Chapters 24 and 25
IN OUR LAST STUDY we reached the end of the oracles concerning the nations, which are found in chapters 13-23. In chapters 24:1-27:13 we have what is known as "The Little Apocalypse" of Isaiah. This section is a fitting sequel to the burdens concerning the nations. As the name implies, the contents of this portion of the book pertains to the great Tribulation and the judgments which will fall upon the earth at that time and the introduction of the great millennial kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In the present study I shall discuss chapters 24 and 25; in the next installment chapters 26 and 27 will be considered. At various points in these chapters we read of the destruction of "the city," which is undoubtedly the metropolis and which will be probably either Babylon or Rome. Both of these cities will be standing in the end-time. In fact there will be three great world capitals: Jerusalem, the religious center; Rome, the political center; and Babylon, the financial and commercial center.
The message of Isaiah, chapter 24, is expanded in Revelation 6:1--20:10. The chapter in Isaiah is therefore the abridged form of this section of Revelation.
As we shall see, Isaiah 24:1-20 deals with the Tribulation Period. In this connection let me say that the church of Jesus Christ will not be upon the earth when the judgments described in this passage fall upon it. The New Testament teaches that the rapture of the church occurs before the Tribulation. This fact is seen by a study of I Thessalonians 4:13--5:11. God has not appointed His people unto wrath but rather unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ--salvation or deliverance from the judgments of the Tribulation.
THE first verse of Isaiah, chapter 24, speaks about God's utterly destroying the earth, making it waste, and turning it upside down. This passage has been considered as a statement relative to the calamity which befell the earth mentioned in Genesis 1:2. But the facts of this context show that the prophet was not speaking of past events but was looking out into the future.
Another view of the situation presented in this verse is found in Jeremiah 4:23-26, which passage see. This statement has in turn been interpreted as a reference to the primitive disaster which overtook the earth. The reason assigned for thus interpreting this passage is that in it and in Genesis 1:2 the words "waste and void" appear. The use of a word or phrase in two passages does not prove that these statements are necessarily discussing the same event. One must examine all the facts of each context to determine what is the subject of consideration. When one looks at verse 27, which is introduced by the conjunction "for," one will see that the following verses are speaking of the Tribulation Period, which is yet in the future. Since Jeremiah 4:27-31 is thus explanatory of verses 23-26, we cannot avoid the conclusion that this passage too is a prediction concerning the desolation that will be wrought during the Tribulation. Inasmuch as this passage is such a vital one, I ask my reader to turn to the Scriptures and meditate upon it for himself.
According to Isaiah 24:2-4 the people who will be living upon the earth at that time will all fare alike. There will be no distinctions so far as these judgments are concerned. At the present time in our social order there are differences recognized and exemptions made with reference to various ones. Favors are granted to some because of certain conditions; but, when the judgments of God fall upon the earth, they will come alike upon all. The prophet therefore said "... it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; etc." The reason why these judgments fall upon all is that they are all found guilty before God and are not worthy to be exempted. This general statement covers the case; but, as we shall presently see, there is one exception to this rule. But the exception proves the rule. The earth, at the time of the Tribulation, is compared to people in great distress, who are mourning. It is likewise compared to a flower that fades away. Great and far-reaching will be the effects of these judgments.
The reason for God's pouring out His wrath upon the world is expressed in verses 5 and 6. From verse 5 we see that the earth will be "polluted under the inhabitants thereof." Violation of the laws will be the order of the day. The everlasting covenant will have been broken. Because of the moral and spiritual conditions of the world, the curse of God will go forth throughout the earth and will consume them. The conclusion to which the prophet is brought is expressed in the following words: "... therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left" (vs. 6). This language is to be taken literally, for there is nothing in the context to indicate otherwise. This passage is parallel to the one found in chapter 13:11-13.
When one reads Isaiah 24:5,6 in the light of New Testament passages dealing with conditions that will prevail in the closing days of this age, one cannot accept the theory that there will be a revival which will sweep the earth then. On the contrary the population of the world will be on the toboggan slide going downward to the very depths of sin and degradation. There may be a local turning to God here and there, but the Word does not hold out any promise that there will be a world-wide revival in the closing days of this age. This is a most important point for us to consider, because our view regarding it will determine our programs, especially our actions and the direction of our labors for the Master. God has revealed to us the conditions which will prevail in the end of this age in order that we might co-operate with Him intelligently.
