ISAIAH 43
LORD with Israel during difficult times verse 1- 2
But now thus says the LORD that CREATED you – O Jacob
and HE that FORMED you – O Israel
Fear not – for I have REDEEMED you
I have CALLED you by your name – you are MINE
When you pass through the waters – I will be with you
and through the rivers – they shall not overflow you
when you walk through the fire – you shalt not be burned
neither shall the flame kindle upon you
LORD called Israel precious verse 3- 4
For I am the LORD your God – the Holy One of Israel – your Savior
I gave Egypt for your ransom – Ethiopia and Seba for you
Since you were precious in MY sight – you have been honorable
and I have loved you
THEREFORE I will give men for you people for your life
LORD collects Israelites verse 5- 7
Fear not – for I am with you – I will bring your seed from the east
and gather you from the west
I will say to the north – Give up
and to the south – Keep not back – bring my sons from far
and my daughters from the ends of the earth
Even every one that is called by my name
for I have CREATED him for MY glory
I have FORMED him – yea – I have MADE him
Idols can’t predict the future verse 8- 9
Bring forth the blind people that have eyes
and the deaf that have ears
Let all the nations be gathered together
and let the people be assembled
Who among them can declare this – and show us former things?
let them bring forth their witnesses that may be justified
OR let them hear – and say – It is truth
No other God but the LORD verse 10- 13
You are MY witnesses – saith the LORD
and MY SERVANT whom I have chosen
that you may know and believe ME
and understand that I am HE
before ME there was no God FORMED
neither shall there be after me
I – even I – am the LORD
and beside ME there is no SAVIOR
I have declared – and have saved – and I have showed
when there was no strange god among you
THEREFORE you are MY witnesses – says the LORD
that I am God
Yea – before the day was I am HE
and there is none that can deliver out of MY hand
I will work – and who shall let [hinder] it?
LORD explains victory over Egypt verse 14- 17
Thus says the LORD
your REDEEMER – the Holy One of Israel
for your sake I have sent to Babylon
and have brought down all their nobles
and the Chaldeans
whose cry is in the ships
I am the LORD – your Holy One – the CREATOR of Israel
your King
Thus says the LORD – which makes a way in the sea
and a path in the mighty waters
which brings forth the chariot and horse
the army and the power
they shall lie down together – they shall not rise
they are extinct – they are quenched as tow
LORD explains victory in the future verse 18- 21
Remember you not the former things
neither consider the things of old
BEHOLD
I will do a NEW thing
now it shall spring forth – shall you not know it?
I will even make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert
The breast of the field shall honor me – the dragons and the owls
because I give waters in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert
to give drink to my people – MY chosen
This people have I FORMED for MYSELF
they shall show forth MY praise
LORD explains current state of Israel verse 22- 24
BUT you have not called on ME
O Jacob
BUT you have been weary of ME – O Israel
you have not brought ME the small cattle of thy burnt offerings
neither have you honored ME with your sacrifices
I have not caused you to serve with an offering
nor wearied you with incense
You have brought ME no sweet cane with money
neither have you filled ME with the fat of thy sacrifices
BUT you have made ME to serve with you sins
you have wearied ME with your iniquities
LORD explains HIS judgment to them verse 25- 28
I – even I – am HE
that blots out your transgressions for MINE OWN sake
AND will not remember your sins
Put ME in remembrance – let us plead together
declare you
that you may be justified
your first father have sinned
and your teachers have transgressed against ME
THEREFORE I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary
and have given Jacob to the curse – and Israel to reproaches
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 4 Since you were precious in MY sight, you have been honorable, and I have loved you: therefore, will I give men for you, and people for your life. (3365 “precious” (yaqar) means praised, to be worth, esteemed, to be or become worthy, precious, valuable or costly, be highly valued, dear, or become well known.)
DEVOTION: The reason that Israel was highly valued was not because of something the nation did or some quality she possessed but because the HE chose them. HE was the one who did the loving of them because it was all about HIM alone.
