Isaiah The Day of the Lord Isaiah 24 F irst of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation. But they deliberately forget that long ago by God s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him (2 Peter 3:3-14). We ve read this passage frequently. But it reminds us the message of The Day of the Lord is a driving force in scripture. Within it s message is the truth of God s character, righteous and merciful, just and forgiving, judging and rewarding. And because of these qualities the believer has two responsibilities. The first is to praise God for the blessing of His mercy toward us. The second is to warn others of the judgment they are facing if they reject that mercy. But more on this later after we finish examining the text. I Introduction II Judgment on the Earth Verses 1-6 III The End of the Party Verses 7-12 IV Praising the Lord Verses 13-16a V The Coming Terror Verses 16b-20 VI The Final Judgment Verses 21-23 VII Conclusion
Chapters 24-27 form a unity and flow from the Book of Burdens. While the thrust seems to be on judgment and is certainly eschatological, the focus isn t only on God s wrath against the world. It also speaks to His preservation and restoration of His people. And while the prophecy may well look towards the Babylonian Captivity, it also obviously looks beyond that day. Thus an important message in the passage is one of love and mercy. But the message is also one of morality and righteousness for it is the lack of these qualities which lead to destruction. Now within the context of Chapter 24 Introduction: Grogan sees a summary and transition from the judgment of the nations. He explains it this way: This chapter is fundamental to the three that follow it. It speaks of a judgment that is universal. Not only does it make no reference to particular nations or specific historical events, it does not even restrict the judgment to the earth. This means that it sums up all the judgments on particular nations, as predicted in chapters 13-23, and goes beyond them. 1 Some see this as the Great Tribulation. This is an appropriate approach because the language is too broad to limit it to the Babylonian Captivity. Isaiah s message carries a universal application. Also there are not only judgmental elements, but redemptive as well which is consistent with our understanding of the tribulation period. And the intensity here best conforms to the latter half of that period. Ironside states: The chapter to which we now turn presents a scene of destruction and desolation unparalleled. Many different interpretations have been given to it, some supposing that it pictures the earth in its chaotic state as referred to in Genesis 1:2 after it had fallen from the glory of its original creation. Others again, as for instance Mrs. Ellen G. White of the Seventh-day Adventist cult, take it to refer to the millennial earth, for she denies the reality of Christ s kingdom during that period and makes the earth to be the bottomless pit into which Satan will be cast to wander about until his final judgment and destruction in the lake of fire. But a careful study of both passages would seem to make it clear that they refer to the great tribulation yet to come 2 Remember even when talking about the great tribulation, we see God s mercy, generally directed towards the restoration of the nation Israel, the Hebrew people Verses 1-6: There are a couple of ways of understanding these opening verses. The Hebrew word used here is eretz and it is the one used throughout the chapter. It can be translated a number of ways and can therefore refer to Israel, that is the region called Palestine or, can be used to refer to the world as a whole, depending on context. There are two important points to note about God s judgment. First, it is non-discriminatory, that is it falls on all regardless of social standing, sex, or economic status. In that day, none will be able to avoid His wrath. And note there is something ominous here. Among those who fall under God s judgment are even priests, that is the religious leaders. Religiosity is one of the most dangerous qualities found in men. There is nothing better than religion to keep one from finding God. We certainly see this today as we find ourselves fighting a holy war, regardless of what the pow- 1 Grogan, Geoffrey W., The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Isaiah, Zondervan Interactive Publishing House, segrand Rapids, MI, 1990. 2 Ironside, H. A., Isaiah, Loizeaux Brothers, Inc., Neptune, NJ, 1952, p. 140. ) 224 (
ers that be try to tell us. The jihad in the Middle-East is about Islam s attempts to defeat the infidel and to serve Allah. But even within Christendom there are many false priests those who would claim the name of Christ while at the same time following the spirit of anti-christ. Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist he denies the Father and the Son. but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world (1John 2:22, 4:3). The second point Isaiah makes in these verses is the root cause of God s judgment on mankind. It is the rejection and violation of His law and covenants. This does not mean we must restrict our understanding to Israel for God has made covenants with humanity as a whole and sinful humanity has, does and will continue to break God s law until His hand of judgment falls. Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth. So God said to Noah, This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth. (Genesis 9:8-17). As a result of the rebellion and disobedience of mankind destruction falls and only a few will survive. Where once God s judgment fell by flood, now it comes by fire, earthquake, etc. This certainly sounds consistent with the tribulation, in that two-thirds of the Israelites will die in the next holocaust, and three quarters of the Gentile peoples will also perish. Verses 7-12: To often the accounts of God s judgment are so vast the implication to the individual and his society is lost. Isaiah avoids this problem by focusing on a microcosm of humanity living in the city. This is an unnamed city. Clement states: There is a complete lack of any specific national reference and none of the activities which are pursued within the city differentiate it in any special way. It can best be understood, therefore, as a pictorial description of the body of organized human society, a type of Vanity Fair, which is to be subjected to the divine judgment. When God asserts his will in judgment he will bring to an end the existing human order, so that in a sense every city will be brought to chaos. 3 3 Grogan. ) 225 (
