Isaiah

"Prophet for a troubled time"

Outline

I. Judgment and Redemption: 1:1-5:30

II. Isaiah commissioned to be God's messenger: 6:1-13

III. Immanuel: His Messianic Kingdom: 7:1-12:6

IV. Judgments on the nations: 13:1-23:18

V. The consummation of history: The "Day of the Lord": 24:1-27:13

VI. Jerusalem to be destroyed and restored: 28:1-33:24

VII. V-Day in God's kingdom: 34:1-35:10

VIII. Jerusalem delivered from Assyria, destroyed by Babylon: 36:1-39:8

IX. The way of deliverance: 40:1-48:22

X. The way of forgiveness opened to all (special emphasis on chapter 53): 49:1-57:21

XI. The way to glory: 58:1-66:24

Prophecies of Christ in Isaiah

1. 7:14 - Born of a virgin, Immanuel

2. 8:14, 28:16 - "Stone of Stumbling" to Jews

3. 9:1 - Ministry to begin in Galilee

4. 11:1 - Family line of Jesse

5. 11:2 - Special anointment

6. 35:5,6 - Ministry of miracles

7. 40:3 - Preceded by messenger

8. 50:6 - Smitten and spit upon

9. 53:3 - Rejected by his own people

10. 53:5 - Wounded and bruised

11. 53:7 - Dumb before accusers.

12. 53:9 - Buried in a rich man's tomb

13. 53:12 - Crucified with thieves, Made intercession for his persecutors

14. 60:3 - "Light" to Gentiles

Introduction

Isaiah is regarded as one of the greatest of the Old Testament prophets. He was blessed by God with a long ministry to the people of Judah that lasted over 50 years from 740-681 BC He preached during the reigns of four of Judah's kings, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.

Isaiah's name literally means "Salvation of the Lord" or "The Lord Saves" and is almost identical in meaning with the name Joshua or Jesus. It is very appropriate that his name so closely resembles that of our Lord as his book contains many prophecies about our Lord's birth, life, death and resurrection.

We know little of Isaiah's personal history. The book of Isaiah tells us only that his father was Amoz. The fact that he had ready access to the kings of Judah indicates that he may have been of noble birth. The literary style of his book also suggests an upper class background. He was married to a prophetess and had two sons, Shear-Jashub and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. Jewish tradition holds that Isaiah suffered martyrdom during the reign of Manasseh by being sawn in two (see Hebrews 11:37).

Historical Background

The people of Isaiah's day were morally bankrupt. The nation of Israel which had reached its zenith under Solomon had been divided during the reign of his son, Rehoboam. The northern ten tribes of Israel quickly adopted the idol worship of the surrounding nations and were conquered by Assyria in 722 BC

Isaiah preached to the southern kingdom of Judah. He rebuked the people for their moral depravity. The rich trampled the poor and women were concerned with personal adornments and calling attention to themselves. The people also began to worship false gods.

The kings who reigned while Isaiah preached were not especially bad kings. In fact Uzziah (Azariah), Jotham and Hezekiah were good kings. Ahaz alone, who reigned after Jotham, was an evil king who worshiped false idols and even sacrificed his son to them.

The priests on the whole are a different story. They were charged with leading the people in the ways of the Lord but Isaiah accused them of leading the people astray. The priests allowed the people to pursue idol worship and to lead immoral lives.

God eventually punished Judah for its sins by allowing Assyria to conquer much of her territory. God did, however; prevent the Assyrians from taking Jerusalem. That privilege was given by God to the Babylonian Empire which succeeded the Assyrian Empire. Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC.

Organization of the Book

The book of Isaiah can be divided rather broadly into two sections. The first, composed of chapters 1-39, has a basic theme of judgment and warning and interestingly enough corresponds in length to the number of books in the Old Testament. The second section, chapters 40-66, has a basic theme of grace and peace and the number of chapters in this section corresponds to the number of books in the New Testament. This section emphasizes the dawning of a new age under the Messiah.

Prophecies about Christ abound throughout the book of Isaiah. His virgin birth is foretold in Isaiah 7:14. His birth and descent from David are mentioned in Chapter 9:6-7. Special attention should be given to chapter 53 which vividly portrays our Lord as a "man of sorrows." This chapter graphically foretells the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Chapters 61-66 tell of the second coming and final judgment.