HE wanted to honor a nation that HE considered would be one that would bring forth a Savior that would save those who would become followers of HIM in the future. They were not going to be perfect but HE was perfect and was going to work with them, so that, through them there would come into the world HIS ONLY Begotten Son who would die on the cross to provide salvation and eternal life for all those HE had chosen before the world began.
It is hard for us to completely understand that God had a plan before HE created the world and HE was going to work HIS plan. The gates of hell were not going to prevent HIS plan and we have to accept HIS plan and praise HIM for it.
It started with Adam and Eve in the garden. It continued through the seed of Abraham in the Old Testament. Then can the provision that HE had promised through HIS Son, Jesus Christ.
We don’t understand it completely but we know that HE had a plan and HE is working HIS plan and those who are HIS followers will receive eternal life in heaven for eternity.
Do we completely understand what is going on? NO! We just have to trust HIM and believe HIS Word the Bible. Only those who trust HIM and become followers through Jesus Christ will spend eternity in heaven. Those who reject HIS plan will spend eternity in Hell with the devil and his angels.
This is what the Bible teaches and sometimes it doesn’t make sense to us but it is what is being started with the sacrifice for Adam and Eve in the garden and continues to today with our trusting in Jesus for our eternal life in heaven.
CHALLENGE: God has a plan and is working HIS plan. Trust HIM completely for your eternal place in HIS plan.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. (3519 “glory” [kabowd] means honor, glorious, abundance, riches, splendor, or reverence.)
DEVOTION: Throughout the Word of God there is a stated fact that the LORD created man. The Genesis account of the creation of the world is the only true account of the beginning of mankind. The world was created in six twenty-four hour periods. We have the evening and the morning of each day. Man and woman were created on the sixth day. God rested on the seventh day.
The atheists have been battling against the creation account. Our schools are trying to convince the world that evolution is the only answer. They teach it as if it was fact.
The Bible teaches that creation is a fact. Which is true? Those who are followers of the LORD realize that HE never lies. HE is all powerful and can do anything. The God of the Bible is the only true God. HE sent HIS Son to die on the cross for the sins of the world.
Here in the Old Testament Isaiah quotes the LORD as the one who can be called on for salvation and deliverance from the consequences of sin. HE wants those who are followers of HIM to give HIM honor.
Isaiah is a great book. This section of chapters 40 thru 66 is called Restoration by some commentaries. The LORD is dealing with a chosen people that sin and don’t confess and yet HE still loves them.
HE gives hope when HE is sending tribulation to HIS people. HE works with them as their Redeemer. HE repeats the facts that HE make Israel, formed Israel, and created Israel and chose Israel. HE did it all for Israel to give HIM splendor in the world.
They were the means the LORD wanted to use to reach the world with HIS name. HE confronted Israel with the fact that they were failing. Isaiah was telling them about their relationship with the LORD. They thought HE required more than they wanted to give to HIM. They enjoyed sinning. HE enjoyed blotting out their transgressions. How could HE do this? The blood of the Lamb was coming.
This same loving God is the one we are to witness to others about each day. We are the means the LORD desires to use to bring others to Christ. HE has chosen to use HIS people in both Testaments to be HIS witness in the world.
Many people who call themselves Christians have never selected a person to witness to, so that, they can be a follower of Christ. We need to tell the world. We need to give God all the glory. Witness to one this year for our Savior! HE called us. HE created us. HE formed us. HE made us. Purpose: To give HIM glory.
CHALLENGE: Obedience to the Word of God is essential if our message is going to be clear to the world. God said, I believe it, that settles it.
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: 11 I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior. The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982). יהוה, יְהוִה [Yâhovah /yeh·ho·vaw/]-the proper name of the one true God.
DEVOTION: The Lord Jehovah is declaring that He alone is the author and sustainer of eternal salvation. The Lord’s deliverance of Israel also shows that He is the true God. He is her only frequently (cf. 17:10; 43:3; 45:15, 21; 49:26; 60:16; 62:11; 63:8). God’s revealing His plans and saving His people could not be duplicated by any foreign god. Israel’s existence witnesses to His sovereignty and eternity. No one can reverse what God puts into action or thwart His plans (cf. Job 42:2). [The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 1097.]
