in the future) and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations (the Gentiles = this occurs during the last 3.5 years of the times of the Gentiles); and they (the Gentiles) will tread under foot the holy city (Jerusalem/Zion) for forty-two months (Re 11:2-note) (See chart for other synonymous time phrases)

Isaiah speaks of this great hope in the OT and Paul reiterates this truth in the NT...

NEW TESTAMENT
PROPHECY

For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery (musterion), lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening (porosis) has happened to Israel until (see expressions of time in inductive Bible study) the fulness of the Gentiles (this is not identical to the times of the Gentiles for it refers primarily to Gentile salvation, whereas "times of the Gentiles" refers to Gentile dominion over Jerusalem) has come in; and thus all Israel ("all" that believe in the Redeemer. Zec 13:8, 9 state 1/3 of the Jews will believe) will be saved (sozo); just as it is written (Paul quotes Isa 59:20), "THE DELIVERER (rhuomai - refers to the Redeemer, Christ Jesus) WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE (apostrepho =  turn away from) UNGODLINESS (asebeia) FROM JACOB (synonymous with Israel). (This next section is quoted from Jer 31:31, 32, 33, 34) AND THIS IS MY COVENANT (diatheke) WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY (aphaireo) THEIR SINS." (Ro 11:25, 26, 27-see in depth discussion of this important NT passage to help understand God's plan for the Jews)
 

At the end of Ezekiel's prophecy (Ezek 48:35), the Lord gives a promise that He will return to Jerusalem and gives the city a new name Jehovah Shammah - The LORD is There.

Zion was originally associated with the hill Ophel, the fortified area just to the south of the field King David purchased from Ornan (eventual site of the Temple Mount), lying between the Kidron Valley on the East and the Tyropoeon Valley to the West. Click images below to enlarge...

Nave's Topical
References on Zion

ZION, called also Sion, stronghold of Jerusalem. Taken from the Jebusites by David, 2Sa 5:6, 7, 8, 9; 1Chr 11:5, 6, 7.

Called thereafter "the city of David,'' 2Sa 5:7, 9; 6:12, 16; 1Ki 8:1; 1Chr 11:5, 7; 15:1, 29; 2Chr 5:2.

Ark of the covenant placed in, 2Sa 6:12, 16; 1Ki 8:1; 1Chr 15:1, 29; 2Chr 5:2;

Ark of Covenant removed from, to Solomon's temple on Mount Moriah, 1Ki 8:1; 2Chr 5:2, with 2Chr 3:1.

Collectively, the place, the forms, and the assemblies of Israel's worship, 2Ki 19:21, 31; Ps 9:11; 48:2, 11, 12; 74:2; 132:13; 137:1; Is 35:10; 40:9; 49:14; 51:16; 52:1, 2, 7, 8; 60:14; 62:1, 11; Je 31:6; 50:5; La 1:4; Joel 2:1, 15; Mt. 21:5; Jn 12:15; Ro 9:33; 11:26; 1Pe 2:6.

Name of, applied to Jerusalem, Ps 87:2, 5; 149:2; Song 3:11; Is 33:14, 20; Je 9:19; 30:17; Zec 9:13.

Called the city of God, Ps 87:2, 3; Is 60:14.

Restoration of, promised, Is 51:3, 11, 16; 52:1, 2, 7, 8; 59:20; 60:14; Ob 17, 21; Zeph 3:14, 16; Zec 1:14, 17; 2:7, 10; 8:2, 3; 9:9, 13.

Name of, applied to the city of the redeemed, He 12:22; Re 14:1

Redeemed (06299) (padah) means to redeem, ransom, buy and so to cause the freedom or release of a person from bondage or ownership, often implying a delivering or rescue of a person in distress. Vine adds that padah "is used of the payments required for the redemption of the firstborn (Ex 13:13, 15; Lev 27:26, 27; Nu 3:46, 49; 18:15, 16, 17) or for the release of persons from slavery (Ex 21:8; Lev 25:47, 48, 49).

Padah is also used figuratively with the meaning of delivering, whether in the cases of individuals (Ps 34:22-note) or of the deliverance granted to Israel as a nation (Dt 9:26; 2Sa 7:23; 1Chr 17:21; Isa 29:22). It is especially associated with the deliverance from Egypt (Dt 7:8; 13:5; 24:18; Mic 6:4). In one instance it is used of redemption from sin: “redeem Israel from all his iniquities” (Ps 130:8-note)."

In the next use of padah in Isaiah, Abraham is described as one who was redeemed by Jehovah (Isa 29:22, cp Ge 15:6).

Padah - 51x in the OT - Exod. 13:13, 15; 21:8; 34:20; Lev. 19:20; 27:27, 29; Num. 3:46, 49, 51; 18:15ff; Deut. 7:8; 9:26; 13:5; 15:15; 21:8; 24:18; 1 Sam. 14:45; 2 Sam. 4:9; 7:23; 1 Ki. 1:29; 1 Chr. 17:21; Neh. 1:10; Job 5:20; 6:23; 33:28; Ps. 25:22; 26:11; 31:5; 34:22; 44:26; 49:7, 15; 55:18; 69:18; 71:23; 78:42; 119:134; 130:8; Isa. 1:27; 29:22; 35:10; 51:11; Jer. 15:21; 31:11; Hos. 7:13; 13:14; Mic. 6:4; Zech. 10:8

Ironside comments that...

