Isaiah's Apocalypse (Isaiah 24-27)

While studying Isaiah 27 in the last post,  I found that Isaiah 27:1–13 is the final chapter of “Isaiah’s Apocalypse” with Isaiah 24 being the beginning. Since these chapters play an important role I wanted to continue with the study of Isaiah.

The word apocalypse is the Greek name for the book of Revelation. Because much of what is found in the Revelation is found in these four chapters, it is named "The Little Apocalypse of Isaiah." It describes the earth’s devastation and people’s intense suffering during the coming Tribulation and the blessings to follow in the Messianic Kingdom. Like a finale, these chapters can be read by themselves, but their greatest contribution is within the context of the whole book of Isaiah.

In addition to the content, the very structure of these four chapters is also the structure of the book of Revelation. Another way of saying that is that the book of Revelation is an expansion of these four chapters in the book of Isaiah. They are divided into four segments: first, "The Great Tribulation" in Chapter 24; secondly, "The Song of Praise" in Chapter 25; thirdly, "The Song of Salvation" in Chapter 26: 1-19; and fourthly, "The Redemption of Israel" in Chapter 26:20 to 27:13. The overriding theme of the segment is the triumph of God, not only over His enemies but also for His people.

Isaiah 24:1—27:13: People often complain of the injustice of judgment, but in fact, judgment brings justice to its zenith because the justice is completely served.

Sinners have no idea to what degree their sin and guilt have polluted the system of righteousness. God’s judgment is very visible in these four chapters. The language is apocalyptic in style. The strong symbols clearly project God's powerful message. The historical era cannot be determined, but as a follow-up to chapters 13-23, we are not left to doubt its purposed impact on this world and God’s people. God’s righteous people are the focus; the dark background is judgment and calamity.

See note on Mic. 4:1–5.

(Holy Spirit had also said to me "Micah 4" a day before He said Isaiah 27, which is interesting to see it mentioned also in the commentary so I will excerpt it also.)

Micah 4:1–5: Although this is a familiar OT passage, its interpretation varies among Christians. It is obviously prophesying end-time realities, but the degree to which it is to be taken literally (an end-times war involving a return to the use of actual swords, which are afterward literally beaten into plowshares) or symbolically (shall beat their swords into plowshares, symbolizing the eventual cessation of war and evil) is not totally clear. We can, however, grasp its essence—a world under God’s authority and craving instruction in His ways.

Micah  4:1–3: The mountain of the Lord’s house can be seen as referring to the spiritual kingdom of God (Luke 17:20, 21) that Micah says would come in the latter days, a term signifying the coming epoch of the Messiah some seven centuries after Micah. The law here means “instruction,” or “teaching,” and is not a technical term for the Mosaic code. See note on Is. 2:2–4.

Micah 4:4: The authentic look of this peaceful kingdom (1 Kin. 4:25) is portrayed in the rural imagery of a farmer resting outdoors under his grape arbor, or in the shade of his fig tree. The guarantee of peace is secured by the fact the Lord has His angelic armies (hosts) to back up His promise of security.

Micah 4:5: Walking in the name of one’s god indicates identification with that deity. Because human beings are dependent, they take on their deity’s manners and are unashamed to have their name associated with him or her as followers. The faithful boldly assert that the only true God is their God, the Lord (Yahweh). This verse is a stark reminder that vv. 1–4 are yet future, for men are still worshiping other gods. 4:8 The daughter of Zion is not a third party as if there were God, Zion, and a mysterious daughter who descended from Zion. Zion itself is portrayed as God’s daughter. Zion is the high elevation in Jerusalem that was David’s favorite terrain and site of his royal castle. By substituting the most glorious part for the whole, Zion came to stand for the entire city of Jerusalem.

