The Editor And Isaiah

Robert F. Turner

In our Nov. 70 issue, under the heading, Armstrongs Folly I ventured a comment on Isa. 11:10-f. as follows: Isaiah said the Lord would set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people from Assyria, etc. The first time points to their physical restoration, referred to above. The second time refers to redemption in Jesus Christ, where both Jew (all Israelites) and Gentile (all others) have equal opportunity to be one in their salvation from sin.

Then came the most delightful disagreement. Bro. L.A. Mott, Jr., of Romulus, Mich., wrote: I am delighted finally to disagree with you on something. I dont think I read anyone I agree with so nearly 100% of the time; nor anyone who has taught me so much or given me so much to think about in the years Ive read Plain Talk

I agree that the second time refers to the spiritual return and restoration. Rom. 15:12 establishes that. But I doubt that the implied first time refers to the physical restoration described in Ezra. Rather, the reference is to the deliverance from Egyptian bondage when with a strong hand Jehovah brought Israel out of Egypt (Ex. 13:9, 14, 16). The thought springs from the context of Isa. 11:11-16, where the spiritual deliverance is thought of as a second exodus from Egypt. Note esp. vs. 15-16. Note also that Isa. 12: corresponds to the song of deliverance in Ex. 15.

Second time is, then, not connected with the whole clause — which would suggest a second recovery of a remnant. with an implied reference to the first one — but only with the Lord will set his hand. He set his hand and brought the whole nation from Egypt. He now sets his hand a second time and recovers the (spiritual) remnant.

I dont suppose it is necessary to say that I agree with your general position in the article but only question the explanation of that one verse. What do you think?

I think that next time I am tempted to rely on past studies, and make a hasty reference to a prophecy, I will need a reprimand more like a swift kick than this gentle assist.

Reference to Egyptian deliverance is common in the prophets promises of further help (Isa. 44:26-ff. 51:10 - 11, etc.) as I well knew. (Watch me try to pull this one from the fire.) I should have made the connection in this passage, as context demands.

Notice that Egyptian deliverance is used as an example of the physical reprieve, made possible by Cyrus. But although Isa. 11: may contain a literal reference to the recovery from Babylon, this would be only a shadowy fulfillment of the second setting of hand; for the substance of the redemption is certainly that found in Christ. (Rom. 15:12; Acts 13:23; 28:20)

If I should have 10,000 readers. I could wish that 9,980 of them be like bro. Mott. A few old sore heads add chili to the frijoles.

Robert F. Turner has released the Plain Talk to the Public Domain. Following his initiative and desire, all material on this page is also released to the Public Domain. This includes content, as well as graphics, formatting, and styling. Brother Turner wants his material to help as many Christians and lost souls as possible. Therefore, we offer no restriction, so that we may facilitate the broadest possible circulation for the greater good.