{"id":898,"date":"2018-01-30T12:49:13","date_gmt":"2018-01-30T11:49:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/?p=898"},"modified":"2018-01-30T12:52:56","modified_gmt":"2018-01-30T11:52:56","slug":"commentary-on-isaiah-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/2018\/01\/30\/commentary-on-isaiah-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Commentary on Isaiah"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dr. D.L. Cooper Commentary On Isaiah
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Biblical Research Monthly-June 1944<\/center>
THE LITTLE APOCALYPSE<\/span>
Chapters 24:1-27:13
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I. THE TRIBULATION AND THE MILLENNIUM
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Chapters 24 and 25
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IN OUR LAST STUDY we reached the end of the oracles concerning the nations, which are found in chapters 13-23. In chapters 24:1-27:13 we have what is known as „The Little Apocalypse“ of Isaiah. This section is a fitting sequel to the burdens concerning the nations. As the name implies, the contents of this portion of the book pertains to the great Tribulation and the judgments which will fall upon the earth at that time and the introduction of the great millennial kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In the present study I shall discuss chapters 24 and 25; in the next installment chapters 26 and 27 will be considered. At various points in these chapters we read of the destruction of „the city,“ which is undoubtedly the metropolis and which will be probably either Babylon or Rome. Both of these cities will be standing in the end-time. In fact there will be three great world capitals: Jerusalem, the religious center; Rome, the political center; and Babylon, the financial and commercial center.<\/p>\n

The message of Isaiah, chapter 24, is expanded in Revelation 6:1–20:10. The chapter in Isaiah is therefore the abridged form of this section of Revelation.<\/p>\n

As we shall see, Isaiah 24:1-20 deals with the Tribulation Period. In this connection let me say that the church of Jesus Christ will not be upon the earth when the judgments described in this passage fall upon it. The New Testament teaches that the rapture of the church occurs before the Tribulation. This fact is seen by a study of I Thessalonians 4:13–5:11. God has not appointed His people unto wrath but rather unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ–salvation or deliverance from the judgments of the Tribulation.<\/p>\n

THE first verse of Isaiah, chapter 24, speaks about God’s utterly destroying the earth, making it waste, and turning it upside down. This passage has been considered as a statement relative to the calamity which befell the earth mentioned in Genesis 1:2. But the facts of this context show that the prophet was not speaking of past events but was looking out into the future.<\/p>\n

Another view of the situation presented in this verse is found in Jeremiah 4:23-26, which passage see. This statement has in turn been interpreted as a reference to the primitive disaster which overtook the earth. The reason assigned for thus interpreting this passage is that in it and in Genesis 1:2 the words „waste and void“ appear. The use of a word or phrase in two passages does not prove that these statements are necessarily discussing the same event. One must examine all the facts of each context to determine what is the subject of consideration. When one looks at verse 27, which is introduced by the conjunction „for,“ one will see that the following verses are speaking of the Tribulation Period, which is yet in the future. Since Jeremiah 4:27-31 is thus explanatory of verses 23-26, we cannot avoid the conclusion that this passage too is a prediction concerning the desolation that will be wrought during the Tribulation. Inasmuch as this passage is such a vital one, I ask my reader to turn to the Scriptures and meditate upon it for himself.<\/p>\n

According to Isaiah 24:2-4 the people who will be living upon the earth at that time will all fare alike. There will be no distinctions so far as these judgments are concerned. At the present time in our social order there are differences recognized and exemptions made with reference to various ones. Favors are granted to some because of certain conditions; but, when the judgments of God fall upon the earth, they will come alike upon all. The prophet therefore said „… it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; etc.“ The reason why these judgments fall upon all is that they are all found guilty before God and are not worthy to be exempted. This general statement covers the case; but, as we shall presently see, there is one exception to this rule. But the exception proves the rule. The earth, at the time of the Tribulation, is compared to people in great distress, who are mourning. It is likewise compared to a flower that fades away. Great and far-reaching will be the effects of these judgments.<\/p>\n

The reason for God’s pouring out His wrath upon the world is expressed in verses 5 and 6. From verse 5 we see that the earth will be „polluted under the inhabitants thereof.“ Violation of the laws will be the order of the day. The everlasting covenant will have been broken. Because of the moral and spiritual conditions of the world, the curse of God will go forth throughout the earth and will consume them. The conclusion to which the prophet is brought is expressed in the following words: „… therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left“ (vs. 6). This language is to be taken literally, for there is nothing in the context to indicate otherwise. This passage is parallel to the one found in chapter 13:11-13.<\/p>\n

When one reads Isaiah 24:5,6 in the light of New Testament passages dealing with conditions that will prevail in the closing days of this age, one cannot accept the theory that there will be a revival which will sweep the earth then. On the contrary the population of the world will be on the toboggan slide going downward to the very depths of sin and degradation. There may be a local turning to God here and there, but the Word does not hold out any promise that there will be a world-wide revival in the closing days of this age. This is a most important point for us to consider, because our view regarding it will determine our programs, especially our actions and the direction of our labors for the Master. God has revealed to us the conditions which will prevail in the end of this age in order that we might co-operate with Him intelligently.<\/p>\n