Because of his prophecies about Christ Isaiah is sometimes referred to as "The Evangelist of the Old Testament." The truly amazing fact of all is that these prophecies were made 700 years before Jesus' birth. It is important to keep in mind the Christ-centered focus of Isaiah's book.

Judgment and Redemption

I. Introduction

In these opening chapters of the book of Isaiah we are presented by Isaiah with God's charges of sins committed by the people of Judah and their leaders. The style of Isaiah's writing is reminiscent of a courtroom proceeding with God as the judge and prosecutor and the people of Judah as the accused. Isaiah presents God's accusations then His judgments but interspersed throughout this are calls to repentance and the promise of God's forgiveness.

II. Chapter 1:2-8 - Charges against Judah and Jerusalem

A. The accusations are presented as though God is calling a court to order. God calls on the heavens and the earth as witnesses.

B. Verse 2 - The relationship of God to Judah is compared to that of a father to his children. Does a father use punishment as a means to destroy his children or as a means to correct them?

C. Verse 4 - The word for nation used here (goi) is used to describe the heathen nations around Israel. God is applying this term to Judah to show that Judah has sunk to the level of these nations.

D. Verse 6 - What does this verse indicate about the spiritual condition of the people?

E. Verses 7-8 - These verses foretold the destruction of the fortified cities of Judah by Sennacherib, King of Assyria.

1. See 2 Kings 18:7, 13-16.

2. God saved Jerusalem from Assyria (2 Kings 19:35-37).

F. Verses 10-17 - God declares Judah's offerings and prayers unacceptable because of their sin. A call to repentance is given.

III. Chapter 1:18-20, 26-27 - Promise of Redemption

A. Stark contrast is given between the condition the people are in and the change to be made in them (scarlet--snow).

1. Was Judah in a position to make this change in themselves?

2. What is indicated as the cause of man's downfall in verse 20?

3. Verses 26-27 refer to the New Jerusalem following the Second Coming.

IV. Chapter 2:6-9, 10-22 - The Day of the Lord

A. Verses 6-9 - Judah is chastised for associating with pagans, worshiping idols and sorcery.

B. Verses 10-22 - Judgment day.

1. Verse 10 - When attacked by an enemy the common people would hide in caves to escape.

2. Does Isaiah point out the benefits of the "Day of the Lord?"

3. Which types of people should fear God's judgment in that day (verse 12)?

4. See Revelation 6:15-16. How does this compare to Isaiah 2:21? Can anyone hide from God's judgment?

5. Do we have to fear God's wrath on that day? See Psalm 121:1-2.

V. Chapter 2:2-4 - A Glorious Future

A. Compare Micah 4:1-3 with Isaiah 2:2-4.

1. The Micah passage is engraved on a plaque at the United Nations.

2. Why don't we have peace in our day?

B. Is Isaiah speaking of the end times? What gives you the clue from this passage?

C. What does this passage say to the Jew who thought salvation was only for his people?

VI. Chapter 3:1-4, 13-15 - God pronounces Judgment

A. God is now seated in judgment on the nation of Judah. He is called "The Lord Almighty," a title of judgment.

B. Verses 4-12 indicate the conditions in Judah following the forced exile of its leaders.

C. What have the leaders of the people done that God is removing them (verses 13-15)?  See 2 Kings 24:14 to see the fulfillment of this prophecy.

VII. Chapter 3:16-26 - Judgment on the Women of Judah

A. Women of that day were proud and sexually promiscuous.

1. How does Isaiah illustrate their mannerisms and dress?

2. The Canaanite goddess Ishtar was decorated with many of the pieces of jewelry mentioned here.

3. How does the behavior of women in that day compare with our society today?

B. Verse 24 - The branding referred to here was a mark on the forehead of prisoners which marked them as slaves forever. It caused permanent disfigurement.

C. Verse 4:1 - Seven women seek one man.

1. Seven signifies the maximum number.

2. Middle Eastern women dreaded being childless.

VIII. Chapter 4:2-6 - Future Redemption

A. Isaiah returns to a discussion of the "Day of the Lord" from chapter 2.

1. "In that day."

2. Who has removed the sin of the people?

B. Verse 2- "The fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel."

1. The term for "branch" is used to describe the Messiah.

2. See Jeremiah 23:5.

C. Verse 5- "Cloud of smoke" and "pillar of fire"- Does this echo a past experience of Israel when God's presence was with them?

