Category Archives: Real Restoration

As we covered in the first few posts of this series, Genesis begins by setting up certain conflicts that give rise to God’s story. Isaiah offers a preview of how these conflicts will be resolved — * Satan vs. God … Continue reading →

Who is the Servant? The argument is often made that the “servant” of the Servant’s Song is in fact Israel — and the argument is not without weight. (Isa 41:8-10 ESV) 8 But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I … Continue reading →

The Servant’s Song Chapter 42 introduces a very elaborate presentation of the Messiah — (Isa 42:1-4 ESV) Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring … Continue reading →

The Nations (Isa 66:12-19a ESV) 12 For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon … Continue reading →

Return from Exile (Isa 40:1-2 ESV) Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.  2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand … Continue reading →

Isaiah is a topic we could spend months and months studying. The New Testament is chock full of Isaiah quotations and allusions. It’s rich and challenging material. I’m going to spend several posts on Isaiah — and will hardly do … Continue reading →

The story of the fall of Judea is familiar. But we need to reflect on some elements that aren’t covered in the usual histories. After Solomon, the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms, the Northern Kingdom or Israel, … Continue reading →

We now skip a few hundred years ahead, all the way to the capture of Jerusalem. After David brought the Ark of Covenant to Jerusalem, David asked God whether he could build the Temple for him. God replied, (2Sa 7:10-11 … Continue reading →

We see in the Law of Moses God’s response to the conflicts presented earlier in Genesis. * Satan vs. God by means of mankind. Satan seeks to drive a wedge between God and man by tempting man to sin. In … Continue reading →

We tend to think of the Law of Moses as a bunch of arcane, archaic rules about what to eat and not eat. I think it’s better to view the Law as God’s self-revelation to the Israelites. Consider, for example, … Continue reading →