ISAIAH 2-3

Chapter 2

v. 1. Again, the word from God is pictured as a vision.

1-4. Same as Micah 4:1-3. Don't know who borrowed from whom. The Anchor Bible commentary on Micah spends 12 pages discussing the pros and cons of 7 different scenarios without reaching a conclusion.

v. 2. “Last days” began with first coming of Christ (Acts 2:17 and Hebrews 1:2)

v. 2. First note in Isaiah of God as a universal God, not just for Israel.

Literalists see this as a geographical change brought about by an earthquake in the last days.

v. 3. Walking leads to learning leads to walking.

v. 4. The United Nations uses this verse as a motto inscribed over the doorway to the UN Building. Ignores previous verses showing this will happen only when mankind turns to God. Like Harvard's original motto: “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”

Verse is not a condemnation of all wars since its setting is eschatological only. But this verse was used for the lyrics to the war-protest song “Down By the Riverside.”

New International Dictionary of OT Theology and Exegesis says that “plowshare” should read “ax.”

5-9. Sins condemned in Deuteronomy 17-18 are reliance on foreign idols and alliances, military might, and money.

v. 10. Word translated “majesty” when applied to God is translated “pride” when applied to man.

11-12. First mention of Day of the Lord as a judgment day.

12-16. Twelve-fold use of “against.”

19. This verse was the inspiration for the folk song “O, Sinner Man, Where You Gonna Run To.”

Chapter 3

2-3. During Nebuchanezzar's conquest in 597 BC, he took away captains, warriors and craftsmen (II Kings 24:14). Does the mention of soothsayers, etc. mean that they were legitimate leaders?

4-5. Like the South during the Reconstruction Period.

v. 6. People still turning to each other instead of God for leadership.

8-15. Again the language of a lawsuit. Gordon Fee sees the court convening in 13-14a, indictment in 14b-16, and sentence in 17-26.

v. 10. Only mention of a remnant in the .

12-15. Difficult Hebrew to translate in several cases. Judah's problems may be due to weak and effeminate leadership and /or the presence of usurers.

v. 14. First mention of Israel as a vineyard.

16-26. Israel's women as well as their leaders are condemned for leading the nation astray.

18-23. “Crescent” may be sign of idol worship (goddess Astarte).  Ostentatiousness combined with profiting from suffering of others. Gold investments today as example.

1970's excavation of Ketef Hinnom tomb area uncovered over 100 pieces of jewelry of the types 

mentioned here.

Self-adsorbed lifestyle—no thought to others.