IX. Chapter 5:1-4 - Parable of the Vineyard

A. How does Verse 7 explain this parable? Who is the owner of the vineyard?  Who does the vineyard stand for?

B. Christ often taught in parables. See Matthew 21:33 for another "Parable of the Vineyard."

C. The owner of the vineyard followed all the steps to produce a good harvest (i.e. preparing the ground, care for vines, watch tower...).

1. If all conditions are right for the vines to produce a good harvest is the owner at fault? What must have caused it to go bad?

2. Who is to blame for sin according to this parable?

Isaiah Commissioned

I. Introduction

Isaiah receives a vision of the Lord in this chapter. During this vision he is cleansed of his sin and commissioned to give a message to the people of Judah. His message is not one of hope and peace but of death and destruction which God will bring on the people because of their spiritual blindness and persistence in sin.

II. Chapter 6:1-4 - The Vision.

A. The Setting

1. "In the year that King Uzziah died."  Uzziah died in 742 BC Uzziah began his reign at age 16 and ruled over Judah for 52 years. He was considered one of Judah's greatest kings. He had an army of more than 300,000 and used it effectively to defeat many of Judah's enemies (see 2 Chronicles 26). His downfall came when he tried to usurp the role of the priests and offer incense in the temple. God afflicted Uzziah with leprosy and he suffered with that disease till the day he died.

2. The Temple

a. Describe the vision Isaiah saw. See John 12:41 to find out who Isaiah actually saw.

b. The temple referred to here was probably not the earthly temple in Jerusalem as mention is made of the presence of the seraphim. The cherubim watched over the earthly temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6:23).

c. The word used for temple can also mean palace.

B. Seraphim

1. Their name literally means "burning ones." Their chief characteristic is their love for God.

2. Describe the appearance of the seraphim. Can you think of a reason they would cover their faces and feet?

3. Song of the Seraphim (verse 3).

a. Does this song resemble part of our liturgy?

b. "the whole earth is full of his glory." This is literally saying that all created things reflect God's glory.

c. This song is also sung by the "Four Living Creatures" in Revelation 4:8.

d. The three-fold holy may be a reference to the Trinity (see verse 8 and Genesis 1:26).

III. Chapter 6:5-7 - Absolution

A. Verse 5- Sin recognized.

1. Why do you think that Isaiah would be reminded of his sin by looking at the heavenly splendor and majesty of our Lord?

2. Can you recall a time or times in your life when your sin really has disturbed you and when you really felt a conscious need for forgiveness?

B. Verse 6- Sin Forgiven.

1. When the angel says that Isaiah's sins are forgiven he uses the future tense. This implies the future sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

2. We might compare this scene to that of the pastor pronouncing absolution on the repentant sinner.

3. Elements in forgiveness. Confession/absolution. (1 John 1:9)

IV. Chapter 6:8-13 - Commission as Prophet

A. Verse 8- The Call.

1. "...Who will go for us?" This could be a reference again to the Trinity.

2. Why has Isaiah's outlook changed from that of a fearful sinner to that of a willing servant? How does this mirror our own relationship with God? Do we serve God for fear of His judgment or to earn His 

B. Verses 9 & 10- Message for a People Blinded by Sin.

1. The Lord uses the phrase "this people" as a sign of disdain rather than "my people."

2. Is Isaiah to speak a message that will turn the people from their sin? What will be the effect of his message on them?

3. Do people close their eyes and ears to God's Word today? Name some examples.

C. Verses 11-13- Isaiah Questions and God Answers.

1. Isaiah wondered that the God of grace who forgave him his sin would now pass such judgment on Judah so he asks the question, "For how long, O Lord?"

2. What do you think God is specifically referring to in verse 12?

3. God promises grace finally in verse 13. The terebinth is a great thick-­trunked tree which could survive hot, dry weather. The oak is a long-lived tree which itself became a symbol of longevity. God would leave a remnant who would remain following the destruction and captivity that the people would 

V. Summary

Isaiah received a commission from God to preach to the people of Judah. Though we have not received a vision telling us to preach God has given us His Word which tells us to go and "...make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19). Isaiah's message was largely one of destruction but we have been entrusted with the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. God grant us willing hearts and voices to speak this Good News to all the lost souls we come into contact with in our daily lives.

Immanuel: His Messianic Kingdom

I. Historical Background

A. Syria and Israel attacked Judah (736-734 BC).

1. Result of Ahaz' evil life: Ahaz succeeded Jotham around 740 BC He was one of the most evil kings of Judah. 2 Chronicles 28 and 1 Kings 16 record his reign. He promoted idolatry and even sacri­ficed one of his sons.