Then, redeemed with judgment, Zion shall be called once more The city of righteousness, The faithful city (Isa 1:25, 26, 27). This will be their (Israel's) final blessing as other Scriptures show us, after the long years of their dispersion (cp scattering in Ezek 20:23, 22:15, 36:19, Jas 1:1-note; regathering from dispersion in Isa 11:12, 56:8, Zeph 3:10, 11, 12, 13 = referring to the Millennial Kingdom) and the bitterness of the last great tribulation have come to an end.

Repentant (07725) (shuwb/sub) is the 12th most frequent verb in the OT (over 1000x) and conveys the basic sense of movement back to the point of departure (eg Ge 3:19, 33:19, cp reversal of the sundial in 2Ki 20:10), and in a moral/ethical sense (as in this verse) refers to the restoration of one's soul or life. There are two components inherent to the concept of repentance pictured by shuwb/sub, the first being a turning away from evil followed by a turning to that which is good. Shuwb/sub carries the idea of a radical change in one's attitude toward sin. It implies a conscious moral separation and personal decision to forsake sin and enter fellowship with God (see striking example in Jonah 3:8). Mark it down - If one continues in sin, there is no fellowship with a holy God (1Jn1:6). Before anyone can be saved, they must see the need for salvation and of a Savior. It is one thing to know you need salvation and another to know you cannot save yourself. When you see your total inability to make yourself right before God, then you recognize your desperate need for a Savior. In this passage, the repentant ones have recognized their need for their Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the Messiah.

Shuwb/sub - The 50 uses in Isaiah - Isa 1:25, 26, 27; 5:25; 6:10, 13; 9:12, 13, 17, 21; 10:4, 21, 22; 12:1; 14:27; 19:22; 21:12; 23:17; 28:6; 29:17; 31:6; 35:10; 36:9; 37:7, 8, 29, 34, 37; 38:8; 41:28; 42:22; 43:13; 44:19, 22, 25; 45:23; 46:8; 47:10; 49:5, 6; 51:11; 52:8; 55:7, 10, 11; 58:12, 13; 59:20; 63:17; 66:15. NASB renders these uses in Isaiah - turn, restore, repentant, spent (KJV - turned away), return (KJV - convert), again be, turn away (esp of God's anger not turned away), turn back, return, come back, repel, gone down (Is 38:8), reverse, recalls, draw back, recall, deluded, bring back, restorer, render

Her repentant ones - This describes those in Jerusalem at the time of the Second Coming of Christ who exhibit genuine repentance and thus are part of the believing remnant of Jews. Isaiah is speaking to Judah (cp Isa 1:1 "concerning Judah and Jerusalem") in this section of Scripture so the repentant ones refers to saved Jews, who will enter into the Millennial Kingdom of the Messiah. (Related resource: metanoia - word study of repentance)

Motyer writes that...

‘returning ones’ stresses the practical side of repentance: a change of mind resulting in a new (Godward) direction of life. (Motyer, J. A. The Prophecy of Isaiah)

Righteousness (06666) (tsedaqah) means blameless conduct and integrity. Basically tsedaqah conveys the idea of conformity to an ethical or moral standard. Men have a standard but the Biblical standard is God's righteousness, His nature and will. "The Lord is righteous (tsaddiq) in all his ways and holy in all his works" (Ps 145:17-note). God's righteous standard demands and provides (in Christ = the Messiah - 1Co 1:30, 2Co 5:21) the power to carry out right attitudes and right actions.

Tsedaqah - 150x in the OT (Note the first use!) - Ge 15:6; 18:19; 30:33; Deut. 6:25; 9:4ff; 24:13; 33:21; Jdg. 5:11; 1 Sam. 12:7; 26:23; 2 Sam. 8:15; 19:28; 22:21, 25; 1 Ki. 3:6; 8:32; 10:9; 1 Chr. 18:14; 2 Chr. 6:23; 9:8; Neh. 2:20; Job 27:6; 33:26; 35:8; 37:23; Ps. 5:8; 11:7; 22:31; 24:5; 31:1; 33:5; 36:6, 10; 40:10; 51:14; 69:27; 71:2, 15f, 19, 24; 72:1, 3; 88:12; 89:16; 98:2; 99:4; 103:6, 17; 106:3, 31; 111:3; 112:3, 9; 119:40, 142; 143:1, 11; 145:7; Prov. 8:18, 20; 10:2; 11:4ff, 18f; 12:28; 13:6; 14:34; 15:9; 16:8, 12, 31; 21:3, 21; Isa. 1:27; 5:7, 16, 23; 9:7; 10:22; 28:17; 32:16f; 33:5, 15; 45:8, 23f; 46:12f; 48:1, 18; 51:6, 8; 54:14, 17; 56:1; 57:12; 58:2; 59:9, 14, 16f; 60:17; 61:10f; 63:1; 64:6; Jer. 4:2; 9:24; 22:3, 15; 23:5; 33:15; 51:10; Ezek. 3:20; 14:14, 20; 18:5, 19ff, 24, 26f; 33:12ff, 16, 18f; 45:9; Dan. 9:7, 16, 18; Hos. 10:12; Joel 2:23; Amos 5:7, 24; 6:12; Mic. 6:5; 7:9; Zech. 8:8; Mal. 3:3; 4:2

