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(Cont. from Page
8/6/87).
AN EXEGESIS OF ISAIAH CHAPTERS 29 AND 30.
"This is no time for Jacob to be
shamed, no time for his face to grow pale; for his descendants will hallow My
Name when they see what I have done in their nation. They will hallow the
Holy One of Jacob and hold the God of Israel in awe".
(Isaiah 29:22,23 NEB).
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QUESTIONS: |
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(1) |
What
is prophesied to take place that confused and obstinate ones will
"see"
and that will actually cause them to hold the Holy God of
"Israel" in awe? |
(2)
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What
does Jehovah mean by His words: "This is no time for Jacob to be shamed"
?
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ANSWERS: |
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(1a) |
"Confused"
ones will have the "veil" over their powers of reasoning removed by God and will gain true understanding. Jehovah will abyss demon spirits causing confusion. (29:24
NEB). |
|
(b) |
Even
formerly "obstinate" ones will be willing to receive instruction
from God. (29:24
NEB). |
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(c) |
The
spiritually "deaf" and "blind" shall "see"
and "hear" His spiritual instructions (even literally blind and deaf
ones shall see and hear and develop in their spirits). (29:18,19 NEB). |
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(d) |
"Ruthless"
and "arrogant" ones stumbling others with their unjust and
mischievous practices, and who by falsehood
deny justice to the righteous, shall be exterminated. (29:20,21 NEB). |
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(e) |
"Tyrants"
and "braggers" that distressed people of God shall reach their end
and be awakened to His Spirit "fire" within them. These awakenings
will result in a series of shocks and aftershocks one after another.
(2:19-21. 29:14. 29:20,21. 29:5-8). "In Zion sinners quake with
terror, the Godless (apostates.
NWT)
are seized with trembling and ask, Can any of us live with a devouring fire?
Can any live in endless burning?" (33:14 NEB). |
Because of the apostasy of those*
who warred against Spirit anointed sons of God, He removed their*
ability to "see" the true meaning and fulfilment of His
holy prophecies. In merely paying lip service to God, apostates neglect their
sinful ways, reject His Spirit warnings, and trust in devious and dishonest
practices. They will be "mercilessly shattered". (29:9-14
&
30:12-14
NEB).
(2)
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Jehovah
has cut off all Spirit communication to the enemies of His beloved people that
erected such "siege works" as ostracism and excommunication of His
anointed "altar" class and their descendants. (29:7 NEB).
In point of time, this was the moment when Spirit sons of "Jacob"
ceased to feel shame or disgrace for being ostracized for glorifying His Holy
Name. (66:5,6). Even though demon spirits enlisted the support of worldly
authorities ("Egypt") to form further attacks upon sons of God,
such warring has proved ineffective. Instead, those who pursued His people shall
themselves be pursued till they are made desolate. (30:1-5 & 30:15-17
NEB). |
Then people of Zion shall
"weep no more", for "The Lord
will show you favour and answer you when He hears your cry for help."
(30:19 NEB).
We will "see" Him through His Spirit instructions fulfilling our
needs, even "on the day of massacre when the highest in the land fall".
(30:19-26 NEB).
For Jehovah says, "Now I arise, I will exalt Myself; foes of My folk, your
plans are futile, your fury shall consume yourselves"
(Your own spirit, as a fire, will eat you up.
NWT).
(33:10,11 Moffatt).
The high "wall" of their guilt will come crashing down within them
when Jehovah pours out His Spirit "fire" upon enemies of Zion. And it will happen suddenly, all in an instant. (30:13
& 29:5
NEB).
At that time, Jehovah shall breathe the Spirit of peace and justice into His
beloved people, and the reality of true life will begin for spiritual sons of
"Jacob". (32:15 20 Moffatt).
14/6/87.
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