02 August

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Isaiah 23-27

Isaiah 23

The burden of Tyre opens with a graphic description of her desolation. Her harbors are closed. Her borders are desolate. The sea, which had been her highway, is abandoned, and Egypt, her ally, is affrighted at the report. The desolation is then contemplated, and the inquiry, "Who hath purposed this against Tyre?" is answered: "This desolation is the act of Jehovah".

In view of this fact, the utter overthrow is again described. The prophet then declares definitely that for seventy years Tyre is to be forgotten. After seventy years she is to be visited by Jehovah, and restored to a position of influence. There is no hint of Tyre turning at any time to God. According to this prophecy, when restored she will still play the harlot with the kings of the earth. Her restoration is to be in some way in the economy of God, of service to His own people. Nothing more than this is intended.

Isaiah 24

In these last chapters of the second circle, the prophet takes a still wider outlook. He sees how all the world is under the government of God. In this chapter the prophet states the fact in general terms, and describes a worldwide desolation determined on by Jehovah. This determination is first declared. Jehovah has spoken the word. After having stated this, the prophet describes the visitation following on this determination. The earth itself is seen to mourn and fade away, devoured by a curse, while all mirth ceases. The city is desolate. As the prophet looks out on this terrible scene, he seems to hear some note of hope. Somewhere the voices of singers are heard. The hope gives way to despair as suddenly as it appears, for there is nothing before the prophet's vision save judgment and desolation. The prophecy of world-wide judgment ends with the declaration that it will be the act of Jehovah, and will issue in His perfect victory.

Isaiah 25

Immediately following this terrible description is a prophecy which, in the form of praise, declares the activity of Jehovah. The song first offers praise for judgment both in its procedure, as it destroys the false city, and in its results, as by such action God manifests Himself as the Succorer and Helper of the afflicted.

The result of this activity will be spreading the feast in the mountain of the Lord, and His illumination of all the nations, followed by the ending of sorrow and the wiping away of tears.

At last Jehovah's own afflicted people will break forth into a song of praise as they come to know Him; and their enemies, comprehensively spoken of as Moab, will finally be overcome and cast out.

Isaiah 26

Naturally following this prophecy of praise for the activity of Jehovah is the great song which will be sung in the day of Jehovah's ultimate victory. It is praise for the establishment of the city, and for deliverance. The deep secret of the new condition is the secret of the mind stayed on Jehovah. In Him is the Rock of Ages. He has overcome enemies and established the just.

The song merges into one of praise for this Jehovah. Other lords have had dominion, but it is Jehovah who has increased the nation and enlarged the borders of the land. Again the song becomes one of praise for deliverance. The prophet refers to the pain and travail of the past. The new condition is as resurrection out of such death, and praise is therefore fitting. Remembering that he is still speaking in the midst of judgment, the processes of which must proceed to consummation, the prophet utters a final call to the people of God, urging them to quietness and patience until the indignation be past.

Isaiah 27

This circle of prophecy ends with a message which describes the process toward ultimate restoration, and announces its certainty. The way to restoration is the way of judgment, and this the prophet first announces in figurative language.

The first issue of judgment will be restoration of God's chosen people, and the prophet refers to this under the figure of the vineyard. This figure stands in striking contrast to that in chapter five. The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is now seen as kept by Him, and watered every moment, and the plant of His choice is seen filling the world with fruit. The process of such restoration is judgment, and the prophet declares this in the next section of the message. A ruined vineyard is always the result of failure, and on such failure the Lord can have no compassion.

The last note is hope. The broken and scattered people are to be brought back at the sound of the trumpet, and are to realize their highest vocation, that is, worshiping Jehovah in their holy mountain at Jerusalem.