Isaiah 25:1-12
Q.1. What is the theme of Isaiah’s song of praise? How could he rejoice over the carnage described in this and the previous chapters? – (Isa.chpt.25 c.f. Isa.chpts.13-24)
Much of Isaiah’s prophecies have spoken of God’s judgment on the nations (Isa.chpts.13-24). In speaking of God’s final judgment, the apostle Paul explained – it is only just for God to repay with affliction those that afflict you and to give relief to you who are afflicted … when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire dealing out retribution … (2 Thes.1:6-8). In a similar vein, Isaiah broke out into a song of praise for God’s ultimate triumph over evil – … For You have worked wonders. Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness (Isa.25:1). In bringing the arrogant down, God has – … been a defence for the helpless, a defence for the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat … (Isa.25:4). The godless rage against the righteous, and there must inevitably be a Day of Reckoning, or God would be neither sovereign nor just (Rev.20:11-15).
Q.2. Who is in control of the history of mankind? Which people await His final triumph? To what can we look forward? – (Isa.25:1-12 c.f. Rev.7:15-17; 19:7-9; 21:4)
All the prophets agree that God is in control of history, and even in Isaiah’s time thousands of years ago, he recognised that God was unfolding history according to His perfect plan. (Isa.25:1). He foresaw a time confirmed by the New Testament writers when God will invite His children through the ages to a lavish banquet (Isa.25:6 c.f. Rev.19:7-9). The suffering saints will be comforted – He will swallow up death for all time. And the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces, and He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; For the Lord has spoken (Isa.25:8 c.f. Rev.7:15-17; 21:4). At long last the Lord’s Prayer will be answered – … Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation (Isa.25:9 c.f. Mt.6:10). There will be no more veil of spiritual darkness (Isa.25:7-8 c.f. 2 Cor.3:14-16). Gone will be our reproach, our sin, our sorrow, and there will be no more death. We can be completely confident that this will happen, – … For the Lord has spoken (Isa.25:8)