Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The certificate of divorce"
Text: Isaiah 50:1
A VARIETY OF IMAGERIES
A number of Imageries were used to describe the relationship between the LORD and Israel. Each imagery carries deep significance. Three may be highlighted:
1. God as Creator.
Israel is seen as being redeemed to serve (Isaiah 43).
2. God as Father.
Israel is His son (Malachi 1).
3. God as Husband.
This was used by both Hosea and Isaiah (Hosea 2; Isaiah 54).
THE CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE
Divorce was allowed under certain circumstances. Deuteronomy 24 allows for divorce if there is proven adultery. But divorce was never the first choice!
“Thus says the LORD:
‘Where is the certificate of your mother’s divorce,
Whom I have put away?
Or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you?
For your iniquities you have sold yourselves,
And for your transgressions your mother has been put away.'”
Isaiah 50:1
1. The Book of Hosea.
a) Hosea was asked to marry a woman called Gomer.
b) His wife proved to be very unfaithful to the prophet.
c) Hosea was nevertheless instructed to keep Gomer as his wife.
2. The Relationship between God and Israel.
a) God had every right to divorce Israel.
b) Israel had turned away from God and had instead embraced idols.
c) Israel had no one to blame but itself.
3. Israel’s estranged relationship with God.
a) God had to “put away” Israel.
b) The nation would be exiled to Babylon.
c) Who sold Israel?
i) The LORD cannot be blamed.
ii) The iniquities of Israel caused all the problems that engulfed the nation.
4. God’s everlasting love.
“‘At the same time,’ says the LORD, ‘I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.’
Thus says the LORD:
‘The people who survived the sword
Found grace in the wilderness—
Israel, when I went to give him rest.’
The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying:
‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt,
O virgin of Israel!
You shall again be adorned with your tambourines,
And shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice.'”
Jeremiah 31:1-4
a) God would reconcile Israel to Himself.
b) He has an everlasting love for the people He has redeemed.