As we have walked through Isaiah together, let’s consider what we’ve seen. I have named these studies “The Gospel according to Isaiah.” Gospel means “Good News” but it includes not just the blessings found in Messiah but also the truth of why we need a Messiah.
We need to understand that we have sinned and because of that sin we have been separated from God. God is holy and cannot look on sin unless there is a covering or atonement. This is true today as it was in Isaiah’s day. In his day atonement for Israel was provided through the priests and the Temple and the sacrifices.
So, in Isaiah we hear God’s indictment of His chosen people and how they have broken covenant with Him. They are beloved but because of their sin He must discipline Israel for in order for them to repent and find peace and reconciliation.
In Isaiah 1–12, God confronts Judah’s sin but promises a coming King from David’s line who will establish righteousness.
In Isaiah 13–23, the “oracles against the nations” reveal that God is not only Israel’s God but the sovereign Judge over all the earth. All mankind is guilty before a holy and righteous God.
Then in Isaiah 24–27, often called Isaiah’s “little apocalypse,” where we saw global judgment followed by global redemption. God is revealed as shaking the earth but preparing blessings for His people.
The word “apocalypse” comes from the Greek word apokalypsis, which means: “Revelation,” (Rev. 1:1) “unveiling,” or “disclosure.” It refers to something that was hidden being made visible. In Isaiah and the OT the word used is “vision” Isa. 1:1.
In Scripture, an “apocalypse” describes God revealing truth concerning His plans for the future, judgment on evil, and His victory over His enemies and kingdom.
In Isaiah 28–32, the focus returns to Judah. God pronounces a series of woes against His people for trusting in human alliances, especially Egypt, instead of Him. Yet as always, judgment is designed to bring repentance leading to the hope of the Davidic son, the coming King who will reign in righteousness (Isaiah 32:1). This is what we saw last week.
Now in Isaiah 33, we see again a warning and a promise. Beginning with a vision of judgment on the destroyer and the judgment and reign of the Lord as King in Zion. This chapter tells us that when the strength of mankind fails, the Lord alone will rise as Judge, Savior, and King and His remnant will dwell in peace in His presence.
V 1 begins with “woe to the destroyer.” This is most likely directed to Assyria. The nation that God used to judge the Northern tribes of Israel. Assyria had plundered nations without being plundered themselves. They appeared invincible, but now God declares what you have done will be done to you. This reveals a consistent biblical principle; God repays injustice with perfect justice. What is sown is reaped Gal. 6:7-8 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
V 2-4 Then Isaiah shifts to a prayer from the remnant who are caught in the judgment on God’s enemies. They call on the Lord for His grace and protection “be gracious to us… be our arm every morning…”
They look to Him rather than Egypt, not trusting in the political alliances that Judah’s leaders are pinning their hopes. Their hope and confidence are in the Lord. They are “waiting” for and looking to Him. Today when we are surrounded by trials in our lives, we too can find hope by resting in His promises, His presence and deliverance. This is why we look back in Israel’s history and behold God’s faithful dealings to His remnant. God often allows our reliance or dependance on others to fail so that we can learn to trust Him alone. Hebrews 3-4 speak to us regarding our fixing our eyes and on Yeshua that we might find His rest and provision on our journey in the trials of life.
After praying they are pictured as speaking to the plundering nations that their “spoils” will be taken from them like crops taken by locusts (v. 4). This is echoed by the prophets Joel and Amos who are more descriptive about the coming judgments (Joel 1:4-12; Amos 7:1-2). Revelation 9 describes demonic figures as locust like attacking God’s enemies bringing His judgment.
V 5-6 The prayer of the righteous continues in praise describing that the Lord is in His holy habitation “The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high…” This is how God fills His people with assurance as they look to Him. By doing so He enables them to trust in His justice and righteousness. He becomes stability, a solid foundation for those who look to Him. They Fear and trust Him rather than the wealth and power of people. He is their treasure and hope.
V 7-9 Yet in contrast, the world is in chaos. This is how the world reacts when political and military efforts fail. The worldly nobles of Judah weep as their political plans collapses. They failed to keep covenant with God, and the land mourns along with the people. Not just Judah but neighboring nations fall under God’s righteous discipline (Lebanon & Israel) as their negotiations with Egypt to stand with them against Assyria fails. The lands that would normally provide their needs are seen as failing. Any sense of security in their resources is removed. Yeshua warns in the parable of the rich man in Luke 12 of storing up treasures here on earth rather than investing our resources in advancing the kingdom.
V 10-12 Then the expression “The darkest hour is just before the dawn” is realized. God says “Now I will arise… I will be exalted…” This too is in response to the prayers of the remnant. This is why we too must pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Today we pray for God’s children in Israel, Iran, and Lebanon who are seeing God to come against the tyranny of Islam and their proxies who have are wreaking havoc in their attacks against Israel and Christians. They are advancing their vision and plans for their god. What is happening in the Middle East is setting the stage for the events of the last days. Thousands in these lands are coming to faith in the God of Israel through His exalted Son, Yeshua. We see in this chapter, both in Isaiah’s day and today in the Middle East, that the plans of men are like chaff. What looks powerful in the world is nothing before the power and judgment of God. When we turn our eyes to Him when surrounded by the troubles of the world they give us His perspective and peace.