EZEKIEL 20
SEPARATION OF THE JEWS:
REDEEMED FROM UNREDEEMED

Ezekiel 20 gives details of the separation of Jews (the redeemed...repentant ones), those who are righteous in Christ and thus who will be allowed to enter into Messiah's glorious Millennial Kingdom ...

33 "As I live," declares the Lord GOD, "surely with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out, I shall be king over you. 34 "And I shall bring you out from the peoples (Gentiles) and gather you from the lands where you are scattered, with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out 35 and I shall bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I shall enter into judgment with you face to face.36 "As I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you," declares the Lord GOD. 37 "And I shall make you pass under the rod, and I shall bring you into the bond of the covenant; 38 and I shall purge from you the rebels (cp an analogous but distinct "purging" of the Gentiles at the "Sheep and Goat" judgment in Mt 25:31-46) and those who transgress against Me; I shall bring them out of the land where they sojourn, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Thus you will know that I am the LORD. (Ezekiel 20:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)

John Walvoord has the following comments on Ezekiel 20 as it relates to the separation of the repentant Jews from the unrepentant Jews....

Observe one verse dealing with redemption (Is 1:27) and the next four with judgment.

But - Always be on the alert for the "code word" but  which signifies a change in direction, in this case literally descriptive of a different destiny (repentant ones contrasted with transgressors...crushed). When will this be accomplished? At the Second Coming of Christ both Jews and Gentiles will be judged, but in the present context Isaiah is referring to those Jews who refuse to repent (contrast "her repentant one" in Isa 1:27) before the Messiah returns to redeem captive Zion and the believing Jewish remnant.

Vine comments that...

In contrast to these converts who will enjoy the Millennial Kingdom, those who have followed the Antichrist will be destroyed together and consumed (v. 28).

Transgressors (06586) (pasha) conveys the fundamental idea of a breach of relationships (civil or religious) between two parties.  This word describes those who break away from authority and thus trespass, apostatize, rebel, revolt, transgress.

Crushed (07667) (sheber) literally means breaking into shivers. In this passage it does not mean to be crushed literally (although see Re 16:21 in the time of Jacob's distress), but is used as a figure of speech to depict the utter destruction (not annihilation) of the unrepentant Jew. Many of the uses of sheber in the prophets refer to the ruin or destruction of either the northern 10 tribes (Judah) or the southern 2 tribes (Judah).

Sheber - 38v in the OT - Lv 21:19; 24:20; Jdg. 7:15; Job 41:25; Ps. 60:2; Pr 15:4; 16:18; 17:19; 18:12; Isa. 1:28; 15:5; 30:13, 14, 26; 51:19; 59:7; 60:18; Jer. 4:6, 20; 6:1, 14; 8:11, 21; 10:19; 30:15; 48:3, 5; 50:22; 51:54; Lam. 2:11, 13; 3:47f; 4:10; Ezek 32:9; Amos 6:6; Nah. 3:19; Zeph. 1:10

The NAS renders sheber as breaches(1), breakdown(1), broken(2), brokenness(3), collapse(1), crash(1), crashing(1), crushed(1), crushes(1), destruction(17), disaster(2), fracture(3), injury(m)(2), interpretation(1), ruin(3), smashing(1)

and those who forsake the LORD will come to an end: (Isa 30:13; 50:11; 65:11; 1Samuel 12:25; 1Kings 9:6, 7, 8, 9; 1Chr 28:9; Zeph 1:4, 5, 6)

Forsake ('azab) basically means depart from something or leave. For example in Ge2:24 "man shall leave his father and his mother" and in Ps 22:1 "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"

Motyer writes that the words transgressors, sinners, forsake...

in turn speak of an unruly will, a life short of the ideal and an abandoned relationship. The verse denotes an act from outside (be broken) terminating the sinner’s course and, at the same time, a petering out (perish/‘come to an end’) of internal resources.

Through Joshua near the end of his life and ministry God gave Judah ample advanced warning that...

If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you. (Joshua 24:20).

Moses had uttered a clear prophecy that Judah would break God’s covenant and forsake Him.

And the LORD said to Moses, "Behold, you are about to lie down with your fathers; and this people will arise and play the harlot with the strange gods of the land, into the midst of which they are going, and will forsake Me and break My covenant which I have made with them.17 "Then My anger will be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them and hide My face from them, and they shall be consumed, and many evils and troubles shall come upon them; so that they will say in that day, 'Is it not because our God is not among us that these evils have come upon us?' (Dt 31:16, 17)

The prophets during the time of the kings also used 'azab to describe Judah breaking God's covenant and turning to idols...

