The verse you referenced, Isaiah 45:7, is indeed a challenging one and has been the subject of much discussion and interpretation throughout history. In the King James Version (KJV), the verse reads:
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.”
The New International Version of Isaiah 45:7 renders the passage, “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster.” Similarly, the New Living Translation offers, “I am the one who creates the light and makes the darkness. I am the one who sends good times and bad times.” The New JPS Translation according to the Traditional Hebrew Text confirms this understanding with, “I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe—I the Lord do all these things.”
To understand Isaiah 45:7, we need to explore its historical context, linguistic nuances, and theological implications within the broader biblical narrative. Let us delve into the meaning of Isaiah 45:7, examining various biblical passages.
Historical and Cultural Context
Isaiah’s Prophecy
Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history when the nation faced the threat of invasion and exile. The context of Isaiah 45:7 is God’s declaration through the prophet regarding His sovereignty over all aspects of creation and human history.
Theological Background
In ancient Near Eastern thought, including that of Israel, there was a belief in a single divine authority who controlled both good and evil. This perspective is evident in Isaiah 45:7, where God asserts His sovereignty over both light and darkness, peace and calamity.
Linguistic Analysis
Hebrew Terms
To understand the verse more deeply, it’s essential to examine the Hebrew words used. In Isaiah 45:7, the key terms are:
- “light” (אוֹר, ‘or)
- “darkness” (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshek)
- “peace” (שָׁלוֹם, shalom)
- “calamity” (רָע, ra)
Interpretive Challenges
The word “ra” translated as “calamity” or “evil” in some versions, is often the subject of debate. In Hebrew, “ra” can indeed mean “evil,” but it can also refer to adversity, disaster, or calamity, depending on the context.
Interpretations of Isaiah 45:7
God’s Sovereignty
One interpretation of Isaiah 45:7 emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all aspects of creation and human experience. This view sees God as the ultimate source of order and disorder, blessing and adversity.
Amos 3:6: “If there is calamity in a city, will not the Lord have done it?”
This verse from Amos similarly emphasizes God’s sovereignty over calamity. However, it’s crucial to understand that God’s sovereignty does not imply that He is the author of moral evil or sin.
Moral Evil versus Natural Disaster
Another interpretation distinguishes between moral evil, which is the result of human sin, and natural disasters or calamities, which are part of the fallen creation.
James 1:13: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”
This verse from James underscores that God does not tempt anyone to do evil. Instead, moral evil originates from human choices and the influence of spiritual forces opposed to God.
God’s Use of Calamity for His Purposes
Some interpretations emphasize that while God does not cause moral evil, He can use calamity or adversity to accomplish His purposes or bring about redemption.
Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
In this perspective, even in the midst of suffering and calamity, God can bring about ultimate good and fulfill His redemptive purposes.
Theological Implications
God’s Justice and Mercy
While God’s sovereignty over calamity may be unsettling, it also highlights His justice and mercy. God is not capricious or arbitrary in His actions but works according to His righteous purposes, which include both judgment and redemption.
Psalm 145:17: “The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works.”
This verse affirms God’s righteousness and graciousness in His dealings with humanity, even in the face of suffering and adversity. So, Isaiah 45:7 is not to be understood in the sense of all evil, but of that which is the opposite of peace and prosperity. God directs judgments on the wicked and He presides over adverse as well as prosperous events. Although God allows moral evil and sin, He does not create this kind of evil.
But the good news is that the Lord is ever ready to heal us from our self inflicted wounds and restore in us His image. The Lord proved His love for humans when He offered His only begotten Son to die and redeem mankind from the consequences of their own sins. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). There is no greater love than this (John 15:13).
The entire Bible is full of evidence of God’s goodness and His marvelous plans for mankind. James 1:17 (NKJV) assures us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
Satan is responsible for all the evil of this present world. And when people choose to do evil they bring misfortune and pain on themselves. The devil “was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44, NKJV).
Practical Applications
Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Understanding God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life can provide comfort and assurance, especially in times of uncertainty and suffering.
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Trusting in God’s sovereignty means acknowledging His wisdom and goodness even when circumstances seem dire.
Responsiveness to God’s Guidance
Recognizing God’s sovereignty also calls believers to be responsive to His guidance and leading, even in the midst of adversity.
Isaiah 30:21: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.”
God’s guidance can lead believers through times of trial and hardship, helping them navigate the challenges of life.
Conclusion
Isaiah 45:7 presents a profound declaration of God’s sovereignty over all aspects of creation, including light and darkness, peace and calamity. While the verse acknowledges God’s control over calamity, it does not imply that God is the author of moral evil. Instead, it emphasizes God’s ultimate authority and purpose in the unfolding of human history. Ultimately, Isaiah 45:7 invites believers to trust in God’s sovereignty, respond to His guidance, and seek His redemptive purposes in all circumstances.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team