IN verses 7-13 we have a very vivid picture of the situation which will prevail throughout the world during the first part of the Tribulation. Normal conditions will be a thing of the past. People who are in the habit of visiting night clubs and places of such resort will no longer attend them. Those who go to places where they dine and dance, drink and carouse, will no longer frequent them. Amusement places and show houses, theaters and operas, will all be closed, because there will be no one who desires to patronize them. Everything will be abnormal. Those who have been accustomed to strong drink will push it from them, because it will be bitter to them. The waste city will be broken down, the houses will be shut up, and will be forsaken. The mirth of the land will be gone. Such is the description found in verses 7-12. Then in verse 13 the prophet declares that the conditions which will prevail in Palestine at that time will be universal throughout the earth, among all peoples: „For thus shall it be in the midst of the earth among the peoples, as the shaking of an olive-tree, as the gleanings when the vintage is done.“<\/p>\n

THOUGH there is to be no revival in the concluding days of this age, prior to the rapture, there is to be the greatest turning to God of all the centuries, which will take place in the first part of the Tribulation. A prediction concerning it is found in verses 14-16a:<\/p>\n

14 These shall lift up their voice, they shall shout; for the majesty of Jehovah they cry aloud from the sea. 15 Wherefore glorify ye Jehovah in the east, even the name of Jehovah, the God of Israel, in the isles of the sea. 16 From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs: Glory to the righteous.<\/p>\n

In contrast with the sorrow and distress that will grip the peoples of the world, as we have just seen in verses 7-13, will be the joy and the hilarious worship of God by another group of whom we have read in the passage just quoted. Note what is said: „These shall lift up their voice, they shall shout; for the majesty of Jehovah they cry aloud from the sea.“ The ones who are here seen are indeed rejoicing in God, because of His majesty and glory. There is no echo of sadness nor wailing in their shoutings.<\/p>\n

The prophet who was in Jerusalem looked toward the Mediterranean and declared that he saw this mighty revival in some country west of Palestine. He does not use the actual word „west“ but employs the expression, „from the sea,“ which was west of Palestine.<\/p>\n

Though we may not be dogmatic in any assertion without positive proof, I am of the strong conviction–knowing the spiritual conditions in Southern Europe which is west of Palestine and those in America–that the prophet saw a mighty awakening here in America where the gospel is being proclaimed and is known as in no other country on the face of the globe–unless it be in England. A glance at the world map confirms this interpretation.<\/p>\n

From the place west of Palestine this revival will spread to the Holy Land and, as we see in verse 15, will fan out from there to the four corners of the globe. Then, in verse 16a, we see that there will be songs ascending to God, the content of which is expressed in the following words: „Glory to the righteous.“ When these verses are allowed to give their message, one can see nothing but a world-wide revival which far surpasses all former spiritual awakenings. This prediction is in perfect harmony with the one which appears in Isaiah 26:9 and which declares that, when God’s judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants thereof learn righteousness. It is also in perfect accord with the teachings of Revelation, chapter 7, which shows a mighty turning to God in the first part of the Tribulation. Then, and only then, can we scripturally look for a world-wide revival. The preaching which will produce it will be done by the Jewish servants of God mentioned in Revelation, chapter 7.<\/p>\n

A study of the Book of Revelation shows that this mighty turning to God will occur during the first half of the Tribulation, but it will be brought to a close, outwardly at least, in the middle of it when the Antichrist opposes all religion and demands that he alone be worshipped as God. Notwithstanding the imperial decrees of that future time, the work will go on, doubtless under cover; for the everlasting gospel will be proclaimed, even during the latter half of the Tribulation. Truly then, in a special way, the blood of the martyrs will be the seed of the kingdom.<\/p>\n

In verse 16b the prophet sighs and expresses a woe because „the treacherous have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous have dealt very treacherously.“ When one recognizes that Isaiah, chapter 24, is the abridged form of Revelation 6:1-20:10, and when one compares this brief outline with the full details as given in the Book of Revelation, one comes to the conclusion that this „treacherous one,“ or ones of whom the prophet here speaks, can be none other than the Antichrist and his lieutenants who, in the middle of the Tribulation ban all religion and demand that everyone worship him.<\/p>\n

The occurrences of the latter half of the Tribulation are set forth in Revelation, chapter 16, under the symbolism of the pouring out of the bowls of the wrath of God upon the earth; but the effects of the pouring out of His indignation is interpreted literally. When we study this chapter, we see that there will be great physical changes that will take place upon the earth, and also in the heavens. These phenomena are described in Isaiah 24:17-20. The windows on high at that time will be opened and the foundations of the earth will tremble. The earth will be utterly broken and will be rent asunder. It will be shaken violently. The movements of the earth, which now are with utmost precision will at that time be so very irregular and erratic that they are compared to the stumbling, staggering movements of a drunken man and to the swaying of a hammock. The reality of the description here given becomes apparent to the one who studies this passage in connection with our Lord’s prediction found in Matthew 24:29-31. At that time the sun will be darkened, the stars will fall from the heavens, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Such commotion throughout the realm of nature will materially affect the earth and its movement in its orbit.<\/p>\n

