United Commentaries

Isa.33.1

This was the sixth threat of woe (see study note on 28:1–33:24).

Although the Hebrew text does not specifically name Assyria as the object of the prophecy in this chapter, Isaiah undoubtedly had Assyria in mind; they were the destroyer most immediately at hand when the prophecy was written. The prophecy applies, however, to any who seek to destroy God’s people; this included, but was not limited to, the Babylonians (see chs 13–14).

When you are done betraying: Wicked nations often break political agreements with other nations when these contracts are no longer to their own advantage.

Isa.33.2

The godly community prayed for God to be merciful in response to the promise of 30:18.

Isa.33.9

Sharon, Bashan, and Carmel were all fertile areas. Their desolation represents the destruction Assyria had inflicted on Israel.

Isa.33.11

In most passages, the Assyrians were turning other nations into worthless dry grass and stubble (see 17:13; 29:5; 40:24; 41:2). Here, ironically, they get a taste of their own medicine.

Isa.33.14

The godless were people who lived without regard for God and his law.

The image of a devouring fire came from God’s judgment of offenders during the wilderness journey (Exod 24:17; Deut 4:24). God still expects people to worship him with reverence and awe (Heb 12:29).

Isa.33.15

A godly life provides evidence that an individual truly knows God (see Col 3:5-17; Jas 2:14-18; 1 Pet 1:14-16; 1 Jn 1:5-6).

Isa.33.17-24

This vision is about God’s reign in Zion.

Isa.33.17

The king is the human representative (32:1) of the Great King, God himself (33:22).

The land belonging to God’s people would appear to be without borders because the foreign enemies had been judged (54:3).

Isa.33.18

Assyrian officers brought great terror to Judah when the Assyrians defeated various cities around Jerusalem (2 Kgs 18:13).

Isa.33.19

The strange, unknown language was the tongue of Assyria and later of Babylon (see 28:11).

Isa.33.24

The people of Israel were the people of Zion (cp. 33:20).

sick . . . the Lord will forgive their sins: See 43:25.