2. Isaiah 7 relates how God called on Ahaz to trust in Him for deliverance. God commanded Ahaz to ask for a sign but Ahaz refused. He turned instead to Assyria for help.

B. The fall of Israel and Syria.

1. Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria, conquered Syria around 732 BC Israel became subject to him. (Isaiah 8:4)

2. Shalmaneser V succeeded his father as king of Assyria. He besieged Samaria in 725 BC Israel fell to Sargon, his son, in 722 BC (Isaiah 9:8-21)

3. Isaiah and his sons were signs for Judah and Israel. (Isaiah 8:18) a. Shear Jashub- "a remnant shall return" b. Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz- "quick to the plunder" c. Isaiah- "salvation is of the Lord"

C. Punishment of Judah. (Isaiah 10:1-11)

1. Assyria attacked Judah during the reign of Hezekiah (743 BC) Sennacherib, King of Assyria, conquered the fortified cities of Judah.

2. God stopped Assyria from taking Jerusalem. The "Angel of the Lord" killed 185,000 soldiers of the Assyrian army. (Isaiah 10:16, 37:36)

3. Judah ultimately fell to Babylon in 586 BC Isaiah's prophecy in 7:18-25 may be a reference to this.

D. Punishment of Assyria. (Isaiah 10:12-18)

1. The King of Assyria did not give glory to God for his victories. He claimed his victories were the result of his own power.

2. The Assyrian army was destroyed outside of Jerusalem (C2).

3. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, fell to Babylon in 612 BC.

Messianic Prophecies

II. Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:10-16)

A. Ahaz rejected God in favor of his alliance with Assyria.

1. verse 11- "Ask the Lord your God for a sign..."verse 13- "Will you also try the patience of my God also?"

2. This signals the turning point in the history of Judah. Because of Ahaz' apostasy Judah is doomed to fall.

3. God would preserve a remnant of Judah because the Messiah would come from Judah. This is the reason for the prophecy in verses14-16.

B. "The virgin will be with child..." verse 14

1. Virgin is the correct translation here. The RSV uses "young woman." This is a possible translation but is not correct in this instance.

2. Leupold defines the Hebrew word as "...a marriageable young lady of unblemished reputation. It cannot be denied that such a one is to be classified as a virgin." (Exposition of Isaiah, p. 156)

3. The Septuagint (280-180 BC), an early Greek translation of the Old Testament, translates the word as virgin.

4. Matthew 1:23 uses this passage to support the virgin birth of Christ.

C. This prophecy had its fulfillment in Christ alone.

1. The text says, "The virgin," speaking of one person.

2. Matthew 1:22- "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord said through the prophet."

D. Reflections

1. Why did Christ have to be born of a virgin?

2. What does the name Immanuel (God with us) mean for us in our lives today?

III. Stone of Stumbling. (Isaiah 8:11-17)

A. Conspiracy. Verse 12

1. This word may also be translated as treason. The Jews considered it treasonous to oppose the alliance with Assyria.

2. The Lord told Isaiah that the people should fear Him and not Syria or Israel.

B. Christ is the issue.

1. Those who reject Him will be destroyed by Him Matthew 21:42.

2. The Jews rejected Him, trusting instead in their own works. Romans 9:32-33.

3. For the Christian Christ is the Cornerstone. 1 Peter 2:4-9 (Christ is the most important stone or Cornerstone. In Christ we are united as a spiritual building.)

C. Reflections

1. What does Isaiah 8:14 say to those who reject Christ?

2. What does this passage mean for us as believers concerning our relationship with Christ and one another?

IV. Chapter 9:1-7 - To us a Child is born

A. Background

1. This area of Galilee was destroyed around 734-732 BC by Assyria.

2. The deliverance from the darkness of sin is compared to the victory of Gideon over Midian in verse 4 (Judges 6-8).

B. The Deliverer

1. The reference to the Messiah as a child ties in with Isaiah 7:14.

2. "The government...shoulders."- Gold chains were worn by rulers in ancient times as a sign of their authority.

