From Splendor to Shadow

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Chapter 26—Isaiah's Message: “Behold Your God!”

Long had Satan sought to lead men to look on their Creator as the author of suffering and death. Those whom he had thus deceived regarded Him as watching to condemn, unwilling to receive the sinner so long as there was a legal excuse for not helping him. The law of love by which heaven is ruled had been misrepresented as a restriction on men's happiness, a yoke from which they should be glad to escape. The archdeceiver declared that its precepts could not be obeyed. SS 165.1

In losing sight of God's true character, the Israelites were without excuse. Often had God revealed Himself to them as “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15, RSV. Tenderly had the Lord dealt with Israel in their deliverance from Egyptian bondage and in their journey to the Promised Land. “In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them.” Isaiah 63:9. Moses instructed them fully concerning the attributes of their invisible King. See Exodus 34:6, 7. SS 165.2

At the height of Israel's rebellion the Lord had proposed to make of the descendants of Moses “a greater nation and mightier than they.” Numbers 14:12. But the prophet pleaded the promises of God in behalf of the chosen nation. And then, as the strongest of all pleas, he urged the love of God for fallen man. See Verses 17-19. SS 165.3

Graciously the Lord responded, “I have pardoned according to thy word.” Then He imparted to Moses a knowledge of His purpose concerning the final triumph of Israel: “Truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.” Verses 20, 21. God's glory, His character, His tender love, were to be revealed to all mankind. And this promise was confirmed by an oath. As surely as God lives and reigns, His glory should be declared “among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:3, RSV. SS 165.4