Understanding Isaiah 31:6

Isaiah 31:6 states:

"Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted."

This verse encapsulates a call for repentance and a return to faithfulness to God, emphasizing the nature of rebellion and the need for restoration. Below is a detailed summary of this verse's meaning, incorporating insights from various public domain commentaries.

Summary of Interpretations

Isaiah 31:6 serves as a profound reminder to the Israelites, urging them to turn back to God after a period of rebellion. Below are insights drawn from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke:

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the importance of returning to God as the only source of true security. He interprets this verse as a message directed to the people of Israel, who had strayed from their covenant with God. The call to repentance signifies an opportunity for redemption, urging them to abandon their futile reliance on foreign powers (such as Egypt) for protection.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes reflects on the depth of Israel's revolt, noting that their turning away from God was not a mere slip but a profound rebellion. He points out that the plea to return underscores both the love of God and His readiness to forgive. The verse serves both as an indictment of sin and a hopeful invitation back to divine favor.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke offers a historical context to the verse, considering the political alliances Israel was forming and how these actions represented a distrust in God's power. He highlights that the phrase "deeply revolted" implies a serious breach of faith, yet the call to return illustrates God's unwavering openness to reconciliation.

Bible Cross-References

To understand Isaiah 31:6 further, we can look at the following related Bible verses and themes:

• Jeremiah 3:22: "Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." This verse echoes the call to repentance and the promise of healing.
• Hosea 14:1: "O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity." Another direct call for the Israelites to turn back to God.
• Isaiah 30:15: "For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved." This passage emphasizes the concept of salvation in returning to God.
• Psalm 51:12: "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit." Reflecting a personal plea for restoration akin to the communal call in Isaiah.
• 1 Peter 2:25: "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." This New Testament reference connects the theme of returning.
• Romans 2:4: "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" Connecting God's goodness to the call for repentance.
• Luke 15:7: "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." Emphasizing the joy associated with returning to God.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

The theme of repentance and returning to God resonates throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the following connections:

• Repentance: Central to both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the character of God as forgiving.
• God's Covenant: The continuous call back to faithfulness reflects the covenantal relationship God has with His people.
• Divine Protection: The futility of relying on earthly powers for security rather than divine assurance.
• Human Rebellion: Examination of the nature of human sin and the deep-seated need for redemption.

Conclusion

Isaiah 31:6 serves as an urgent call for the people of Israel to return to God, tonifying the core message that despite deep rebellion, there is always a pathway back to divine relationship and favor. The cross-references and thematic connections enrich the understanding of this verse as one that encompasses God's enduring mercy and the central theme of redemption throughout the Bible.

By studying verses like Isaiah 31:6 alongside these additional references, believers can gain valuable insights into the significance of cross-referencing biblical texts. Such methods enhance our understanding of scripture, allowing for a deeper exploration of the intricate and interconnected nature of God's Word.