At that time, according to verse 20, the civilization which will be steeped in sin and transgression will fall. The present order will pass away and a different one will arise in its place. At the conclusion of the Tribulation Jehovah of hosts will punish the hosts of the high ones on high and the kings of the earth upon the earth. Who are these hosts? They can be none other than Satan and the evil spirits under him who are in rebellion against God. They will at that time be punished and will be gathered together, with the kings of the earth, as prisoners are gathered and will be shut up in the pit of the abyss, where they will be for many days. When these verses are read along with Revelation 20:1-5, one will see that John, in the latter passage, was talking about the same ones whom Isaiah the prophet mentioned. Thus Satan and his hosts of evil spirits will be incarcerated in the pit of the abyss where they will remain for the „many days“ of this passage, which we know, from the Revelation passage, will be a thousand years. This identification becomes apparent to the one who is willing to take the Word of God at its face value.<\/p>\n

The expression, „one thousand years,“ means exactly what it says. There is nothing in the context to indicate a departure from the ordinary meaning of these words.<\/p>\n

At the conclusion of this period of one thousand years, Satan and those of his cohorts who have been incarcerated with him during the Millennial Age will be visited and punished, for the original word in the Hebrew translated „visit“ also means „punish.“<\/p>\n

The Millennium<\/center><\/p>\n

At the conclusion of the Tribulation the Lord Jesus Christ will come back to this earth and will set up His kingdom. He will not return, however, until the Jews acknowledge their national sin of rejecting Him and plead with Him to return. This truth is seen in such passages as Hosea 5:15-6:3 and Matthew 23:37-39. When He reappears, He will lift the curse from the earth and restore conditions similar to those which prevailed in Eden. A hint of this is found in Isaiah 51:1-3.<\/p>\n

In the last verse of chapter 24 the moon, it is said, will be confounded and the sun put to shame. The reason for this phenomenon is that Jehovah of hosts with His glory and majesty will eclipse the brilliancy of the heavenly bodies–even though at that time the light of the moon will be as that of the sun and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold what it is today (Isa. 30:26). For a glowing picture of the earth as it will appear during the peaceful reign of our Lord, see such passages as Isaiah 2:1-4 and 4:2-6. There are many other references to the condition of the earth at that time found throughout the Scriptures, but these will suffice for the present.<\/p>\n

Some Outstanding Predictions<\/center><\/p>\n

As we have just seen, Isaiah, chapter 24, covers the Tribulation, the return of our Lord, and His glorious millennial reign. The picture is clear. The facts are unmistakable–for the one who really believes God and His Word and who is willing to allow the Scriptures to deliver their own message to his heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the rest of this section of the Book of Isaiah (chaps. 26, 27) the prophet being governed by the „law of recurrence,“ elaborated on certain outstanding facts concerning the events of the end-time. In his doing this, he was like the artist who blocks out his picture at the very beginning of his task of painting a portrait and later touches up the features here and there to bring out the true character of the person who is posing. After giving the predictions of chapter 24, the prophet goes back and describes certain outstanding events in connection with the Tribulation and the introduction of the Millennial Age. The outcome of the Tribulation will be so very glorious that these chapters are interspersed with three short songs and an extended one. They are found in 25:1; 25:9; 26:1-19; and 27:2-6.<\/p>\n

The contents of the first of these hymns is praise to God because of His having performed wonderful things in faithfulness and in truth, which things He has purposed of old. There is a plan of the ages which is referred to in Ephesians 3:11. The Lord works all things according to the purpose of His will (Eph. 1:11). All things which He accomplishes are done in righteousness and in accordance with the standards of truth.<\/p>\n

The first thing which the prophet mentioned in this connection is the destruction of the city. He makes it a heap, he turns the fortified city into a ruin and the palace of strangers to be no city. This is never to be rebuilt. This language seems to point to Babylon, the outstanding world-city. There world dominion began; there human history will end. That Babylon will be rebuilt is certain from a careful study of Isaiah, chapters 13 and 14; Jeremiah, chapters 50 and 51; and Revelation, chapter 18. The complete destruction and overthrow of Babylon which is foretold in these scriptures has never been accomplished. Since the Word of God cannot fail, we know that Babylon will be rebuilt and will be destroyed as there foretold.<\/p>\n

When this world-city is thus destroyed, there will arise another world-city in the Millennium. It will be a „city of terrible nations,“ which will worship God and glorify Him. It will be indeed a metropolis and all its people will be worshippers of the one true and living God.<\/p>\n

The second fact which the prophet wished to emphasize is the deliverance of the poor and needy of Israel at the Lord’s return. This is found in verse 4. Whenever the two expressions, „poor and needy,“ appear together in the writings of the psalms and the prophets, they always refer to Israel, downtrodden and oppressed. Thus, according to Isaiah 25:4, God will deliver oppressed Israel at the proper time and will bring down the noise of her opponents as the heat settles to earth (vs. 5).<\/p>\n

The third thing which he wished to emphasize is mentioned in verse 6. It is the fact that God has wonderful things in store for those who wait for Him. He therefore declared that „… in this mountain will Jehovah of hosts make unto all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.“ The mountain referred to can be none other than Jerusalem. The great and marvelous things which God has in store for those who accept Him are compared to a feast of fat things and the very best of wines, together with the marrow–the choicest of delicacies. It will be Jerusalem where our Lord will be and from which He will dispense His blessings to the nations of the world. When the Lord Jesus returns, He will lift the curse and will create the heavens above anew and the earth beneath anew. This newly created material will cover up all of the debris caused by the wrecking of the earth during the Tribulation. This fact is seen by a study of Isaiah 65:17 in the light of its immediate context. In view of this fact we can see why it is that the prophet laid emphasis upon the great things which God has in store for all the peoples of this earth at that future time.<\/p>\n

