Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

ISAIAH - CHAPTER 25

ZION PRAISES JEHOVAH FOR SALVATION AND COMFORT

Verse 1-5: PRAISING THE LORD FOR HIS MIGHTY WORKS

1. Here is a song of praise from the hearts of those who have been divinely preserved through fearful judgments.

2. The object of adoration is Jehovah Himself with whom they claim a personal relationship, (vs, 1; Exodus 15:2; Psalms 48:14; Isaiah 7:13; Isaiah 49:4-5; Isaiah 61:10).

a. They exalt and praise His name, (Psalms 28:6-7).

b. They rejoice in His wonderful works, (Psalms 40:5; Psalms 98:1); in faithfullness and truth He has fulfilled His covenants (purposes) of old, (Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 46:10; comp. Revelation 3:14) - their "wonderful Counsellor", (Isaiah 9:6).

3. The cause for praise (as here stated) is threefold:

a. For the destruction of the strong, defensed and terrible "city" (representative of no particular city, but of a world-system of humanistic wisdom, power and strategy - under demonic influence - in opposition to, and defiance of the will, Word and way of God) in such a way as to compel the fear of all nations, (Verse 3; Isaiah 13:11).

b. For the deliverance of Zion - being a refuge for the poor and needy in the time of their great distress, (Verse 4-5; Isaiah 14:32; Psalms 28:8; Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 32:1-2; Isaiah 4:5-6).

c. And for the destruction of Moab - their enemy.

1. "Mountain" (Verse 6a) symbolizes the kingdom (or ruling authority) of Messiah, (comp. Daniel 2:35; Ezekiel 17:23; Isaiah 41:15); Mt Zion, of course, is the location from which He will exercise that authority over the whole earth, (Isaiah 24:23; Micah 4:7; comp. Psalms 102:21; Isaiah 31:9; Joel 2:31; Joel 3:16-17).

2. In connection with the enthronement of Messiah in Jerusalem, there will be a festal celebration - the finest of delicacies provided for the enjoyment of the redeemed covenant-community who, taken from all ages, have been noted for their walk of faith before the Lord, (Verse 6; Isaiah 1:19; Isaiah 30:29; Isaiah 55:1-2; Isaiah 62:8-9; Isaiah 66:10-13).

3. The veil of fear and ignorance which, through satanic delusions, have long blinded Israel and the nations, will be removed forever, (Verse 7; 2 Corinthians 3:15-16; Ephesians 4:18; Hebrews 2:14-15).

4. Resurrection-life will triumph over death, (Verse 8a; Hosea 13:14; 1 Corinthians 15:54) - the saints of all ages being raised to share in the life of the Messianic Kingdom.

5. All tears will be banished (Verse 8b; Isaiah 30:19-21; Isaiah 35:10; Isaiah 51:11; Isaiah 65:19; Revelation 7:17; Revelation 21:4), and the shame of Israel will be removed, (Isaiah 51:7-8; Isaiah 54:4; Psalms 69:9; Matthew 5:11; 1 Peter 4:14).

6. And, in verse 9, there is a glad celebration of God’s fidelity by those who have patiently "waited for Him" - joyful now, in the indescribable riches of His full, free and glorious salvation, (Isaiah 40:9-10; Isaiah 52:10; Isaiah 30:18; Isaiah 33:2; Isaiah 33:22; Isaiah 35:4; Isaiah 49:25-26; Isaiah 60:16; Psalms 20:5-7).

Verse 10-12

1) Here it will be noted that the hand (power) of Jehovah’s governing authority is manifested "from Mt Zion" where He will then dwell, (Verse 10; Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 27:13; Joel 3:16-17).

2) He will spoil this corrupter of morals, and bring down her pride (Numbers 22-24; Numbers Verse11; Zephaniah 2:9-10).

3) The fortress of her high walls, wherein she trusted, will be laid low - even to the dust, (Verse 12).