Micah 4:9, 10: The message returns to Judah’s upcoming exile with a note about the restoration that will follow. Babylon, which in Micah’s time was still under the dominion of Assyria, was about 600 miles east of Judah, across the desert to the modern country of Iraq. Micah’s prophecy of deportation to Babylon was fulfilled in 586 b.c. The prophecy of their deliverance or redemption mentioned here was fulfilled in three stages of return for a remnant: 1) 538 b.c., in the time of the Persian monarch Cyrus, under the leadership of Sheshbazzar, Zerubbabel, and Jeshua (Ezra 1—6); 2) 485 b.c., under Ezra (Ezra 7—10); and 3) 444 b.c., under Nehemiah (Neh. 1—13).

Micah 4:13: Zion is pictured as a threshing animal with metal reinforcing its hoofs and horns. The nations (vv. 11, 12) will be “threshed” by Zion so their valuables fall out like kernels of grain. Fulfillment occurred, in part, in the second century b.c. under the Maccabees (meaning “Hammers”) who purified the temple and gained independence from the encircling nations. Beyond this, the fulfillment is left indefinite. See note on 4:1–5.

"The Great Tribulation"

‘The Righteous Coming Through Judgment’

Isaiah 24:1–6: The apocalyptic section opens with a picture of universal judgment for man’s sinfulness. The sin of mankind is clearly defined and summed up in the clause broken the everlasting covenant. There are many covenants made in the OT, but they all point forward to the covenant fulfilled by the atoning death of Christ on the Cross. The ultimate cause of this wrath of God, therefore, is rejection of the gracious offer of salvation made in the gospel of Christ Jesus.

God has not pronounced judgment on these godly people, but He still has ordained them to be in it. This turns our eyes on the theme, “The righteous coming through judgment.”

We first see the fact of His people residing in the midst of God’s judgment. No matter what our perspective might be, the righteous are still feeling the effects of the storm of God’s wrath, though not because of their own sin. God will judge the society and if the righteous are part of that society, then they also will also suffer.

Isaiah 24:7–13: The devastation will include the cessation of festivities (vv. 7–9), followed by total judgment upon the world’s confused society (vv. 10–13). Again, the language is symbolic.

However, the righteous are full of an unexpected joy. Chapter 24 does not go into details but only shows that the righteous are surprisingly joyful about a seemingly unjust situation.

Isaiah 24:14–20 Unidentified voices praise God for righteousness in the judgment (vv. 14–16), followed by a reiteration of the violent judgment (vv. 16–20). John refers to this same principle (Rev. 11:15–18).

Although the godly are suffering because of others, they are full of joy. Ironically, the unrighteous, the lawbreakers, deserve the full fury of God’s wrath but arise and curse God as if it is unjust!

We must allow God to close this scene with judgment, but 24:14-16 brings life back into a threatening atmosphere. Some believe the righteous must avoid the great tribulation because of God’s love. If, however, we look clearly at these four chapters, we see the righteous ones are standing in the middle of the judgment of the ungodly. The focus is not in the purifying of the unzealous people of God like in many places, but on the faithful Israelites and their experiences in judgment.

("Is the Lord mentioning the Jews here and not the Bride of Christ who will be raptured.")

Isaiah 24:21–23: That day: See note on Obad. 15. The Lord of hosts will reign: See note on Rev. 19:6–10.24:23 The moon and sun are outdone by God’s glory.

"The Song of Praise"

‘Hope Displayed in Judgment’

Isaiah 25:1–12: A chapter of praise, which will be sung by God’s righteous throughout history, regardless of judgment. “I” is not Isaiah, but all God’s redeemed, especially those of the final apocalyptic scene.

Hope can radically change our lives. Some psychologists would say it does not matter what the hope is, just so there is hope. However, the hope God gives His obedient people has substance and future reality.

Isaiah 25:2: City is symbolic language for urban life. It should not be identified with one particular city, ancient or future.

Isaiah 25:3–5: At the final judgment all people will honor God and stand in awe of His achievement. God does not give us a dream but a real expectancy of a future good. This is the first key issue. And we must know how God is working out His divine will. Isaiah knows and tells the people how the judgment is working out according to schedule.

