Jeremiah 2:13

Jeremiah 2:13

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

a. ASV:For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

b. YLT:  For two evils hath My people done, Me they have forsaken, a fountain of living waters, To hew out for themselves wells -- broken wells, That contain not the waters.

c. Amplified Bible Classic: For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the Fountain of living waters, and they have hewn for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns which cannot hold water.

d. Septuagint: For my people has committed two [faults], and evil ones: they have forsaken me, the fountain of water of life, and hewn out for themselves broken cisterns, which will not be able to hold water.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Prophets/Writings: For my people has committed two evils: They have foresaken Me, the Source of living waters, to dig for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold the water

1. “For my people have committed two evils…”

a. For [Strong: 3588 kiy kee a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet.]

b. [my] people [Strong: 5971 ʻam, am; from H6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock:—folk, men, nation, people.]

c. [have] committed [Strong: 6213 ʻâsâh, aw-saw'; a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application:—accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, × certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, feast, (fight-) ing man, finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, hinder, hold (a feast), × indeed, be industrious, journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, ×sacrifice, serve, set, shew, × sin, spend, × surely, take, × thoroughly, trim, × very, vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.]

d. two [Strong: 8147 ʻâsâh, aw-saw'; a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application:—accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, × certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, feast, (fight-) ing man, finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, hinder, hold (a feast), × indeed, be industrious, journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, ×sacrifice, serve, set, shew, × sin, spend, × surely, take, × thoroughly, trim, × very, vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.]

e. evils [Strong: 7451 raʻ, rah; from H7489; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral):—adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), +exceedingly, × great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), + mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, + not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Including feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.)  ][Gesenius: evil, bad.]

1). The two evils are clearly listed in this verse, they forsook God and tried to make their own source for life.

2. “…they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters…”

a. [they] have forsaken [Strong: 5800  ʻâzab, aw-zab'; a primitive root; to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.:—commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, × surely.]

b. me [Strong: 853 'eth ayth apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).]

c. [the] fountain [Strong: 4726  mâqôwr, maw-kore'; or מָקֹר mâqôr; from H6979; properly, something dug, i.e. a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda); figuratively, of happiness, wisdom, progeny):—fountain, issue, spring, well(-spring).]

d. [of] living [Strong: 2416 chay, khah'-ee; from H2421; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively:— age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, merry, multitude, (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop.]

e. waters [Strong: 4325 mayim, mah'-yim; dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen:— piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)).]

1). The first evil they did was forsake God. Under the Old Covenant, God was the fountain of living water.

a). Psalm 36:7-9 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

36:9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

2). Under the New Covenant we have that same fountain of living water.

a). John 4:13, 14 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

2.  “…and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.”

a. [and] hewed [them out] [Strong: 2672 châtsab, khaw-tsab'; or חָצֵב châtsêb; a primitive root; to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave:—cut, dig, divide, grave, hew (out, -er), made, mason.]

b. cisterns [Strong: 877 bôʼr, bore; from H874; a cistern:—cistern.]

c. broken [Strong: 7665 shâbar, shaw-bar'; a primitive root; to burst (literally or figuratively):—break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, × quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663).

d. cisterns [Strong: 877 bôʼr, bore; from H874; a cistern:—cistern.]

e. that [Strong: 834 'aher ash-er' a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, + from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where (+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, + whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection.]

f. can hold [Strong: 3557 kûwl, kool; a primitive root; properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses):—(be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals).]

g. no [Strong: 3808 lo' lo or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, + of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.]

h. waters [Strong: 4325 mayim, mah'-yim; dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen:— piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)).]

1). The second evil was trying to replace God with their own inventions for living water, false gods, idols. As Jeremiah writes a few verse previously, they changed the worship of the one true God with gods who are not gods.

a). Jeremiah 2:11 Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.

b). Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

2). False idols can never replace the living water, the salvation that only the one true God can provide. They are as Jeremiah writes, broken cisterns that can hold no water. Jesus states that men who have drunk the water that only he provides shall have in them a well springing up into eternal life. Jude writes that apostates are not true believers but have no water of eternal life in them.

a). 2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

Jeremiah 1:5

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

1. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…”

a. formed [3335 * yatsar][Gesenius: to form, to fashion.][Strong: to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. form a resolution):--X earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose.]

b. knew [3045 * yada’][Strong: to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.) (as follow):--acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-)awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, X could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-)norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, + be learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), X will be, wist, wit, wot.]

c. Some mistakenly believe that only the most important in God’s plans are known before they are formed in the womb. I believe that every human being born on this planet was known before they were formed. Notice the wording in the following verses.

