Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken

Isaiah 1:2a KJV

CONTEXT: v.1 identifies the author of the book as Isaiah and there seems to be no argument amongst historians. The following from Reformed Answers is a good summary of the book:

On the one hand Isaiah’s ministry consisted largely of bringing charges, condemnations and judgments as he declared covenant curses on Israel and Judah for their flagrant violations of their covenant obligations (Isa. 1:2-31; 13:1-23:18; 56:9-57:13; 65:1-16). The prophet spoke of many different curses that would come, the most serious of which would be destruction and exile. In fact, both Israel and Judah had fallen so far from the ideals of the covenant that God commanded Isaiah to prophesy in order to harden the people’s hearts so that the judgment of exile might not be averted (Isa. 6:1-13).

On the other hand, Isaiah balanced his message of judgment with words of hope. He spoke of many different kinds of blessings, but for the most part his positive words focused on the principal blessing of restoration after exile (Isa. 40-66). As a result, Isaiah called the godly to persevere in seeking the Lord, in cultivating hope for God’s Kingdom, in experiencing God’s peace within themselves during times of trouble and in responding to God’s new acts of redemption in faith (Isa. 2:5; 8:13-17; 26:20-21; 33:14-16; 40:28-31; 48:20-21; 55:1-12; 60:1-3; 61:10-11; 63:7-64:12; 66:5-6). Isaiah promised that a remnant would survive the exile, return to the land and enjoy the unprecedented blessings of God.

Out text for today convenes a double meaning and may seem confusing to some. How can the heavens and earth both inanimate objects give ear, that is pay close attention to what the Lord or in this case His servant Isaiah has to say?

I am no linguist expert but the Aramaic word Shamayim translated as Universe and the Hebrew word ‘erets that translates as earth, in context here refer to all creation including all the people under or in creation.

So the meaning of this verse is simple, Isaiah by direction of the Holy Spirit is declaring to all creation, that the Lord God, sovereign ruler over all creation has something to say and y’all better listen.

What is God trying to say to you today?

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