Isaiah 25:6–8: In this mountain refers to Mt. Zion and is part of the symbolism that depicts God as being honored at an international feast that He has made. Some see here a reference to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9). Swallow up death is borrowed by the apostle Paul to describe the effect of the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:54). As a result of this final victory over death, the Lord will wipe away tears (Rev. 21:4).

Genuine hope does not only explain the present difficulties but also presents something to look forward to (25:6-8). God’s plan includes both judgment of the wicked and the strengthening of the righteous. Hope can be derived from one more area. Hope also comes from the judgment of our enemies. This relieves us from anxiety of revenge. This brings the deep personal peace so needed within the most difficult circumstances. God surely settles every account.

Isaiah 25:9–12: This passage consists of three loosely associated units. V. 9 is a thanksgiving for God’s salvation. Moab, representative of all unbelieving nations, will not enjoy the salvation (vv. 10, 11); and all military activity will cease with God’s complete salvation (v. 12).

"The Song of Salvation"

‘Confidence Shown in Judgment’

Isaiah 26:1–21: Continues the song of praise begun in the previous chapter. In that day again marks it as apocalyptic. See note on Obad. 15.

Isaiah 26:1: The strong city is Jerusalem, which symbolizes the salvation of God’s people.

Isaiah 26:3: Perfect peace is expressed in Hebrew by shalom, shalom, a Hebrew method of putting great emphasis on a word. You will keep him in everything the word shalom implies: health, happiness, well-being, peace. The word translated mind is not the usual Hebrew word, but rather is a word meaning “creative imagination.” Isaiah’s thought is that he whose creative imagination, the seat of plans and ideas, is firmly founded on the eternal Lord, will enjoy shalom in all its implications.

This hope is really special, and it can be received by all of God’s people. God really can help His people endure terrible hardships. We see this in the three areas where the righteous show their trust in God.

1) They will have a song to sing out the hope of victory.
2) They will show their deep confidence in God through sincere prayer.
3) They will also bring others into this deep trust of God.

They will share who God is and what He is doing. These righteous ones have shown God’s grace to be sufficient for their endurance. God can in the same way help us by showing where we can gain hope and areas we need to show trust in.

(Again here, my question is, "Is the Lord mentioning the Jews here and not the Bride of Christ, which is the Body of Christ, who will be raptured.")

"The Redemption of Israel"

‘The Foundation of Endurance’

Isaiah 27:1–13: The final chapter of “Isaiah’s Apocalypse” (see note on 24:1—27:13) contains two separate eschatological scenes: God’s final overthrow of evil (v. 1) and His future dealings with Israel, including a retrospective look at the judgment of the northern kingdom (vv. 2–13).

Isaiah 27:1: Leviathan is the name of a creature of chaos in ancient mythology, which is used by Isaiah as a type of God’s enemies who were incited by Satan (Rev. 12:9). It thus personifies evil, which God will ultimately slay.

Isaiah 27:2–11: Again Israel is compared to a vineyard, but unlike the vineyard in 5:1–7, this one will be fruitful (v. 6), because idolatry will be purged by the judgment of exile (v. 9). Struck Israel: God disciplined the northern kingdom, but His dealing with Israel will differ from the way He deals with the nations that He permits to strike Israel. They will perish; Israel will be purged and redeemed.

You might wonder how all this is possible. But it is!

This is Isaiah’s message in this chapter. Our hope is from God and in Him. Our confidence is not in ourselves. God keeps His people (27:2-6). He will care for His people with such intensity that we can hardly believe. He protects His people. He will destroy her enemies. God Himself will make peace with those desiring to make peace.

Isaiah 27:12,13: Gathered: There will be a regathering of a remnant, not only from Assyria and Egypt, but at last from all nations. Israel and Jerusalem: See note on Zech. 8:1–17.

God will use these judgments to make His people to increase their godly character. He uses the judgments to reveal the identity of His faithful ones. God’s plan is a mighty plan. it includes the judgment of the wicked as well as the strengthening of His godly ones. He is sovereignly working out His design to preserve His people of all ages for His glory.