1). Romans 8:28, 29 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

d. These verses have to be understood in the light of the truth that it is not God’s will that any perish, but that all come to repentance.

1). 1 Timothy 2:3, 4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Who will have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth.

a). If it is God’s will for all to be saved then it is obvious that God foreknew or knew them before He formed them in the womb. He designed all to be conformed to the image of Jesus.

2). 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

e. From these Scriptures it is evident that God foreknew all of us. Glory to God! As our loving God was forming us in the womb He was designing us in such a way that it would most compliment the plan for our lives.

1). Psalm 139:13-18 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand:

2. “…and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

a. The only way to find out God’s plan for our life, to find out what He ordained us for or sanctified us for, is to first settle in our hearts to pursue the primary purpose for our creation, i.e., to be conformed to the image of Jesus. As we do that, God’s plan for our life will be birthed in our hearts.

1). Proverbs 3:5, 6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

b. The image we are to be transformed into is the image of Christ Jesus, as Romans 8:29 says, we were predestined or foreknown to be conformed to the image of Christ. The beginning and continuing of that process after repentance is renewing the mind.

2). Romans 12:1, 2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Isaiah 64:7

Isaiah 64:7

And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.

a. NLT: Yet no one calls on your name or pleads with you for mercy. Therefore, you have turned away from us and turned us over to our sins.

b. NIV: No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to our sins.

c. Amplified Bible: And no one calls on Your name and awakens and bestirs himself to take and keep hold of You; for You have hidden Your face from us and have delivered us into the [consuming] power of our iniquities.

d. Septuagint: And there is none that calls upon thy name, or that remembers to take hold on thee: for thou hast turned thy face away from us, and hast delivered us up because of our sins.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets [Isaiah 64:7 is listed as Isaiah 64:6 in the Hebrew translation]: There is no one to call out in Your Name, who arouses himself to hold fast to You when You hide Your face from us and melt us away because of our iniquities.

1. “And there is none that calleth upon thy name…”

a. calleth [7221 * qara’] [Strong: a primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications):--bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(- ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.]

b. name [8034 * shem] [Strong:  a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; Compare 8064); an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character:--+ base, (in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.]

c. This statement is almost unbelievable in light of the verse that says anyone who calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.

1). Romans 10:12, 13 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

2. “…that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee…”

a. stirreth [5782 * ‘uwr][Gesenius: to be hot, ardent, to be alert, watchful, to wake, to be awake.] [Strong: a primitive root (rather identical with 5783 through the idea of opening the eyes); to wake (literally or figuratively):--(a- )wake(-n, up), lift up (self), X master, raise (up), stir up (self).]

b. to take hold [2388 * chazag][Strong: a primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer:--aid, amend, X calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand.]

1). The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to stir up the gift of God in him.

a). 2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

2). In Haggai there is a revealing look at a principle that I believe is vital to learn in regard to feelings. Feelings are nice but we can’t go by them. In the Haggai passage we see that the decision to obey God came first and feeling came afterward.

a). Haggai 1:12-14 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.

1:13 Then spake Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD.

1:14 And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,

b). Before the people received a stirring in their heart, they had to begin to obey God first, they had to start to walk in obedience. In my own life I have seen this principle prove true

3. “…for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.”

a. hid [5641 * cathar] [Strong: a primitive root; to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively:--be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, X surely.]

b. thy face [6440 * paniym] [Strong: plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh {paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time), against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of), + beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), + honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, + meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on, open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street, X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s) past, (un-)to(-ward), + upon, upside (+ down), with(- in, + -stand), X ye, X you.]

c. hast consumed [4127 * muwg] [Strong: a primitive root; to melt, i.e. literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint):--consume, dissolve, (be) faint(-hearted), melt (away), make soft.]

d. because of [3027 * yad] [Strong: a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad, (broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, + creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship, force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in, labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine, ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain, power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing, + thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side, where, + wide, X with (him, me, you), work, + yield, X yourselves.]

e. our iniquities [5771 * ‘avon] [Strong: from 5753; perversity, i.e. (moral) evil:--fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin.]