"And many nations will pass by this city; and they will say to one another, 'Why has the LORD done thus to this great city? (Jerusalem) 9 "Then they will answer, 'Because they forsook the covenant of the LORD their God and bowed down to other gods and served them.'" (Jer 22:8, 9)

"But they rebelled against Me and were not willing to listen to Me; they did not cast away the detestable things of their eyes, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. Then I resolved to pour out My wrath on them, to accomplish My anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt. (Ezek 20:8)

In Judges we see previews of "coming attractions" describing what (and why) God would do to Judah if she forsook Him writing that...

they forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, Who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed themselves down to them; thus they provoked the LORD to anger. 13 So they forsook the LORD and served Baal and the Ashtaroth. 14 And the anger of the LORD burned against Judah, and He gave them into the hands of plunderers who plundered them; and He sold them into the hands of their enemies around them, so that they could no longer stand before their enemies. 15 Wherever they went, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had spoken and as the LORD had sworn to them, so that they were severely distressed.  (Judges 2:12, 13, 14, 15)

Come to an end - They will perish or be consumed. This is not annihilation of their souls but everlasting torment first in Hades (Sheol) which will then be cast into the Lake of First.

Surely (kiy) means because or for (so rendered by Amplified, KJV, Young's Literal) and introduces the reason they will come to an end (Is 1:28)

Motyer writes that...

those who live in the days of the shattering (28) will reap what their forebears have sown. The fundamental cause of disaster is false, inadequate religion. Oaks and gardens are the symbols of the life of ‘nature’ and of the fertility gods.

Ashamed (0954) (bos) means to be put to shame and describes both an external and an internal or subjective experience which includes a feeling shame (painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety), guilt, or disgrace.

Oaks (0352) (ayil) in this context refers to an oak or terebinth tree (or Terebinth), which was used in the sensuous, licentious, abominable, sexually charged atmosphere associated with pagan idol worship (cp Hos 4:13, Ezek 6:13-note, Ezek 16:16-note; Ezek 16:25-note; referred to as "high place" or Bamah = Ezek 20:28, 29, Jer 2:20, 3:6, 13, etc), especially the so called fertility cults. We shall avoid speaking of the abominable acts they performed as "acts of worship" to their so-called (demonic) gods (cp Lv 17:7, Dt 32:17, Ps 106:37, 1Co 10:20, 21).

It is interesting to note that the Septuagint (LXX) translates the Hebrew noun ayil or oaks with the Greek noun eidolon (word study), which is defined as a cultic image or representation of an alleged transcendent being (i.e., an idol). The idea behind eidolon in secular use (as by Homer) was that of form, image, shadow or phantom and in the Septuagint is used to express the merging of two ideas, (1) that the deities of the nations have no reality, and (2) consequently they are truly the products of fantasy; and are manufactured by human hands. So clearly the Jewish translators saw a clear association between the oaks and idolatry. (cp use of eidolon for "household idols" in Ge 31:19 and for "idol" in Ex 20:4, Lv 19:4) (Here are all the uses of eidolon in Isaiah - Isa. 1:29; 10:11; 27:9; 30:22; 37:19; 41:28; 48:5; 57:5;)

TDNT adds this comment on eidolon...

The LXX uses the term in a derogatory sense for images of the gods, or idols. In this regard it is referring polemically to the deities themselves, which are empty, and which thus express the unreality of pagan belief. The main point is not that another god is worshipped but that this is an unreal god. The Greeks do not follow this usage, so that the LXX here coins a new expression out of a familiar term. (Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W.  Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Eerdmans)

Isaiah used oaks in a similar indictment later asking...

Who (speaking to Israel who were "children of rebellion, offspring of deceit" Is 57:4) inflame (chamam/hamam = become heated, figuratively in this context it speaks of arousing their sexual desires!) yourselves among the oaks (Lxx = eidolon), under every luxuriant (racanan = green, flourishing, healthy looking, "full of life", places where sensual pagan, idolatrous fertility rites were practiced) tree, who slaughter the children in the ravines (alluding to Israel's practice of child sacrifice, which occurred even toward the end of "wise" King Solomon's reign, and which in part led God to judge him and Israel and divide the nation in 931BC - see 1Ki 11:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13), under the clefts (the fissures in the rocks and cliffs did not hid the abominable practice of child sacrifice! cp Pr 5:21-note, 15:3) of the crags? (Isaiah 57:5, cp Is 57:6,7)

NET rendering of Is 57:5 - you who practice ritual sex under the oaks and every green tree, who slaughter children near the streams under the rocky overhangs.

I love what God declares even in the face of man's perversion of His beautiful creation (the oaks), Isaiah using the same Hebrew word for oak writing...

To grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness (oil symbolizing joy) instead of mourning, the mantle of praise (a garment symbolizing praise) instead of a spirit of fainting (discouragement). So they will be called oaks (ayil) of righteousness, the planting of the LORD (trees planted by Jehovah), that He may be glorified (that might reveal His splendor, cp Mt 5:16-note). ( Isaiah 61:3, context = Messiah [see other Messianic Prophecies] is speaking in Isa 61:1, 2, 4, 5 - observe that the ministry of Messiah's first coming is described in Is 61:1,2a and His Second Coming in the Is 61:2b beginning with "the day of vengeance" - so we see in this verse two juxtaposed Messianic prophecies separated by >2000 years!)

Ashamed of the oaks - McGee notes that "This has to do with idolatry because the idols were placed under the oak trees, and a garden was planted around them."

The discerning reader must be aware that many writers take a non-literal approach to interpretation of Isaiah, and this includes authors who are generally literal such as W E Vine. For example on Isaiah 1:29, Vine states that...

the oaks which they have desired represent the mighty ones of earth, the Man of Sin (he is referring to the Antichrist) and the leaders under him.

Vine is interpreting the literal oaks symbolically and when one begins to take that approach, there are few rules to limit one's imagination. Such an "imaginative" approach is not only dangerously inaccurate but can lead to inappropriate application and thus must be assiduously avoided.

In regard to oaks and gardens, Jamieson (I think correctly) writes that

Others translate the "terebinth" or "turpentine tree." Groves were dedicated to idols. Our Druids took their name from the Greek for "oaks." A sacred tree is often found in Assyrian sculpture; symbol of the starry hosts, Saba. Gardens -- planted enclosures for idolatry; the counterpart of the garden of Eden

The discerning reader must be aware that many writers take a non-literal approach to interpretation of Isaiah, and this can even include authors who otherwise generally espouse a literal view of Scripture interpretation such as the well known lexicographer (definition) W E Vine. For example on Isaiah 1:29, Vine states that...

the oaks which they have desired represent the mighty ones of earth, the Man of Sin (he is referring to the Antichrist) and the leaders under him.

Vine is interpreting the literal oaks symbolically and when one begins to take that approach, there are few rules to limit one's imagination. Such an "imaginative" approach is not only dangerously inaccurate but can lead to inappropriate application and thus must be assiduously avoided.

Desired (02530) (chamad/hamad) means to take pleasure in something, and even to lust for it or covet it. The idea is that Judah passionately desired these oaks and so we might say they were some of the first "tree huggers"! Clearly their intense desire was not purely horticultural but was in fact related to pursuit of the forbidden (by God, cp Dt 7:25, 26, 12:2, 3, 4, 5, 18:9, 12, Lv 18:24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, Josh 23:12, 13, finally note how Solomon was "snared" - 1Ki 11:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) illicit practices associated sexual fertility rites that were well known among the pagan idol worshipers.

Chamad/hamad- 20v in the OT (Observe especially uses in bold font) - Gen. 2:9; Ge 3:6; Ex 20:17; Ex 34:24; Deut. 5:21; Dt 7:25; Jos. 7:21; Job 20:20; What should we "covet"? Ps. 19:10; Ps 39:11; 68:16; Prov. 1:22; Pr 6:25; Pr 12:12; 21:20; Song 2:3; Isa. 1:29; 44:9; 53:2; Mic. 2:2

The NAS renders chamad/hamad as attracted(m)(1), covet(6), coveted(1), delight(1), desirable(2), desire(1), desired(2), desires(2), pleasing(1), precious(2), precious things(1), took delight(1).

Chamad/hamad is used again in Isaiah 44...

Isaiah 44:9 All who form idols are nothing; the things in which they delight are worthless. Their witnesses cannot see; they recognize nothing, so they are put to shame. (NET Bible)

and you will be embarrassed at the gardens which you have chosen: (Isa 65:3; 66:17; Jer 2:20; 3:6)

Embarrassed (2659) (haper/chapher) describes a state of disgrace, humiliation or of self-conscious distress. These men and women Isaiah describes looked away from God and unto idols rather than away from idols and unto God (cp 1Co 10:6, 11) as in the following psalm...

Psalm 34:5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed (haper).

Spurgeon: The psalmist avows that his case was not at all peculiar, it was matched in the lives of all the faithful; they too, each one of them on looking to their Lord were brightened up, their faces began to shine, their spirits were uplifted. What a means of blessing one look at the Lord may be! (cp Isa 45:22KJV, Isa 45:22, cp Heb 12:2-note, Col 3:1-note, Col 3:2-note) There is life, light, liberty, love, everything in fact, in a look at the crucified One. Never did a sore heart look in vain to the good Physician; never a dying soul turned its darkening eye to the brazen serpent to find its virtue gone (cp Nu 21:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Jn 3:14, 15). And their faces were not ashamed. Their faces were covered with joy but not with blushes. He who trusts in God has no need to be ashamed of his confidence, time and eternity will both justify his reliance.

The more we can think upon our Lord, and the less upon ourselves, the better. Looking to him, as he is seated upon the right hand of the throne of God, will keep our heads, and especially our hearts, steady when going through the deep waters of affliction. Often have I thought of this when crossing the water opposite the old place of Langholm. I found, when I looked down on the water, I got dizzy; I therefore fixed my eyes upon a steady object on the other side, and got comfortably through. David Smith, 1792-1867.

