Here is a link to the video of the message.
In this message pastor Tim looks at Isaiah 54:16-17. This is the passage that says, “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.” When we quote this verse in prayer we often take it out of context. Tim explains what this verse really means and how to properly understand this verse.
Jesus stops the weapon (Isaiah 54:16-17)
Isaiah 54:16-17
Context: Isaiah is speaking during the time of the divided Kingdom.
- Israel has divided into two nations Juda and Israel. Isaiah is a prophet to Both nations.
- Both nations are frequent victims of attack from the surrounding nations. These verses are really speaking into that.
- The context of chapter 54 is God is acknowledging His past anger at the people of Israel.
- And reiterating his love and compassion for his people. Isa 54:7 is a great example of that.
- Verses 16 & 17 are part of God’s promise in reestablishing his covenant with the people.
Verse 16 God starts by saying that he is the one who creates the Blacksmith and gives him his skills.
- As a side note almost, the verse mentions that a blacksmith makes weapons.
- God also says in this verse that he is the One who created the destroyer.
- In the context of this verse God is really just taking responsibility for the wrath He brought in the past.
- Several other English translations use the word “Armies.” NLT And I have created the armies that destroy.
- The people of Israel wanted to blame the surrounding enemy nations for their troubles. But God is saying, “no that was all me. I Made those armies.”
Verse 17 First phrase “no weapon forged against you will prevail”
- The Hebrew word translated here as “weapon” is defined in all major lexicons as “article, utensil, vessel.”
- Almost all of the English bibles translations translate it as “weapon.”
- The same Hebrew word is used in verse 16 and translated as “instrument.” (see MEV, NKJV)
- In the 29 other times the Hebrew word is used in the OT it is usually translated as “vessel” or “article.”
- These concepts of article, utensil or vessel could be related to the tools a blacksmith would use.
- They could also be referring to the items used by the priests performing the sacrifices in the Temple.
- So why do all the English translations translate it as weapon here in this verse?
- Context: because of the language of verse 16, which is war and destruction imagery.
- Continuing in the phrase… no weapon forged
- this imagery is a carryover from verse 16 and the imagery of a blacksmith.
- Continuing in the phrase… against you will prevail,
- The Hebrew word used here means prosper or profitable.
- This is also a prophetic statement about Jesus.
- The weapons brought against Jesus ultimately did not prosper, as Jesus went on to be victorious over death.
- What does it mean? no weapon forged against you will prevail
- For the people of Isaiah’s day this meant that the attacks from the enemy nations would stop.
- For Jesus this meant death would not have the final answer.
- For us it means we no longer have to endure God’s punishment.
- Continuing in the verse and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
- The idea of a tongue or word being spoke against here is rooted in the idea of judgement in the Hebrew.
- Many English translations include the word judgment. (See NASB; YLT)
- This is also a prophetic statement about Jesus.
- As Jesus refuted every false judgment made against Him.
- Then how does it apply to us today? I think the rest of the verse tells us.
- Having no weapon formed against us prevail and having words to refute judgement are the heritage of the servants of the Lord. The word heritage could also be the word
- So the promises of the first part of verse 17 are for the inheritance of God’s people.
- As the people of God, our inheritance is in Christ Jesus.
- no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
- Many English translation use the word righteousness here.
Take aways:
- The weapons formed against the people of Isaiah’s day were actually formed by God to deal with their sin issue.
- God in his great Mercy found a better way to deal with Humanity’s sin- Jesus.
- For us, Jesus will become our righteousness
- Jesus will take the punishment those weapons were created for.
- The enemy can make no accusations of judgment against us. We can simply respond with the name Jesus.