In the New Testament we may call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and declare that He is the only way to salvation (Acts 4:10-12). There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Jesus is Jehovah and Peter boldly proclaimed that truth.
Today we need to declare that Jesus is God and the sole means by which man can be delivered from sin and depravation! He is the way, the Truth, and the Life! No man can obtain eternal life except through Him.
CHALLENGE: Many people and religious groups attempt to provide more than just Jesus as the way to Heaven and eternal life. The Bible is very clear that Jesus is that way! Narrow is the way but great is the reward if you follow the true path that God has established. Do not be deceived! (Dr. Brian Miller – board member)
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and willnot remember thy sins. (4229 “blot” [machah] means destroy, wipe, wipe away, abolished, obliterate, exterminate, wash out, or erase.
DEVOTION: In an official statement by the LORD, HE states that HE is the only one who can wipe away all sin from the children of Israel.
The people of God in the Old Testament and in the New Testament are sinners. They were born in sin with a sin nature that stays with them for the rest of their life. No one, other than Jesus, is ever without the ability to sin. The ability continually is put into practice.
Anyone who states that they are without sin is called a liar. This is recorded by the Holy Spirit in the writings of the Apostle John. Does this mean that we should just continue to practice sin without regard for trying to obey the LORD? NO!!
The LORD doesn’t want us to sin as much as we can after we are followers of Jesus Christ. HE wants us to realize that HE is in the forgiving business. HE wants HIS children to know that HE cares for them and wants them to know that HE is there to help them through every difficulty that comes their way. They don’t have to sin but if they do HE expect confession of sin and HE will provide the forgiveness.
When it comes time for HIS children to appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ we find that our sins are gone. It is an occasion for the passing out of rewards. There are crowns given out. It is a time of joy. The LORD does this for HIS own pleasure to show HIS love for HIS children.
There are many references to state what the LORD does with the sins of HIS children. HE buries them in the deepest sea. HE expresses that they are as far as the east is from the west. HE wipes them away in this verse to give the children of Israel hope.
We have the same hope in our relationship with HIM. HE knows that we are sinners but that we want to give HIM glory with our life. If we fail, HE picks us up to give us more grace to serve HIM.
CHALLENGE: Praise the LORD for all HE has done for you. Live a life that is an expression of joy in the fact that you are forgiven. Express this joy to others.
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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Israel not calling on God verse 22
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Burnt offerings verse 23
Sacrifices verse 23, 24
Offering verse 23
Incense verse 23
Sanctuary verse 28
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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 1, 3, 10- 12, 14- 16
Creator of Israel verse 1, 7, 15, 21
God – Elohim (Creator, Sovereign) verse 3, 10, 12
LORD your God verse 3
Holy One of Israel verse 3, 14
Savior verse 3, 11, 12
Glory verse 7
Only God verse 10, 11
Judge verse 13
Redeemer verse 14
Holy One verse 15
King verse 15
New thing verse 19
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Created by God verse 1, 7, 15
Formed by God verse 1, 7, 21
Egypt verse 3
Ethiopia verse 3
Seba verse 3
Nation verse 9
Babylon (Chaldeans) verse 14
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
False gods verse 10, 12
Not called on God verse 22
Weary of God verse 22
Not brought offerings to God verse 23, 24
Not honored God verse 23
Sins verse 24, 25, 27
Iniquities verse 24
Transgressions verse 25, 27
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Redeemed verse 1
Called verse 1, 7
Fear not verse 1, 5
Protected verse 2
Ransomed verse 3
Savior verse 3, 11, 12
Precious verse 4
Honorable verse 4
Loved verse 4
Presence of the LORD verse 5
Witnesses verse 9, 10, 12
Justified verse 9, 26
Truth verse 9
Servant verse 10
Chosen verse 10, 20
Know God verse 10
Believe God verse 10
Understand God verse 10
Praise God verse 21
Blot out transgressions verse 25
Not remember sins verse 25
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Created verse 1, 7
Jacob verse 1, 22, 28
Israel verse 1, 3, 14, 22, 28
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
