Two Servants of God Division v1-17: God Servant the Lord Jesus Christ V18:25: God servant the nation of Israel Exposition Isaiah 42:1-7 is the first of four “Servant Songs” in Isaiah, referring to God’s Servant, the Messiah. The others are 49:1-6. 50:1-11; and 52:13-53:12. Matthew quoted Isaiah 42:1-3 in Matthew 12:17-21, referring to Jesus. Clearly … Read more
The Rise of Cyrus Background Cyrus is not named here, but he is named later in 44:28 and 45:1 Armies from the east always entered Palestine from the north, since they had to follow the Euphrates River. Isaiah died 150 years before the days of Cyrus, yet here is a vision of Cyrus’s rapid conquest … Read more
Preparing the way for the Suffering Servant of Yahweh Division v1-11: Preparing the way for Good Tidings v12-26: How Great Thou Art v27-31: Soar on wings like eagels Exposition Preparing the way for Good Tidings (40:1-11) The voice of pardon (v1-2) God instructed Isaiah to comfort His covenant people who was in captivity in Babylon. … Read more
Background Isaiah can be called a miniature bible because there are 66 chapters in Isaiah and 66 books in the Bible. The first 39 chapters of Isaiah can be compared to OT, both focus primarily on God’s judgement of sin. The second part of Isaiah, which consists of 27 chapters, can be compared to NT, … Read more
The Prophet Isaiah Isaiah means “salvation of the Lord”. He was married and his wife is called “the prophetess” (Isaiah 8:3). He had two sons: Shearjashub (a remnant shall return), and Maher-shalalhash-baz (quick to plunder, swift to the spoil). A prophet of the southern Kingdom, Judah, at the time the northern kingdom, Israel, had already … Read more
Background This is the last Psalm attributed to the sons of Korah. This psalm is a song, as indicated by the inscription, albeit the saddest songs of all of Psalms. There are various interpretation of what [mahalath leannoth] means, I like the Wiersbe’s interpretation: mahalath means “sickness”, leannoth means for humbling. Mahalath may refer to the melody … Read more
Background A psalm performed by sons of Korah. Jerusalem and Babylon were mentioned, thus this Psalm was probably written after the fall of Assyrian, and before the exile of Judah by Babylon. The theme is about the citizens of Zion. Division v1-3: City of God v4-6: Citizens of God’s city v7: Citizens rejoice in the … Read more
Background A Psalm written by David. This is the only Psalm that has the inscription attributed to David on Book III of Psalm. It is not clear when David would have written this Psalm. It is a prayer of David. David prayed because he wants God to hear (v1,6) and answer (v1) him. He desires … Read more
Background What is Gittith? Korah together 250 Israelites were killed by God because of their uproar against Moses (Number 16:32). However Sons of Korah did not die (Number 26:11). Exposition v1: God’s dwelling places: the tabernacle, the template, and in NT, the Church of Jesus Christ. Lord of hosts: Jehovah Sabaoth, first appears in 1 … Read more
Background This is the last psalm with a inscription the mention the name os Asaph (Ps 50, 73-83). Asaph was one of the lead musicians in David (1 Chro 16:5) and Solomon’s time (2 Chron 5:12). He prayed cymbal (1 Chro 16:5), gave thanks to God with psalm (1 Chro 16:8-36). Asaph was mentioned in … Read more
