Isaiah 58:4-7
Read Isaiah 58:4-7
Helpful Background Information:
The prophet Isaiah prophesied roughly from 740-700 BC (possibly till 680 BC). His message, similar to other prophets, was warning the people of God of the judgment that was coming because of their persistent sin and unwillingness to turn back to the Lord.
Regarding the structure of the book of Isaiah, in the first 39 chapters we see a clear message that judgment is coming from God to His people because of their unrepentant sin—Isaiah often using very strong and direct language. Then in chapter 40, the tone changes to a much more poetic message of hope, focusing on the sovereignty of God, and the warnings of judgment become much less common in these latter chapters (Hill & Walton, A Survey of the Old Testament, 521-522).
It is also very important to understand the context of which the prophet Isaiah is writing throughout the book. Again, do not forget that his time of prophesying (speaking the message God gave to him to God’s people) was over a long span of time, so there is more than one context in which he is writing. By the time of Isaiah’s ministry, God’s people were divided into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Two major events set as a backdrop to help us see the context of the book of Isaiah:
The invasion of Israel by Assyria in roughly 722-721 BC. This eventually led to the northern kingdom of Israel being completely destroyed and dispersed (this is what people commonly refer to as the ‘Lost Tribes of Israel’).
The invasion of the southern kingdom of Judah, also by Assyria, in roughly 701 BC. Unlike the northern kingdom, Judah maintained their geographical location as a vassal state under Assyrian dominion.
*Therefore, this was very much a time of fear and political uncertainty for the Judahites. Assyria very much pressured the people to loyalty, assimilation, and pressure to pay financial tribute to their ruling nation, Assyria, threatening that if they fought such demands, they would end up like their northern kingdom brethren: destroyed and exiled.
Reflection Questions:
What connections do you see between this passage, Isaiah 58:4-7, and the main passage of this week, Matthew 25:31-46? Write down at least three connections you see.
Verse 6 calls God’s people to “loose the chains of injustice”. What are the practical ways and issues in society today that you can take action?
Write down three ways you can practically take action against injustice.
Is your lifestyle open-handed or closed-fisted toward the poor, the hungry, and the homeless? What needs to change to honor the Lord better in this area of your life?
How does caring for the poor reflect God’s character? How can you align your heart more closely with His in this area?
Take ten minutes to pray through what the Lord has put on your heart in this time of devotion.