The New Exodus: Part 3

THE NEW EXODUS: PART 3

BOOK OF ISAIAH SUMMARY

The book of Isaiah, starting at chapter 40, is considered by several modern liberal scholars to be different in character to the first 39 chapters and is thus called Second Isaiah or Deutero-Isaiah.  This concept of a second Isaiah came about near the end of the eighteenth century. The writing of the 2^nd section allegedly occurred sometime after the Babylonian captivity which started after 586 BC. As such, this later date would explain explicit predictions of “Cyrus, King of Persia” in Isaiah 44:28-45:1 and the mention of the word “Babylon” in several places.  The Dead Sea Scrolls contain a complete scroll of Isaiah dated from the second century BC. This scroll is one unit with the end of chapter 39 and the beginning of chapter 40 in one continuous column of text.

Jesus quoted from Isaiah 29:13 in Mark 7:6–7; He referenced Isaiah 42:1–4 in Matthew 12:17; and Isaiah 53:4 in Matthew 8:16-17.  Several other New Testament verses refer to the prophet Isaiah as being the sole author:  Matthew 3:3 and Luke 3:4 from Isaiah 40:3; Romans 10:16, 20 from Isaiah 53:1; 65:1; and John 12:38-41 from Isaiah 53:1; 6:10. Despite the opinion of modern scholars, Jesus considered all of Isaiah to have been written by the same person.

THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

In the days of Isaiah, the Assyrian empire conquered and dispersed the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC.  The majority of the northern inhabitants, who weren’t killed, were taken captive and transported to Assyria.  It has been reported, that at a later time, many of the ten captive tribes later migrated north by the Caspian Sea into eastern Europe, then on into Central Europe and Russia.

The southern kingdom of Judah was invaded by Babylon around 586 BC.  Jerusalem and the temple were badly damaged.  There were a total of 3 different deportations of Judeans to Babylon with the first group being the largest.

The Assyrian conquest began the dispersion of the people of Israel and around 150 years later the Babylonians completed the exile task.  These two dispersions were prophesied by Moses in Deut. 30:1-6 which set the parameters for a new exodus or a gathering of all God’s people, both Jews and Gentiles, from around the world.  The New Exodus is a major theme of Isaiah beginning at chapter 40. 

The Gospels quote Isaiah to prove this righteous servant is Jesus Christ, who is God's appointed messenger announcing the way of salvation and leading God's people in a New Exodus out of the bondage of sin and death, through the wilderness of this dark world, and on to the promised land of the New Jerusalem. (Peter Goodgame)

Isaiah chapters 41, 42, 44, 49, and 53 all contain sections referencing the phrase “My servant”. 

Chapter 41 addresses “Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend”.  Israel and Jacob taken from the ends of the earth is still a future prophetic event.

Isaiah 41:8-9 KJV  But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.  (9)  Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

Chapter 42 does not mention a name but the attributes of the servant begin to sound as if it is a person.  As a matter of fact it is quoted in Matthew 12:15-21 referring to the ministry of Jesus.

The quote from Matthew adds “In His name shall the Gentiles (nations) trust.”  The word “isles” in verse four according to Strong’s is defined as:  a habitable spot; dry land or a coast; country; island.

Isaiah 42:1-4 KJV  Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.  (2)  He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.  (3)  A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.  (4)  He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

Matthew 12:17-21 KJV  That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,  (18)  Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles (nations).  (19)  He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.  (20)  A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.  (21)  And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Chapter 44 addresses “my servant” as Jacob and Israel. Blessings of water are promised and blessings of offspring.  All will call upon the Name of the Lord.  The word “Jeshurun”  is a rare title for Israel meaning “the upright one”.  Mr. Goodgame claims the “willows” of verse 4 is referring to non-Israelites.

Isaiah 44:1-5, 21 KJV  Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:  (2)  Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.  (3)  For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:  (4)  And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.  (5)  One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.  (21)  Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.

Chapter 49 states the servant of was formed from the womb to be God’s servant.  Israel is not yet gathered:  if this is referring to the new Israel or the New Covenant of Jesus, it could be the new exodus (new Eden) at the Millennium.  The servant will restore all the tribes of Jacob:  this could refer to the so-called lost ten tribes of Israel (or Jacob).  He will be a light to the Gentiles (nations) and will be the source of salvation to the ends of the earth.  The servant will be a covenant, the New Covenant:  He will be Christ.

Isaiah 49:3,5-6,8 KJV  And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. (5) …..saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.  (6)  …..It is a light thing that thou should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou may be my salvation unto the end of the earth. (8)….. In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

The end of Isaiah 52 through 53 contains the powerful Messianic prophecies and to the Christian, these are undoubtedly referring to Jesus Christ.  Of course, religious Mosaic Jews do not believe Jesus was/is the Messiah.  Some of them continue to wait for that person and he will not be who, or what, he appears.

