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Apr 10, 2023 · God’s sovereign rule over all things good and bad—over success and calamity for His people Israel—is cause for hope in the lives of believers today. We can trust and “know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28, NLT).
- Questions About Isaiah
What does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? What is the...
- Questions About Isaiah
Sep 17, 2001 · For some, all they want to say, in denying that God "caused" the calamity, is that God is not a sinner and that God does not remove human accountability and that God is compassionate. That is true - and precious beyond words.
- Historical and Cultural Context
- Linguistic Analysis
- Interpretations of Isaiah 45:7
- Theological Implications
- Practical Applications
- Conclusion
Isaiah’s Prophecy
Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history when the nation faced the threat of invasion and exile. The context of Isaiah 45:7 is God’s declaration through the prophet regarding His sovereignty over all aspects of creation and human history.
Theological Background
In ancient Near Eastern thought, including that of Israel, there was a belief in a single divine authority who controlled both good and evil. This perspective is evident in Isaiah 45:7, where Godasserts His sovereignty over both light and darkness, peace and calamity.
Hebrew Terms
To understand the verse more deeply, it’s essential to examine the Hebrew words used. In Isaiah 45:7, the key terms are: 1. “light” (אוֹר, ‘or) 2. “darkness” (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshek) 3. “peace” (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) 4. “calamity” (רָע, ra)
Interpretive Challenges
The word “ra” translated as “calamity” or “evil” in some versions, is often the subject of debate. In Hebrew, “ra” can indeed mean “evil,” but it can also refer to adversity, disaster, or calamity, depending on the context.
God’s Sovereignty
One interpretation of Isaiah 45:7 emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all aspects of creation and human experience. This view sees God as the ultimate source of order and disorder, blessingand adversity. Amos 3:6: “If there is calamity in a city, will not the Lord have done it?” This verse from Amos similarly emphasizes God’s sovereignty over calamity. However, it’s crucial to understand that God’s sovereignty does not imply that He is the author of moral evil or sin.
Moral Evil versus Natural Disaster
Another interpretation distinguishes between moral evil, which is the result of human sin, and natural disasters or calamities, which are part of the fallen creation. James 1:13: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be temptedby evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” This verse from James underscores that God does not tempt anyone to do evil. Instead, moral evil originates from human choices and the influence of spiritual forces opposed to God.
God’s Use of Calamity for His Purposes
Some interpretations emphasize that while God does not cause moral evil, He can use calamity or adversity to accomplish His purposes or bring about redemption. Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who loveGod, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” In this perspective, even in the midst of suffering and calamity, God can bring about ultimate good and fulfill His redemptive purposes.
God’s Justice and Mercy
While God’s sovereignty over calamity may be unsettling, it also highlights His justice and mercy. God is not capricious or arbitrary in His actions but works according to His righteous purposes, which include both judgment and redemption. Psalm 145:17: “The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works.” This verse affirms God’s righteousness and graciousness in His dealings with humanity, even in the face of suffering and adversity. So, Isaiah 45:7 is not to be understood in...
Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Understanding God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life can provide comfort and assurance, especially in times of uncertainty and suffering. Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Trusting in God’s sovereignty means acknowledging His wisdomand goodness even when circumstances seem dire.
Responsiveness to God’s Guidance
Recognizing God’s sovereignty also calls believers to be responsive to His guidance and leading, even in the midst of adversity. Isaiah 30:21: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” God’s guidance can lead believers through times of trial and hardship, helping them navigate the challenges of life.
Isaiah 45:7 presents a profound declaration of God’s sovereignty over all aspects of creation, including light and darkness, peace and calamity. While the verse acknowledges God’s control over calamity, it does not imply that God is the author of moral evil. Instead, it emphasizes God’s ultimate authority and purpose in the unfolding of human histo...
- To Discipline Someone for Specific Sin – But be careful! It was their misapplication of this principle that led Job’s friends off track. Many make the same mistake today; therefore, let’s carefully consider this point.
- Because of Human Sin Generally – In Genesis 3, Adam pulled the keystone out of the arch of creation with his sin, and ever since, bricks have been falling on our heads.
- To Mature Believers in Jesus Christ – As a believer in Jesus Christ, you can be sure that, whatever happens, God is causing it to bring his Christ-reflecting and Christ-exalting work in you one step closer to completion (James 1:2-4).
- To Prove Our Faith – A fourth reason God brings calamity into the lives of believers is to prove our faith, both to ourselves and to others. How did God prove that Satan’s accusations against Job were slanderous?
For a people who know God, calamity is not haphazard! God allows it to happen to inspire repentance and revival of true worship. Did the nation take the September 11 attacks as warnings to return to God, truth, and right living?
Nov 2, 2013 · God is referred to as the Creator of evil or calamity. (Isa 45:7; compare KJ.) His enforcing of the penalty for sin, namely, death, has proved to be an evil or a calamity, for mankind.
Mar 27, 2011 · God subjected it to futility “in hope that the whole creation would be set free from its bondage to decay” (Romans 8:20–21). So, the futility of the world, including tsunamis, cancer, and everything that doesn’t belong here, exists because God subjected the world to futility.
