Posted By: APL
Isaiah 45:7 - 05/18/19 05:24 AM
ISAIAH 45:7
Some of the verses in the bible are mind boggling. Hebrew words can mean two opposite things. This means translators can choose a meaning that is according to their belief system. For instance, take the verse that says:
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create calamity: I the LORD do all these things.
The word "create" before the words "darkness" and "calamity" is the same word--bara'; this word means "to create," but it also means "to cut down." If we rewrote the verse with this new meaning, the text changes considerably:
Isaiah 45:7 "I form the light and cut down darkness, I make peace and cut down calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.'
EGW
It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy, and truth {COL 415.3}
The mystery of the cross explains all other mysteries. In the light that streams from Calvary, the attributes of God which had filled us with fear and awe appear beautiful and attractive. Mercy, tenderness, and parental love are seen to blend with holiness, justice, and power. While we behold the majesty of his throne, high and lifted up, we see his character in its gracious manifestations, and comprehend, as never before, the significance of that endearing title, our Father. {GC88 652.1}
Satan saw that his disguise was torn away. His administration was laid open before the unfallen angels and before the heavenly universe. He had revealed himself as a murderer. By shedding the blood of the Son of God, he had uprooted himself from the sympathies of the heavenly beings. Henceforth his work was restricted. Whatever attitude he might assume, he could no longer await the angels as they came from the heavenly courts, and before them accuse Christ’s brethren of being clothed with the garments of blackness and the defilement of sin. The last link of sympathy between Satan and the heavenly world was broken. Yet Satan was not then destroyed. THE ANGELS DID NOT EVEN THEN UNDERSTAND ALL THAT WAS INVOLVED IN THE GREAT CONTROVERSY. The principles at stake were to be more fully revealed. And for the sake of man, Satan’s existence must be continued. Man as well as angels must see the contrast between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness. He must choose whom he will serve. {DA 761.4}
Some of the verses in the bible are mind boggling. Hebrew words can mean two opposite things. This means translators can choose a meaning that is according to their belief system. For instance, take the verse that says:
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create calamity: I the LORD do all these things.
The word "create" before the words "darkness" and "calamity" is the same word--bara'; this word means "to create," but it also means "to cut down." If we rewrote the verse with this new meaning, the text changes considerably:
Isaiah 45:7 "I form the light and cut down darkness, I make peace and cut down calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.'
EGW
It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy, and truth {COL 415.3}
The mystery of the cross explains all other mysteries. In the light that streams from Calvary, the attributes of God which had filled us with fear and awe appear beautiful and attractive. Mercy, tenderness, and parental love are seen to blend with holiness, justice, and power. While we behold the majesty of his throne, high and lifted up, we see his character in its gracious manifestations, and comprehend, as never before, the significance of that endearing title, our Father. {GC88 652.1}
Satan saw that his disguise was torn away. His administration was laid open before the unfallen angels and before the heavenly universe. He had revealed himself as a murderer. By shedding the blood of the Son of God, he had uprooted himself from the sympathies of the heavenly beings. Henceforth his work was restricted. Whatever attitude he might assume, he could no longer await the angels as they came from the heavenly courts, and before them accuse Christ’s brethren of being clothed with the garments of blackness and the defilement of sin. The last link of sympathy between Satan and the heavenly world was broken. Yet Satan was not then destroyed. THE ANGELS DID NOT EVEN THEN UNDERSTAND ALL THAT WAS INVOLVED IN THE GREAT CONTROVERSY. The principles at stake were to be more fully revealed. And for the sake of man, Satan’s existence must be continued. Man as well as angels must see the contrast between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness. He must choose whom he will serve. {DA 761.4}