Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Peter Kirk <peter AT qaya.org>]

On 13/01/2007 02:10, Bob MacDonald wrote:
> ...
>
> Now for Isaiah 55 - when I read the usual translations I get some strange
> subtexts from the English.  Seek ye the Lord while he may be found! As if
> the LORD were going away or something. Perhaps in the archaic English
> 'while' is a positive move, whereas for us in the 21st century, 'while' is a
> threat.
>
>   
Bob, you may find theologically difficult the idea that God is not 
always near and to be found. But it is seems clear that this was 
Isaiah's theology, as expressed in this verse (55:6; the Hebrew BIHYOTO 
QAROB is unambiguously "at the time that he is near") and elsewhere e.g. 
"the year of the Lord's favour" (61:2). Isaiah teaches that there is now 
a chance to repent, but for those who delay repentance a time of 
judgment will come, and it will then be too late to repent. If you don't 
like this idea, then ponder 55:8-9.

--
Peter Kirk
E-mail:  peter AT qaya.org
Blog:    http://speakertruth.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.qaya.org/