3. Titles of the Messiah

a. Wonderful Counselor- This emphasizes His wisdom in formulating a plan of salvation.

b. Mighty God- Christ is the all-powerful God.

c. Everlasting Father- God’s love for man is an everlasting love.

d. Prince of Peace-The Messiah will establish peace between God and man. (Rom. 5:1)

4. He is a descendant of David and rules on David's throne.

V. Chapter 10:20-21 - The Remnant

A. God will call some of the Jews back to Judah after the captivity.

B. They will return in the hope of the Messiah. ("Mighty God" 9:6, "Holy One of Israel")

VI. Chapter 11 - The Messiah and His Kingdom

A. Description of the Messiah. (Isaiah 11:1-5).

1. He will come from the remnant as a sprout (Isaiah 6:13, Jeremiah 23:5). Jesus was a Nazarene (The Hebrew word netzer means sprout).

2. He will be the perfect ruler: endowed with wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and fear of the Lord.

3. His rule is one of righteousness. Justice is given to the poor and needy.

B. Restoration of Nature in the Kingdom. (Isaiah 11:6-9)

1. The creation was subject to decay because of man's sin. Romans 8:19-21.

2. Men and animals will live in harmony

3. "...for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord..." ­The blindness of sin will be gone.

C. The Harvest (Isaiah 11:11-12.)

1. God will restore His people of all nations, not just Israel and Judah.

2. (John 12:32) Christ was lifted up on the cross as a banner to the nations.

VII. Summary

Isaiah summaries the blessings of the Messiah in the song of praise in chapter 12. Despite the unfaithfulness of Judah and Israel God will accomplish His plan of salvation for the whole world.

Judgments on the Nations

I. Introduction

It is assumed that these prophecies were given after the death of Ahaz based on Isaiah 14:28. Isaiah predicted the downfall of several nations in these chapters. The downfall of Babylon, which is spoken of first did not occur until 100 years after the death of Ahaz. (715 BC)

Theme:  Refusal to depend on God is foolishness which will result in destruction. Salvation is to be found in the one true God who will raise up "One from the house of David." (Isaiah 16:5)

II. Nations singled out for destruction

A. Babylon 13-14; 21:1-10

1. Babylon had not yet risen as a world power but would eventually re­place Assyria as the dominant nation in the Middle East.

2. Babylon was destroyed because of its pride. (13:19)

3. Babylon fell to Cyrus, King of Persia, in 539 BC. The Medes and Elamites were also involved in her destruction. (21:2)

4. Babylon is probably listed first since it came to symbolize man's rebellion against God. (Genesis 11 to Revelation 18)

B. Assyria 14:24-27, 18:4-6

1. Assyria rose as a world power in part because David conquered the Kingdom of Zobah in Syria which threatened it at that time. (1000 BC)

2. At the height of its power Assyria defeated Syria and Israel and almost took control of Judah.

3. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, fell in 612 BC to Babylon.

C. Philistia 14:28-32

1. They are thought to have come from Crete being of Greek origin.

2. They settled along the Mediterranean coast after unsuccessful attempts to conquer Egypt.

3. Isaiah was probably warning against rejoicing over the death of Ahaz and the possibility of an alliance with Judah against Assyria.

D. Moab  Chapters 15-17

1. The people of Moab were descendants of Lot.

2. They had been subjugated to Judah during the reigns of David and Saul.

3. This prophecy is probably referring to the invasion in 715 BC by Sargon of Assyria.

E. Damascus and Ephraim  Chapter 17:1-6

1. Israel, called Ephraim here, and Damascus, the capital of Syria, had been allied against Assyria.

2. Isaiah speaks of the false glory of these two nations who relied on their own strength instead of God.

3. Damascus fell to Shalmaneser, King of Assyria, in 732 BC.

F. Cush (Ethiopia) Chapter 18

1. This actually refers to the combined Kingdoms of Ethiopia and Egypt under Shabako (an Ethiopian) who rose to power in 714 BC.

2. Isaiah is not predicting the destruction of Cush in this chapter. He is telling their ambassadors, who wanted to establish an alliance against Assyria, to go home.

G. Egypt and Cush Chapters 19-20

1. Isaiah predicted civil war in Egypt and a failure of the life-giving Nile River to overflow according to its normal annual cycle.

2. Judah should not rely on Egypt because it is doomed to destruction.

3. Isaiah went for three years wearing only a tunic. He did not wear his sackcloth cloak or shoes in order to symbolize the approaching captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia.

H. Edom 21:11-12

1. Dumma is probably the symbolic name for Seir where the land of Edom is located.

2. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, are pictured as recognizing Judah's God as the only true God and paying attention to God's watchmen (the prophets).