(Again here,  "Is the Lord mentioning the Jews here and not the Bride of Christ, which is the Body of Christ, who will be raptured.")

Key Verses

This lesson contains a number of wonderful prophecies and encouragements.

"In that day the LORD will punish the powers in the heavens above and the kings on the earth below. They will be herded together like prisoners bound in a dungeon; they will be shut up in prison and be punished after many days."(Isaiah 24:21-22)

"You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat." (Isaiah 25:4)

"On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine -- the best of meats and the finest of wines." (Isaiah 25:6)

"On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces." (Isaiah 25:7-8a)

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal." (26:3-4)

"Though grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness;
even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and regard not the majesty of the LORD." (Isaiah 26:10)

"But your dead will live; their bodies will rise.  You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead." (Isaiah 26:19)

"In that day the LORD will thresh from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, O Israelites, will be gathered up one by one.  And in that day a great trumpet will sound.  Those who were perishing in Assyria and those who were exiled in Egypt will come and worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem." (Isaiah 27:12-13)

Summary and Application

The righteous go through judgment because God takes them through it. They need not fear but in order to obtain this hope, they must hold onto it. God’s loving design and promises become the basic reasons for our hope, trust and perseverance.

(Again here, "Is the Lord mentioning the Jews here and not the Bride of Christ, which is the Body of Christ, who will be raptured.")

Bits and Pieces of Biblical Foundations For Freedom

~My Glimpses of Heaven with Divine Guidance by Debi Webster Perry

Is the USA in the Bible? Great American Eclipse Aug 21st, 2017 a Real End Time Sign?

How Can I Live So My Life Counts For God!

Holy Spirit said, "How Do You Count Yourself?"

Nehemiah 7:1-73

Have you ever struggled with feelings that your life is not worthwhile? I think we all feel that way at times. I know that I do! Life goes by so quickly! I often think about, “What am I accomplishing that really matters? How can I spend my life so that it counts for something worthwhile?”

The correct answer to those questions is to spend our lives so that they count for God and His purpose. If our lives count for God, then they count not just for time, but for eternity. So the key question becomes, how can I live so that my life counts for God?

The chapter 7 serves as a pivot in the Book of Nehemiah. Chapters 1-6 describe the restoration of the wall of Jerusalem. Chapters 8-13 tell about the restoration of the people of Judah. Chapter 7 begins with three verses describing the precautions that Nehemiah took to guard the newly walled city from attack, thus wrapping up the first half of the book. Verses 4-73 look forward to the reforms of the second half of the book by showing how Nehemiah went about repopulating the city so that it would become a vital center for national and spiritual life.

In Ezra, this list of names of those who returned from Babylon under Zerubbabel in 536 B.C. served to document who was a true Jew. In Nehemiah, nearly a century later (444 B.C.), the list answers the question, “Who is available to repopulate the city and to provide for temple worship?” Nehemiah uses the list to instill in the people a reminder of their personal and national identity as God’s people and to encourage them to fulfill their responsibilities in light of this identity.

To count for God, commit yourself to the things that matter to God.

The chapter reveals five things that matter to God:

1. Worship matters to God (7:1)

Nehemiah mentions that after the walls were rebuilt and the doors were installed, he appointed the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites (7:1).  The reason for protecting the city from invaders was not just so that everyone could live securely, it was primarily so that the worship of God in the temple could take place.

From what we read in the Book of Revelation, a good part of heaven will be spent praising God in corporate worship. The saints gather with the angels and the four living creatures and the 24 elders and sing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain,” and “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever” (Rev. 5:9, 12, 13). We will be so caught up with the beauty of the glory of God that we will be lost in wonder, love, and praise!

Heaven will be a time of drinking in the infinite beauty of the infinite God and sharing it with others. If you want your life to count for God, grow as a worshiper by growing to know God in His infinite beauty.