The fourth item which Isaiah desired to mention here is the destruction of „the covering that covereth all peoples, and the veil that is spread over all nations.“ This prediction is found in verse 7. What is meant by this covering or veil which is spread over the peoples of earth and which Jehovah will destroy in that mountain, Jerusalem? We immediately realize that the prophet was not talking about a literal covering; it therefore must be a spiritual one. What covering can this be? The answer is doubtless given in II Corinthians 4:3,4: „And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.“<\/i> That portion of the veil which covers Israel is referred to in Isaiah 29:9-12. As we have already seen, the judgments of the Tribulation will bring the bulk of the people of the earth to a realization of their helpless condition. Many of them will turn to God. The wicked will be purged by those judgments from the earth. When the Lord Jesus Christ returns, He will bind Satan and all of his cohorts in the pit of the abyss and will lift this veil which blinds the eyes of the people; thus, in that mountain–Jerusalem–will this great miracle be wrought.<\/p>\n

The fifth item mentioned is the abolition of death. The prophet declared:
\n8 He hath swallowed up death for ever; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the reproach of his people will he take away from off all the earth: for Jehovah hath spoken it.<\/p>\n

Longevity will be restored to the people of earth. The reaper, Death, will no longer go to and fro throughout the earth taking his toll as he has done through the centuries. There is only one exception to this general rule. It is stated in Isaiah 65:20. God never forces the will of any man. He allows all to make their own free choices. He will observe this principal in the Millennial Age. During that time people will be born. The human family will increase most rapidly because there will be no more babies dying in infancy. The gospel will be preached in that time. The bulk of the people will accept the Lord Jesus and will be regenerated and saved. But there will be certain ones who will neglect or refuse to accept the Lord. They will be allowed to remain upon the earth until they reach their one hundredth birthday. If they have not by that time accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour and been saved, the curse of God will strike them down, for „the sinner being a hundred years old shall be accursed.“<\/p>\n

The sixth fact mentioned in this chapter is the personal appearance of the Lord. This prediction is set forth in verse 9, which comprises the second of the songs referred to above.<\/p>\n

9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is Jehovah; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.<\/p>\n

When man was expelled from the Garden of Eden, God promised that the Messiah would come and deal a deathblow to the serpent. At different times He added details to this promise. Men therefore were expecting Jehovah to appear upon earth and to accomplish their deliverance. This has been the hope of the godly throughout the centuries. In Psalm 27:13,14, David declared :<\/p>\n

13 I had fainted,<\/i><\/span> unless I had believed to see the goodness of Jehovah In the land of the living.
\n14 Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for Jehovah.<\/span><\/p>\n

The expression, „the goodness of Jehovah,“ is a term that was used to refer to the personal appearance of Jehovah himself. This passage therefore means that the expectation of Jehovah’s appearing upon earth as man’s deliverer was the hope which animated David and sustained him during his checkered career. Hezekiah had this hope. When the Lord commanded him to set his house in order, for he was to die, the king bewailed his condition and declared:<\/p>\n

11 I said, I shall not see Jehovah, even<\/i><\/span> Jehovah in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world (Isa. 38:11).<\/span><\/p>\n

This statement shows that the king was looking forward to Jehovah’s appearing and was hoping that He would appear in his life time. This same expectation is echoed in various other places in the Scriptures. The prophets urged Israel to serve the Lord and to wait patiently for Jehovah. When therefore we see such exhortations as this, we may be certain that it is a reference to the personal appearance of Jehovah here upon earth.<\/p>\n

In Isaiah 25:9, which we have quoted above, there is a vision of Jehovah after He has come to the earth. Here we see converted Israel beholding Him and rejoicing in His salvation.<\/p>\n

The seventh and last thing mentioned in chapter 25 is the destruction of Moab, an inveterate enemy of Israel. This prediction is found in verses 10-12. Moab sought every occasion to do harm to the Chosen People. Many wars raged between them. The complete subjugation of this enemy is represented as its being trodden down in its place „even as straw is trodden down in the water of the dunghill.“ All of its fortifications and means of waging war are said to be destroyed.<\/p>\n

From other passages we know that all Israel’s enemies will be destroyed. The prophet mentioned this one however because of the inveterate hatred which the Moabites bore toward Israel. Thus converted Israel will be delivered from all her foes and will become the head of the nations–instead of being the tail as she is at the present time (Deut. 28:13). Great and wonderful things await converted Israel and those who know and who love the Lord’s appearing.<\/p>\n

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THE LITTLE APOCALYPSE
\nChapters 24:1-27:13<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

II. ISRAEL’S SONG OF HOPE; SONG OF THE VINEYARD; CHASTENED AND RESTORED TO FELLOWSHIP<\/p>\n

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Chapters 26 and 27<\/center><\/p>\n

IN THE present installment of this series we are to study Isaiah, chapters 26 and 27, which with chapters 24 and 25 constitute „the little apocalypse“ of the Book of Isaiah. Chapters 26 and 27 fall into three natural divisions: (A) Israel’s song of hope during the Tribulation (26:1-27:1); (B) The song of the vineyard (27:2-6); and, (C) Israel chastened and restored to fellowship with Jehovah (27:7-13).<\/p>\n

