What I Noticed Today (Isaiah 31-34)
Isaiah 31
Isaiah 31 continues the woe against the people of Judah, who wanted to create an alliance with Egypt against the Assyrians. It also refers to the Messiah, who will one day come to deliver His people.
In verses 1-3, the woe is pronounced on those who journeyed to Egypt to secure an alliance rather than turning to God for protection.
Note: Procuring horses and chariots was a direct violation of God’s command in Deuteronomy 17:16.
In verses 4-5, the Lord tells Isaiah, He will come down to Jerusalem (Mount Zion) and fight to protect and deliver the people.
In verses 6-9, Isaiah exhorts the people to return to God and to cast aside their idols. If they do this, God promises the Assyrians will fall because God would fight for them.
Isaiah 32
Isaiah 32 announces the Millennial reign of the Messiah, who will reign in righteousness.
In verses 1-2, the king reigns in righteousness, and the princes will rule with justice, and each will be a shelter from storms.
In verses 3-8, Isaiah describes the discernment of the people regarding spiritual matters (eyes, ears, heart, tongue). The fool will be recognized and not considered noble. The scoundrel will be known for his evil deeds. The noble will stand firm.
In verses 9-14, Isaiah exhorts the women of Judah not to be complacent thinking that God’s judgment would not come, when, in fact, it will come in a little more than a year.
In verses 15-20, Isaiah describes a time when the Holy Spirit will be poured out. The land will become fruitful, and justice and righteousness will result in peace among the people.
Isaiah 33
Isaiah 33 announces the sixth and final woe from chapters 28-33.
In verse 1, the word “Ah” or “Oh” (depending on the translation) is the Hebrew word for “woe.” The woe is directed to the betrayer. Some scholars believe the betrayer is Sennacherib; some believe it is people inside Judah who wanted to make an alliance with Egypt, but others believe the reference is to other nations that betrayed Israel.
In verses 2-6, the remnant calls out to God, waiting for Him to save them. Isaiah tells them the Lord is exalted and will eventually fill Jerusalem with justice and righteousness. They will have salvation, wisdom, and knowledge if they fear the Lord.
In verses 7-12, Isaiah describes an attack on Jerusalem that occurs in the future as if it were already happening. The messengers who sought peace weep bitterly. The people no longer travel about the land. Fertile areas will become desolate. However, the Lord will rise up against their enemies, cutting them down.
In verses 13-16, God calls on the people everywhere to acknowledge Him. Only those who walk righteously and despise oppression will be able to dwell with God.
In verses 17-24, Isaiah describes the land in which the righteous remnant will live. There will be no foreign invaders. Jerusalem will be peaceful and secure. The people will acknowledge God as their judge and lawgiver. The redeemed will have their sins forgiven.
Isaiah 34
Isaiah 34 is God’s call to all nations and a warning of future judgment.
In verses 1-4, God proclaims His anger at the nations and their armies. There will even be cosmic implications (heavenly bodies, stars) to His judgment.
In verses 5-17, God declares that after this (vv. 1-4), His judgment will come down on Edom and the people set apart for destruction. Bozrah (v. 6) was the capital of Edom. Edom’s streams and soil will burn, and this judgment will go on from one generation to another. Thorns and thistles will grow up in the wasteland of Edom, and wild animals will live there because God has commanded it.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