1). Sin will put a barrier between us and God. It will cause God to hide his face from us.

a). Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

b). Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

c). Ezekiel 39:24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them.

Isaiah 64:4

Isaiah 64:4

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, besides thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

a. NLT: For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you,
who works for those who wait for him!

b. NIV: Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.

c. Amplified Bible:  For from of old no one has heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who works and shows Himself active on behalf of him who [earnestly] waits for Him.

d. Septuagint: From of old we have not heard, neither have our eyes seen a God beside thee, and thy works which thou wilt perform to them that wait for mercy.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets [Isaiah 64:4 is listed under isaiah 64:3 in the Hebrew translation]: [People] had never heard, never observed, no eye had ever seen a god—except for You—that acted for those who trust in Him.

1. “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard…”

a. [For since the] beginning of the world [5769 * ‘owlam] [Strong: from 5956; properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially with prepositional prefix) always:--alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-))ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world (+ without end).]

b. [men have] not [Strong: 3808 lo' lo or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, + of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.]

c. heard [8085 * shama’] [Strong: a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.]

2. “…nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen…”

a. nor [Strong: 3808 lo' lo or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, + of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.]

b. perceived by the ear [238 * ‘azan] [Strong: a primitive root; probably to expand; but used only as a denominative from 241; to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e. (by implication) to listen:--give (perceive by the) ear, hear(-ken).]

c. neither [Strong: 3808 lo' lo or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, + of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.]

d. hath the eye [5869 * ‘ayin] [Strong: a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape):--affliction, outward appearance, + before, + think best, colour, conceit, + be content, countenance, + displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, + favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), X him, + humble, knowledge, look, (+ well), X me, open(-ly), + (not) please, presence, + regard, resemblance, sight, X thee, X them, + think, X us, well, X you(-rselves).]

e. seen [7200 * ra’ah] [Strong: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve, behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X surely, X think, view, visions.]

1). This verse is quoted by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians when discussing revelation of spiritual truth.  Here we can see the differences in the two covenants.

a). 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world for our glory:

2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

3. “…O God, besides thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.”

a. [O] God [430 * ‘elohiym] [Strong: plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X mighty.]

b. beside [thee] [2108 * zuwlah] [Strong: from 2107; probably scattering, i.e. removal; used adverbially, except:--beside, but, only, save.]

c. [what he hath] prepared [6213 * ‘asah] [Strong: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, + finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin, spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be (warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.]

d. [for him that] waiteth [for him] [2442 * chakah] [Strong: a primitive root (apparently akin to 2707 through the idea of piercing); properly, to adhere to; hence, to await:--long, tarry, wait.]

1). In the Old Covenant the secrets of the kingdom were not revealed, but in the New Covenant they are revealed. Jesus began to reveal the secrets of the kingdom in his ministry.

a). Matthew 13:34, 35 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

c. The rest of the revelation of the New Covenant was revealed through Paul.

1). Galatians 1:11, 12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 59:15

Isaiah 59:15

Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.

a. NLT: Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The LORD looked and was displeased to find there was no justice.

b. NIV: Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.

c. YLT: And the truth is lacking, And whoso is turning aside from evil, Is making himself a spoil. And Jehovah seeth, and it is evil in His eyes, That there is no judgment.

d. Amplified Bible: Yes, truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. And the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice.

e. Septuagint: And truth has been taken away, and they have turned aside [their] mind from understanding. And the Lord saw it, and it pleased him not that there was no judgment. 

f. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: Truth became lacking and refraining from evil seemed foolish. HASHEM saw all theis and it was evil in His eyes that there is no justice.

1. “Yea, truth faileth…”

a. truth [571 * ‘emeth] [Strong: contracted from 539; stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness:--assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity.]

b. faileth [5737 * ‘adar] [Strong: a primitive root; to arrange, as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting):--dig, fail, keep (rank), lack.] [Gesenius: to be left behind, to be lacking, to be wanting.]