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QUOTES regarding passage
Blots out: ‘wipes clean’ (2 Kgs 21:13; Ps. 51:1). Sin leaves a mark which only the Lord can wipe away. The verbal form here is a participle, making this ability to wipe sin’s stain clean a divine attribute. Transgressions: ‘deliberate rebellions’ (24:20). Remembers … no more (Jer. 31:34; Mic. 7:18–19): the Lord’s inability to remember anything against us. Sins, as in verse 24. (Motyer, J. A. (1999). Vol. 20: Isaiah: An introduction and commentary. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (309). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
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The sinner prays as David did that God will blot out, i.e. erase his transgressions and iniquities (Ps 51:1 [H 3], 9 [H 11]). God does so for his own sake and remembers those sins no longer (Isa 43:25). Thus sins which loomed as a thick cloud were blotted out (Isa 44:22). While God is omniscient, these sins he deliberately remembers against us no longer. The reverse action can be seen in Ps 109:14, and Neh 4:5 [H 3:37]. māḥâ is also used to describe the lifestyle of an adulterous woman who eats, wipes her mouth, and protestingly claims that she has done no wrong (Prov 30:20). (Kaiser, W. C. (1999). 1178 מָחָה. In R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke (Eds.), Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (498–499). Chicago: Moody Press.)
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43:22–25. The future “Exodus” from Babylon would not come as the result of Israel’s religious acts, including prayers, offerings … sacrifices … incense, or calamus (possibly sweet cane; cf. Song 4:14; Jer. 6:20; Ezek. 27:19). They had not bothered (wearied, Isa. 43:22) themselves in the sacrificial system, but their sins had wearied God! (cf. Mal. 2:17) Without the Jerusalem temple the exiles were obviously unable to take sacrifices to the altar. So with no offerings their unforgiven sins piled up! However, God would forgive them because of His grace, for His own sake. (Martin, J. A. (1985). Isaiah. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 1098). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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43:25 I, even I … will not remember your sins. This verse is probably the high point of grace in the OT. In spite of Israel’s utter unworthiness, the Lord in His grace has devised a way that He can forgive their sins and grant righteousness (see note on 61:10), without compromising His holiness. This He would accomplish through the work of His Servant (53:6). In spite of her failures, Israel will always be God’s chosen people. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Is 43:25). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
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Ver. 25. I, even I am he, that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, &c.] The same with sins in the next clause; original sin, and actual sins; which are transgressions of the law of God, of which the law accuses, for which it pronounces guilty, curses, and condemns; which are contrary to the nature of God, strike at his deity, and must be abominable to him; they are many, yea infinite, and yet all pardoned for Christ’s sake; which is here expressed by a blotting them out, in allusion to the blotting of a debt-book: sins are debts, and these are many, and which cannot be paid by the sinner; Christ has made full payment; as the surety of his people: upon this the debt-book is crossed; these debts are remitted for his sake: or as a cloud is blotted out, dispelled by the wind, or scattered by the sun; see ch. 44:22 so as to be seen no more with the eye of avenging justice, or to be charged against the sinner to his condemnation. The author of this blessing of grace is the Lord, I, even I am he; who had been so ill used, and maltreated, as before declared; whose law had been broken in such a manner; and who is the Lawgiver that is able to save and to destroy; and who hates and abhors sin, and is strictly just; and yet, notwithstanding all this, forgives it; and which he repeats for the confirmation of it, and seems to express it with the utmost pleasure, and as glorying in it, and as if it was an honour to him, and a jewel in his crown; and indeed it is his sole prerogative; none can forgive sins but him: and this he does for his own sake; it is not procured by any thing of the creature; not by riches, nor by righteousness, nor by repentance, nor by faith, nor by obedience to any ordinance; it is not for the sake of these that the Lord forgives sin, but for his own sake, and his son’s sake, which is the same; it is an instance of unmerited and distinguishing grace; it flows from the free grace of God; it is a branch of the covenant of grace; it is through the blood of Christ, and yet according to the riches of grace; and it is for the glory of all the divine perfections, justice, truth, and faithfulness, as well as grace and mercy; and after such a list of sins of omission and commission, to hear such language as this is surprising grace indeed! and will not remember thy sins; God forgives and forgets; God will not remember the sins of his people against them; having forgiven them, he’ll never punish them for them, which is meant by remembering them; see Jer. 14:10; Rev. 18:5. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 5, p. 251). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