Haper/chapher - 15v in the OT - Job 6:20; Ps. 34:5; 35:26; 70:2; 71:24; 83:17; Prov. 13:5; 19:26; Isa. 1:29; 24:23; 33:9; 54:4; Jer. 15:9; 50:12; Mic. 3:7. NAS renders it as abashed(1), ashamed(1), confounded(1), disgraced(1), disgraceful(1), embarrassed(2), humiliated(6), shamed(1), shamefully(1).

Guzik comments...

It is good to be ashamed and embarrassed over sin. There is something wrong with us when we are shameless or beyond embarrassment. God promised He would give Judah the gift of shame and embarrassment over sin again.

Gardens - These were not place authorized by God for sacrifices.

Later in Isaiah God again refers to the gardens, describing His rebellious people as...

Isa 65:3, 4 A people who continually provoke (kacas = to provoke to anger as does idolatry - 1Ki 14:9, Ps 106:29, Ezek 8:17) Me to My face, offering sacrifices in gardens and burning incense on bricks, who sit among graves (commune with the dead) and spend the night in secret places; who eat swine's flesh, and the broth of unclean meat is in their pots ...Isa 66:17 Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go to the gardens, following one in the center, who eat swine's flesh, detestable things, and mice, Shall come to an end altogether," declares the LORD.

Clearly the gardens (the creation) were places which Judah had examined carefully (see word study on bahar/bachar below) and chosen over their Creator as places in which they would commit gross, vulgar, obscene idolatry.

LOOKING...
...CHOOSING

Chosen (0977) (bahar/bachar) is an interesting verb for it links looking with choosing. In other words, the picture conveyed by bahar is that the inhabitants of Judah examined the situation (in context they took a keen look at idolatry and the associated debauched, sensual idolatrous lifestyle!) and made their choice for the lifeless, licentious idols instead of the majestic, infinite, living God of all Creation. In other words their rejection of the Creator and choice for the creation (idols - cp Ro 1:25-note) was not simply an arbitrary whim but involved a thorough examination! Bahar/bachar also conveys the sense that what they chose is what they desired or delighted in, and the Greek verb epithumeo (see word study) used in the Septuagint to translate bahar/bachar substantiates this interpretation. Epithumeo (epi = upon + thumos = passion, "covet" in Ro 7:7-note, Ro 13:9-note) and pictures a strong impulse toward something. Judah after looking carefully at idolatry developed a strong desire for the unholy over the holy!

Be careful what you look at beloved! NT believers dare not miss this warning (1Cor 10:6,11) - - When we begin to examine closely (gazing rather than glancing!) what the world has to offer and delight in and desire for it more that what Jehovah has to offer (forgetting truths like Gal 6:14, 1Jn 2:15, 16, 17, Jas 4:4!), we are on fast track to coveting evil and will reap what we sow (Gal 6:7, 8)! Let us all seek diligently to set a guard over our eyes (Ps 101:3-note) and heart (Pr 4:23-note) when we see what happened to Judah, lest we think we stand. Instead we must continually take heed that we do not fall into the same deadly temptation and trap!

A BRIEF EXCURSUS ON...
IDOLATRY & IMMORALITY

In Paul's divinely inspired "pattern of moral devolution" in Romans 1 (see below), notice how suppression (which implies they know the truth about God but choose to hold it down!) and rejection of the knowledge of the true God naturally "devolves" into worship of false gods and how this false worship in turn is intimately associated with the practice of sexual immorality in all forms!

Paul's analysis below makes it quite clear that idolatry is almost always associated with immorality ...

Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures (idolatry). 24 Therefore God gave them over (paradidomi [word study] = a judicial term in Greek, used for handing over a prisoner to his deserved sentence. When men consistently abandon God, He abandons them to their own desires! Woe!) in the lusts of their hearts to impurity (a general term describing decaying matter, like the contents of a grave and in context speaks of sexual immorality), that their bodies might be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie (an idol is a lie, a false representation of God), and worshiped and served the creature (idolatry) rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over (God's judicial sentence because of their idolatry was to deliverer them over to the power of) to degrading (dishonoring, disgracing, shameful) passions (which resulted in erotic activity with members of their own sex); for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error."  (Romans 1:22-27)(see notes beginning with Ro 1:22)

Comment: When men suppress the truth about God and fail to give thanks to Him and honor Him (Ro 1:18, 19-note, Ro 1:20, 21-note), they jettison one of their greatest "protectants" against sexual immorality - knowing God. Notice the same spiritual dynamic in 1Thessalonians 4:5 (note) where the Gentiles are "defined" as those who do not know God and this failure to know God (cp Jn 17:3) is linked by Paul with their practice of lustful passions. It follows that the way to defeat lustful passions is to know God. In 2Cor 11:3 the deception by the devil is to draw men's thoughts (the battle is in our mind, to lead astray our minds where mind = noema [word study], cp Ep 6:16-note, Ep 6:17-note, 2Cor 10:3, 4, 5-note) away from the simplicity (single-mindedness)  and purity of devotion to Christ. Again it follows that the best defense against being led astray (by the devil or by the lust of our flesh, James 1:14, 15-note) is to maintain a single hearted (sincere), pure devotion to Christ (i.e., know God!) Sheep are always safest when they remain close to the Chief Shepherd.