IN verses 7-13 we have a very vivid picture of the situation which will prevail throughout the world during the first part of the Tribulation. Normal conditions will be a thing of the past. People who are in the habit of visiting night clubs and places of such resort will no longer attend them. Those who go to places where they dine and dance, drink and carouse, will no longer frequent them. Amusement places and show houses, theaters and operas, will all be closed, because there will be no one who desires to patronize them. Everything will be abnormal. Those who have been accustomed to strong drink will push it from them, because it will be bitter to them. The waste city will be broken down, the houses will be shut up, and will be forsaken. The mirth of the land will be gone. Such is the description found in verses 7-12. Then in verse 13 the prophet declares that the conditions which will prevail in Palestine at that time will be universal throughout the earth, among all peoples: "For thus shall it be in the midst of the earth among the peoples, as the shaking of an olive-tree, as the gleanings when the vintage is done."
THOUGH there is to be no revival in the concluding days of this age, prior to the rapture, there is to be the greatest turning to God of all the centuries, which will take place in the first part of the Tribulation. A prediction concerning it is found in verses 14-16a:
14 These shall lift up their voice, they shall shout; for the majesty of Jehovah they cry aloud from the sea. 15 Wherefore glorify ye Jehovah in the east, even the name of Jehovah, the God of Israel, in the isles of the sea. 16 From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs: Glory to the righteous.
In contrast with the sorrow and distress that will grip the peoples of the world, as we have just seen in verses 7-13, will be the joy and the hilarious worship of God by another group of whom we have read in the passage just quoted. Note what is said: "These shall lift up their voice, they shall shout; for the majesty of Jehovah they cry aloud from the sea." The ones who are here seen are indeed rejoicing in God, because of His majesty and glory. There is no echo of sadness nor wailing in their shoutings.
The prophet who was in Jerusalem looked toward the Mediterranean and declared that he saw this mighty revival in some country west of Palestine. He does not use the actual word "west" but employs the expression, "from the sea," which was west of Palestine. Though we may not be dogmatic in any assertion without positive proof, I am of the strong conviction--knowing the spiritual conditions in Southern Europe which is west of Palestine and those in America--that the prophet saw a mighty awakening here in America where the gospel is being proclaimed and is known as in no other country on the face of the globe--unless it be in England. A glance at the world map confirms this interpretation.
From the place west of Palestine this revival will spread to the Holy Land and, as we see in verse 15, will fan out from there to the four corners of the globe. Then, in verse 16a, we see that there will be songs ascending to God, the content of which is expressed in the following words: "Glory to the righteous." When these verses are allowed to give their message, one can see nothing but a world-wide revival which far surpasses all former spiritual awakenings. This prediction is in perfect harmony with the one which appears in Isaiah 26:9 and which declares that, when God's judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants thereof learn righteousness. It is also in perfect accord with the teachings of Revelation, chapter 7, which shows a mighty turning to God in the first part of the Tribulation. Then, and only then, can we scripturally look for a world-wide revival. The preaching which will produce it will be done by the Jewish servants of God mentioned in Revelation, chapter 7.
A study of the Book of Revelation shows that this mighty turning to God will occur during the first half of the Tribulation, but it will be brought to a close, outwardly at least, in the middle of it when the Antichrist opposes all religion and demands that he alone be worshipped as God. Notwithstanding the imperial decrees of that future time, the work will go on, doubtless under cover; for the everlasting gospel will be proclaimed, even during the latter half of the Tribulation. Truly then, in a special way, the blood of the martyrs will be the seed of the kingdom.
In verse 16b the prophet sighs and expresses a woe because "the treacherous have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous have dealt very treacherously." When one recognizes that Isaiah, chapter 24, is the abridged form of Revelation 6:1-20:10, and when one compares this brief outline with the full details as given in the Book of Revelation, one comes to the conclusion that this "treacherous one," or ones of whom the prophet here speaks, can be none other than the Antichrist and his lieutenants who, in the middle of the Tribulation ban all religion and demand that everyone worship him.
The occurrences of the latter half of the Tribulation are set forth in Revelation, chapter 16, under the symbolism of the pouring out of the bowls of the wrath of God upon the earth; but the effects of the pouring out of His indignation is interpreted literally. When we study this chapter, we see that there will be great physical changes that will take place upon the earth, and also in the heavens. These phenomena are described in Isaiah 24:17-20. The windows on high at that time will be opened and the foundations of the earth will tremble. The earth will be utterly broken and will be rent asunder. It will be shaken violently. The movements of the earth, which now are with utmost precision will at that time be so very irregular and erratic that they are compared to the stumbling, staggering movements of a drunken man and to the swaying of a hammock. The reality of the description here given becomes apparent to the one who studies this passage in connection with our Lord's prediction found in Matthew 24:29-31. At that time the sun will be darkened, the stars will fall from the heavens, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Such commotion throughout the realm of nature will materially affect the earth and its movement in its orbit.
At that time, according to verse 20, the civilization which will be steeped in sin and transgression will fall. The present order will pass away and a different one will arise in its place.
