Three centuries on from the time of David, God’s chosen people continue to be besieged, and their earthly kingdom is divided between Israel in the north and Judah in the south. In calling his people back to God, the prophecies of Isaiah are peppered with descriptions of a future time when their king will once again be restored in the holy city of Jerusalem. Infused within these predictions are glimpses of the coming Messiah, and also something more permanent. The King will be a direct descendant of David. He will rule over his kingdom with justice and accelerate the cause of righteousness forever (16:5). His throne will be established by the zeal of God (9:7). It will be motivated and installed by love and faithfulness, these being the bedrocks of a safe and secure throne (Prov 20:28). The extent and knowledge of God’s rule will span the whole earth ‘as the waters cover the sea’ (11:9); it will guarded by cherubim, as was the garden of Eden (37:16). It will indeed be recognised as unique by all earthly kingdoms (37: 20).
Those listening to Isaiah might be forgiven for latching on solely to the immediate implications of his utopian prophecies. The prophet’s words of a revived kingdom, restored fortunes, and triumph over their enemies, perhaps even within their lifetimes, would have been welcome news. What most missed was reference to the arrival of a king, to be born 700 years hence, in the lineage of King David, who would introduce a heavenly kingdom. I wonder whether I also sometimes miss the point, too fearful and preoccupied with current predicaments. Like Elisha’s servant, I fail to lift my eyes higher to see that those who are with us are more than those who are against us. When living in his Kingdom we are surrounded by ‘… hills full of horses and chariots full of fire’. (2 Kings 6:17)
PS I attach a pic of the hills that surrounded us in France. Throughout the summer we were aware of his invisible yet influential protection.
Chris is emeritus professor at Middlesex University, London, specialising in leadership development. As a chartered psychologist, his recent books observe life from unique angles: 20th-century Myanmar through the eyes of a Burmese family; bible stories from the perspective of the stones present, and just published, a light-hearted collision with rural Provence. Chris lives in the UK with his wife April, and they love gathering with the extended family in France each summer.
