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Al-Kermez, through the French cramoisi. The feminine form of the word occurs in
Isa. 41: 14 where it is translated "worm". Both the colours mentioned by the prophet are
deeply bitten into the material, and yet, to pass from the figure to the actuality, such is the
grace of God that these double-dyed sinners may actually become "as white as snow".
After further reference to the nature of Israel's sin (under such figures as those of a
harlot and a murderer) we read in verses 25-27 of the purifying of the people--the words
used are very reminiscent of Malachi's figure of the purification of silver in Mal. 3: 3--
and of the glorious restoration that awaits them.
"And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counselors as at the beginning;
afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. Zion shall be
redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness" (Isa. 1: 26, 27).
The closing verses speak of the destruction of the "transgressor and sinner, together"
and the consuming of those that forsake the Lord.
"And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both
burn together, and none shall quench them" (Isa. 1: 31).
These awful words concerning the fire that is not quenched find a solemn echo in the
last verse of the prophecy, where we read:
"And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have
transgressed against Me: for their worm (the same word as "crimson" in Isa. 1: 18) shall
not die, neither shall their fire be quenched (the same word as in Isa. 1: 31); and they
shall be an abhorring unto all flesh" (Isa. 66: 24).
Isaiah 2: 2-5.
This precious glimpse of the days of restoration and blessing is fully expanded in the
second part of the prophecy (40:-66:) and therefore, as our space is limited, we will be
content with the following outline.
A | 2. The true exaltation (Heb. nasa). "The Lord's house."
B | 3. | a | Many people.
b | Come ye, let us go . . . to the . . . God of Jacob.
c | We will walk in His paths.
C | 3. |
d | Out of Zion.
e | Shall go forth the law.
e | And the word of the Lord.
d | From Jerusalem.
A | 4. False exaltation (Heb. nasa). "Not lift up sword."
B | 5. | a | House of Jacob.
b | Come ye, let us walk.
c | In the light of the Lord.
Here, in these few sentences, we have compressed the glorious future that awaits the
nations of the earth when Israel shall at last enter into their inheritance and become a