3. Hymn 71 (TLH) tells of the time when the "morning" actually came (the birth of the Messiah).

I. Arabia 21:13-17

1. Isaiah tells of the end of Arabian power as a result of an Assyrian invasion.

2. He pictures the Arabian caravans having to hide in thickets because of the invaders.

J. Jerusalem Chapter 22

1. Verses 1-4 probably refer to the Assyrian invasion and attempt to take Jerusalem around 715 BC.

2. Verses 5-14 describe the final destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.

3. Verses 15-25 speak of the replacement of Shebna by Eliakim as Hezekiah's steward. Shebna built his tomb in vain since he would be taken to Babylon.

K. Tyre Chapter 23

1. Tyre was a prosperous port on the Mediterranean coast with many colonies around the Mediterranean.

2. It was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar in 588 BC Verse 15 pictures the 70 year dominance of Babylon in the Middle East.

3. Verse 17-18 may refer to Tyre supplying materials to the Jews for rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem after the exile (Ezra 3:7).

III. Chapter 14:5-6 - God is in control of history

A. God was in control during the time of Isaiah.

1. Babylon was pictured as the prime enemy of God and His people.

2. She is punished not so much for what she has done to Judah but because of her pride.

3. Isaiah tells of the pride of her kings in chapter 14:12-20.  This was once thought to refer to the fall of Satan from heaven being compared to Luke 10:18, Revelation 9:1 and 12:7-9.  This actually refers to a king or kings of Babylon, possibly Nebuchadnezzar or his son Belshazzar (see Daniel 5:26-30.)

4. God is the one who will overthrow Babylon. 14:5-6

5. See Psalm 46. This emphasizes God’s control over history.

6. What does Luke 12:22-31 tell us about our Lord’s concern for us today? What should we seek after and view as most important in our lives?

IV. Chapter 16:1-5 - The establishment of the Messiah's kingdom

A. Moab had been subject to Israel from the time of Saul up until the time of Ahab in the Northern Kingdom. From that time on Israel and Moab were at war at various times.

B. Isaiah instructs Moab to resume their tribute to Israel. Moab’s gods had failed them in their fight against the Assyrian invaders.  They come to Israel to seek the true God. (verses 3-4)

C. Verse 5 proclaims the coming of the Messiah who would be a blessing not only to Israel but to Moab and all nations (see Genesis 12:3).

V. Gentiles and Jews will turn to God.

A. The true God is the only hope of man. 17:7-8

1. Men will look to their Maker instead of the things they have made.

2. Asherah: This was the female consort of the Canaanite god, El, and symbolized fertility. The people would turn to the God who made both male and female.

3. What false gods do people turn to today? ~at are potentially false gods in your life?

B. Cush turns to God. 18:7

1. The people of Ethiopia would one day worship the Messiah (see Psalm 68:29-31; Zephaniah 3:9-10).

2. Acts 8:26-39 tells the story of how this was fulfilled in the New Testament.

C. Egypt and Assyria turn to God. 19:19-25.

1. The altar referred to is sometimes thought to refer to the Jewish temple built at Elephatine in 410 BC

2. The building of the altar and obedience to the ceremonial law symbolize their dedication to God.

3. Verses 23-25 speak of a time which can only be the result of the blessings of Egypt, Assyria and Israel through the Messiah (Genesis 12:3).

VI. Summary

A careful reading of these chapters reveals the hopeless condition of man when he rejects God and is subjected to His punishment (13:10-11). The stark drama of human tragedy contrasts with the glimmers of hope which can only be found in the true God.

The Consummation of History: The “Day of the Lord''

I. Introduction

In chapters 13-23 Isaiah spoke of the downfall of individual nations who had played a part in Judah's history. In these chapters Isaiah's eyes are opened to view a wider scene of action. He sees far into the future to the final judgment and deliverance of God's people. These chapters are sometimes called the "Apocalypse of Isaiah."

II. Chapter 24 - The Universal Judgment

A. No class of people will escape the judgment. 24:1-5

1. Verse 1- The word for devastate can also mean empty. The earth is pictured as a container turned upside down by the Lord.

2. Verse 2- Social, religious, business or financial distinctions make no difference. People of both high and low standing will be judged together.

3. Verse 5- The reason for judgment is sin against God's law or covenant (Genesis 9:9- with Noah; Romans 2:12-16- all men have the law written on their hearts.)

