Is Justice Possible? A 7-Day Devotional Exemplo

Justice for the Outcasts

This fascinating passage reveals how even the enemies of Judah will gain just treatment from the Messiah. The broader context, beginning in chapter 15, talks about the plight of the Moabites, a downtrodden nation to the east of the Jordan River. In sympathy for them, Isaiah first calls for Judah to provide refuge for the people of Moab from the mighty Assyrian army: “Let the outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer. When the oppressor is no more, and destruction has ceased, and he who tramples underfoot has vanished from the land . . .” (v. 4).

The historical call from the prophet is to display compassion for the Moabite refugees. Typical of Isaiah’s style, this immediately moves to a prophetic picture in the next verse: “Then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness” (v. 5).

The Davidic throne belongs to Christ. When He returns to earth, He will sit on it and do justice on the earth. All peoples will experience His justice and righteousness—including outcasts such as the Moabites.

Discussion Question: What are the two foundations of the throne mentioned in v. 5? How do they inform the way Jesus treats His enemies, and how should that shape how we treat our enemies or ‘outsiders’?