Bible Discussion Thread

Isaiah 61 verse 4 makes mention of the former desolation and the desolation of generations what are these referring to? What is the desolation?

In Leviticus 26, the LORD sets before Israel the blessings of obedience versus the curses that would come upon them if they despise his statutes and break his covenant. He promises to progressively make their lives more difficult to encourage them to repent but if not, he would lay waste to their cities and scatter them among the heathen. Their history in the land is marked with numerous periods of oppression and destruction because of their failure to obey God.

The greater desolation and affliction is eternal separation from God by our sins. Destruction is the end result of sin.

Isaiah prophesied warnings of coming desolation which would culminate in the Jews being carried in captivity to Babylon. In part, verse 61:4 promises a return and restoration, but in a greater sense it promises Messiah we know as Jesus Christ. In Luke chapter 4, Jesus read aloud from this passage and then proclaimed that he is the fulfillment of the promise. He has, by dying for our sins on the cross and rising from the dead, brought us back from desolation to eternal life and a loving relationship with God. The creation will ultimately be restored when Jesus returns.

Bendito thanks for your response. I was praying over a region when this verse Isaiah 61 verse 4 hit me. It kept me asking what is the desolation of this particular region. Could it be that God is still asking that particular region to mend their separation from him?

desolation=destoryed places.