THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD’S HOUSE In chapters 2 to 4, Isaiah concentrated his attention on Jerusalem, ‘the mountain of the Lord’s house.’ Although he had not deserted it, yet, his longing for it, and his yearning for its sanctification, had not been less than that of the prophets of captivity, who existed physically in exile in Babylon, while their hearts were attached to the city of God that had been destroyed. 1. Introduction 1. 2. The mountain of the Lord’s house 2-5. 3. The reasons behind God’s rejection of His people 6-9. 4. Vanity of leaning upon human arm 10-22. 1. INTRODUCTION “The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw, concerning Judah and Jerusalem.” (Is. 2: 1) The heart of Isaiah has been preoccupied with the people of God (Judah), and with the holy city (Jerusalem). He has been filled with sorrow for, how the conditions turned to be; he saw people, struck by corruption, and a city, whose spiritual temple had been devastated; for which he felt pain in his soul. Because of that pure love, God granted him insight, and gave him visions and prophesies, in order to comfort him and every wounded soul; For the sake of humanity; God presented him with His life-giving word: The (Logos) came to (Hosea, Isaiah, and Jeremiah) to enlighten those prophets with the light of knowledge, and to let them see things, they could not then comprehend1. Origen 2. THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD’S HOUSE What did God offer Isaiah, whose soul was wounded? He carried him, in Spirit, to the fullness of time, to behold the new Judah - the Lord Christ, and the new Jerusalem, where the temple of the Lord would be built, and where God’s kingdom would be established in the heart, to behold the holy congregation, from all nations and peoples, flowing to worship the Lord with Spirit and Truth, in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. That is why he said: “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house, shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it.” (Is. 2: 2) Some scholars believe that Isaiah might have quoted this prophecy from the prophet Micah (Micah 4: 1 - 5); or the two of them might have quoted it from a previous source. But, what is against the probability, that the Holy Spirit might have granted the same gift - the prophecy - to the two prophets, as well as to others? who got the loyal heart, inflamed toward the salvation and edification of man; for Isaiah to present it in the days of Ahaz, and for Micah, in the days of Hezekiah, in confirmation that, whatever the inspiration utters, shall never fall2. God drew Isaiah’s heart toward the fullness of time, to behold the Lord Christ, on whom, personally, He would establish His Church, being ‘the Rock of generation;’ the mountain seen by the prophet Daniel, “…cut out without hands... and filled the whole earth.” (Daniel 2: 34, 45) “...they drank of that spiritual rock that followed 1 Comm. On John, Book 1 2:1. 2 Ironside, p. 18, 19 ; Bultema, p. 50, 51. them, and that rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10: 4) on which the serpent would never crawl, to approach His people. St. Augustine says, [The mountain, as we are taught by the prophetical testimony is the Lord Himself3.] Many mountains are unknown, although found at certain locations on earth... but that particular mountain is not so, as it is filling the whole earth; of which it is said: “…established on the top of the mountains... and all nations shall flow to it.” (Is. 2: 2) Who cannot comprehend the identity of that mountain? Who would get his head broken, struggling against it? Who is ignorant of that city, established on the mountain? Do not get amazed, when you see how that city is not recognized by those who hate the brothers; by those who walk in the darkness, not knowing where they are heading; the darkness has blinded their eyes, so they can not see a Mountain. Do not get amazed; they are with no eyes, how? Because darkness has blinded them, proved by their hatred for the brothers4. St. Augustine God established His Church, when He went up on the Mountain of Temptation (Matthew 4: 8), to grant her the spirit of victory and conquest over the forces of darkness. St. Jerome says, [He did not go up that mountain, against His will, or as a captive, but was led by a yearning to the battle.] Also, according to St. John Chrysostom: [Satan went to Adam to tempt him; but as Satan can not approach Christ, Christ Himself went to him.] He also established His Church on the “mountain of learning” (Matthew 5: 1), where He presented His people with His commandments, the mystery of life. He also established His Church on the “Mount of Tabor,” where He proclaimed His splendor, and entered with His Church into heaven itself (Luke 9: 41); and lastly, on the “Mount of Golgotha,” where humanity enjoys her slain Groom, her Savior, through His precious blood. On that mountain, He stretched His hands on the Cross, “to draw all people to Himself.” (John 12: 32) So the prophet proceeds to say, “All nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord; to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways.; And we shall walk in His paths. For out of Zion, shall go forth the Law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem.’” (Is. 2: 2, 3) It is known that the Law came out from the Mount of Sinai for the Jewish people; but here, he is talking about a new Law, to come out of Jerusalem, for the whole world. This new Law does not belong to one nation, but to all nations. The law and the Word of God are not confined anymore to Zion and Jerusalem, but would extend to the whole world. That is why the Savior Himself says to His frightened disciples, “These are the words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which are written in the Law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms concerning me.” (Luke 24: 44, 47) This is the global way for the salvation of the soul that was previously proclaimed by the angels and saintly prophets5. There (in Jerusalem), He told His disciples, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 3 Sermons on N.T. Lessons, 39:2. 