#1212 Daniel 7 Part 3 Ancient of Days

 

9 “As I looked,

thrones were placed,

and the Ancient of Days took his seat;

his clothing was white as snow,

and the hair of his head like pure wool;

his throne was fiery flames;

its wheels were burning fire.

10 A stream of fire issued

and came out from before him;

a thousand thousands served him,

and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him;

the court sat in judgment,

and the books were opened.

11 “I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.

The Son of Man Is Given Dominion

13 “I saw in the night visions,

and behold, with the clouds of heaven

there came one like a son of man,

and he came to the Ancient of Days

and was presented before him.

14 And to him was given dominion

and glory and a kingdom,

that all peoples, nations, and languages

should serve him;

his dominion is an everlasting dominion,

which shall not pass away,

and his kingdom one

that shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7: 9-14 ESV

Daniel 7: 9-14 Ancient of Days

…2He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time. 4Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image, and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.… Revelation 20: 2-4

As I looked, or I kept looking until - This is the same as the transition in chapter 2, the end of the Gentile kingdoms and the coming kingdom of God. The Stone that was cut, but without human hands,  is at His coronation now and will soon crush the final kingdom which was represented by the strange beast that was a conglomerate of all the gentile kingdoms. It was also represented by the legs of iron and feet and toes mixed with iron and clay.

…33its legs were iron, and its feet were part iron and part clay. 34As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them. 35Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were shattered and became like chaff on the threshing floor in summer. The wind carried them away, and not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that had struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.… Daniel 2: 33-35

Thrones were placed - The vision moves to heaven where Christ will be crowned King. He has already conquered sin and death by adding humanity to His deity, living a perfect life in place of mine, and then dying for my sins. This coronation will precede His dominion, long spoken of by the prophets. Just like the literal fulfillment of His substitutionary death as foretold by Isaiah 52 and 53, and in Psalm 22, amongst others, so will be His literal reign, foretold here and in other places like Isaiah 9.

And by the way, this is not a new theme in the Bible either. Do you know that the theme of the coronation of the King is as old as old as the book of Genesis? Do you know that you can go all the way back to the forty-ninth chapter of Genesis, the first book in the Bible, and you will find the promise made that one will come named Shiloh? And Shiloh means “the one whose right it is.” And when Shiloh comes, He will take the scepter. And anybody knows that a scepter belongs to a king. So, in Genesis 49, there will come one whose right it is to take the scepter. ...

If you were to go into an Arab country today, you go into the Middle East today, and this occurred in the Middle East – in fact, it occurred east of the Middle East, not far from India – but if you were to go into that part of the world today, and some very, very important person – a king, a shah, a sheik or whoever, even an ayatollah were to appear, you would find that his throne was cast down in this sense: cushion and pillows would be thrown down as the place where he would sit. This is oriental fashion. A throne is established, and the Ancient of Days takes His place on that throne. - J Mac

…9Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? 10The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. 11He ties his donkey to the vine, his colt to the choicest branch. He washes his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.… Genesis 49: 9-11

1After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.” 2At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it. 3The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.… Revelation 4: 1-3

And the Ancient of Days took His seat - This I believe to refer to God, but specifically God the Father, and the reference Ancient of Days can describe the eternality of all three persons of the Trinity, but here we are dealing with the Father, Who has made a covenant with God the Son before time began. 

I am not sure, but if God's original intention of the meaning of Da 7:22 to picture His Son Jesus returning in judgment, it is further evidence of the great truth of the Trinity, which is incomprehensible to our finite human minds. Whether the Ancient of Days in Da 7:22 represents God the Father or God the Son does not alter the overall message of Daniel 7 regarding God's plan for the future. - Precept Austin

1Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it.… Revelation 5: 1-3

His clothing was white as snow - Speaking to His purity and holiness.

Its wheels were burning fire - This takes us back to Ezekiel's vision of the throne of God.

