United Commentaries

Isa.24.1-27.13

This section is often referred to as the “Little Apocalypse” because of its similarities to the book of Revelation. In these chapters Isaiah takes readers out of the present into a vision of the future world. The universal imagery of the Little Apocalypse makes it difficult to assign the events described to any precise historical situation. That means that these chapters cannot be used to outline a sequence of events or create a historical blueprint for the future. Instead, the imagery is intended to create an impressionistic drama of an unfolding world that is both like and unlike the present. The combination of aspects of the old era with aspects of the new era (for instance, people of Zion will all be righteous [new], but still long for their redemption [old]) is consistent with the New Testament concept of the future age breaking into and overlapping with the present evil age (2 Cor 4:4; Gal 1:4). Peter, for example, wrote of believers as living in the last days (1 Pet 1:12; 2 Pet 3:3) even though the last day remains yet future (2 Pet 3:10).

Isa.25.1-12

The second part of the Little Apocalypse (see study note on 24:1–27:13) describes praise for God’s judgment (25:1-5, 11-12) and salvation (25:6-9).

Isa.25.1-5

Isaiah here praises God for protecting the needy (see 12:1-6).

Isa.25.3

Assyria and Egypt were strong . . . ruthless nations, but in the future they will exalt God rather than their own power.

Isa.25.6-8

The banquet is a symbol of God’s providing richly for all those who will receive his gracious invitation (Rev 3:20-21; 19:9).

Isa.25.6

In Jerusalem: Literally On this mountain—that is, the mountain of the Lord (see 2:2; 24:23): This does not refer to a geographical city but to Zion, the eternal city of God (see 1:8, 27).

Isa.25.8

He will swallow up death forever: Isaiah’s hope was God’s power over sin and sin’s devastating results. In the New Testament this promise is realized in Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:54).

The Lord’s presence will be a source of eternal comfort; he will wipe away all tears (see Rev 21:4).

Isa.25.9-12

The new community of God’s people will respond in joy and faith. When the enemy is defeated, God’s people will be free forever.

Isa.25.10

on Jerusalem: Literally on this mountain.

Moab (see 15:1–16:14) here represents the nations under judgment, those who trust only themselves (see 34:5-17).

like straw trampled down: The people would be helpless and dying in the most degrading circumstances.

Isa.25.11

Isaiah used the image of a swimmer forcibly kept under water to illustrate that Moab’s people are hopelessly doomed and their human pride will be conquered.