A. Israel’s Song of Hope During the Tribulation (20:1-27:1).<\/center><\/p>\n

At the present time Israel has her national anthem which expresses the hope of Zionism. In 1937 when I was driving through the Plains of Jezreel, I heard, late in the afternoon, the Jews singing this national anthem as they were returning from the fields to their colonies. This song grips the Jewish mind, especially the Zionist.<\/p>\n

But at the time foreseen by Isaiah, the majority of the Jews in Palestine will be singing a different song. This will be the one contained in Isaiah 26:1-19. Verses 20 and 21, with 27:1, constitute the concluding remarks with regard to that song and the situation which will at that time exist.<\/p>\n

The prophecy begins with this statement: „In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah.“ The expression, „in that day,“ either refers to a definite day that is mentioned in the connection, to the time of the Tribulation, or to the Millennium. The facts of the context determine its special significance in a given case. In this instance the context shows that the prophet was talking of the time of Jacob’s trouble, the Tribulation. At that time this song, consisting of verses 26:1-19, will be sung throughout the land of Judah.<\/p>\n

IN CHAPTERS 24 and 25 we have seen predictions regarding the destruction of the world city of the end-time and a forecast of the judgments that will fall upon the entire earth and its inhabitants because of sin and iniquity. In contrast with the overthrow of the world government and its civilization, the Jews during the Tribulation in Palestine will by faith look forward to the city which Abraham in vision saw when he was called to leave his homeland and to go to the country which God promised to give him. Abraham saw the day of Christ and was glad. He was seeking for that city which has foundations whose maker and builder is God (Heb. 11:8-16). The Jerusalem of the Tribulation will be standing at the time here foreseen, but the remnant of Israel that will be searching for truth will by faith see the millennial Jerusalem rise out of the dust of the ashes of the Tribulation, being created anew, the joy and rejoicing of the whole earth (Isa. 62:7). They will realize that God is the one who protects and delivers them. Thus they will say that this strong city is theirs and that God will appoint salvation as walls and bulwarks. What walls and bulwarks did for soldiers in ancient warfare, Jehovah with His salvation will do for the faithful in Israel.<\/p>\n

In verse 2 this remnant is represented as marching to the millennial Jerusalem and shouting to its keepers to open the gates in order that they, „the righteous nation which keepeth faith,“ may enter in. In the imagery of this verse, this newly-created city is standing unoccupied. Those of the remnant, like a mighty army marching toward it, are the ones who have kept the faith–the faith of their fathers–and are trusting in God. The same representation appears in Psalm 118, which gives us a pageant, as it were, depicting the return of Israel to her God. (See especially verses 19-22 of this psalm.) Isaiah 26:2 presupposes that Israel will have, at this time, been evangelized and been given the truth. The remnant is therefore represented as marching literally to Zion, their mother city, and to their Messiah for whom they have been longing for centuries. That Israel will have been evangelized prior to the time here foreseen is evident from many passages of the Scripture.<\/p>\n

According to Isaiah 26:3 God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed upon Him, the reason being that such a one believes in Him. He will give stability to the trusting heart. He who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek after Him. Faith, however, always comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ (Rom. 10:16).<\/p>\n

According to verse 4 this future remnant of Israel is urged to trust in Jehovah continuously, for it is He who is the rock of ages. When we study this verse in the light of parallel passages, we know that this one can be none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, the Hebrew Messiah.<\/p>\n

The exhortation of verse 4 to trust in Jehovah is reinforced and buttressed by the prediction of verse 5, which foresees by faith the destruction of the world city. This metropolis, I understand, will probably be Babylon rebuilt or the Rome of the end-time. This overthrow, to a certain extent at least, will be due to the efforts of the poor and needy of verse 6, which terms usually refer in the psalms and in the prophetic word to the remnant of Israel. When we view this prophecy in the light of others, we know that God will use this faithful remnant in accomplishing His purpose. For further study on this point see Isaiah 41:14,15 and Micah 4:12,13.<\/p>\n

In verse 7 is a wonderful promise. The way over which the just travel is one characterized by uprightness. God, who is upright and just, will direct the paths of the just. According to Proverbs 4:18 the „path of the righteous is as the dawning light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day“ of the great Millennial Age.<\/p>\n

In verses 8 to 10 the prophet discussed briefly world conditions during the Tribulation. Here he spoke of Israel during that time of Jacob’s trouble and the effect that the judgments of wrath will have upon her. In connection with this prediction we likewise see the results of the Tribulation upon the world in general. For instance, in verse 8 the prophet saw the faithful walking in the path of the judgments of the Tribulation and waiting expectantly for the personal appearance of Jehovah for their rescue. This one is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ when He returns. The sentiment uppermost in their hearts at that time will be „to thy name, even to thy memorial name, is the desire of our soul.“ Their longing for His appearance will be so very intense that it will be the meditation of their heart both day and night. It will not be a cold, formal, orthodox faith which they will hold; but it will be a vivid reality to them, for each of them will say, „Yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee earnestly.“ Usually man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. When God thus brings His judgments upon Israel, she will do, as she has always done on former occasions–turn to the messianic hope for consolation and deliverance.<\/p>\n

