Monday - Isaiah 62 - Hephzibah in Beulah; Delighted in Marriage

T

HERE is no doubt at all that the physical and literal marriage of one man to one woman in this life is representative of a greater relationship – which is similar, but altogether spiritual (Hosea 2:16, 19, 20, Eph. 5:31, 32 & Rev. 19:9). God is preparing us even now for an eternal intimacy that will surely make even a good marriage here look shallow by comparison. For those of us who have joined God's family, eternity is bound to be better than anything we could ever imagine (1^st Cor. 2:9).

Now, Hephzibah means "my delight" and Beulah means "married" - so, as Isaiah was prophesying in Isaiah 62:4, we see that a day will come when Israel will be God's delight. As such, God and His people will be forever married to that land – to Beulah land. We commonly sing of Beulah land, and mean heaven.  And, since the familiar description that we commonly think of as "heaven" is called by the title "New Jerusalem" in Revelation 21:2, the title Beulah land is not altogether improper. But truly, Palestine is actually going to be Beulah land here on earth. And, for the Christian in this church age, Canaan represents continual victory through faith.

I do not mean to downplay the importance of Jerusalem. It is the city of God.  God has placed His name there, and someday Christ Himself will indeed rule and reign in person on the physical throne of David in Jerusalem. When He does come to earth, He will come with judgment and righteousness. Those who oppose Him will pay dearly. Those who receive Him will be richly rewarded in this city forever.