What does "create calamity" in Isaiah 45:7 teach about God's control? The Setting in Isaiah 45 • Isaiah 45 addresses Cyrus, yet behind the Persian king stands the LORD declaring Himself the only God, the Maker of everything and Ruler of history (Isaiah 45:5-6). • Verse 7 anchors that claim: “I form the light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things.” What “create calamity” Means • The Hebrew word raʿ (“calamity,” “distress,” “disaster”) can describe war, plague, storm, or any painful upheaval. • It does not mean God commits moral evil; rather, He ordains the hard events that accomplish His just purposes. God’s Sovereignty Underlined • Nothing—bright days or dark ones—lies outside His rule. • Amos 3:6: “If calamity befalls a city, has not the LORD caused it?” • Lamentations 3:37-38: “Do not both good and evil come from the mouth of the Most High?” • Psalm 103:19: “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” • Ephesians 1:11: He “works out everything by the counsel of His will.” He Never Authors Sin • James 1:13: “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.” • The same verse set that proves His control also shows His holiness; He sends calamity as just judgment or fatherly discipline, yet humans generate the moral evil He judges (Genesis 6:5; Isaiah 13:11). Purposes Behind Divine Calamity • Judgment of persistent rebellion (Exodus 12:12; Nahum 1:3). • Discipline that purifies His people (Hebrews 12:6-11). • Display of power and glory so nations know He alone is God (Exodus 9:14-16; Ezekiel 38:23). • Ultimate good for those who love Him—using even disaster to weave redemption (Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:20). Examples That Echo Isaiah 45:7 • Job 2:10: “Shall we accept from God only good and not adversity?” • 1 Samuel 2:6-7: “The LORD brings death and gives life…sends poverty and wealth.” • Exodus 4:11: He makes people mute or deaf, sighted or blind—physical conditions included. • Jonah’s storm, famine in Elijah’s day, and Acts 11:28’s prophesied famine all arise under His hand. Implications for Believers • Assurance: because He governs calamity, nothing random can shatter His plans for us. • Humility: we cannot manipulate or resist His decrees; we submit and seek His purpose. • Hope: the same Sovereign who sends calamity also “brings prosperity” (Isaiah 45:7) and promises final restoration (Revelation 21:4). • Urgency: calamity warns the unrepentant to turn to the only Saving God (Luke 13:1-5). Summary “I…create calamity” teaches that the LORD’s control is total, extending to every blessing and every disaster. While never the author of sin, He employs calamity to judge, discipline, and redeem, ensuring that “I, the LORD, do all these things.” |
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