“It is written in the Scriptures: “I will speak to My own people through strange languages and through the lips of foreigners. But even then, they will not listen to Me,” says the LORD.”
1 Corinthians 14:21
Why does Paul refer to the passage in Isaiah 28:11, discard part of it, include the last part and then add “thus says the Lord”? We saw yesterday that the bulk of the Isaiah passage is a strong message of God’s judgement using the words chosen by Isaiah – strange languages and foreign lips. Is that Paul’s purpose? Is he thinking of tongues in the context of other languages and recalls what Isaiah said relating to God using strange languages (tongues) to make His point to His people? Up until now I have thought that was the context. That somehow Paul’s mind clicked onto Isaiah’s comments regarding languages or tongues and used it in his letter. But it was a little hard to harmonise with the rest of letter to the Corinthians and to fit with the discussion on tongues. There is a still a difficult task before us with what follows but the reference to Isaiah is now squared away in my mind.
Yes it is true that Paul was talking about foreign tongues in 1 Cor 14:11 and 14:19. it is conceivable that theme in his mind is that of God speaking through foreign tongues. However I think there is another explanation. Notice he has just been talking about children in the verse before the quote. The verse following the quote is a continuing linked thought . . . so you see that speaking in tongues is a sign. I think Paul has remembered a passage from the Old Testament that combines both thoughts but it seems the reference to children is uppermost in his mind, given the verse immediately before the reference and the way is which he continues with “so you see that”.
I feel sure that Paul’s mind went to the passage in Isaiah 28 because of the seemingly childish nonsense saying. The words in Isaiah are meant to seem like nonsense but they are not. They carry a deep message. I think when Paul has been considering tongues his mind has gone to Isaiah and his comments related to foreign tongues but particularly that “nonsense passage”. It seems a perfect foil for the things he has to say about tongues. If that is the case, why doesn’t he quote Isaiah 28:10 and not 28:11? Because he is using a midrashic approach, alluding to something through something else. Let the people make the connection if they are smart enough. Hide the truth a little so that only the sharp ones get it. Not every one gets it.
Isaiah 28:10 and the surrounding passage is a perfect quote for the issue of “tongues” in the Corinthian church. The passage is well known among the Hebrews. I remember it well from the words my Hebrew Professor, Bill Osbourne, said about it. Seeming gibberish yet cleverly constructed to hide a message. Is that not exactly the kind of thing Paul wants to say about speaking in tongues. Don’t be caught up in the sensationalism of it all. It is not the thrill of the “unknown tongue” that is important. It is the power of God to speak to the body and for the body to build itself up.
Actually knowing Paul I am sure he means for the people to pick up on both points of the passage. Yes tongues speaking is like the tsav lâtsâv, qav lâqâv saying. There is depth there in the midst of seeming nonsense. But take note of the judgement message too. If you Corinthians don’t wake up to the truth in the same way ancient Israel needed to in Isaiah’s time, the same will happen to you. God will speak to you through foreign tongues as well. But wake up now and realise where the truth lies in tongue speaking. Dont allow it to descend into nonsense. Remember the passage in the clever words of Isaiah challenging the people back then. Those seeming nonsense words from Isaiah are something you Corinthians need to take heed of now.
And of course it is no less true for us in this day and age. I am amazed at the depth of meaning that comes through the choice of Paul’s quote if we link it to Isaiah 28:10 as well as Isaiah 28:11. It is for sure that is what Paul meant us to do through Midrashic Interpretation. Take the whole passage and look at it and take note of those seeming nonsense syllables. They are not nonsense syllables at all and oh how they resemble or remind us of “tongues”. Brilliant Paul – Thanks. Can’t wait to meet you!
All leaders are learners. The moment you stop learning, you stop leading. I learn as much as I can, from as many as I can, as often as I can.
Rick Warren
It does not matter whether you see the glass is half full or half empty. Its the action you take based on your perspective that matters.
Irwan Rosali
Do not mistake activity for achievement.
John Wooden