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 by means of mankind.
Isaiah focuses very little on Satan and instead focuses on idolatry and sins that separate mankind from God: a lack of social justice, broken societal systems that oppress the weak and poor, and idolatry. It’s not that Isaiah denies the reality of Satan! Rather, Isaiah sees Satan active in the temptations that come from surrounding nations, arrogance, and a lack compassion.
Isaiah 14 has often been argued to refer to the fall of Satan —
(Isa 14:12-15 ESV) 12 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! 13 You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ 15 But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.
But the wider context to mock kings who pretend to be gods.
* Man vs. his fleshly nature.
This is, of course, a major theme of Isaiah, and the ultimate cure is God’s forgiveness, achieved by the Suffering Servant and the outpouring of the Spirit.
* Husband vs. wife.
The subject of marriage isn’t addressed directly, but Isaiah introduces a thought that later plays a big part of Paul’s discussions on marriage —
(Isa 54:5-8 ESV) 5 For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. 6 For the LORD has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God. 7 For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you. 8 In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD, your Redeemer.
God is the husband of Israel, and so, in Paul, Christ is the husband of the church. And Paul concludes that husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the church — sacrificially and submissively.
* Man vs. nature.
Isaiah anticipates Romans 8 —
(Isa 44:22-23 ESV) 22 I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. 23 Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and will be glorified in Israel.
Why should the earth, mountains, and forests sing because Israel will be forgiven?
(Rom 8:20-21 ESV) 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
* Man vs. man.
This one is easy. Isaiah sees man as sinning against man not only through the usual personal affronts but through societal structures — unjust laws, partial judges, the rich taking advantage of the poor.
* Nation against nation.
Isaiah prophesies the fall of many nations due to their sins, but he also prophesies that the nations will be brought into the Kingdom. The Exile will end, sin will be forgiven, and the nations will come to Jerusalem to worship God.
* Man vs. God.
This is, of course, a major theme of Isaiah, most comprehensively taught, I believe, in the Servant’s Song. Israel is called to be a light to the world, to draw the nations to God because of her obedience. Instead, the Suffering Servant will take on that task for Israel, walking the path of blood meant for Israel. And then the nations will be invited in, to join the Servant in walking the path of submission.
