Judgments and Promises
The Lord opened up every opportunity for the...
The Lord opened up every opportunity for the people of Israel to seek him (55:6; 58:2), but they did not do so.
Here the Lord responds to the prayer in...
Here the Lord responds to the prayer in 63:7–64:12.
The Lord planned to spare and reward a...
The Lord planned to spare and reward a remnant of righteous people.
8This is what the LORD says:
“As the new wine is found in a cluster of grapes,and men say, ‘Do not destroy it, for it contains a blessing,’so I will act on behalf of My servants;I will not destroy them all.9And I will bring forth descendants from Jacob,and heirs from Judah;My elect will possess My mountains,†and My servants will dwell there.10Sharon will become a pasture for flocks,and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds,for My people who seek Me.11But you who forsake the LORD,who forget My holy mountain,who set a table for Fortune†and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny,†12I will destine you for the sword,and you will all kneel down to be slaughtered,because I called and you did not answer,I spoke and you did not listen;you did evil in My sightand chose that in which I did not delight.”
The contrast between the wicked (addressed as you)...
The contrast between the wicked (addressed as you) and God’s servants pertains to all areas of life. God punishes the wicked but blesses those who truly serve him (see 65:17–25).
13Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says:
“My servants will eat,but you will go hungry;My servants will drink,but you will go thirsty;My servants will rejoice,but you will be put to shame.14My servants will shout for joy with a glad heart,but you will cry out with a heavy heartand wail with a broken spirit.15You will leave behind your nameas a curse for My chosen ones,and the Lord GOD will slay you;but to His servants He will give another name.16Whoever invokes a blessing in the landwill do so by the God of truth,and whoever takes an oath in the landwill swear by the God of truth.For the former troubles will be forgottenand hidden from My sight.