Salvogesis

Edouard Kitoko Nsiku writes that “While it would be going too far to say that the last chapter of Isaiah is a summary of the book, it does touch on most of the major themes: denunciation of hypocritical worship of the Lord, the restoration of Jerusalem, God’s intervention as both judge and Saviour, and Salvation for Israel and the nations.” [1]   Isaiah 66 is an important chapter with which to conclude the book.    I remember reading about the Emperor of Japan once during the Samurai era. The people believed that the Emperor was divine so the military powers wouldn’t dare harm him. What they would do instead was that the various warlord Shoguns would fight to control the area around the Emperor’s palace. That way, as they could not rid themselves of the Emperor, they could at least contain him and control who had access to him. It seems that the same thing was happening at various times in the history of Judah. The ruling classes were seemingly trying to contain YHWH in the Tem

Isaiah 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord. Woe to those who rely on America. [1]  Egypt was the regional superpower south of Isaiah's country in Isaiah's day; America is the global superpower south of us today. This passage could easily read: Woe to those who go down to the States (or anyone else) for help, who rely on armies, who trust in the multitude of their tanks, airplanes, WMD and in the great strength of their military, but do not look to the Holy One, or seek help from the Lord. Verse 2: Yet He [GOD] too is wise and can bring disaster; He does not take back His words. He will rise up against that wicked nation against those who help evildoers. Verse 3: But the Egyptians [Americans] are mere mortals and not God; their horses are flesh