In summary, the best defense in our life-long fight (cp 1Pe 2:11-see note -- Note also that "wage war" = present tense = continually; 1Ti 1:18, 6:12, 2Ti 2:22-note, Paul's life shows victory is possible! = 2Ti 4:7-note) against the pull of our fallen flesh to gratify ourselves through illicit sexual activity (of whatever variety), is to actively seek to cultivate our relationship with the Chief Shepherd (Mt 6:33-note, Ps 37:4-note, Col 3:1-note, Col 3:2-note, Ps 43:4-note; Isa 58:14). This same "pattern" is summarized in Galatians 5:16 [note] where we first choose to continually obey Paul's command, moment by moment surrendering our self will (deny self Mk 8:34, Lk 9:23) to the control and empowerment by the Spirit of Christ (Php 2:13-note, Ezek 36:27 = note God's provision of power, and our necessary, now possible response), Who then enables us to not gratify the lusts of the flesh. This description is nothing short of the "victorious Christian life."

So let me get practical. How is your quiet time? That is, are you sitting at the feet of the Shepherd (Lk 10:39, 40)? Remember as our Lord said, really only one thing is necessary (Lk 10:41, 42). When we are doing the "good part" (Lk 10:42), daily seated at our Lord's feet, we will be filled with His Word, which the Spirit of Christ uses to renew our mind, control our thoughts and empower our walk. Compare the effects of continually letting the Word dwell richly within us Col 3:16, 17-note with the manifestations associated with letting the Spirit control us in Eph 5:18, 19, 20-note - Upshot? Let the living Word live in you (eating it, obeying it) and you will be empowered to live in the Spirit!

Are you daily taking in the living word of God (cp Mt 4:4, 1Pe 2:2-note, Acts 20:32) and obeying the word (James 1:22-note; James 1:25-note), so that you are growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2Pe 3:18-note)? If you are, then the things of this world, including the lusts of the passing pleasures (Heb 11:25-note, 1Jn 2:17) of this world will be increasingly growing "strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace" (Play this great old hymn)."

An oak (or Terebinth) whose leaf fades away -  The Hebrew word for oak here is different than oak in Is 1:30, but I cannot determine any specific significance for use of different Hebrew words. Contrast the case of the godly, whose “leaf shall not wither” (Psalm 1:3-note), for here the picture is that of a leaf that once alive is now dying.

Jamieson writes that...

Ye shall be like the "oaks," the object of your "desire" (Isa 1:29). People become like the gods they worship; they never rise above their level (Ps 135:18). So men's sins become their own scourges (Jer 2:9). The leaf of the idol oak fades by a law of necessary consequence, having no living sap or "water" from God. So "garden" answers to "gardens" (Isa 1:29).

Judah's shameful practices of idol worship amongst the oaks will wither away like a fading oak leaf or like a dry unwatered garden.

Motyer writes that Isaiah's

The strong man will become tinder - In the context he is speaking of Jews who shun Jehovah and yet still consider themselves "strong". By way of application, this verse emphasizes a prophetic principle and promise of the future expectation (certainty) for all men and women who rebel against God and His Christ.

Strong (hason/chacon; Lxx = ischus = speaks of ability or capability to function effectively) describes one who is mighty and is used only one other time in the OT in the context of God destroying godless, pagan, idol worshipers, Amos recording God's declaration...

Yet it was I Who destroyed (Hebrew word depicts usually a rather sudden catastrophe such as warfare or a mass killing) the Amorite before them, though his height was like the height of cedars and he was strong (hason/chacon; Lxx = ischuros = mighty, robust) as the oaks; I even destroyed his fruit above and his root below. (Root to fruit speaks of utter, complete destruction, even the Amorite's "accomplishments" were destroyed, as will be all the "accomplishment" of godless, proud men and women!) (Amos 2:9 - note that even in the midst of wrath God remembers mercy - Amos 5:6, 7!)

Man...his work - This speaks of complete obliteration of the pride of rebellious men (who may appear strong in their own eyes or the eyes of others) and their "proud" work! Proud men always seek to make a name for themselves by their work, but God says those very works would be a spark (that sets aflame).

Will become tinder (05296) (necoret) is string or tow (KJV), which was a weak rope made of flax or hemp, and thus describes a material that was easy to burn when ignited. In context Isaiah is speaking metaphorically of those who considered themselves and their human works to be strong. Isaiah prophesies that both would go up in a proverbial puff of smoke. The fire in context metaphorically pictures God's wrath, although in ancient times defeated cities were also literally burned. The point is that these godless ones would be both the fuel and the cause of the fire!