4 In 1 John, hom, 1:13. 5 City of God, 10:22. Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28: 19)6. The Holy Spirit, after the resurrection of Christ, had to be given in the same city, where the new Law - the New Testament - starts. The first Law, known as the Old Testament, was given, through Moses, on the Mount of Sinai, while this one, was given by Christ, according to the prophecy, that from Zion, the Law would be given, and from Jerusalem, the word of the Lord7. St. Augustine In this Church, established on the Mount of Golgotha, and set forth from Jerusalem, bearing the power of the Holy Spirit, the following features are to be noticed: a. A well-founded Church: “On the mountain of the Lord’s house.” (Is. 2: 2) It is called by the apostle Paul, “The Mount of Zion,” saying, “You have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and Church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven.” (Hebrew 12: 22, 23) The mystery of its power, and its well foundation, is the Lord Himself, who sanctifies it for Him, and exalts it to His heavens, to bear His features. b. “shall be exalted above the hills.” (Isaiah 2: 2) It became the light of the world, proclaiming the truth with no fear (Acts 16: 26). Its members are living in body on earth, while their hearts and minds are exalted as though on the top of mountains. And as expressed by the Origen: [It is enough for you to know that you do not anymore stay on earth, dwell in the valleys, nor linger in submerged places8.] c. Attractive to nations and people (Is. 2: 2, 3); its gates open to all, bearing motherly love toward all humanity, drawn from the love of its Groom, for all human kind. d. Its consistent work is to lift people up (Is. 2: 3), descending to them, through love, without losing its holiness or heavenly nature; to lift all, by the Holy Spirit of God, to the higher Jerusalem, to practice the new heavenly life in Christ Jesus. e. Its message is proclaiming the way of God (Is. 2: 3), bearing His word to every soul, and presenting His commandment to every believer to live by, and to enjoy the law of freedom. (Galatians 4: 26) f. Proclaims the just ordainments of Christ, where believers of all nations submit to His kingdom, and His unique spiritual authority. g. Grants peace among believing souls, who do not see any human enemies against them. That is why he says “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Is. 2: 4) A Christian’s heart would be filled with peace, even toward his adversaries; so that his inner energies would be transformed from animosity to constructive work; from tools of war to producers of prosperity. The word of God turns earth into heaven, so that heavenly peace would dwell in the life of man, and the joyful kingdom of peace, or the kingdom of God, would be established within them, never to be shaken by animosity of people, or by severity of events. 6 In John tr. 6:9. 7 City of God 18:54. 8 In Num. Hom 3. From Jerusalem, only twelve men emerged to the world; illiterate, having no talent of public speech. Yet, with the power of God, they proclaimed to all men, that Christ sends them, to teach people the wisdom of God. As for us, who were before, fighting each other, did not only stop that, but also abstained, even, from lying or deceiving, even before the jury. We became ready and willing to die witnessing to Christ9. St. Justin the Martyr h. Enjoying Christ, “the light of the Lord,” saying with Isaiah: “O, house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord.” (Is. 2: 5) The Lord Christ dwelling in His Church is “the brightness of (His Father’s) glory, and the express image of His Person, and upholding all things by the word of His power”(Hebrew 1: 3). He is, “The Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.”(Malachi 4: 2) He shines on His Church to turn it into light to the whole world; to present light to those sitting in the darkness of sin; and to present its Christ to everyone. This invitation addressed to the house of Jacob, to walk in the light of the Lord, is an invitation to lift the veil of the letter from the Law, in order to discover the “Messiah,” hidden behind the words, to enjoy the words of God, not as literal commandments, but as a fellowship with Christ, the true light. Who is “the house of Jacob”? St. Justin the Martyr answers: [It is fitting for us to notice two descendants of Judah, as well as two houses of Jacob; one born of flesh and blood, while the other of faith and Spirit10.] 