Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Isaiah 1-5
Isaiah 5:25
Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
True, true, yes, it’s true. Seemingly every commentary that looks at the last part of this verse, For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still agree. They all basically say the same thing, which is that the wrath of the Lord, though sorely blasted upon His people, it is not satisfied and will blast them more and more. Though He pours out His anger, He still has more anger to pour out. This phrase is used only five times in Scripture, all in Isaiah.
There is no doubt that for the sinner, the unrepentant worker of iniquity, the wicked, those that reject Him and His Word, have only His wrath abiding on them. His wrath when executed in strength without mixture is just the beginning. There is more and more and more to also be dispensed. For His wrath has no end, it is never emptied out in full. However, it has been said by many, “The only thing that equals God’s love is God’s wrath.” Read the Bible, especially the end, it tells of God’s unmeasured, eternal wrath. But it also tells of His love. In the last few verses of the entire Bible God still invites sinners to come unto Him.
The phrase in question today can be seen in the way the commentator’s state, but there is also another way of seeing it. While reading this short essay, the word “but” has been used twice. Each time, that which comes after that short three letter conjunction is the direct opposite of that which comes before it. A staple of Bible interpretation that has served generations well is that whatever comes after “but” is the opposite of that which comes before. Consider: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 This rule will serve the reader of the Bible well if employed.
Given that little rule there is a conjunction in today’s phrase. …is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. Perhaps there is another way of interpreting this phrase. Perhaps it has a dual meaning. One for the God rejector, and one for the God acceptor. After all, consider some words that are used in the very first chapter of Isaiah’s book. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord had spoken it. (Isaiah 1:18-20)
This shows both sides: God’s wrath and God’s love as seen in His pardon and blessings. It is incongruent to claim that God’s hand is only stretched out in wrath, when obviously it is also stretched out in salvation. Isaiah 53:5 says it like this: But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. He took God’s wrath upon Himself that we might be healed and have peace with God. Yes, in that nail scarred hand of Jesus there is pardon and life available. It is His hand of salvation where there is love, grace, mercy and peace available to all who will simply reach out and take them. Isaiah knew this and spoke of it often. Even unto today, His hand is stretched out still.
Dr. William T. Howe