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25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions mfor mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
I, even I; I whom thou hast thus despised, and wearied, and provoked to destroy thee. That blotteth out thy transgressions out of my book, in which they were all written, and to be read unto thee and charged upon thee another day. See Jer. 17:1; Rev. 20:12. Sins are oft compared to debts, Matt. 6:12, 14, &c., which are written in the creditor’s book, and crossed or blotted out when they are paid. For mine own sake; being moved thereunto not by thy merits, but by my own mere goodness and free mercy. Will not remember thy sins; so as to punish them, and destroy thee for them, as thou deservest. (Poole, M. (1853). Annotations upon the Holy Bible (Vol. 2, p. 424). New York: Robert Carter and Brothers.)
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25. I, ever I, am he. This verse contains a gracious assurance that their sins would be blotted out, and the reason why it would be done. The pronoun ‘I’ is repeated to make it emphatic, as in ver. 11. Perhaps also God designs to show them the evil of the sins which are mentioned in the previous verses, by the assurance that they were committed against him who alone could forgive, and who had promised them pardon. The passage also reminds them, that it was God alone who could pardon the sins of which, as a nation, they had been guilty.
That blotteth out thy transgressions. This metaphor is taken from the custom of keeping accounts, where, when a debt is paid, the charge is blotted or cancelled. Thus God says he blotted out the sins of the Jews. He cancelled them. He forgave them. Of course, when forgiven, punishment could not be exacted, and he would treat them as pardoned; i.e., as his friends.
For mine own sake. Not because you deserve it, or have any claim, or that it would not be right to punish you. Not even primarily to promote your happiness and salvation, but for my sake; 1. To show the benevolence of my character; 2. To promote my glory by your forgiveness and salvation (see Ezek. 36:22).
And will not remember thy sins. They shall be forgiven. Hezekiah (38:17) expresses the same idea by saying ‘thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.’ We may learn from this verse—1. That it is God only who can pardon sin. How vain, then, is it for man to attempt it! How wicked for man to claim the prerogative! And yet it is an essential part of the papal system that the Pope and his priests have the power of remitting the penalty of transgression. 2. That this is done by God solely for his own sake. It is not (a.) because we have any claim to it; for then it would not be pardon, but justice. It is not (b.) because we have any power to compel God to forgive; for who can contend with him, and how could mere power procure pardon? It is not (c.) because we have any merit; for then also it would be justice, and we have no merit. Nor is it (d.) primarily in order that we may be happy; for our happiness is a matter not worthy to be named, compared with the honour of God. But it is solely for his own sake—to promote his glory—to show his perfections—to evince the greatness of his mercy and compassion—and to show his boundless and eternal love. 3. They who are pardoned should live to his glory, and not to themselves. For that they were forgiven, and it should be the grand purpose of their lives so to live as to show forth the goodness, compassion, and love of that merciful Being who has blotted out their sins. 4. If men are ever pardoned, they must come to God—and to God alone. They must come, not to justify themselves, but to confess their crimes. And they must come with a willingness that God should pardon them on just such terms as he pleases; at just such a time as he pleases; and solely with a view to the promotion of his own glory. Unless they have this feeling, they never can be forgiven, nor should they be forgiven. (Barnes, A. (1851). Notes on the Old Testament: Isaiah (Vol. 2, p. 124). London: Blackie & Son.)
