Isaiah 33:1
This is the fifth woe in this section that started in chapter 28. It is a woe on those who plunder; it is unclear who this refers to. Most would thing the Assyrians, but it is left open where it could apply to Babylon; this may have been purposeful so it might be applied to both. These enemies were plunderers, ordained by God to act out His judgment on Israel. God is simply allowing them to do what is in their hearts to do, that is to kill, destroy and plunder all the other nations.
God will call them to account; there is a time when they will be plundered and they will be dealt with treacherously.
The word used for plunderer means destroyer. He is the destroyer who is faithful only to himself and his agenda. The idea of 'the destroyer' is idiomatic of Satan. In this we can see the heart of Satan and the works of the anti-Christ.
Isaiah 33:2-4
The Israelites had not had this attitude of seeking God and waiting on Him. They had been repeatedly called to repentance but routinely ignored the call. Isaiah called out on their behalf in this Psalm-like plea to the Lord. Strength was found in God alone; their salvation in this coming time of trouble could only come from the Lord. The noise of tumult comes when the Lord moves. The Lord will exalt Himself and scatter the enemies of Israel and the victory is God's alone. His plunder is then gathered. The Assyrians left their plunder and ran in confusion under Sennacharib (2Chronicles 32:21). When the Lord stands for Israel, the nations will be scattered and leave their plunder in the same way.
Isaiah 33:5-6
Even with the enemy at the gates, the Lord remains sovereign. He is still on the throne and Isaiah believes in the Lord's plan to save Zion. Isaiah anticipates justice, righteousness, wisdom, knowledge, strength and salvation. God's treasure is not in our goodness but our reverence for His goodness. 'Fear of the Lord' is our worship and acknowledgement of Him. Our worship is His treasure.
Isaiah 33:7-9
Isaiah quickly returns to the present circumstances. The word for 'valiant ones' is unknown but assumed to be a parallel with 'ambassadors of peace'. The NIV says 'brave men' and the ESV offers 'heroes'. These valiant ones have lost hope and cry; this may be in the knowledge of the ambassadors weeping because Egypt is not coming. As the Assyrian lays siege to Jerusalem, everything of value was laid waste. They city and surroundings were despised. The productive areas of Lebanon and Sharon would become wasteland, having been stripped bare.
Isaiah 33:10-13
The Lord rises up to action; He will be exalted because He will exalt Himself by his work. The plans of the Assyrians would come to nothing; they would amount to worthless chaff and stubble. The fire they breathed would come back on them and burn up their plans; they would be judged. The 'burnings of lime' was the act of burning up human bones completely for the lime. This can be seen in Amos 2:1.
Isaiah 33:14-16
It's amazing how quickly the hypocrite can see so clearly after hiding behind their mask for so long. Everyone is unmasked before God. Who can stand through God's judgment? Those who:
- Guard their steps
- Keep their tongue
- Watch their attitude
- Maintain their ethic
- Guard their eyes & ears
It is these who will find their dwelling place among God:
- Dwelling place is life, comfort in God's presence
- Fortress of Rocks, safety under His care
- Bread & water, His provision
Isaiah 33:18-19
In verse 17 Isaiah moves to the far prophecy where the eyes of the righteous will see the King; King Jesus in all His beauty and glory. The righteous will see Jesus on His throne.
In this time, they would look back on this time of terror. They will clearly see that there was no hope in the scribe, the merchant or the politicians; there never was.
What's left of the Assyrian will be sent home. They served their purpose as outlined in Isaiah 28:11; the 'stammering lips' of the foreign tongue delivered a message by the Lord's will. In chapter 28 they responded to God's word in a mocking way; as if line upon line, precept upon precept were this stammering unobscured language they couldn't understand, a message they couldn't decode. God promised they would, in fact, have the message delivered by the stammering lips of a foreigner to see if that helped them in receiving this message. The question then always comes, did anyone hear it?
Isaiah 33:20-24
Isaiah gives this picture of peace and serenity. It's life in Zion, a quiet home. The chaos and tumult is behind them. The tabernacle is safe and secure and stable. From there the Lord will rule and be for His people. The broad rivers and streams are safe. No enemy ships, no warships will come across these waters. The rigging is hanging loose, the mast isn't secure, their sails won't catch the wind; they will be useless.
The Lord is the judge, lawgiver and king; this is what we've always known we needed. It's perfect rule and reign, it's what we always longed for but sin always ruined. Our salvation is in Him alone. The people dwell in Jerusalem will be forgiven. Jesus will be King and, in His strength, Jerusalem will abide.
©2018 Doug Ford
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