The prophet's vision concerns "four living creatures" that served as a type of chariot for the divine throne, the place from which "the likeness of the glory of the Lord" spoke to Ezekiel (vv. 4, 26, 28). Each of these beings had four different faces—human, eagle, lion, and ox (v. 10). In Scripture, each of these creatures is significant. Human beings, of course, are made in the image and likeness of God, reflecting His capacity for wisdom, dignity, and so forth (Gen. 1:26–28). Eagles are prized in God's Word for their speed and stateliness (Ps. 103:5; Jer. 48:40). The lion is known for its strength and courage (Judg. 14:5; Isa. 31:4), and oxen were found throughout the temple and the sacrificial system in which the presence of God was experienced (Num. 7; 1 Kings 7:23–37). Indeed, there were several elements in the temple that looked very similar to the creatures Ezekiel described, which indicates that these creatures carried the Lord Himself on His throne. Taken with the qualities mentioned above, they symbolize God's omnipotence, wisdom, swiftness, and life-giving nature. - Ligonier Ministries

A stream of fire issued and came out from before Him - Our God is a consuming fire, holy, and sin will not stand before Him.

…2Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. 3Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side. 4His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles.… Psalm 97: 2-4

Spurgeon comments on fire goes before Him… : Like an advance guard clearing the way. So was it at Sinai, so must it be: the very Being of God is power, consuming all opposition; omnipotence is a devouring flame which burneth up His enemies round about. God is longsuffering, but when He comes forth to judgment He will make short work with the unrighteous, they will be as chaff before the flame. Reading this verse in reference to the coming of Jesus, and the descent of the Spirit, we are reminded of the tongues of fire, and of the power which attended the gospel, so that all opposition was speedily overcome. Even now where the gospel is preached in faith, and in the power of the Spirit, it burns its own way, irresistibly destroying falsehood, superstition, unbelief, sin, indifference, and hardness of heart. In it the Lord reigneth, and because of it let the earth rejoice. - Precept Austin

Ten thousand times ten thousand - The angels and saints before the throne.

11Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels and living creatures and elders encircling the throne, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. 12In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”… Revelation 5: 11-12

And the books were opened - This is coming judgment, and all judgment will be given to the Son. There are books plural though which could also be the Book of Life. This is also a coronation where God the Father will give the title deed of the earth to God the Son. He is the one worthy to open the scroll, He purchased Creation back by His blood. A will and last testament or title deed like this would have seven seals. 

16At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. 17“They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. 18So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”… Malachi 3: 16-18

4And I began to weep bitterly, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it. 5Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.” 6Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.… Revelation 5: 4-6

I looked then because of the sound - Something draws his attention back to earth, it is the antichrist still running off at the mouth, spouting his blasphemies. He is like all the other false Christ, dirty politicians and prophets. 

…17These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18 With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error. 19They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.… 2 Peter 2: 17-19

The beast was killed - The antichrist was killed and the other beasts were aloud to go on a bit longer.

11Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds.… Revelation 20: 11-13

…19Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army. 20But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.… Revelation 19: 19-21

…7For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way. 8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival. 9The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder,… 2 Thessalonians 2: 7-9

With the clouds of Heaven - We are reminded of the ascension, also the Shekinah glory of God that shrouded the temple in a cloud, and the cloud that led Israel through the wilderness by day. 

…29Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ 30 At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 31And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.… Matthew 24: 29-31

There came One like a Son of man - Jesus often referred to Himself this way, and this is good what J Mac writes here.

I believe He applied this title to Himself – mark this – in direct reference to Daniel’s prophecy. I don’t think it was some kind of an accident that He called Himself Son of Man. I think, in effect, He was saying to Israel, “I am the one of whom Daniel spoke.” He called Himself Son of Man multiple times. That was His favorite designation for Himself. And I believe every time He said it, He was saying to the Jewish people alive at the time He lived, “If you just understood what Daniel was saying, you’d make the connection. I am that Son of Man who was brought to the throne of the Ancient of Days to receive the kingdom.” You see?

