Gill again, stating the obvious: “Neither those who dominate and lead our industrialism – that is our bankers and financiers – nor those thousands and millions of men and women who are its more or less irresponsible instruments – neither, that is to say, the masters nor the men, are moved, inspired, by the notion that the object of working is sanctification, and that the work done, the things made have for their primary reason of being a collaboration with... Read more
In his 1939 lecture on Sacred and Secular in Art and Industry , Eric Gill compared the artist and the modern industrial laborer. They have much in common: “Both are normally engaged in making things. Both are normally workers with their hands. Both are normally paid for what they do and not paid if they don’t do it. (In this respect unlike either the man of business or the politician.) Both are commonly instructed as to what is required of... Read more
INTRODUCTION Isaiah pronounces a double woe against those in Judah who rely on Egypt (30:1; 31:1; cf. Isaiah 13:1-14:27). When Judah repents and casts away her idols (31:6-9), Yahweh will set up a just king (32:1) and pour out His Spirit to renew the land (32:15-20). THE TEXT “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who... Read more
In the midst of a swirling, fiery description of Yahweh’s appearance as a flame-snorting Warrior, Isaiah refers a few times to Israel’s liturgical institutions (30:27-33). While Yahweh’s Name is taking care of Israel’s enemies, Israel will be singing in their homes as they do on Passover night or as they do in processions toward the temple (v. 29). Yahweh will make war with tabrets and harps (v. 32). The last phrase of verse 32 might also point to another aspect... Read more
Isaiah 30:18 is arranged as a neat chiasm: A. Therefore waits Yahweh to be gracious B. and therefore He will be exalted with compassion B’. for a God of judgment is Yahweh A’. Blessed all who wait for Him. (more…) Read more
Yahweh makes up an insulting nickname for Egypt, which the NASB translates as “Rahab who has been exterminated” (Isaiah 30:7). The Hebrew is rahab hem shavet , and each of the main terms of the phase is significant. Rahab means “fierce” but it is used mainly in contexts where Yahweh speaks of His victory over Egypt at the Red Sea, when he cut fierce Egypt in pieces (Psalm 87:4; 89:10; Isaiah 51:9). shavet puns on shavat , “to cease” or,... Read more
In a dense phrase, Isaiah captures the idolatry at the heart of Judah’s attempt at a political alliance with Egypt. He pronounces a woe against the rebellious sons who “make counsel but not of me” and who “pour a pouring but not My Spirit” (30:1). The last phrase is an intricate knot of allusions. The verb nasak , pour, is the standard term for pouring libations (Genesis 35:14; Exodus 30:9; Numbers 28:7; etc.). “To pour” to Pharaoh is shorthand for... Read more
The Hebrew word massa’ introduces a number of oracles in Isaiah’s prophecy (13:1; 14:28; 15:1; 17:1; 19:1; etc.). It is often translated “oracle,” but it comes from a root ( nasa’ ) that means “carry” or “bear,” and is thus sometimes rendered as “burden.” Isaiah 30:6-8 is a brief massa’ concerning the beasts of the Negev, and it confirms that Isaiah was aware of the etymological weight of the term. The oracle describes a wilderness wandering in reverse, as Israelites... Read more
In his treatise on the Passions of the Soul , Descartes gave a fairly traditional description of gratitude ( reconnaissance ) and ingratitude. Gratitude is “a sort of love, excited in us by some action of him to whom we offer it, and whereby we believe he has done us some good, or at least had an intention to do us some. So it includes all that goodwill does, and this besides, that it is grounded on an action we... Read more
INTRODUCTION As soon as Israel left Egypt, many wanted to return. Centuries later, they still want to go back because they hope Egypt can protect them from Assyria. It won’t work. Repentance, including repentance for trusting Egypt, is the only hope (Isaiah 30:15). THE TEXT “Woe to the rebellious children, says the LORD, who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who walk to go... Read more
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