According to the last clause of verse 9, when God’s judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. From a careful study of Revelation, chapters 6-19, we learn that the judgments of the Tribulation Period will be most intense and severe. Most of them will be world-wide in their scope. Men will be brought to their extremity. Conditions will be such that it will be evident to everyone who is even in the least fair and honest that God is the supreme ruler of the universe and that only in Him can there be any salvation. I realize from studying the prophecies relating to that time that many people will be hardened instead of softened by the judgments of that time. But all, except such hardened ones, will be brought to their extremity and untold multitudes will turn to God. A picture of this world-wide revival which will come at that time is seen in Revelation, chapter 7. A perusal of this passage shows that the evangelists who will proclaim the message of salvation then will be 144,000 Jews from the twelve tribes of Israel. They will be sealed and protected from the judgments of that time and will go forth in the power of the Spirit of God, proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ to every nation, tribe, tongue, and language. As a result of their preaching there will arise an innumerable host of people, which no one can number, out of all the nations of the world. John declared that these will have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb and that they will come out of the Tribulation. Other passages tell of this mighty awakening which will occur at that time. According to the prophetic word this age is to end in apostacy and catastrophe. There is no scriptural promise held out to us that we may expect any great turning to God now. On the contrary, the sure word of prophecy affirms that conditions will continue to grow worse and worse until God will be forced to pour out His judgments on the world. There is not, therefore, any scriptural promise, so far as I have been able to discover in the Word, upon which we can build our hopes for a general awakening of any proportion at the present time. Only in the Tribulation, when God’s judgments are in the world, will there come this heaven-sent revival.<\/p>\n

As we have time and opportunity, let us in the power of the Spirit of God give the message of salvation to all Israel in order to prepare the 144,000 to deliver the message of salvation which they will proclaim during the first part of the Tribulation. Let us preach the gospel with all zest now to both Jew and Gentile in order to give as many as possible an opportunity of receiving Christ.<\/p>\n

God will purge the unrighteousness out of the earth, according to verse 10; because in the „land of uprightness“–the millennial world–the wicked would continue to practice unrighteousness.<\/p>\n

In verse 11 the prophet represented Jehovah as having lifted high His hand during the Tribulation. Though it is exalted and is in action, yet the people of the world do not see it; only those who have eyes to see are the ones who observe His activity. God is working at all times. He is overruling all affairs, yet only the spiritually-minded people can recognize His unseen hand in human affairs. Although the majority of the people of the world in the time of the Tribulation will be hardened and will be unable to see and recognize His presence in the judgments falling upon them, the prophet declared that they shall see His zeal for His ancient people and be put to shame. They shall see it when He appears in all His glory as their great Deliverer. This will come in the form of the personal, bodily return to earth of Messiah in answer to the cry of the faithful remnant for Him to deliver them.<\/p>\n

God has a plan and purpose. Israel is in the center of that plan. He will, according to verse 12, ordain peace for her and will accomplish all her works for her.<\/p>\n

God instituted a theocracy in Israel when He brought her out of the land of Egypt. He said that He would be her King. Nevertheless in the days of Samuel the people clamored for a king in order that they might be like the nations about them. In doing so, they rejected God. He acceded to their demand and gave them Saul. He had however, to turn His beloved people over to the authority of the Gentile nations who acted in many instances as tyrants. Thus, according to verse 13, the penitent remnant of the Tribulation Period will declare that other lords besides Jehovah have exercised dominion over them but under no conditions will they acknowledge any name except that of Jehovah their God.<\/p>\n

By faith the remnant of Israel of the end-time will look forward to the end of the Tribulation when all their enemies and their cruel lords will have been slain and they will have been delivered. Moreover they look forward to the time, when under the benign and righteous rule of King Messiah, the nation is increased and God is being glorified through His people. The promise made to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3) will then for the first time be fully realized. At that time Israel will inherit the Land of Promise, which includes all the territory from the river of Egypt to the great river Euphrates. That fact is mentioned in verse 15.<\/p>\n

The prophet described the broken, penitential spirit of the faithful remnant and informed us that they will turn to God in genuine repentance under the chastening strokes of His rod. He thus foretold that they will pray thus: „Jehovah, in trouble have they visited thee; they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them.“ Moreover they will admit (vss. 17,18) that they have not accomplished the purposes which God had in view for them in His creating the nation and in His depositing with them His revelation. Instead of accomplishing the work and the mission assigned by Him, the faithful remnant will make the sad confession that they have wrought no „deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the earth fallen.“<\/p>\n

Through the dark clouds of verses 16-18, the faith of the prophet and of the faithful remnant penetrates to the realities beyond and sees the great resurrection of the just. In verse 19 therefore Isaiah declared: „Thy dead shall live; my dead bodies shall arise.“ God assures the remnant that their loved ones who know Him and who have died will live again. Then, with a bold venture of faith, he spoke of the bodies of the faithful who have fallen as „my dead bodies.“ This verse is a clear prediction concerning the resurrection of the righteous. Although not very much is said in the Old Testament concerning the resurrection, there are a few prophecies dealing with this subject. For instance, Daniel 12:1f gives us a prediction concerning the resurrection. In Ezekiel, chapter 37, is a promise of the national resurrection of Israel presented under the symbolism of the dry bones in the valley. Although this prediction is a symbolic representation, yet, when it is read in the light of parallel scriptures, it becomes evident that the prophet probably also saw the literal rising of the righteous dead.<\/p>\n

Following the statement in verse 19 is the prophet’s address to the righteous dead: „Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast forth the dead.“ From the context we are certain that this prophecy refers to the righteous in Israel who are dead.<\/p>\n