Remember, we saw in previous judgments on individual nations that the people were so oblivious to God and His anger they continued to live as if tomorrow would never come. They followed the motto, Eat, Drink, and Be Merry, for Tomorrow We Die. Well here we see the party is finally over. The music ends and the drinking stops. The dying has begun. Sadly, the lost live such shallow lives they don t understand there is a higher purpose beyond simply surviving, or having a good time. They ignore, or reject the fact they will one day have to stand before the Lord and will receive the judgment for their sins. So the party is over. In fact the city is deserted and desolate. And while the world mourns over its loss, she fails to mourn over her own sins and to repent. As a result God s wrath and righteousness causes Him to begin the process of cleansing the unrighteous world. while the unrighteous no longer experience joy and sing in the midst of their pleasures Verses 13-16a: there is a righteous remnant who do sing a song to the Lord. Even in the midst of the desolation of the world God s faithful remnant are able to rejoice. What are they rejoicing about? God s majesty. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near (Philippians 4:4-5). Who is rejoicing here? Since God s description is the God of Israel one could assume those who are giving praise are Israelites. But these verses are not that explicit. And, since the praises come from through out the world, this group could be made of both Hebrews and Gentiles. This group could therefore be the faithful remnant who survive the tribulation. They rejoice not because of the destruction per se, but because the righteous God has brought His hand down on the unrighteous, cleansing the earth. Verses 16b-20: The prophet s focus temporarily moves from the future to his present. He proclaims a woe on himself because seeing the majesty of God reminds him of humanity s fallen state, his rebellion and sinfulness. Serving God then becomes the basis for both rejoicing in God, and mourning for mankind s condition including the coming judgment. And as Isaiah notes there is no place to escape God s wrath. It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear, as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him (Amos 5:19). Some commentators consider vv.17-18 to continue to describe the effects of Assyrian aggression on the nations. In support of this they point out that the wordplay that characterized v.16 is found in v.17 also. The repetition however of the word eres in vv.17-20 seems to bind them all together. In fact, there is thematic unity even if v.16b relates to the present and the remainder to the future, for the prophet may well be saying that the present Assyrian scourge is to be replaced ultimately by an even greater and more widespread judgment from God. God is the divine Hunter who pursues his guilty prey inexorably to a kill (v.17). There is no escape from the judgment of God (v.18a; cf. Heb 2:1-3). 4 The only place to escape the coming wrath is through Christ s mercy. 4 Ibid. ) 226 (
you turned to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). Verses 21-23: This scene is obviously moving to the very end of God s judgment because He not only identifies the rulers on the earth, but the powers in the heavens. We know Satan and his minions will be locked away for a thousand years at the end of the tribulation and then cast into the lake of fire at the end of the millennium. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Finally, the glory of God s creation, the sun and moon, will be put to shame by His own glory. And Son will sit on the throne of David and the Messianic kingdom will be established. God s glory will be present in His city, Jerusalem. It may be that Isaiah is looking into an even more future time, when all unrighteousness is finally removed and there will be a new heaven and a new earth and all authority will flow from the New Jerusalem. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp (Revelation 21:23). Conclusion: We started by noting there are two applications which should flow from an analysis of the Day of the Lord. The first is a response of praise because of God s mercy. What greater mercy can we experience than God s gift of salvation, so greatly undeserved? What a great mercy that God was willing to set aside, temporarily, Israel for the sake of the Gentile. What greater mercy can God s people experience than His intervention in history for their protection, salvation, and restoration? Finally, what a great mercy that God is willing to let us be part of the work of advancing His kingdom. Therefore I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name. Again, it says, Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples. (Romans 15:8-11). How have your experienced opportunities for praise in the midst of your struggles? And it is that service to the kingdom which should be our second response. We must have compassion for the lost. We must desire that none should be lost. As Paul notes: For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved (1 Corinthians 10:33). It is for this reason we are told to love our enemies and to pray for them. When was the last time you prayed for Osama Bin Laden? ) 227 (
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also (Luke 6:27-29). We can certainly afford to pray for our enemies. After all, we know who will win in the end. And as we pray for them, as we witness to the unbeliever, enemy or not, we are increasing the numbers in the kingdom, called to it by the Holy Spirit. Accordingly, we are being greatly blessed. If that isn t a good reason for praise, I don t know what is. we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:10-14). I have found His grace is all complete; He supplieth every need. While I sit and learn at Jesus feet, I am free, yes, free indeed. I have found that hope so bright and clear, Living in the realm of grace. O the Savior s presence is so near; I can see His smiling face. I have found the pleasure I once craved; It is joy and peach within. What a wondrous blessing! I am saved From the awful gulf of sin. I have found the joy no tongue can tell, How its waves of glory roll! It is like a great o er flowing well Springing up within my soul. It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, Full of glory, full of glory. It is joy unspeakable and full of glory; O the half has never yet been told! 5 5 Warren, Barney E., The Celebration Hymnal, Joy Unspeakable, Word/Integrity, Waco, TX, #740 ) 228 (
Isaiah The Day of the Lord Isaiah 24 I Introduction II Judgment on the Earth Verses 1-6 III The End of the Party Verses 7-12 IV Praising the Lord Verses 13-16a V The Coming Terror Verses 16b-20 VI The Final Judgment Verses 21-23 VII Conclusion I Introduction: (2 Peter 3:3-14) II Judgment on the Earth: (1John 2:22, 4:3; Genesis 9:8-17) III The End of the Party: (1John 2:22, 4:3; Genesis 9:8-17) IV Praising the Lord: (Philippians 4:4-5)
V The Coming Terror: (Amos 5:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10) VI The Final Judgment: (Ephesians 6:12; Revelation 21:23) VII Conclusion: (Romans 15:8-11; 1 Corinthians 10:33; Luke 6:27-29; Colossians 1:10-14) Personal Application: Let this week be typified by praise and passion for witnessing. Prayer for the Week: Lord, thank You for my salvation and the opportunity to share the opportunity for it with others. In Christ s name, amen.