Isaiah 43:1-7, (Part 3)

"For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee." (Isaiah 43:3)

Does the Lord love some of His children more than others? Is this passage evidence God is unjust or unmerciful? How might we liken this passage to ourselves, like unto Nephi?

To begin with, God loves all of His children equally, covenant or no covenant. So how could God choose between His children? The answer is because God is both just and merciful to all His children. On the surface it appears God is playing favorites unfairly but the history of these groups would argue otherwise.

Egypt was greatly blessed by Joseph, the son of Israel when he, (by revelation from God) led Egypt in their temporal affairs and steered them away from the ravages of famine. Israel and Egypt were both blessed and saved by God under these circumstances. After several generations of Pharaoh's cycled through the leadership of Egypt, the blessings of having inspired leadership and co mingling with Israel were forgotten by Egyptians. Consequently a Pharaoh who "knew not Joseph" enslaved Israel and forced them to labor in bondage in Egypt. Having forgotten God's mercies on Egypt because of Joseph and Israel, the Egyptians, (including the Ethiopians and people of Sebus) persecuted the Lord's people until Moses led Israel from Egypt and bondage.

In summary, persecution of the covenant people, (after many witnesses, testimonies and signs) gave the Father just latitude to deliver Israel, (the covenant people) and punish Egypt, (the non covenant people.) That is how Egypt becomes the ransom or price for delivering Israel.

"Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life." (Isaiah 43:4)

When covenant people of God act honorably toward their covenants with God they become "precious" in His sight and He loves them for their obedience to their commandments. (John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments.") When the covenant people of God honor their covenants and keep His commandments they become a beacon of righteousness to the world and examples of how to obtain salvation. God did not withhold His Son but gave His life for them, therefore He is justified in sacrificing the lives of the rebellious to save the lives of the penitent.

"Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him yea, I have made him." (Isaiah 43:5-7)

We combined these verses because they all apply to the gathering of Israel. This will complete our examination of this passage.

The Lord again declares His allegiance to a scattered Israel. In response to Israel's integrity in keeping their covenants and God's commandments, Israel warrants the blessings associated with covenant obedience. Before those blessings can be granted, Israel must gather from around the world into one body. Reference to the four directions, East, West, North and South always brings to my recollection the four angels discussed in section 77 that:

"...,they are four angels sent forth from God, to whom is given power over the four parts of the earth, to save life and to destroy; these are they who have the everlasting gospel to commit to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; having power to shut up the heavens, to seal up unto life, or to cast down to the regions of darkness." (D&C 77:8)

These angels, (coupled with the "heirs of salvation" they minister to will direct the work of gathering Israel from the four quarters of the earth. Those who are, "called by name" are those who have entered the waters of baptism and entered into a covenant with Christ to take upon themselves His name and keep His commandments. God created them for His glory. This is not about ego or personal gratification for God the Father or Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. It is all about glorifying the path that leads all mankind into a spiritual transformation that molds mankind into the image of His divine maker and enables them to claim "Eternal life" or God's life.

As we began this reference, so shall we end it. It is all about covenants and laying claim to covenant blessings.