Seder 98: Isaiah 24-25---Eschatological Destruction, Then Restoration

 In the late eighth century BC, the kingdom of Judah was threatened by the powerful and cruel Assyrian Empire.  Isaiah urged the kings and people of Judah to place trust in God, rather than in political alliances with neighboring nations, to deal with this threat.

Isaiah also had messages to convey to these other nations---e.g., in chapters 13-23.  All of them were accountable to the God of Israel for their conduct and would one day face judgment.  The messages to the other nations also spoke indirectly to Israel:  If God rules all nations, in whom should Israel be relying?

Chapter 24 goes even further, showing that God does more than just respond to what Middle Eastern nations do.  As the creator of all things, he can "uncreate" if he chooses.  Isaiah 24 presents a picture of universal destruction.

The Hebrew word eretz appears repeatedly in Isaiah 24.  This word can refer either to the whole world or specifically to the land of Israel.  It might appear initially that verse 5, with its references to laws, statutes, and the everlasting covenant, is mainly about Israel.  But in this chapter, the thrust is universal. All nations are accountable for basic morality, as Romans 1:18-32 implies.  In this context, the "everlasting covenant" in view could be the Noahic covenant. 

Several things in Isaiah 24 point to an eschatological setting, including

• the reference to "on that day" in verse 21;
• the judgment of "the host of heaven"---rebellious heavenly beings---who are punished after being "shut up in a prison" for "many days" (vv 21-22);
• the reference to heavenly signs in verse 23.

Verses 14-16 picture rejoicing and praise to God for his justice.  On the other hand, the prophet mourns the suffering that will be involved (vv 16-18).  

The judgment described in chapter 24 will bring a number of people to repentance.  In Isaiah 25:1-5, God is praised not just by the righteous, but also by "strong peoples" and "ruthless nations" (verse 3). 

 Judgment in chapter 24 is followed by hope and restoration in chapter 25.  Isaiah 25:6-9 pictures a future messianic banquet for all nations, with the defeat of sin and death.  Those who repent and submit to God will celebrate, while those who remain in rebellion are described as swimming in liquid manure (vv 10-12).  

Some of the themes and imagery of Isaiah 25 are picked up in the final chapters of the book of Revelation, which describes the "marriage supper of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7-9) as well as the contrasting fates of those who choose life and those who choose death (20:6, 14; 21:8; 22:11).