To count for God, commit yourself to worship and to godly character, because these things matter to God.

2. Godly character matters to God (7:2-3)

Nehemiah was an exemplary leader who knew that to be effective, he needed to delegate responsibility to other competent men. While certain administrative skills are necessary for effective leadership, the main requirement is godly character.

Nehemiah picked two men. Hanani was probably his blood brother, who had come to him at Susa with the report of Jerusalem’s sad condition (1:1-3). He is appointed as the civil leader of Jerusalem. Hananiah is appointed as the military leader because “he was a faithful man and feared God more than many.” Together they are charged not to open the city gates until the sun was hot, and to bolt them and stand guard when they were shut. Also, they were to appoint guards from the residents of the city, each in front of his own house. There are three godly character traits here:

A. FAITHFULNESS.

The Hebrew word means reliable, truthful, and firm. Hananiah was a man you could depend on. He spoke the truth and if he promised to do something, he did it. If you want your life to count for God, work at becoming a faithful person. It is a fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in us as we walk in dependence on Him (Gal. 5:16, 22). All of us are stewards of the gifts and time that God allots to us. Paul said that it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy, or faithful (1 Cor. 4:2).  Since our God is a faithful God who always speaks truth and keeps His word, as we grow in godliness, we will grow in faithfulness.

*Recognize and define the responsibilities that God has given you to do. As a Christian, you are responsible to obey God’s commands to live a morally pure life that honors Him. As a husband and father, you are responsible to provide the basic needs for your family. As a parent, you are responsible to train your children in God’s ways. As a gifted member of Christ’s body, you are responsible to serve Him in some capacity. You cannot be faithful if you are foggy about what you’re supposed to be doing.

*Start with and don’t neglect the small things. If you’re faithful in little things, you will be faithful with much (Luke 16:10). In the context, “little things” refers to your managing the money God has entrusted to you.

*Keep your relational priorities straight. Your relationship with Jesus Christ is first. If it goes, everything goes. Spend time alone with Him each day. Your relationship with your family is next.

*Learn to use your time more effectively. Most unfaithful people complain that they don’t have time to do what they are supposed to do. But we all have the same number of hours each day. Faithful people learn to use their time well.

B. FEAR OF GOD.

Hananiah “feared God more than many.” The fear of God is a matter of degree: Some fear God a little; others fear God more. The fear of God grows out of the knowledge of God. When you see who God is and you realize who you are by way of comparison, you fall on your face in fear, realizing that He could rightly cast you into hell for your many sins. Even when you know that He has been gracious to you through Christ, you do not presume on that grace by becoming irreverent toward the Holy One. You remember that He knows your every thought and deed, and so you seek to please Him in all you do. If you want your life to count for God, grow in the fear of God.

C. WATCHFULNESS.

Nehemiah not only built the wall with the sword and the trowel, he also posted guards and gave careful instructions to these appointed leaders on the need to guard the city. He trusted God, but he also set up a watch (see 4:9). The two are not in opposition.

Jesus warns us frequently to be on the alert (Mark 13:34-37). First Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” We need to watch out for the spiritual dangers that Satan strews across our paths, to avoid falling into sins that would destroy us. As married couples, be alert to the dangers that could destroy your marriage. As parents, be alert to the dangers that could destroy your children. As church leaders, be alert to the dangers that could damage God’s flock.

Note that a time of success is a critical time to be on guard. The walls were built, the gates were in place. It would have been easy to kick back and let down the guard. The enemy often hits right after a victory. Be especially careful then!

Also, we need to be especially on guard in our own homes. Nehemiah instructed that each one stand guard in front of his own house (7:3). Guard what movies and TV shows come into your home. Guard what comes through on your home computer. Take caution if your children spend the night at a friend’s home, as to what they plan to do and who is supervising. Instruct and warn your kids about spiritual dangers and how to call if they need help.