And so, I think Christ was purposely linking Himself with Daniel’s prophecy. Let me tell you why, for a minute. It’s very interesting to me that Jesus specifically uses this title. Now watch, He specifically uses this title when He is referring to His second coming. Have you ever noticed that? And that is the title used here for His second coming, when He comes in power and glory to take His kingdom. - J Mac

…26What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done. Matthew 16: 26-27

…27“Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. What then will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.… Matthew 19: 27-29

Came to the Ancient of Days - God the Son was presented before God the Father, as the One worthy to open the scroll and receive the kingdom. Worthy is the Lamb.

And to Him was given dominion - Now He has already conquered sin and death as mentioned before, but now speaks to His literal reign, in person, fulfilling the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants. Shiloh takes the scepter.

…21For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes. 22Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, 23so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.… John 5: 21-23

…19and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength, 20which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.… Ephesians 1: 19-21

That all peoples - Everything is under God as the Creator, yet it became reprobate with sin, fallen away. Instead of permanently destroying all things, God has through Christ chosen to save some. He will also eventually make a new heaven and earth. Christ is a Redeemer.

…8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. 9Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,… Philippians 2: 8-10

His dominion is an everlasting dominion - And to His government there will be no end. He is the eternal God, Christ will reign forever.

…31Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, 33and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”… Luke 1: 31-33

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#1003 Isaiah 41 The Verdict Is In

 

Listen to me in silence, O coastlands;

let the peoples renew their strength;

let them approach, then let them speak;

let us together draw near for judgment.

2 Who stirred up one from the east

whom victory meets at every step?

He gives up nations before him,

so that he tramples kings underfoot;

he makes them like dust with his sword,

like driven stubble with his bow.

3 He pursues them and passes on safely,

by paths his feet have not trod.

4 Who has performed and done this,

calling the generations from the beginning?

I, the Lord, the first,

and with the last; I am he.

5 The coastlands have seen and are afraid;

the ends of the earth tremble;

they have drawn near and come.

6 Everyone helps his neighbor

and says to his brother, “Be strong!”

7 The craftsman strengthens the goldsmith,

and he who smooths with the hammer him who strikes the anvil,

saying of the soldering, “It is good”;

and they strengthen it with nails so that it cannot be moved.

8 But you, Israel, my servant,

Jacob, whom I have chosen,

the offspring of Abraham, my friend;

9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth,

and called from its farthest corners,

saying to you, “You are my servant,

I have chosen you and not cast you off”;

10 fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

11 Behold, all who are incensed against you

shall be put to shame and confounded;

those who strive against you

shall be as nothing and shall perish.

12 You shall seek those who contend with you,

but you shall not find them;

those who war against you

shall be as nothing at all.

13 For I, the Lord your God,

hold your right hand;

it is I who say to you, “Fear not,

I am the one who helps you.”

14 Fear not, you worm Jacob,

you men of Israel!

I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord;

your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

15 Behold, I make of you a threshing sledge,

new, sharp, and having teeth;

you shall thresh the mountains and crush them,

and you shall make the hills like chaff;

16 you shall winnow them, and the wind shall carry them away,

and the tempest shall scatter them.

And you shall rejoice in the Lord;

in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory.

17 When the poor and needy seek water,

and there is none,

and their tongue is parched with thirst,

I the Lord will answer them;

I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

18 I will open rivers on the bare heights,

and fountains in the midst of the valleys.

I will make the wilderness a pool of water,

and the dry land springs of water.

19 I will put in the wilderness the cedar,

the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive.

I will set in the desert the cypress,

the plane and the pine together,

20 that they may see and know,

may consider and understand together,

that the hand of the Lord has done this,

the Holy One of Israel has created it.

The Futility of Idols

21 Set forth your case, says the Lord;

bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob.