At the conclusion of the Tribulation Jehovah of hosts will punish the hosts of the high ones on high and the kings of the earth upon the earth. Who are these hosts? They can be none other than Satan and the evil spirits under him who are in rebellion against God. They will at that time be punished and will be gathered together, with the kings of the earth, as prisoners are gathered and will be shut up in the pit of the abyss, where they will be for many days. When these verses are read along with Revelation 20:1-5, one will see that John, in the latter passage, was talking about the same ones whom Isaiah the prophet mentioned. Thus Satan and his hosts of evil spirits will be incarcerated in the pit of the abyss where they will remain for the "many days" of this passage, which we know, from the Revelation passage, will be a thousand years. This identification becomes apparent to the one who is willing to take the Word of God at its face value.
The expression, "one thousand years," means exactly what it says. There is nothing in the context to indicate a departure from the ordinary meaning of these words.
At the conclusion of this period of one thousand years, Satan and those of his cohorts who have been incarcerated with him during the Millennial Age will be visited and punished, for the original word in the Hebrew translated "visit" also means "punish."
The MillenniumAt the conclusion of the Tribulation the Lord Jesus Christ will come back to this earth and will set up His kingdom. He will not return, however, until the Jews acknowledge their national sin of rejecting Him and plead with Him to return. This truth is seen in such passages as Hosea 5:15-6:3 and Matthew 23:37-39. When He reappears, He will lift the curse from the earth and restore conditions similar to those which prevailed in Eden. A hint of this is found in Isaiah 51:1-3.
In the last verse of chapter 24 the moon, it is said, will be confounded and the sun put to shame. The reason for this phenomenon is that Jehovah of hosts with His glory and majesty will eclipse the brilliancy of the heavenly bodies--even though at that time the light of the moon will be as that of the sun and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold what it is today (Isa. 30:26). For a glowing picture of the earth as it will appear during the peaceful reign of our Lord, see such passages as Isaiah 2:1-4 and 4:2-6. There are many other references to the condition of the earth at that time found throughout the Scriptures, but these will suffice for the present.
Some Outstanding PredictionsAs we have just seen, Isaiah, chapter 24, covers the Tribulation, the return of our Lord, and His glorious millennial reign. The picture is clear. The facts are unmistakable--for the one who really believes God and His Word and who is willing to allow the Scriptures to deliver their own message to his heart.
In the rest of this section of the Book of Isaiah (chaps. 26, 27) the prophet being governed by the "law of recurrence," elaborated on certain outstanding facts concerning the events of the end-time. In his doing this, he was like the artist who blocks out his picture at the very beginning of his task of painting a portrait and later touches up the features here and there to bring out the true character of the person who is posing. After giving the predictions of chapter 24, the prophet goes back and describes certain outstanding events in connection with the Tribulation and the introduction of the Millennial Age. The outcome of the Tribulation will be so very glorious that these chapters are interspersed with three short songs and an extended one. They are found in 25:1; 25:9; 26:1-19; and 27:2-6.
The contents of the first of these hymns is praise to God because of His having performed wonderful things in faithfulness and in truth, which things He has purposed of old. There is a plan of the ages which is referred to in Ephesians 3:11. The Lord works all things according to the purpose of His will (Eph. 1:11). All things which He accomplishes are done in righteousness and in accordance with the standards of truth.
The first thing which the prophet mentioned in this connection is the destruction of the city. He makes it a heap, he turns the fortified city into a ruin and the palace of strangers to be no city. This is never to be rebuilt. This language seems to point to Babylon, the outstanding world-city. There world dominion began; there human history will end. That Babylon will be rebuilt is certain from a careful study of Isaiah, chapters 13 and 14; Jeremiah, chapters 50 and 51; and Revelation, chapter 18. The complete destruction and overthrow of Babylon which is foretold in these scriptures has never been accomplished. Since the Word of God cannot fail, we know that Babylon will be rebuilt and will be destroyed as there foretold.
When this world-city is thus destroyed, there will arise another world-city in the Millennium. It will be a "city of terrible nations," which will worship God and glorify Him. It will be indeed a metropolis and all its people will be worshippers of the one true and living God.
The second fact which the prophet wished to emphasize is the deliverance of the poor and needy of Israel at the Lord's return. This is found in verse 4. Whenever the two expressions, "poor and needy," appear together in the writings of the psalms and the prophets, they always refer to Israel, downtrodden and oppressed. Thus, according to Isaiah 25:4, God will deliver oppressed Israel at the proper time and will bring down the noise of her opponents as the heat settles to earth (vs. 5).
