Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

ISAIAH - CHAPTER 33

THE ENEMY DESTROYED AND JUDAH RESTORED TO DIVINE FAVOR

Vs. 1-6: ISAIAH’S FINAL PROPHECY CONCERNING ASSYRIA

1. A woe is pronounced against the Assyrian destroyer who has dealt treacherously, (vs. 1a; Isaiah 10:6; Isaiah 24:16); as he has sown, so shall he reap, (vs. 1b; Isaiah 10:12; Isaiah 14:25; Isaiah 31:8; comp. Habakkuk 2:8; Jeremiah 25:12-14).

2. Verse 2 is the cry of a faithful remnant of Judah with whom the prophet blends his voice, (Isaiah 30:18-19; Isaiah 25:9; Isaiah 40:10; Isaiah 51:5; Isaiah 59:15-16; Isaiah 37:3).

3. What follows graphically pictures both the sovereignty and providence of God Who, with justice and righteousness, shows Himself strong in behalf of Zion - not only in the days of Hezekiah, but also in the last days, (vs. 3; Isaiah 10:33; Isaiah 17:13; Isaiah 59:16-18; Jeremiah 25:30-31).

4. The spoils of the Assyrian camp are quickly leaped upon and gathered up by the people of Judah, (vs. 4; comp. Joel 1:4).

5. Though the name of Jehovah was truly exalted, because of His judgment upon Assyria, the full picture is one that looks forward to the coming and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, (vs. 5-6; 2 Timothy 4:1).

a. No deliverer to date has adequately fulfilled this prophecy; it awaits the exaltation of Jehovah, reigning righteously in the midst of His people on Mt Zion.

b. In that day He will be fully recognized as her adequate security, strength and salvation; the fear of the Lord will be Israel’s great treasure, (contr. 2 Kings 18:13-16).

Vs. 7-12: HUMILIATION AND DELIVERANCE

1. Here the valiant envoys of the Assyrian army call for the surrender of Jerusalem, and are met by the representatives of Hezekiah, the king, who seek peace - with the required tribute in their hands, (vs. 7; 2 Kings 18:18-37).

2. In scornful disregard of the covenant between them (2 Kings 18:14-16), the King of Assyria sends his armies sweeping down upon Judah in such a way as to lay the land desolate, (vs. 8-9; Isaiah 24:5; Isaiah 3:26; Isaiah 29:2; Isaiah 2:12-13; Isaiah 10:34; contr. Isaiah 35:2; Isaiah 65:10).

3. It is at this point that the covenant-God of Judah arises in such swift and consuming judgment upon Assyria as results in the exaltation of his glorious name, (vs. 10-12; James 1:15; Isaiah 1:31; Isaiah 10:17; Isaiah 27:4; 2 Samuel 23:6-7).

Vs. 13-16: THE NAME OF JEHOVAH EXALTED IN JUDGMENT

1. The whole universe is called upon to acknowledge the might of the Lord, (VS. 13; Psalms 48:10-14).

2. God becomes so real to Judah that they are suddenly startled by a consciousness of their sin and, in essence, inquire: "Who among us are fit for His presence?" (vs. 14; comp. Psalms 15:1; Psalms 24:3).

a. Such as are moved by sound, rather than sense, may assume that this "devouring fire" and "everlasting burnings" refer to hell; but, they have missed the point!

b. These terms, rather, refer TO GOD HIMSELF, as seen in his divine zeaf for holiness, and in the jealousy of His pure love, (Exodus 15:11; Exodus 24:16-18; Deuteronomy 4:24; Deuteronomy 9:3; Hebrews 12:29; Deuteronomy 6:15; 1 John 4:16).

3. The answer to the question in verse 14 is found in verses 15 and 16, (comp. Psalms 15:2-5; Psalms 24:4-6).

a. A godly remnant of the covenant-nation will be divinely protected and nourished, (vs. 16; Isaiah 25:4; Isaiah 26:1; Isaiah 49:10; Isaiah 48:22; cf. Psalms 23).

b. A holy and loving God must have holy and loving companions, (Isaiah 26:7-10; Isaiah 32:1; Isaiah 32:16-17; 1 John 1:5-6; Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 4:8-10).

c. There is within’ the divine nature such an antagonism against evil as flames against it and strives to consume it, (Hebrews 10:26-27; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

d. Divine wrath is an essential element of divine love; God hates sin because He loves righteousness, (Psalms 11:7; Psalms 46:7; Hebrews 1:9).

Vs. 17-24: THE KING IN HIS BEAUTY - A MILLENNIAL PREVIEW

1. The eyes of the holy remnant will see the King in all His beauty - the beauty of holiness, (Psalms 27:4; Psalms 110:2-3); and the borders of their land will be extended wide, (vs. 17; Isaiah 6:5; Isaiah 24:23; Isaiah 26:15).

2. The enemy, with his strange language, will pass away, (vs. 18-19; comp. Isaiah 37:33; 2 Kings 19:32-34).

3. Attention is then called to Zion (Psalms 48:12), and the prophet pictures the Holy City in all its glory - peaceful, prosperous and permanent; every blessing being derived from Him Who is her Deliverer, Lawgiver, Judge, King and Saviour, (vs. 20-22; Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 51:4; Isaiah 51:7-8; Isaiah 2:3-4; Isaiah 11:4; Psalms 89:18; Hosea 13:10; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:11; Acts 13:23; Ephesians 5:23; 1 John 4:14), Who now dwells therein forevermore, (Isaiah 16:5; Acts 15:16; Revelation 21:3).

4. Out of weakness they were made strong - their needs supplied, their health restored, their sins forgiven, and their joy in God’s fellowship and love complete, (vs. 23-24; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Philippians 4:19; Isaiah 58:8; Isaiah 44:22; Isaiah 25:9; Romans 8:35-37).