The Lord continues His rebuke of Israel's stubborn and unrighteous people who have repeatedly rejected His salvation despite His faithfulness to them. Throughout the preceding chapters, God has contrasted Himself with the powerless idols of Babylon, demonstrating His sovereignty over history and His ability to declare future events. He has just mocked the Babylonian gods Bel and Nebo, showing how these lifeless images must be carried by weary beasts while He carries His people. God now addresses those among His people who are far from righteousness, assuring them that despite their hardness of heart, His deliverance is near and His salvation will not be delayed, for He will place salvation in Zion for Israel His glory.
[12] “Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted,
Who are far from righteousness:
[13] I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off;
My salvation shall not linger.
And I will place salvation in Zion,
For Israel My glory.
In the preceding verses, Paul argues that reliance on works of the law brings a curse, citing Deuteronomy's warning that anyone who fails to observe all written requirements falls under condemnation. He contrasts this with Abraham, who believed God and was counted righteous through faith alone, establishing that true children of Abraham are those who share his faith rather than his physical descent. Paul demonstrates that the law cannot justify anyone before God because the righteous live by faith, while the law demands perfect obedience. He explains that Christ's redemptive work was necessary because humanity stood condemned under the law's requirements. The apostle emphasizes that justification comes through faith in Christ, not through observing legal ordinances, addressing the Galatian churches who were being influenced by teachers insisting on circumcision and law-keeping. Paul is addressing the Galatian believers.
[13] Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), [14] that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
[15] Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. [16] Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. [17] And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. [18] For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
[19] What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. [20] Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
[21] Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. [22] But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to hear him teach, which prompted the Pharisees and scribes to grumble that he welcomed sinners and ate with them. Jesus had been traveling through towns and villages teaching on his way to Jerusalem, and large crowds were accompanying him. He had recently been dining at the house of a prominent Pharisee on the Sabbath, where he healed a man with dropsy and taught about humility and the cost of discipleship. The religious leaders consistently criticized Jesus for his associations with those they considered unclean or unworthy. In response to their complaints about his fellowship with sinners, Jesus begins to tell them parables to explain his mission and God's heart for the lost. Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and scribes who were criticizing him, though the tax collectors and sinners were also present listening.
[1] Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. [2] And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” [3] So He spoke this parable to them, saying:
[4] “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? [5] And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. [6] And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ [7] I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
[8] “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? [9] And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ [10] Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”