The third thing which he wished to emphasize is mentioned in verse 6. It is the fact that God has wonderful things in store for those who wait for Him. He therefore declared that "... in this mountain will Jehovah of hosts make unto all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined." The mountain referred to can be none other than Jerusalem. The great and marvelous things which God has in store for those who accept Him are compared to a feast of fat things and the very best of wines, together with the marrow--the choicest of delicacies. It will be Jerusalem where our Lord will be and from which He will dispense His blessings to the nations of the world. When the Lord Jesus returns, He will lift the curse and will create the heavens above anew and the earth beneath anew. This newly created material will cover up all of the debris caused by the wrecking of the earth during the Tribulation. This fact is seen by a study of Isaiah 65:17 in the light of its immediate context. In view of this fact we can see why it is that the prophet laid emphasis upon the great things which God has in store for all the peoples of this earth at that future time.
The fourth item which Isaiah desired to mention here is the destruction of "the covering that covereth all peoples, and the veil that is spread over all nations." This prediction is found in verse 7. What is meant by this covering or veil which is spread over the peoples of earth and which Jehovah will destroy in that mountain, Jerusalem? We immediately realize that the prophet was not talking about a literal covering; it therefore must be a spiritual one. What covering can this be? The answer is doubtless given in II Corinthians 4:3,4: "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them." That portion of the veil which covers Israel is referred to in Isaiah 29:9-12. As we have already seen, the judgments of the Tribulation will bring the bulk of the people of the earth to a realization of their helpless condition. Many of them will turn to God. The wicked will be purged by those judgments from the earth. When the Lord Jesus Christ returns, He will bind Satan and all of his cohorts in the pit of the abyss and will lift this veil which blinds the eyes of the people; thus, in that mountain--Jerusalem--will this great miracle be wrought.
The fifth item mentioned is the abolition of death. The prophet declared:
8 He hath swallowed up death for ever; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the reproach of his people will he take away from off all the earth: for Jehovah hath spoken it.
Longevity will be restored to the people of earth. The reaper, Death, will no longer go to and fro throughout the earth taking his toll as he has done through the centuries. There is only one exception to this general rule. It is stated in Isaiah 65:20. God never forces the will of any man. He allows all to make their own free choices. He will observe this principal in the Millennial Age. During that time people will be born. The human family will increase most rapidly because there will be no more babies dying in infancy. The gospel will be preached in that time. The bulk of the people will accept the Lord Jesus and will be regenerated and saved. But there will be certain ones who will neglect or refuse to accept the Lord. They will be allowed to remain upon the earth until they reach their one hundredth birthday. If they have not by that time accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour and been saved, the curse of God will strike them down, for "the sinner being a hundred years old shall be accursed."
The sixth fact mentioned in this chapter is the personal appearance of the Lord. This prediction is set forth in verse 9, which comprises the second of the songs referred to above.
9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is Jehovah; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
When man was expelled from the Garden of Eden, God promised that the Messiah would come and deal a deathblow to the serpent. At different times He added details to this promise. Men therefore were expecting Jehovah to appear upon earth and to accomplish their deliverance. This has been the hope of the godly throughout the centuries. In Psalm 27:13,14, David declared :
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of Jehovah In the land of the living.
14 Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for Jehovah.
The expression, "the goodness of Jehovah," is a term that was used to refer to the personal appearance of Jehovah himself. This passage therefore means that the expectation of Jehovah's appearing upon earth as man's deliverer was the hope which animated David and sustained him during his checkered career. Hezekiah had this hope. When the Lord commanded him to set his house in order, for he was to die, the king bewailed his condition and declared:
11 I said, I shall not see Jehovah, even Jehovah in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world (Isa. 38:11).
This statement shows that the king was looking forward to Jehovah's appearing and was hoping that He would appear in his life time. This same expectation is echoed in various other places in the Scriptures. The prophets urged Israel to serve the Lord and to wait patiently for Jehovah. When therefore we see such exhortations as this, we may be certain that it is a reference to the personal appearance of Jehovah here upon earth.
In Isaiah 25:9, which we have quoted above, there is a vision of Jehovah after He has come to the earth. Here we see converted Israel beholding Him and rejoicing in His salvation.
The seventh and last thing mentioned in chapter 25 is the destruction of Moab, an inveterate enemy of Israel. This prediction is found in verses 10-12. Moab sought every occasion to do harm to the Chosen People. Many wars raged between them. The complete subjugation of this enemy is represented as its being trodden down in its place "even as straw is trodden down in the water of the dunghill." All of its fortifications and means of waging war are said to be destroyed.
From other passages we know that all Israel's enemies will be destroyed. The prophet mentioned this one however because of the inveterate hatred which the Moabites bore toward Israel. Thus converted Israel will be delivered from all her foes and will become the head of the nations--instead of being the tail as she is at the present time (Deut. 28:13). Great and wonderful things await converted Israel and those who know and who love the Lord's appearing.
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