Journal: Masters Seminary Journal
Volume: TMSJ 09:1 (Spring 1998)
Article: Israel’s Mission To The Nations In Isaiah 40-55: An Update
Author: Michael A. Grisanti

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MSJ 9:1 (Spring 98) p. 39

Israel’s Mission To The Nations In Isaiah 40-55: An Update

Michael A. Grisanti

Associate Professor of Old Testament

In describing Israel’s relationship to the nations, Isaiah 40–55 represents three loci of tension: either divine blessings for Israel alone or for the entire world also, Israel as either an active witness or a passive one, and either the nations as subject to Israel or as coequal with Israel in their standing before God. Israel’s mission to the world is either centripetal (inward moving) or centrifugal (outward moving). Biblical scholars have debated which it is. Attempts to explain fluctuation in the prophet’s message between the two possibilities have included elimination of certain passages, consideration of redactional layers, redefinition of terms, and pointing out external circumstances in the prophet’s time. A correct understanding does not consist in explaining away one side of the tension, but in recognizing God’s future restoration of the nation as a means of extending redemptive benefits to the nations, His blessing of the nations after their judgment, and His use of Israel to rule the nations at the same time that His chosen people are a vehicle to bless the nations.

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Both the beginning and end of Scripture emphasize a concern for people of “every nation and tribe and tongue and people” (Rev 14:6), forming a grand envelope structure framing the entire story of Scripture. Genesis 1–11 provides an overview of the origins and early history of all humankind, and Revelation ends the canon with a book in which God’s purposes are equally related to the whole created order.1

Then a new development takes place at Genesis 12 with the call of Abraham. Clearly related to God’s dealings with the nations and placed specifically in the context of the disintegration of human society and dispersion of the nations in Genesis 11, the call of Abraham shifts the focus of attention from the entire created order to God’s election of and dealings with a chosen people.2 Yahweh establishes a covenant with the nation of Abraham (Israel). By means of this

MSJ 9:1 (Spring 98) p. 40

unilateral agreement, the Lord details the way in which He will bless all peoples.

In the remainder of the Old Testament, a degree of tension exists between Israel and the nations, that is, between the ...

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