1). The whole of Isaiah 59:1-15 speaks of apostasy. Each verse speaks of it, what it looks like and what it does. Truth has been left behind, men have departed from it. Truth has been rejected. Truth and falsehood, good and evil have been redefined.

a). Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

2. “…and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey…”

a. he that departeth [5493 * cuwr] [Strong: a primitive root; to turn off (literal or figurative):--be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), X grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, X be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without.] [Gesenius: to turn aside, to go away, to depart]

b. from evil [7451 * ra’] [Strong: from 7489; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral):-- adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, + displease(-ure), distress, evil((- favouredness), man, thing), + exceedingly, X great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), + mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, + not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.).

c. maketh himself a prey [7997 * shalal] [Strong: a primitive root; to drop or strip; by implication, to plunder:--let fall, make self a prey, X of purpose, (make a, (take)) spoil.] [Gesenius: to strip off, to spoil, to be spoiled.][Strong: to plunder:--let fall, make self a prey, X of purpose, (make a, (take)) spoil.]

1). One of the faithful signs of true repentance is departing from evil.

a). Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

2). Here Isaiah writes that those who depart from evil, those who repent make themselves a target to be attacked by those who refuse to depart from evil.

3. “…and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.”

a. the LORD [3068 * Yhovah] [Strong: from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord.]

b. saw [7200 * ra’ah] [Strong: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve, behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X surely, X think, view, visions.]

c. displeased him [3415 * yara’] [ Strong: a primitive root; properly, to be broken up (with any violent action) i.e. (figuratively) to fear]  

1). [5869 * ‘ayin] [Strong: probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape):--affliction, outward appearance, + before, + think best, colour, conceit, + be content, countenance, + displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, + favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), X him, + humble, knowledge, look, (+ well), X me, open(-ly), + (not) please, presence, + regard, resemblance, sight, X thee, X them, + think, X us, well, X you(-rselves).]

d. there was no judgment [4941 * mishpat][Strong: a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style:--+ adversary, ceremony, charge, X crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, X worthy, + wrong.]

1). There was no justice because men had departed from truth. When those who depart from evil become targets of those who will not depart from evil, then justice becomes rare and God is displeased about the circumstances.

Introduction to Isaiah

Introduction to Isaiah

Isaiah [NIV Study Bible] son of Amoz is often thought of as the greatest of the writing prophets. His name means “The LORD saves.” He was a contemporary of Amos, Hosea and Micah, beginning his ministry in 740 B.C., the year Uzziah died. According to an unsubstantiated Jewish tradition (The Ascension of Isaiah), he was sawed in half during the reign of Manasseh (cf. Hebrews 11:37). Isaiah was married and had at least two sons, Shear-Jashub (Isaiah 7:3) and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz (Isaiah 8:3). Isaiah probably spent most of his life in jerusalem, enjoying his greatest influence under King Hezekiah (Isaiah 37:1, 2). Isaiah is also credited with writing a history of the reign of King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:22).

The Bible itself claims Isaiah wrote Isaiah and that’s enough for me. I usually do not waste my time reading material that casts doubt on Scripture. It is different people but the same devil. “Yea, hath God said?”

1. In Matthew 3:1-3 Matthew says Isaiah wrote Isaiah 40:3.

2. In Matthew 4:14-16 Matthew says Isaiah wrote Isaiah 9:1, 2.

3. In Matthew 8:17 Matthew says Isaiah wrote Isaiah 53:4.

4. In Matthew 12:17-21 Matthew says that Isaiah wrote Isaiah 42:1-4.

5. In Matthew 13:14, 15 Matthew says that Isaiah wrote Isaiah 6:9.

6. In Matthew 15:7, 8 Matthew says that Isaiah wrote Isaiah 29:13.

7. In Luke 4:17 Luke writes that Isaiah wrote Isaiah 61:1, 2.

8. In John 12:37-41 John writes that Isaiah wrote Isaiah 53:1 and Isaiah 6:9, 10.

9. In Acts 8:27-33 Luke writes that Isaiah wrote Isaiah 53:7, 8.

10. In Romans 9:29 Paul writes that Isaiah wrote Isaiah 1:9.

11. In Romans 10:20, 21 Paul writes that Isaiah wrote Isaiah 65:1, 2.

12. In Romans 15:12 Paul writes that Isaiah  wrote Isaiah 11:10.

In all the previous New Testament examples there are nine different chapters from the book of Isaiah quoted. This Scriptural evidence is enough for me to believe the whole book of Isaiah was written by Isaiah. Isaiah’s own exhortation fits in here.  Isaiah 8:20 “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”