Let us recognize the fact that there two resurrections–one which precedes the Millennial Age and one which follows it. The righteous are raised before the thousand years‘ reign of our Lord; but the unrighteous never come to life until after the thousand years are finished. Some have thought, however, that the passage in John 5:28,29 proves a general resurrection. The words cited as evidence are these: „For the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, 29 and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.“ There is no contradiction between our Lord’s language in this passage and that of John in Revelation, chapter 20. John says that one thousand years intervene between the resurrection of the just and that of the unjust. The word „hour“ which Jesus used, though it may refer to a period of sixty minutes, has various connotations. For example, in John 4:23, our Lord said: „But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth.“ Certainly „hour“ in this passage does not mean sixty minutes, but connotes the entire Christian Dispensation. Since our Lord used the term with this meaning and since there is no contradiction between His statement and that of the Apostle John, we are to understand that the word „hour“ in John 5:28,29 is a long period of time and that His teaching agrees with that of John. So there are two resurrections: one of the righteous before the thousand years of our Lord’s literal reign and one of the unrighteous after the thousand years.<\/p>\n

FOLLOWING the song which will be sung in the land of Judah in the Tribulation by the faithful remnant, as we have seen, is the prophet’s invitation, which is indeed a prediction, for the faithful remnant of Jews to enter into a place of safety in order that they might be preserved during that time of judgment. Thus the prophet declared, „Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.“ A reading of the latter part of Daniel, chapter 11, seems to indicate that the faithful remnant of Israel will flee from Palestine into the territory east of the Jordan, consisting of Ammon, Moab, and Edom, where they will be protected. The same theme is touched upon in Revelation, chapter 12, where the woman, clad in the sun, and standing on the moon with twelve stars in her crown, flees to a wilderness, to a place prepared for her by the Lord. The facts of the context of this latter passage show that this woman is the remnant of Israel which flees to a specially prepared place in order that she might be preserved during the time of the indignation.<\/p>\n

Jehovah at that time will punish the inhabitants of the world for their wickedness and the earth „shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.“ Then every sin and transgression shall receive a just recompense of reward.<\/p>\n

„In that day Jehovah with his hard and great and strong sword will punish leviathan the swift serpent, and leviathan the crooked serpent; and he will slay the monster that is in the sea“ (Isa. 27:1). What is meant by leviathan and the monster? An examination of this verse and a comparison of it with verse 13 of this chapter leads one, in the light of parallel passages, to conclude that possibly Egypt, Babylon, and Assyria are here represented under the symbolism of leviathan the swift serpent, leviathan the crooked serpent, and the monster in the sea. (On account of limited space I cannot give the reasons for these conclusions. One who is interested should consult some good commentary.) Although these three world powers were probably symbolized by the monster and the two leviathans, it is also quite likely that Isaiah saw behind these civil governments Satan and his cohorts who are backing up and sponsoring world authorities in opposition to the great kingdom of God. The force of this interpretation may be seen by an examination of Job, chapters 40 and 41, where the facts of each context make clear that the writer was not talking about literal monsters but was speaking of Satan under the symbolism of these wild, ferocious beasts. At the end of the Tribulation the Lord will have destroyed all human governments and will have incarcerated Satan and all the host of the high ones on high in the pit of the abyss where they shall remain throughout the righteous reign of our Lord.<\/p>\n

B. The Song of the Vineyard (27:2-6)<\/center><\/p>\n

In Isaiah 27:2-6 appears the „song of the vineyard.“ This song is related to Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:8-15; and Matthew 21:33-46. In each of these passages God compares Israel to a vineyard which He has planted and which He owns. All these references, except our present passage, deal with Israel as God’s vineyard which has borne the wild bitter grapes of injustice and unrighteousness. But in the verses which we are to consider, Israel is represented as a vineyard which God, the true husbandman and owner, will tend, protect, and keep, and which will eventually yield a harvest, filling „the face of the world with fruit.“ The prophet urged his hearers to sing concerning this vineyard. The theme is indeed a worthy one. Israel is the nation of destiny. God will yet use her in the future as He has never done in the past.<\/span><\/p>\n

But the thing about which the prophet wanted his hearers to sing is the fact that Jehovah is its keeper. God is the only one who can keep Israel. The Shepherd of Israel, the Hebrew Messiah–the Lord Jesus Christ–is the one who has been guiding her through her checkered history during the centuries; but He will especially exercise protective and preserving power over her during the time of the Tribulation. The promise that He will provide for her is stated in the following words: „I will water it every moment.“ God always provides those things that are necessary for the well-being of any of His children. Since this is the remnant of Israel that is in view, the promise involves providing those things that will be necessary for the spiritual development and welfare of these people. Moreover, He will protect His vineyard from all harm. This promise is expressed in the words, „… lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.“ If the Almighty did not protect Israel during the Tribulation, the Antichrist, backed by Satan, would exterminate her. According to Isaiah 27:4 God states that wrath is not in Him. Of course the chastisement which He brings upon her will be due to His indignation at sin, but because of His great love for her the statement that wrath is not in Him is correct. Then the briers and thorns are challenged to enter a pitched battle with Him. Of course thorns and briers are here personified. Should they do this, He declared, „I would march upon them, I would burn them together.“ According to verse 5 the Lord gives an invitation to one and all to come and make their peace with Him and enter into fellowship with Him: „Or else let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; yea,<\/i><\/span> let him make peace with me.“ This is indeed a great invitation.<\/span><\/p>\n

