Thus Saith the Lord

"Thus saith the Lord" is found 413 times in the King James version. (Incidentally, it only occurs in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, the Lord is present and does not need to be announced. Jesus speaks for Himself and has the authority to do so.)

"Thus saith the Lord," is a powerful statement of authority, power, and dominance. "Thus saith THE LORD!" Can't you even now, hear Moses (Charleston Heston) thunder that in the "Ten Commandments?" It may not have chilled Pharoah's jets, but it sends shudders through me. The first time it shows up is in Exodus 4:22. The Lord commissioned Moses with this charge.
    "And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, ‘Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:'"

Pharoah knew Israel, but he did not know their God, their Father. He was about to encounter that awesome fact and Person. He did not respond wisely or well.

The point of this discussion is how that was used. Some uses, like Moses,' was to introduce the Lord and to convey His authority, His message, and His judgments: Commands and declarations: Obey or die.

Other prophets used the term to signify their own delegated authority when dealing with Israel. If God said it, then you better beware and behave. The use was to deliver the commands of the Lord and to reinforce the declaration of judgment for disobedience. 2 Samuel 12:7 and 11 are particularly ominous for David after taking Bathsheba and killing her husband. Nathan thundered, "Thou art the man!" And then followed it by a "Thus saith the Lord," recitation of what God had done for David. (And what He would do.)

The prophets used it as a comfort for the people in the post-glory period. (David and Solomon) Sometimes it was a comfort, that is. They needed encouragement and knowing God was still in control was assuring, even when they were being disciplined. So the phrase that accompanied declaration of judgment also introduced confidence in the positive outcomes that were also prophesied.

Isaiah used it to introduce Cyrus to the Lord and His sovereignty in the life of this Persian king. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+45&version=HCSB
 or so) Our meditation today will use the same verses as before, but instead of focusing on Who will be revered (bend knee) and worshiped (tongue confess), we will consider the certainty of the outcome. Isaiah 45:22, 23 (Knees and Tongues)
    Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am God, and there is no other.
    23 By Myself I have sworn; Truth has gone from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow to Me, every tongue will swear allegiance.

The actual phrase, "Thus saith the Lord," is not here, but the thought and intent is. He is the God, and the only God. There is no other. Here it comes: He swore by Himself. No higher authority may be invoked. Truth has been uttered. Of course nothing else can come from Him, but that still means that it is "true" and unchanging. And it is irrevocable. It is as good as done the instant He says it. Get ready...
     "Every knee will bow to Me, every tongue will swear allegiance."

The entire population of earth at the time He comes, but more, the entire cumulative population of the earth throughout all ages is included. No one is excluded. All will bow. (Another problem with "evolution, even theistic," is where does the "God awareness" and responsibility come into existence? Just something to consider in a passing glance. I digress.)

And can we depend upon, and in fact, anticipate this event? You betcha. It is as good as done. "Thus saith the Lord." He swore it. A promise that can never be broken. "Truth has gone out." An inevitable event is postulated. "A word that will not be revoked." "Will not be revoked," because He said it and cannot be revoked because no one else would have the authority or power to reverse it. The French have a neat word: fait accompli. To brush up a little, it is a "fact accomplished." It is not only completed, it is irreversible. There is no going back, do over, or reconsideration. It is a done deal. And there is no appeal.

The world as we know it, as it was in the past, and as it will be anytime in the future, will come to this juncture. Every knee bowed, and every tongue confessing. The only variable is whether it will be done voluntarily or under compulsion. It will be done in love and admiration or in fear and abject subjugation. As the Roman commanders placed their feet on the necks of their conquered enemies, the erstwhile combatants, became servile subjects.

We get to choose our method of submission. It is going to happen, we just do not know when. And we get to choose how. Choose wisely.

"Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess." That Jesus is Lord.

Thus saith the Lord.