What actions provoke God's "wrath" and "recompense" as described in Isaiah 59:18? The Verse in Focus “According to their deeds, so He will repay: wrath to His enemies, retribution to His foes; He will repay the coastlands.” (Isaiah 59:18) Actions That Draw Wrath and Recompense (from Isaiah 59:1-17) • Rebellion and persistent iniquity (vv. 2, 13) • Violence and the shedding of innocent blood (v. 3) • Lying lips and malicious speech (vv. 3-4) • Pursuing evil schemes, hatching “vipers’ eggs” of harm (vv. 4-5) • Running eagerly toward sin, “swift to shed innocent blood” (v. 7) • Injustice that leaves truth fallen in the streets (vv. 8-15) • Turning backs on righteousness, loving darkness over light (vv. 9-10) • Oppression, robbery, and a refusal to know peace (vv. 6-8) • Utter disregard for God’s law, resulting in “transgression and denial of the LORD” (v. 13) Why These Sins Provoke God • They contradict His holy character (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16). • They harm His image-bearers, which He will not overlook (Genesis 9:6; Proverbs 6:16-19). • They mock covenant obligations and invite covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). • They suppress truth, stirring righteous anger (Romans 1:18). Biblical Echoes of Divine Recompense • “‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 32:35; Hebrews 10:30) • “The LORD is a jealous and avenging God… He takes vengeance on His foes.” (Nahum 1:2) • “Let no one deceive you… because of these things the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:6) • “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to give each one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12) Takeaway for Today’s Disciple • God’s wrath is not capricious; it is a settled, holy response to specific, observable sins. • He keeps meticulous account—recompense is “according to their deeds.” • Genuine repentance and faith in Christ remove the guilt that provokes wrath (Isaiah 55:7; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • Walking in truth, justice, and love keeps us aligned with the God whose nature is light and righteousness (Micah 6:8; 1 John 1:5-7). |
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