It was a difficult time in Israel. Its heyday under David and Solomon was over. People and land had separated into a northern and a southern kingdom. Thus, the former unity was no longer visible. Unfaithfulness to God was widespread.

The prophet Isaiah announces, “Therefore, behold, the Lord brings up over them the waters of the River, strong and mighty—the king of Assyria and all his glory … he will pass through Judah” (vv. 7–8). Yet at this very time, God sees among His apostate people a small group of people who hold fast, “God is with us” (v. 10)—a prophetic reference to the coming Immanuel. They feel that God’s chastening is justified, and they heed the warning to “not walk in the way of this people” (v. 11).

It is to these people that God pays attention. In them He takes pleasure. For them He has a special designation: “My disciples.” This is the first time God uses this term in His Word. It describes their close relationship with Him. They want to hold on to God even though society around them has become largely indifferent.

For them, God has reserved something special: His testimony, His law. This testimony was to be “tied up” for them, as a scroll was secured with a ribbon in ancient times when it was transported. And for “law” here a general word is used, which also means “teaching” or “instruction.”

This is characteristic of disciples: they know the testimony of God, they have received His instruction. And what they have learned in fellowship with God shapes their lives, their practice of faith. The Lord was looking for such disciples in Israel at that time. Today He is looking for them in our time and society. Am I such a person: a disciple?