V 13-16 In v 14 Isaiah asks who can stand before the consuming fire of the Lord? God is not only a deliverer, but He is also holy. The answer to Isaiah’s question is only the righteous can stand before Him by abiding in Him. He describes the characteristics of such a person: He walks and speak righteously. He rejects any profits reaped in an unjust way. He turns away from fraud and bribery which brings corruption. He does not listen to news of violence and bloodshed and turns his eyes from evil. This is not a call to sinless perfection, but a life marked by humility, integrity, obedience to God’s Word and the fear of the Lord.
This kind of life is only possible today by abiding in Yeshua and walking in His commands empowered by His Holy Spirit. This kind of life is informed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:1-2; Gal. 3:13 ff). In Isaiah’s day it was by keeping His commands found in His Law. But for those who will walk in His ways there is the promise that they “will dwell on the heights… his bread will be given him…”. They will experience security, provision, and nearness to God.
V 17-19 Further the righteous will see the beauty of the Lord “Your eyes will behold the King in His beauty…” They’re taken from judgment surrounding them to a vision of the coming King to Israel and His revelation to the nations. The fear of their enemies characterized by their former rulers and their unintelligible language will no longer be heard and their arrogance and pride removed (v. 18-19). The other uses of the Hebrew word translated “unintelligible speech” in the OT refers to non-Israelites (Is 28:11; 36:11) and point to foreign invaders who dominated Jerusalem. “Where is he who counted… weighed…the towers?” (v 18) They are gone. What once terrified God’s people will be nothing more than a memory. God will wipe every tear from their eyes.
V 20-22 Zion will be secure because of the reign of her King. Zion in Scripture initially referred to a fortress in Jerusalem held by the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:7). It was then taken by King David and renamed the City of David. Over time, “Zion” expanded to include the Temple Mount and eventually, the entire city of Jerusalem. In the Psalms and Prophets, Zion becomes more than geography. It is where God dwells among His people and the center of worship where God rules (Ps. 132:13). In Isaiah Zion is expanded to include the people of Jerusalem and all Israel. Zion (Jerusalem/Judah) is disciplined and redeemed with the coming King. Zion is the chosen place where God dwells, rules, and reveals His glory with the restoration of all things. In the future that will be Jerusalem where the Lord will rule over the nations during the millennium.
Isaiah gives the vision of Jerusalem restored. Where once again the appointed feasts are functioning as God intended. Zechariah describes a time to come when the all the nations will send representatives to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. The reference to an immovable tent is reminiscent of the Tabernacle when God moved with Israel in the wilderness but in that day His presence will be permanent. Unlike other cities dependent on rivers for defense, Jerusalem has “The LORD (who) will be for us a place of rivers and broad streams…” God will be their protection. V 22 gives the reason why no boat with oars or mighty ships will pass through to terrify or dominate. It is because God in Messiah, is Zion’s judge, lawgiver, and king. He is their salvation and deliverer.
V 23-24 The Lord’s final response to the prayer of the remnant is that He will provide abundantly for His people. The ships that attempt to attack God’s people will fail and become spoil for Israel. There will be so much plunder that even the lame will join in the bounty (v. 23).
The is reminiscent of a time described in 2 Kings 7, 100 years earlies when Elisha was serving God. The Northern capital of Israel, Samaria, was surrounded by the Arameans experiencing famine and certain death. Elisha prophesied that deliverance would come. Four lepers who were sitting outside the gate say to themselves “Why sit here until we die?” They decide to go into the enemy camp, expecting either mercy or death. But when they arrive, they find their camp empty. God had caused the Arameans to flee in panic (hearing sounds of an approaching army). The lepers enter the tents and eat and drink, taking silver, gold, and clothing. They were the first to experience the victory and provision God had provided. They then were moved to share the “Good News” with their kinsmen locked up and starving in fear in Jerusalem.
In much the same way in the face of darkness and gloom among the remnant The Lord says to His people that He will not only provide materially, but physically. None will say, “I am sick” (v. 24). This includes spiritual health because God’s deliverance will include forgiveness of sins. Israel and all mankind needs to be delivered from their sins. Full and complete salvation is coming to Zion. When Messiah comes as ruler of His people. Yeshua brought His Kingdom to us and when He returns He will bring forgiveness and restore the remnant of Israel materially, physically, and most importantly, spiritually.
Isaiah 33 reveals that in the day when human power fails, God rises. As David prays in Ps 68:1 “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee before Him.” Judgment falls on the wicked, the righteous dwell securely and the King is revealed in His beauty, power, and strength. This chapter looks forward to the defeat of all oppressors of God’s chosen, the reign of Messiah in Jerusalem and the restoration of His people who are forgiven and secure. The God, who is a consuming fire, is also the One who says, “He will save us.” As He has in the past so He will in our future.