22 Let them bring them, and tell us

what is to happen.

Tell us the former things, what they are,

that we may consider them,

that we may know their outcome;

or declare to us the things to come.

23 Tell us what is to come hereafter,

that we may know that you are gods;

do good, or do harm,

that we may be dismayed and terrified.

24 Behold, you are nothing,

and your work is less than nothing;

an abomination is he who chooses you.

25 I stirred up one from the north, and he has come,

from the rising of the sun, and he shall call upon my name;

he shall trample on rulers as on mortar,

as the potter treads clay.

26 Who declared it from the beginning, that we might know,

and beforehand, that we might say, “He is right”?

There was none who declared it, none who proclaimed,

none who heard your words.

27 I was the first to say to Zion, “Behold, here they are!”

and I give to Jerusalem a herald of good news.

28 But when I look, there is no one;

among these there is no counselor

who, when I ask, gives an answer.

29 Behold, they are all a delusion;

their works are nothing;

their metal images are empty wind. Isaiah 41 ESV

Isaiah 41 Court is in session

1. Listen to me in silence - The cities and nations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and it's islands are  being called to court. Some see a broader translation of "all nations" or "distant lands". 

Let the peoples renew their strength - God has stated that there are no other gods before Him, and if these people are to come before the righteous, all knowing Judge and Creator, then they need to do their homework. The accusation is against their idolatry, so He is giving them time to prepare their argument. 

The problem is that while those who wait upon the LORD have the LORD’s limitless strength, those from distant lands have no god of strength to help them. “The repetition of the phrase ‘renew their strength’ (cf. 40:31) may well be ironic. Perhaps as the exiles renew their strength in the true God, so the nations are ironically exhorted to do the same – but in their man-made deities!” (Grogan)

2-4. Who stirred up one from the east - Persia is east of Babylon in Iran, and in verse 25 it further traces the steps of Cyrus when he conquers and unites with the Medes of the north. God is posing to the nations the question, "Who did this, which of your gods, idols, is able to raise up a kingdom, tell of it before Cyrus is born, and accomplish righteous judgment by a people who don't know Him." East of Israel is also Ur of the Chaldeans, and this is where long before God called out Abraham, from a land of idols and superstition. Abraham would otherwise not have known the true God, would not have found Him on his own. God made a unilateral covenant with him, and told him he would be the father of a great nation. This later proved unlikely by human understanding because his wife Sarah was past the age of child bearing, her menstrual cycle had already stopped and her womb had been barren until God intervened, calling life up from a dead place. "Calling the generations from the beginning."

I, the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am He - Those who teach a Christ outside of deity preach another Christ. He was the Word in the beginning, eternally present with God, one with God, and through Him all things were made. Which of the angels, the idols, kings, queens or any other thing could lay claim to such? God initiated history, and He is directing it's course. 

…16He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest. 17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, 18the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.… Revelation 1: 16-18

…12“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. 13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates.… Revelation 22: 12-14

…13Then Moses asked God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ What should I tell them?” 14God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”15God also told Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.… Exodus 3: 13-15

5-7. The coastlands have seen and are afraid - Once they saw the power of God, as in Egypt with the plagues, the people trembled. Once they know of His holiness and so His hatred of sin, men become discouraged, for now I see what I am not. The harlot Rahab responded differently to the testimony of God's strength, and her household was saved in the fall and taking of Jericho. The rest of the city witnessed Israel coming across the Jordan, but they looked to their walls.

Everyone helps his neighbor - They encourage each other against wisdom. There is so much of this in the apostate church, "religion is about you, you are special, you will reach your full potential, you got this." 

And they strengthen it with nails so it cannot be moved - They see a God that is to be feared, but look to themselves, their own knowledge and strength to find the answer. If past idols have failed them then they will make a stronger one, a bigger one, anything but repent. A very clear picture of this is the Philistines and Dagon, their idol bowed prostrate to the Ark of the Covenant, so they picked it up, but then he bowed and was left a stump, so they sent the Ark away from themselves. Men run away from the true God, but cling to the idols of their imagination. They create a protective bubble around themselves, surrounding themselves with people of like minds, sheep leading sheep.

