The remnant of Israel

Today’s passage is a prophecy of the “rebirth of Israel” in the end times. (1) “On that day you will feel no shame because of all your deeds by which you have rebelled against Me; for then I will remove from your midst Your proud, arrogant ones, and you will never again be haughty on My holy mountain” (v 11). Just as God removes sin and sinners from among the Gentile nations, He will also remove sin and sinners from among Israel. As a result, Israel will no longer feel shame because of its past deeds. What an amazing grace! (2) “But I will leave among you a humble and lowly people, and they will take refuge in the name of the Lord” (v 12). The “humble and lowly people” or “the meek and humble” refers to the remnant of Israel. They are true believers, those who “take refuge in the name of the Lord.” God will raise up true believers within Israel and bless them.

The result of rebirth

Verse 13 describes the result of this rebirth: “The remnant of Israel will do no wrong and tell no lies, nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths; for they will feed and lie down with no one to frighten them.” (1) “The remnant of Israel will do no wrong” corresponds to what is said of the Lord in 3:5: “The Lord… do no injustice.” The people of Israel who have experienced rebirth will be transformed to become like the Lord. (2) They will be freed from tongues that speak lies and deceit. This is the result of rebirth. (3) “They will feed and lie down with no one to frighten them” is a pastoral image showing that the people of Israel will dwell in safety. The sheep who are shepherded by the Good Shepherd, Jesus, can live in peace (ref. Ps. 23; John 10). God judges the sins of the people of Israel, but He does not abandon them completely. In the end, God’s people will turn away from sin and return to Him. God’s promises are perfect and will surely be fulfilled. We who trust in Jesus Christ are also kept by these promises of God. Blessed are those who “take refuge in the name of the Lord.”