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FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
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Exodus 8
Additional plagues are inflicted upon Egypt
INSIGHT
In the Old Testament, God makes a distinct difference between how He treats the Jewish nation and how He treats others. God lets none of the plagues that fall on Egypt fall upon Israel.
How we wish sometimes that God would do the same for us in the church! How we wish that, because we are Christians, we would have none of the unpleasant things happen to us that happen to the world!
We must recognize that in the Old Testament, God wants the recognizable difference between Israel and the world to be physical. In the New Testament, He wants that difference to be spiritual. In the Old Testament, God’s blessing is the fruit of the vine. In the New Testament, it is the fruit of the Spirit. We must focus on spiritual blessings to be the difference between us and the world.
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WHAT IS LEGITIMATE IN PRAYER?
O God, how long shall the adversary reproach?
Psalm 74:10
Pleas and arguments and requests are perfectly legitimate in prayer. Have you noticed how men of God prayed? They knew God was omniscient; so they not only made their requests known to Him but also pleaded with Him. And what I like above everything else is the way they argued with Him. Moses, for example, did so. On one occasion he came down from the Mount and found the people rebellious, and when he found God threatening to disown them and leave them to their own devices, Moses said to God, “You cannot do this.”
Look too at the man in Psalm 74. “O God, how long shall the adversary reproach?” (Psalm 74:10). He says in effect, “Lord, why do You allow men to do these things?” I believe God as Father delights in listening to such pleas and reasonings and arguments. This flabby generation of Christians seems to have forgotten what our fathers used to delight in when they talked about “pleading the promises.” They did not regard that as offensive. They had no sort of mock humility, but they felt they were entitled, according to this teaching, to go to God as the psalmist did and remind him of His own promises. They said, “Lord, I do not understand. I know it is my imperfection, but I am certain of these promises. Lord, help me to see how the promises are to be related to these perplexities.”
So it is perfectly right to plead with God; our Lord pleaded with Him. In His great prayer in John 17 our Lord argued with God by bringing His requests. He reminded God of His own promises and of His own character. I believe God delights in this as Father, and as we do these things in this way our hearts will be reassured before Him, and often we shall be amazed and astonished at the answers that we receive.
A Thought to Ponder: Pleas and arguments and requests are perfectly legitimate in prayer. (From Saved in Eternity, p. 37, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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The First Sacrifice
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” (Genesis 3:21)
This action by the Lord is very significant. God Himself apparently sacrificed some of His animal creation (possibly two innocent and blemish-free sheep) in order to provide clothing for the first man and woman. In the first place, this tells us that clothing is important in God’s plan for human beings; nudity became shameful once sin entered the world.
In the second place, we learn that symbolically speaking, clothing must be provided by God Himself. Man-made “aprons” of fig leaves will not suffice, as they represent human works of righteousness which can never make us presentable to God: “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). However, God has sacrificed His own “Lamb of God” (John 1:29), pure and spotless, yet also willing to die for us. Thereby “he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10), fashioned from the perfect righteousness of the Lamb.
But in order to do this, the innocent blood of the sacrifice must be shed, for “the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11). When sin entered the world, there also came “death by sin” (Romans 5:12), and “without shedding of [innocent] blood is no remission [of sin]” (Hebrews 9:22).
How much of this could have been comprehended by Adam and Eve as they watched God slay their animal friends so that they once again could walk with God we do not know, but it changed their lives. Just so, when we really see “the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:19) spilled in sacrifice for our redemption, our lives also are forever changed. He hath covered me with the righteousness of Christ. (HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
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A close look at what Naomi told Ruch might help us see that our unresponsive God is really a restrained lover. (p. 117)
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Boaz knew the law of the kinsman-redeemer. To marry a relative’s widow and restore her to blessing, the candidate must satisfy three criteria. One, he must be a relative, the closest relative willing to assume the role of kinsman-redeemer. Two, he must have the means to pay the entire debt owed by the widow and her family. Three, he must have the power to remove anyone who wanted to remain on the widow’s property after all debts were paid. (p. 118, Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb)
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