Sermon notes
I A WORD FOR THE GENTILE NATIONS.
Cp v10-14.
The Lord repeats some of what He has said already but is directing it to a different audience. The fact that the Gentiles are addressed underscores that it is the future of the nation of Israel that is prophesied.
- The world is to know God’s purpose for Israel, v10. His role in their affairs is to be acknowledged. Cp Is 10:5,15, 37:26ff. He will be the Shepherd of Israel. Cp Ezek 34:11-15, Is 40:9-11.
- This is redeeming grace at work, v11.
- The blessings in store for that people, v12-14. There are natural blessings here, v12. But the bulk of the blessing here is internal and spiritual, v12-14. See Is 2:2, 27:13, Micah 4:1. Their soul is satiated, sorrow is removed, spiritual celebration before God led by priests. This reference to Priests is a reminder that Levi will be restored to their true function in that day, Mal 3:1-6, Ezek 44:10-16.
II A REVIEW OF THEIR MISERY.
Cp v15-26. See Zech 14:1-3.
- Hopelessness, v15. Israel will be sunk down in misery and despair at the time when the Lord steps in to restore. There seems to be no future. No hope. An illustration of the kind of thing in view is given, Matt 2:16-18.
- There is hope however, v16-17. The return of these children will secure the future of the nation. Cp Is 49:16, 18-23, 60:4, 8, 66:8.
- God had heard their groaning, v18-21. Here is reference to the penitent sorrow of this remnant. Ephraim had to learn to wear Christ’s yoke the hard way! There is an encouragement here to return. It was time to get up and go back.
- The reason for the nation’s departure challenged, v22. There is a wandering away from God here. It is describing the nation’s ongoing fruitless search for a Messiah! They must yet come to see that the Messiah has already been given in the virgin birth. Cp Is 9:1-7—a future realization that God has given a son and child.
- Restoration occurs when they do so. When this nation accepts Christ this is the result.