But the song reaches its highest point in verse 6: „In days to come shall Jacob take root; Israel shall blossom and bud; and they shall fill the face of the world with fruit.“ Israel is to be the channel of world blessing in the great Millennial Age. She will be the head of the nations instead of being the tail as she is at the present time. When Israel is thus restored to fellowship with God, His blessing and favor will flow out through her to all nations and they will all be brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Thus the world will be filled with spiritual fruit at that time.<\/p>\n

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C. Israel Chastened and Restored to Fellowship (27:7-13)
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In Isaiah 27:7-13 we have a prediction that God will chasten Israel but will finally restore her to fellowship with Himself. In verse 7 the prophet contrasted the way in which God deals with Israel with the way in which He deals with her bitter enemies. Thus he asks: „Hath he [Jehovah] smitten them [Israel] as he smote those that smote them? or are they slain according to the slaughter of them that were slain by them?“ The nations in their dealings with Israel have been ruthless and merciless. God deals with them according to the principles of righteousness and justice. To the merciful He will show Himself merciful, but to the perverse He will show Himself forward (Ps. 18:25,26). Thus his dealings with the nations, the enemies of Israel, will be more severe, from one point of view, than His treatment of His own people.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Lord has promised that He will make an end of all the nations but will not make an end of Israel. He will, however, punish her in measure. Jeremiah asserted this fact later (Jer. 30:11), but Isaiah mentioned it in verse 8. He therefore declared, „In measure, when thou sendest them away, thou dost contend with them; he hath removed them<\/i><\/span> with his rough blast in the day of the east wind.“ When God chastened Israel, cast her out of her own land, and scattered her among the nations, He did it in a measure, or literally, in a large measure. But He did not send her away forever or cast her off finally. The blow which dispersed her among the nations was indeed a severe one–like the rough blast of the day of the east wind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Israel is yet to be forgiven and to be brought back into fellowship with God. This fact is asserted in verse 9: „Therefore by this shall the iniquity of Jacob be forgiven, and this is all the fruit of taking away his sin: that he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, so that the Asherim and the sun images shall rise no more.“ One must read this passage in the light of other scriptures which affirm that men are forgiven their sins by the pure, sovereign grace of God, when they take hold of Him by faith. This passage looks at the repentant spirit of Israel in its outworking. Her contrition of heart will be so very genuine and deep that she will destroy every vestige of heathenism as indicated by this verse. Thus her repentance is spoken of in terms of its outworkings.<\/p>\n

The prophet sees the country of Palestine in a waste, desolate, and barren condition–the evidence of God’s displeasure against the people for their sins. Sin and iniquity demand punishment–even though the sinner is forgiven. David sinned. The Lord forgave him when he repented, yet He punished Him. (See II Sam. chapter 12.) That is the way it will be with Israel.<\/p>\n

In verse 12 is a marvelous promise that the Lord will gather His own from the ranks of Israel and re-establish them in their own land. Thus we read:<\/p>\n

12 And it shall come to pass in that day, that Jehovah will beat off his fruit<\/i> from the flood of the River unto the brook of Egypt; and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.<\/p>\n

In this passage Isaiah compared Israel to fruit trees–probably the olive. The nation is set once again in the land that was promised to Abraham–the country between the river of Egypt and the Euphrates River. Thus in the imagery of the prophet a great portion of Israel is represented as an olive orchard in that section of the world. During the Tribulation the Lord beats off the fruit from the trees and gathers it for Himself. He therefore says, „And ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.“ This passage assumes the restoration, at least of an appreciable portion of the Jewish nation, to Palestine and the territory promised to Abraham. An examination of the vision of the valley, of dry bones (Ezekiel, chapter 37) foretells at least a partial regathering of Israel before the great Millennial Age.<\/p>\n

The time has come for the Jew to go back to his own land and to settle in that section of the world in order that God may beat off the fruit from His plantation in fulfillment of this prophecy. Let us pray that in the postwar world Israel may have free access to her land and opportunity to go back there in fulfillment of this prediction.<\/p>\n

The prophecy concludes with a promise that the Lord will come with a great trumpet and will gather together the remnant of His people which remains from Assyria and from Egypt and will gather them in His holy mountain at Jerusalem to worship Him. In Isaiah, chapter 19, there is a clear prediction that many Jews will be in Egypt in the end of this age and will even have a place of worship there. At the same time they will have their heart in their national capital, Jerusalem. Here we are told that there will be outcasts of Israel in Assyria and that, when the Lord does come, He will gather them back into their own land in order that they might fulfill His plan and purpose through them.<\/p>\n

It is the privilege of everyone who believes the Word of God to pray earnestly for the peace of Jerusalem and to hasten by prayer and by labor the coming of the day of God by reason of which the present order will pass out of existence and the new, glorious Millennial Age may be ushered in–when the glory of God will encircle the earth as the waters cover the sea.<\/p>\n

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weiter<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dr. D.L. Cooper Commentary On Isaiah Biblical Research Monthly-June 1944THE LITTLE APOCALYPSEChapters 24:1-27:13 I. THE TRIBULATION AND THE MILLENNIUM Chapters 24 and 25 IN OUR LAST STUDY we reached the end of the oracles concerning the nations, which are found in chapters 13-23. In chapters 24:1-27:13 we have what is known as „The Little Apocalypse“ … <\/p>\n

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