Isaiah ii, 1-6 by H. C. Miller

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 12, 1866

By H. C. Miller

As opinions are divided in regard to the application of the first part of this chapter, a few thoughts, written more to call out the opinions of others in order to a more perfect understanding of the texts, than to decide dogmatically upon their application, will perhaps not be devoid of interest.

The chapter opens by saying that these are "the words that Isaiah the son of Amos saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem." From the peculiar wording of the above, would it be wrong to conclude that he refers to words spoken by prophets not sent by the Lord? Recently this idea has gained in my mind by hearing proclaimed almost in the very words here written, the doctrine called "Age to come." While listening to their glowing descriptions of the glories yet in store for old Jerusalem and the Jews, it seemed to me they were fulfilling these words. "It shall come to pass in the last days." From the description of the last days in other portions of the scripture, the opposite of such a peaceful state as here spoken of, is shown to exist. See Daniel xii, 10. Matt. xiii, 24-30, 37-43, xxiv, 12, 13, 48-51. 2 Tim. iii, 1-5. 1 Tim. iv, 1. 2 Pet. iii, 3. Jude 18, &c. But some ask, will not this be fulfilled in the setting up of the Everlasting kingdom, when all the nations of the saved shall flow into it? When many people of those nations shall say the words of verse 3? I should think from verse 4 that it did not apply to God's redeemed people. It speaks of their beating their swords and spears, into plowshares and pruning hooks. Here is a work said to be performed by Christians which is nowhere else commanded in the Bible. Christians have nothing to do with swords and spears. Nowhere is it said in the word, that these are a part of their armor. But from the days of righteous Abel to the end, the Christian's armor is "truth," "righteousness," "peace," "faith," "hope of salvation," "sword of the spirit which is the word of God," and prayer. For the Christian's weapons are not "carnal," (and cannot be converted into implements of husbandry,) but spiritual, "mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." "For though we walk in the flesh we do not war after the flesh." 1 Cor. x, 3, 4. How then can this be applied to Christians as their work?

Verse 6. "Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people, the house of Jacob." "Therefore," for that, or for that, or this reason, referring to something previously stated; "consequently." Webster. Using this meaning the text would seem to teach, that because the house of Jacob prophesied contrary to the word of the Lord, saying peace, peace, where there was none, but when the true word is that of warning as given in Joel iii, 9, the Lord has left them, and, "because," also, "they be replenished from the east, and are soothesayers" &c. This application is according to the condition of the professed worshipers who at the present day, with their eastern importation,—immortality, "Age to come, &c., are attempting, in vain, to worship the Lord God. Were it not for Micah iv, I should conclude this to be the meaning of the passages referred to above.

H. C. Miller.

Chicago, Ill.

NOTE. The view here suggested does not differ materially from that entertained by S. D. Adventists, so far as we know. By the mountain of the Lord's house, we understand to be meant that which is nominally such, the formal bodies of professors of the last days. It shall be established in the top of the mountains, that is, be very popular, having a wide influence with all classes. So far the words of the prophet set forth facts as they were to exist in the last days, and as they do exist now. But the fair descriptions of peace and prosperity that follow, both here and in Micah are what "many people" say, not what the Lord says.—Ed.

Isaiah ii, 1-6.