Isa 41:17-20 | KingComments | STEP | The LORD, Who knows the future, thinks with pity of the wretched and poor of His people who will go through great distress, represented by an extreme drought ( ). The thirst here is a picture of yearning for the LORD (cf. ). He then thinks not only of all who will come from Babylon, but of all of His people who will meet with loss and suffering at all times. Above all He thinks of the faithful remnant in the great tribulation. The LORD promises them that He will answer them and will not forsake them. He will refresh them abundantly by making provisions in a way only He can work ( ; ). Although all of this describes the literal change from the homeless condition of Israel to the abundant blessing they will receive in the realm of peace (cf. ), these promises also have a spiritual meaning. There is a clear reference to the water that was supernaturally provided for during the journey of God’s people in the wilderness after the deliverance out of Egypt. A spiritual meaning is attributed to it ( ; cf. ; ). continues to describe figuratively the multiple provisions of refreshment and comfort for the people in the coming day. This fullness is indicated by mentioning seven species of trees which the LORD promises to plant in the wilderness, which will turn into a true paradise. All these trees are sustainable and have a pleasant scent. That too is a picture of the continual enjoyment of the fellowship that the Spirit works and of the pleasant scent thereof. This abundance of blessing, represented in these seven trees, is not the result of human planting. When this situation comes, all those who will enjoy it will be fourfold aware that it is all the result of the action of “the hand of the LORD” and of His creative power ( ). In that fourfold way, “see and recognize, and consider and gain insight”, there is an ascent. This ascension also describes what the result should be as we ponder Scripture and reflect on God’s actions with us. It should lead us to see the Creator of that blessing behind all the blessing that comes from God’s creative hand. The point is that the gift leads us to admire the Giver and that we do not dwell on the gift.

‏ Isaiah 41:17-20

Promise of Blessing

The LORD, Who knows the future, thinks with pity of the wretched and poor of His people who will go through great distress, represented by an extreme drought (Isa 41:17). The thirst here is a picture of yearning for the LORD (cf. Psa 42:2). He then thinks not only of all who will come from Babylon, but of all of His people who will meet with loss and suffering at all times. Above all He thinks of the faithful remnant in the great tribulation. The LORD promises them that He will answer them and will not forsake them. He will refresh them abundantly by making provisions in a way only He can work (Isa 41:18; Isa 12:3 ; Isa 55:1).

Although all of this describes the literal change from the homeless condition of Israel to the abundant blessing they will receive in the realm of peace (cf. Isa 35:6-7), these promises also have a spiritual meaning. There is a clear reference to the water that was supernaturally provided for during the journey of God’s people in the wilderness after the deliverance out of Egypt. A spiritual meaning is attributed to it (1Cor 10:4; cf. Jn 4:14 ; Jn 7:37-39; Rev 22:17).

Isa 41:19 continues to describe figuratively the multiple provisions of refreshment and comfort for the people in the coming day. This fullness is indicated by mentioning seven species of trees which the LORD promises to plant in the wilderness, which will turn into a true paradise. All these trees are sustainable and have a pleasant scent. That too is a picture of the continual enjoyment of the fellowship that the Spirit works and of the pleasant scent thereof.

This abundance of blessing, represented in these seven trees, is not the result of human planting. When this situation comes, all those who will enjoy it will be fourfold aware that it is all the result of the action of “the hand of the LORD” and of His creative power (Isa 41:20).

In that fourfold way, “see and recognize, and consider and gain insight”, there is an ascent. This ascension also describes what the result should be as we ponder Scripture and reflect on God’s actions with us. It should lead us to see the Creator of that blessing behind all the blessing that comes from God’s creative hand. The point is that the gift leads us to admire the Giver and that we do not dwell on the gift.