8-13. But you, Israel, My servant - This is the people God has set apart to Himself, those that painted the blood upon the doors when the Angel of Death passed over. 

“Israel is twice addressed as servant (literally ‘slave’), that is to say a person without position or rights – but this servant belongs to a great master.” (Motyer)

The offspring of Abraham, My friend - What an amazing designation, "friend of God."

…22You see that his faith was working with his actions, and his faith was perfected by what he did. 23And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “ Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God. 24As you can see, a man is justified by his deeds and not by faith alone.… James 2: 22-24

…14You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.… John 15: 14-16

Fear not for I am with you - He was with Israel in Babylon and had already planned their deliverance. Their God was not a god made with hands, and so they had much reason to hope.

Shall be put to shame and confounded - It is not Israel that men hate so much as it is their God. The gods of their enemies will become a shame to them, so the church should remember this and not adopt such things. Those idols were preferred because of men's fallen nature and reprobate minds. The gods men like and conceive always excuse the sins they love. Men hate the idea of denying themselves.

16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith,e as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”f

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,g in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

24Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

26For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

28And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1: 16-32

14 - 16. Fear not, you worm, Jacob - This is the way the nations saw Israel, and this is how most will see a suffering Messiah, for cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree. Jacob was a deceiver and loathed by his brother, but his Redeemer is holy, and will bare the weight of his sins, the wrath of God against sin.

“The name Jacob, as applied to Israel here, always points back to Israel’s lowly and deceitful past, so that it is by no means an honor.” (Bultema)

…5They cried out to You and were set free; they trusted in You and were not disappointed. 6But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.7All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads:… Psalm 22: 5-7

Your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel - The kinsmen redeemer is a familiar institute in their laws. Ruth 2 , Ruth 3 . He is signifying their adoption and redemption as family.

17-20. When the poor and needy seek water - Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled. This looks forward not only to the sustaining of Israel, but also her turning back to God, and the joy of the Millennial reign of Christ.

21-29. Set forth your case, says the Lord - Court is in session, let the defendant speak. Let him answer this.

Tell us what is to happen - What does the future hold? I ask you wood, metal, the work of men's hands, now tell. Sadly if men make it then they have to make it speak as well, and this can only be deception. When you don't want God, this is what you get.

…14Because of the signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived. 15 The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed. 16And the second beast required all people small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead,… Revelation 13: 14-16

Do good or do harm - If you are really gods and not just inanimate objects fueled by superstitious men, then bring rain, or cause drought, bless or destroy. This is much like the time of the taunting of Elijah against the false prophets of Baal. 

An abomination is he who chooses you - Men were made in God's image, to glorify Him in spirit and truth. 

Today, idolatry is still an abomination. Though few bow down to statues, many still fashion a god of their own opinion, and decide that is the god they will respect. Even many churchgoers do this today. “The spiritual conflict experienced today is exactly of the same nature and of the same character as you find depicted here. The issue is still unsettled in the minds of men, though it is settled eternally in the mind of God. The world is still making every effort to put the best possible show upon its worship of the creature rather than the Creator. Its worship is more the patronizing of the shell of religion than bowing in submission before an empty cross, and occupied throne, and the King of kings in glory.” (Redpath)

I stirred up one from the north - Idols can't decree such things, shape and govern history, create time and space.

“Cyrus had the greatest respect for Jehovah, as we can read in his proclamation concerning the freeing of Israel in Ezra one. In it he states correctly that Jehovah had given him all the kingdoms of the earth.” (Bultema)

ii. “The ‘north’ is included because the Persians conquered the lands north of Babylon before invading her borders.” (Wolf)

Their metal images are empty wind - Judgment.

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