Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The iniquity of Jacob will be covered"
Text: Isaiah 27:9
THE CHASTISMENT OF ISRAEL EXPLAINED
The chastisement of Israel was felt deeply by the nation. Many were aggrieved and there was little understanding of why Exile had to take place!
“In measure, by sending it away,
You contended with it.
He removes it by His rough wind
In the day of the east wind.
Therefore by this the iniquity of Jacob will be covered;
And this is all the fruit of taking away his sin:
When he makes all the stones of the altar
Like chalkstones that are beaten to dust,
Wooden images and incense altars shall not stand.”
Isaiah 27:8-9
1. “In measure, by sending it away.”
a) This is a reference to God exiling Israel.
b) But even then, the chastisement was only “in measure”.
2. “You contended with it”
a) This judgment of the LORD was contended by Israel.
b) Israel had not accepted this judgment of God.
3. The rough wind of judgment.
a) The east wind was known to be dry and rough.
b) Israel was upset by the severity of God’s judgment.
c) It had failed to comprehend the seriousness of its sins.
d) God’s judgment stood and Israel was exiled for 70 years in Babylon.
4. The iniquity of Jacob was covered.
a) The sins of Jacob.
i) They were many.
ii) Israel was like Jacob before he came to faith.
iii) He was cunning, lying and treacherous.
b) The iniquity was now covered.
i) Jacob had to suffer a little for his sins.
ii) He had to be exiled.
iii) After this judgment, his iniquity was considered “covered”.
iv) His sins were taken away.
5. The sins of Jacob highlighted.
a) Idolatry was the sin that was singled out.
b) Altars of stone became chalkstones.
c) Wooden images and altars were destroyed.
6. The fruit of taking away his sin.
a) Firstly, the offences must be taken away.
b) The LORD would cause the nation to return to Him.
c) God would bless further when Israel fully comprehends and complies.