Isaiah 52:13; 53:4-6, 11-12 KJV  Behold, my servant shall deal prudently (act wisely), he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. (4) Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  (5)  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.  (6)  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (11) He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.  (12)  Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Peter Goodgame:  Just as Moses was the pre-eminent “Servant of the Lord” for the old exodus of the Old Covenant, Jesus is the pre-eminent “Servant of the Lord” for Isaiah’s New Exodus that is a theme at the very heart of the New Covenant. Yes, Jesus fulfilled the role prophesied by Isaiah of a figure who would gather and lead the faithful remnant of Israel out from their bondage in “Babylon” from the four corners of the earth to its final destination of (the New) Jerusalem.

THE ISRAEL OF JESUS

Not all, but many of the Israelites had physically returned from the nation of Babylon several generations prior to the life and times of John the Baptist and Jesus.  Mark opens his gospel with a reference to Isaiah 40:3 which is a prophecy referring to John the Baptist, who was the messenger proclaiming, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”  Based on their understanding of the Old Testament, the people of Judea had been expecting the promised Lord’s deliverance several generations prior to the advent of Jesus.  They were waiting for the fulfillment of their deliverance by a messiah who would free them from the tyranny of outside rule, expand their empire to one comparable to that of David, and essentially make them the ruling authority of the world.

The Jews had rebuilt their temple (it was upgraded by Herod) but it never contained the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat which were both necessary to fulfill the Day of Atonement ceremony (Leviticus 16).  By all accounts, the Shekinah Glory of God never returned to the rebuilt temple.  Although many had physically returned from Babylon, it seems they only brought Babylon back with them complete with its false teachings. They were still waiting for the total literal return of all Israelites exiled from both the northern and southern kingdoms as written in many of the prophecies.

Peter Goodgame:  The prophet Malachi preached about this and explained why God’s promises were not fulfilled after the partial physical return from Babylonian exile. He castigated the people of Israel for their continued corruption, idolatry, and wholesale rebellion against God, even as they carried on the outward show of religious rituals in their rebuilt Temple

All of these expectations were written about by Isaiah.  This current first century Israelite worldview can be largely attributed to Isaiah 40-66.  The opening of the gospel of Mark utilizes this expectancy by maintaining this coming gospel of the Kingdom of God, first heralded by John the Baptist and then taught by Jesus, is the answer to the Israelites apocalyptic expectations.  [And it is, but not as they expected.]

It is said that Isaiah predicted that a remnant of Israel would enter and follow the New Covenant and Kingdom of God.  However, a large majority would reject Him and as Isaiah states, they “would despise Him” and the religious rulers would kill Him.

He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.  (Isaiah 53:8 KJV)

This New Covenant believing remnant of Israel would quickly enlarge to include Gentiles (nations) and all would be considered the new nation of Israel.  Paul refers to all, both Jews and Gentiles, who walk in faith as the Israel of God. 

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:16 KJV)

Peter Goodgame:  The early Church had nothing even close to the widespread modern dispensational belief that “the Church” was a unique entity that was separate and apart from the believing Jewish remnant that was the foundation of the Church. The early Church viewed itself as followers of “The Way” that was predicted by the prophet Isaiah. This “Way” was simply “The Way” of Isaiah’s New Exodus that was composed of a righteous remnant of Israel led by Isaiah’s “Suffering Servant.”

The original remnant of Jewish believers considered themselves as the faithful of Israel.  When the Lord made it known to Peter that Gentiles were to be included as members of the faithful family, nothing changed.  They continued to refer to themselves as the faithful of Israel.  They recognized that the prophet Isaiah and Jesus predicted this very thing.  Therefore, they were the true Israel of God.

Peter Goodgame:  After Jesus, God’s people became defined by faith in Jesus, and not by circumcision, Sabbath-keeping, kosher diet, and the various regulations of the Mosaic Law that previously divided Jews from Gentiles.

Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of Isaiah.  His resurrection should change our view of the Old Testament eschatological predictions.  Jesus’ prophecy fulfillments are explained in the New Testament, many in a spiritual manner and not in a dispensational literal explicit way.

Read the scriptures with faith and understanding.

Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?  (Mark 8:18 KJV)

Peter Goodgame:  The carpenter of Nazareth was the “Shepherd” of Isaiah 40:11; He was the “Servant of the Lord” guiding the remnant of Israel on the Highway of Holiness (Isaiah 35:8), which would be a New Exodus joined by Gentiles (42:6, 49:5-8, 51:4-7), leading out of the wilderness of Babylon (48:20), and on to the New Jerusalem (60, 61, 62).