3. REASONS BEHIND GOD’S REJECTION OF HIS PEOPLE The prophet compares between the actions of his contemporary people, and those of future nations, who would receive faith in God the Savior; would enter the Kingdom of peace, and enjoy the exalted blessings, through dwelling in the mountain of the Lord’s house. The house of Jacob, practically rejected God, despite their strong interest in the literality of worship; so were rejected by God. That symbolized the rejection of the Jews the Person of Jesus Christ, in pretense of their defending the truth, and their zeal for the Law of Moses. God presented four reasons for rejecting His people: their imitating strangers; love for the world’s richness; leaning on their military abilities; and their receiving pagan worship. a. Imitating strangers: “They are filled with eastern ways.” (Is. 2: 6) God elected them to fill them with His Spirit, to bear His heavenly wisdom, and to be witnesses of the truth, and a holy leaven for the world. But they opened their doors for foreigners, especially those of the east, learning their magic practices, their pagan worships, and their abominations, instead of testifying the word of God to them. For the sake of material benefits, and to indulge in their abominable practices, they encouraged foreigners to live in their midst, and to mix with them (Hosea 7: 8), betraying the divine covenant. He also says, Instead of coming back to God in all matters, they imitated the Palestinians at that time. They followed the way of fortune – telling, opposing the divine commandments (Leviticus 19: 26), “They are soothsayers like the Philistines.” (Is. 2: 6) b. Love of the world and material richness: “Their land is also full of silver 9 Apology 1:39. 10 Dial. with Trypho 135. and gold; and there is no end to their treasures.” (Is. 2: 7) Their hearts got filled with the love of wealth, assuming that in it, they would find fulfillment; taking, in their minds and feelings, the place of God. c. Their leaning on their military abilities: “Their land is also full of horses; and there is no end to their chariots.” (Is. 2: 7) They leaned on horses and chariots, instead of having faith in God. d. Their receiving pagan worship: (see Isaiah 2: 8) These are the reasons behind the rejection of God to His people. The consequence of that was a continuous fall, instead of growth and pride (Is. 2: 9); and a collapse in all aspects of life in place of complete sanctification in the Lord ascending to heavens. 4. VANITY OF LEANING ON THE HUMAN ARM God rejected His people because they insisted on rejecting Him by all means. Yet, God still keeps His love and compassion for them and for all human kind, proclaiming His salvation of man. Whenever man starts feeling great in his own eyes, and his ‘ego’ starts to swell, God proclaims His splendor, before which man would get humbled to his real size. “The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down.” (Is. 2: 10) When God appeared to Abraham, the Patriarch comprehended that he was just dust and ashes. and when Moses saw the glory of God, he got terrified and trembled. So also Job’s soul stuck to dust. Nothing destroys man’s pride, like his encounter with God; yet, his soul gets cured, and filled with hope in the Lord. What is the rock in which we hide before the divine splendor, but the Lord Christ? As in him, we find for ourselves, a refuge before divine justice. That is why, when the prophet Moses desired to behold the divine glory, he was told: “You can not see My face, for no man shall see Me, and live... Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock (Christ is our rock). So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with My hand while I pass by” (Exodus 33: 20, 21) As long as we lean on our Christ, the true Rock, and abide in Him, and He puts us as though in a cleft within Him, we shall be able to behold the divine glory. But if we lean on ourselves, or on a human arm, we shall perish and be denied beholding God. The prophet portrays the haughtiness of man as: a. “The cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and... all the oaks of Bashan.” (Is. 2: 13) A reference to leaning on the rich natural resources, as well as to arrogant kings and rulers, like Rabshakeh (2 kings 18: 19). b. “The high mountains, and the hills that are lifted up.” (Is. 2: 14) Probably it is a reference to pride and violence of small and great nations. c. “Every high tower, and every fortified wall” (Is. 2: 15) A reference to leaning on works of self righteousness, by which man is capable of rising up to fortify himself against every enemy; and probably also to fortified cities. d. “All ships of Tarshish and... all the beautiful sloops.” (Is. 2: 16) It is a reference to preoccupation with trade and business together with luxury and wealth, at the expense of caring for one’s soul. All these analogies are going around man’s boasting about himself, and of his natural abilities and resources; assuming with his continuous progress, that he is capable, by himself, of creating an atmosphere of fulfillment, happiness and peace, together with security and stability in this world, disregarding the divine arm. That is why he is in need of God, to be transfigured in him, to reveal to him that all these things are perishable, particularly in the great day of the Lord. Pride was connected to pagan worship; thus the prophet confirms, that when man realizes the helplessness of idols, he, instead of taking them on his travel to support him, or dignifying them in places of worship, “he will cast them away... to the moles and bats.” (Is. 2: 20) Finally, man realizes the futility of leaning upon human arm; thus the prophet says, “Sever yourselves of such a man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for of what account is he?” (Is. 2: 22) Let every man be silent no matter how great he is or may be his ability and richness, for when he dies, he is no more in the world, and his soul leaves his body that returns to dust. “Their breath is taken away; they die and return to their dust.”(Psalm 104: 29)
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