“The Kingdom of Righteousness”
Isaiah 32-35
“In the four chapters that conclude the first section of his prophecy, Isaiah invites us to look at four future events to see what God has planned for His people and His world. These chapters are not human speculation, they are divinely inspired revelation, and they can be trusted.” “Be Comforted” Warren W. Wiersbe p. 102
I What does Isaiah want his people to see? 32:1-33:24
What is in Israel’s future? 32:1
What will it be like? v.1-4
What does the fool say, think, do? v.5-7
What does the noble man do? v.8
Are the women listening? Why? v.9 (3:16)
“The Assyrian sword was literally hanging over the head of Judah. Many numerous and much stronger nations than Israel had already succumbed to seemingly invincible Assyria. And yet the leaders of Judah, including their women, lived as if nothing could happen to them. They ate, they drank, they made merry. Their women dressed according to the latest fashion of their day. Luxurious living was the way of life of the rich, while the poor had to pay for it with their life’s blood and their wretchedness.”
“The Prophet Isaiah” Victor Buksbazen p.269
How will their circumstances change? v.10-14
Until Who is poured out? v.15
How are the land and the people changed? v.16-20
What is pronounced on the destroyer & traitor? 33:1
What does Isaiah ask and acknowledge? v.2-6
When do people despair? v.7-9
What action does the Lord take? v.10-13
How are sinners affected? The righteous? v.14-16
What will Israel see? Not see? Why? v.17-24
“The prophet lifts his vision to the end times and saw Jerusalem ruled by king Messiah. God’s victory over Assyria was but a “dress rehearsal’ for His victory over the whole Gentle world system that will one day assemble to destroy the Holy City (Zechariah 14:1-9). “Be Comforted” Warren W. Wiersbe p. 102
II What does Isaiah proclaim to the nations? 34:1-15
What does he want them to know? v.1-4
What is promised Edom? Why? v.5-15
“Israel’s ancient enemy Edom is singled out in verses 5-6, but this divine judgment will come upon the whole world. Edom is only one example of God’s judgment on the Gentile nations because of what they have done to His people Israel. ‘For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of retribution, to uphold Zion’s cause’. In the day of the Lord, the Gentiles will be repaid for the way they have treated the Jews and exploited their land (Joel 3:1-17). ‘Zion’s cause’ may not get much support among the nations today, but God will come to their defense and make their cause succeed.”
“Be Comforted” Warren W. Wiersbe p. 102
“No individual has God’s permission to take personal revenge. The reason is that vengeance is a judicial concept. It is reserved for God, as moral and spiritual Judge of his universe, to punish those who persistently reject Him, abandon His ways, and oppress the righteous. Typically vengeance is reserved for history’s end, and any present time is marked by a divine forbearance that provides individuals and nations with every opportunity to repent and to believe.” “The Bible Reader’s Companion” Lawrence O Richards p.428
III What does the Lord promise Zion? 34:16-35:10
Why can they be sure of this? 34:16,17
What will be changed? 35:1,2
What will they see? v.2
How are they encouraged? v.3,4
What extraordinary changes take place? v.5-7
Who enters Zion? How? v.8-10
“In glowing terms Isaiah described the joy that will soar in the hearts of God’s people as His presence works its marvelous transformation of the land and its people. In that day the redeemed, and only the redeemed, will enter Zion singing, filled at last with joy and gladness.” “The Bible Reader’s Companion” Lawrence O Richards p.428