Motyer comments that

tinder and spark, (is) a deadly, combustible combination which illustrates the self-destructiveness of false theology and religion (Motyer, J. A.. The Prophecy of Isaiah : An introduction & Commentary. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press. 1993)

It is notable that God's holy, just and righteous judgment is often compared with fire - Ps 79:5; 89:46; Je 21:12; 23:29; La 2:4; Nah 1:6; Jas 5:3. Note how God's wrath is frequently compared to fire (a simile or term of comparison) for fire destroys, purifies, and brings about lasting sequelae.

Notice that Jeremiah records that even in the midst of predicted destruction, God remembers and graciously offers mercy to guilty sinners (cp Is 1:16, 17, 18)...

Circumcise (a command - the idea is that one must surrender their will to God and allow his or her stubborn, godless, rebellious, prideful heart to be spiritually circumcised by God's Spirit - this verse is clearly referring to salvation - which from other passages such as Ge 15:6 is entered into by personal saving faith in Messiah, just as in the New Testament) yourselves to the LORD and remove the foreskins of your heart (outward ritual must be replaced inward change, a change only God can bring), Men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, lest My wrath go forth like fire and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds. (Jeremiah 4:4)

Comment: Jeremiah is calling for his hearers open their spiritual ears and to repent and return to Jehovah, for circumcision of one's heart is a supernatural work of God as explained in Romans 2:28, 29 (notes, compare Col 2:11, 12 - note). This prophetic warning was partially fulfilled in Babylon's destruction and burning of Jerusalem, but those fires eventually were extinguished, so the more complete fulfillment must speak of a future pouring out of the wrath of God, as seen in the Great Tribulation and finally in the Lake of fire.

Fire even presents the picture of God's judgement of believer's works (not their sins which were judged once for all on the Cross) at the Judgment seat of Christ (bema seat)...

1Cor 3:15 If any man's work is burned up (cp 1Co 13:11, 12, 13, 14 - note the only "foundation" that endures God's purifying fires), he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire. (Compare 2Co 5:9, 10, even our motives will be judged! - 1Cor 4:5)

McGee notes that...

God has been misrepresented in the sense that He has been pictured as losing His temper and breaking forth in judgment. That is never a true picture of God. The fact is that our sin is like a wick, and when we play with the spark of sin, the fire will follow. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap" (Gal 6:7, cp Gal 6:8, 9, 10). (Isaiah Commentary Mp3's)

Although these warning passages (warning of judgment to come) literally speak primarily to Judah, there is also a broader application, as Ironside explains...

Nor have the words of this section a voice for the Jew alone. They are also written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the ages have arrived (co 1Cor 10:6, 11). The failure of the professing Church has been even greater than that of Jerusalem, because of the greater light against which we have sinned (Lk 12:48, cp Jas 3:1). Soon must the Holy and the True, disgusted with such corruption, vomit out of His mouth all that is unreal and opposed to His Word (cp Rev 3:16-note). But He stands knocking at the door, and whenever there is reality and a heart for Himself, He will come in and sup there in hallowed, blest communion, though the doom of guilty Christendom is so near.

None to quench - Absolutely no one or nothing can extinguish the wrath of God once it has been decreed for it is justly deserved.

John Martin writes that

This unquenchable burning probably refers to the destruction by the Babylonian army as well as eternal judgment. (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., et al: The Bible Knowledge Commentary. 1985. Victor or Logos)

Quench (03518) (kabah) means to extinguish or to put out and all is used in the OT the context of putting out  fires, sometimes a literal fire, but other times being used in a figurative sense ("extinguishing" lives2Sa 14:7, 2Sa 21:17, Song 8:7).

Kabah -24x in the OT - Lev. 6:12, 13; 1 Sam. 3:3; 2 Sam. 14:7; 21:17; 2 Ki. 22:17; 2 Chr. 29:7; 34:25; Prov. 26:20; 31:18; Song 8:7; Isa. 1:31; 34:10; 42:3; 43:17; 66:24; Jer. 4:4; 7:20; 17:27; 21:12; Ezek. 20:47f; 32:7; Amos 5:6.

Alexander Maclaren...in his sermon What Sin Does to Men (Isaiah 1:30, 31)...

Sin withers. We see the picture of a blasted tree in the woods, while all around are in full leaf, with tiny leaves half developed and all brown at the edges. The prophet draws another picture, that of a garden not irrigated, and therefore, in the burning East, given over to barrenness. Sin makes men fruitless and withered. It involves separation from God, the source of all fruitfulness (Ps. 1).

Think of how many pure desires and innocent susceptibilities die out of a sinful soul. Think of how many capacities for good disappear. Think of how dry and seared the heart becomes.

Think of how conscience is stifled. All sin, any sin, does this.

Not only gross, open transgressions, but any piece of godless living will do it.

Whatever a man does against his conscience—neglect of duty, habitual unveracity, idleness—in a word, his besetting sin withers him up.

And all the while the evil thing that is drawing his life-blood is growing like a poisonous, blotched fungus in a wine-cask. (Read full sermon - Isaiah 1:30, 31 What Sin Does to Men)

See Related Topic: Discussion of the Deceitfulness of Sin