Isaiah 45:7 - God & Evil?

     Unfortunately, some translations use the word "evil" in this verse, saying that "God creates evil." NOT TRUE. NOT RIGHT!
     First, the Hebrew word "ra" MAY be translated evil, but it also may be translated sorrow or calamity. That is the better translation for the context of this verse: "I am the LORD and there is no other." (v. 5) Isaiah is speaking against polytheist dualism (as if there were some sort of division of labor among many gods), a problem for Israel. This is ONE God, one LORD, and only one. God is one oh Israel!
     Second, we must always balance our understanding of any passage with clear teachings in other passages. In this case for this particular translation, we must keep in mind passages such as Habakkuk 1:13, "You are too just to tolerate evil: you are unable to condone wrongdoing." Or, consider Deut. 32: 4, "As for the Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are just."
     Third, the comparison follows another one about light and darkness. He created light. Darkness is simply the absence of light. It is nothingness. Even though sometimes we compare darkness with evil, it really isn't intrinsically evil. It is nothing.
     Fourth, the language of this passage is highly poetic and given to hyperbole. The next verse proclaims that "the sky should rain down righteousness, the clouds should shower deliverance, and the earth should absorb it all." There are obviously different usages for words and language to express ideas, and therefore we must have some flexibility. I am not saying that verse 5 is necessarily hyperbole! I am saying that it comes in a context in which hyperbole is used in order to communicate important basic concepts to Israel.
     In the end, there is ONE LORD GOD. There is not ying-yang, or equal powers of good and evil. Whatever exists, God PERMITS it to exist. God created the universe. God is not the author of evil. God DOES chastise and punish sin and disobedience. But He always is just and gives a warning even when He punishes (following verses). We must honor and obey Him.

Created about 1 year ago