B. Punishment. 24:6-12  

1. Wine and strong drink are taken away. All joys of earthly life will be gone.

2. Verse 10-12- the cities (man's great accomplishments) will be destroyed.

C. The Redeemed. 24:13-16

1. Verse 13 depicts the thoroughness of the destruction. The rotten fruit will fall but the remnant of believers will be left.

2. Verses 14-16- me contrast of east and west indicates the whole world. Believers from the whole earth will praise God, especially the "Righteous One" who redeemed them.

D. Judgment is inescapable. 24:17-22

1. Verse 17-18- There is no place to hide from God.

2. Verse 19-20- Earthquakes are suggested. These verses picture the Lord shaking the container (earth) with His hands.

3. Verse 21-22- Judgment on Satan and the fallen angels as well as unbelievers. (Revelation 20:7-1 0; Matthew 25:31-46)

E. The Lord will rule forever and all other gods (the sun and moon) will be shown as inferior. 24:23  What does this chapter say to those who trust in their material possessions?

III. Chapter 25 - A Hymn of Praise for God's Salvation

A. Judgment of the wicked and preservation of the redeemed. 25:1-5

1. Verse 2- A city is again brought in as a symbol of the works of men which they glory in instead of worshiping God.

2. Verse 3  Some of the wicked will turn to God.

3. Verse 4-5  God protects the needy and poor. The "breath of the ruthless" is like rain beating against a concrete wall. It has no effect on it.  God's plan cannot be changed by men.

B. The Heavenly Banquet. 25:6-9

1. Verse 6  Eating was a sign of fellowship in ancient times. God made this meal possible by restoring fellowship between Himself and men in Christ.

2. Verse 7  God will remove the veil of ignorance and sin (1 Corinthians 3:12-16).

3. Verse 8  God will destroy death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57), and wipe away all tears (Revelation 21:4).

C. The destruction of God's enemies. 25:10-12

1. Moab is used to represent the enemies of God.

2. The punishment of God's enemies is compared to swimming in manure.

IV. Chapter 26 - A Hymn of Praise for God's Works

A. The strong city. 26:1-6

1. The picture of a city is used here to represent all of the redeemed ("the nation that keeps faith").

2. The Lord alone is to be trusted. He is the "Rock-eternal."

B. God’s Great Works  26:7-15

1. God is concerned for the welfare of His people and he guides them.

2. Verse 9  "Night" represents the time of trial before God's final judgment.

3. Verse 10-11  Times of blessing do not cause the wicked to repent so God will punish them.

4. Verse 12-15- Israel's subjection under foreign invaders had caused them to call on the true God.

C. Man's view of history: It has no meaning  26:16-18

1. Israel had suffered so much and the people could not see God's plan behind it.

2. Isaiah compares Israel's past to a woman suffering through childbirth without having the joy of bearing a child.

D. God's view: history has one purpose  26:19-21

1. Verse 19- God's purpose is the salvation of man. The dead will rise and God's people will live with him forever.

2. Verse 20- Man must wait patiently for God to accomplish this.

3. Verse 21- Christ's second coming is clearly pictured here. All sin will be brought to light at that time.

When we suffer trials and loss God tells us that our lives have meaning and purpose in Him. Christ has redeemed us and will gather us on the last day to eat at his banquet table.

V. Chapter 27 - The Deliverance of the "Israel of God."

A. The destruction of Satan  27:1

1. Leviathon obviously refers to Satan.

2. (Genesis 3:15- He shall crush his head."; Psalm 74:14  Leviathon's head is crushed; Revelation 12:9  Satan is again described as a serpent.)

B. The fruitful vineyard  27:2-6

1. In which previous chapter did Isaiah mention a vineyard?

2. Verse 3- The vineyard pictured here is the New Testament Church which the Lord watches over personally.

3. Verse 4-5  The wicked (briers) will be punished unless they turn to God.

4. Verse 6  The church will produce fruit throughout the whole world.

C. God's mercy to Judah  27:7-9

1. God did not completely destroy Judah because the Messiah would come as one of Judah's descendants.

2. Verse 9  The false gods must be destroyed. Salvation is found only in the true God (John 17:3).

3. Verse 10-11 Those who oppose God are destroyed.

4. Verse 12-13 The "Israelites" are all believers whom Christ will take to Himself on Judgment Day. (Galatians 6:16)

VI. Summary

We do not fear the day of judgment since Christ has redeemed us and promises to take us to the great wedding feast in heaven. "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Jerusalem to be Destroyed and Restored