Chapters 22-23

Chapter 22

Reference is made to fortifications made for Jerusalem, but such fortifications do not replace fidelity to God (22:9b-11). Indeed, one of the messages of Isaiah seems to be that the people do not “get” what God desires. They give empty worship; God desires justice and care for the poor, the orphan and the widow. They desire careful military fortifications of Jerusalem; God desires faithfulness.

The words forecasting Exile are violent ones. In his words to the steward, we hear echoes of God’s judgment upon all the people: The LORD is about to hurl you away violently, my fellow (22:17). The LORD will bring down and raise up whomever he wishes. In this case, Eliakim shall receive the “key of David” (cf. the verse in O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, where the “key of David” is made as a reference to Christ). Later this display of the LORD’s sovereignty over the nations will be displayed in his choosing of Cyrus of Persia to bring God’s people back from Exile.

Chapter 23

In the oracle concerning Tyre again the LORD asserts his reign and dominion, bringing down the proud (23:9). The last verses of this chapter are strange to the ears, but the sense seems to be that even the wealth gathered through sordid gain will eventually be for the LORD (23:14-18). Again, the message seems to be: the LORD is King.

These are helpful Advent words, for us, I think, especially when paired with John the Baptist’s call to “repent” on the second Sunday of Advent. Indeed, one could almost say the whole of one’s life is simply an extended reflection and practice of living out the first commandment. I am the LORD your God; you shall have no other gods before me. Perhaps it is during this time of year, when our thoughts are consumed with everything other than God that these words need to be “on our lips and in our hearts” (Romans 10:8).