3. People matter to God (7:4-73)

From a historical, salvation perspective, these Jewish genealogical records are important because when the Messiah came to this earth, it was important to prove that He was descended from the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David. The list in Ezra 2, illustrates three important points that apply to us:

A. INDIVIDUALS ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD.

Although these names do not mean anything to us, they mean something to God. He knows His people by name. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, “calls his own sheep by name,” and they follow Him because they know His voice (John 10:3-4).  He created you in His image and He put you here at this time and place for His purpose.

The fact that individuals matter to God also means that they should matter to us. Invest your life building Jesus Christ into people, and your life will count for God and for eternity.

B. FAMILIES ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD.

The list contains many family groups (7:8-25). God designed the family as the basic unit of society. A man and woman are to leave their own families of origin and come together in a lifelong covenant relationship. In that context, children are to be born and reared in God’s ways as revealed in His Word. The family is also the building block of the local church. To say this is not in any way to devalue singles, who are a vital part of God’s family. But it is to say that the church is only strong when the families in that church are strong. Is it any wonder that Satan is attacking Christian families? If we want our lives and our children’s and grandchildren’s lives to count for God, we must guard our covenant commitments in our families.

C. MEN ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD.

The list is made up of men. This does not mean that women are unimportant to God. The Bible elevates women to a status that is unknown in other religions. Husbands are to grant their wives honor as co-heirs of the grace of life (1 Pet. 3:7).

But at the same time, Scripture is clear that there is a hierarchy of roles in the family and in the church. Husbands are the heads of their wives, just as God is the head of Christ and Christ is the head of the church (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:23). Elders and teachers in the local church are to be men (1 Tim. 2:11-15; 3:1-7). These God-ordained roles are not culturally determined. Rather, they have to do with the church and the home reflecting the image of God, where there is an equality of personhood, but at the same time, a hierarchy of roles in which the Son willingly submits to the Father to carry out the divine purpose. If Satan cannot break up a home through divorce, his next tactic is to get the man to be passive.

Men, for your life to count for God, you need to take seriously your responsibility to lead your wife and children in the things of God. By lead, I do not mean barking commands in Archie Bunker fashion from your armchair in front of the TV set! I mean walking with God as an example and becoming a servant-leader, even as Jesus led. I mean actively loving your wife and training your children. Don’t dump that job on your wife!

To count for God, commit yourself to what matters to God: worship, godly character, and people.

4. Your place in God’s family history matters to God (7:4-73)

Nehemiah says (7:5) that God put it into his heart to assemble the people to be enrolled by genealogies. Then he found this book of the record of those who first came up to Jerusalem. It served as a map for the current enrollment. 

As Christians, our physical lineage is not nearly as important as our spiritual lineage. We need to know that we have been born spiritually into God’s family, the church, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And, we need to have some evidence of it.  

It is also important to realize that God put you here at this point in the history of His people to fulfill the role that He has ordained for you. Previous generations passed the torch to you. You must carry it faithfully and pass it on to the next generation. One reason modern Christians are so carried away by the world is that they are ignorant of church history, of how God has worked down through the ages through His people who have been faithful to His calling. Reading Christian biographies and church history will give you perspective for the times we live in.

5. Your understanding of and commitment to God’s purpose matters to Him (7:6, 73)

God’s purpose is to be glorified among the nations by calling to Himself a people redeemed by His Son, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession,” who “proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called [them] out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). If you know Christ, He has given you a spiritual gift, material resources, and opportunities to be used to glorify Him and further His purpose. To count for God, commit yourself to His purpose for your life. There is no greater reason to live than to live for God’s purpose!

Each of us is unique and God has assigned each of us a different role to fulfill. In Nehemiah 7, some were priests, others were gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants. Each role is important to God. Discover who you are in Christ and commit yourself fully to be all that God wants you to be.  Commit yourself to the things that matter to God. That’s how to make your life count for Him!

Bits and Pieces of Counting for God (Nehemiah 7:1-73)

My Glimpses of Heaven with Divine Guidance