Scripture Text: Isaiah 32:1-35:10
Memory Verse: “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.” —Isaiah 35:3-4
Introduction:
Our study this week concludes the first section of Isaiah’s prophecy, and focuses on four future events that reveal God’s plan for His people and the world:
- The King who will reign (Isaiah 32:1-20)
- Jerusalem’s deliverance (Isaiah 33:1-24)
- God’s judgment upon this sinful world (Isaiah 34:1-17)
- God’s glorious kingdom established (Isaiah 35:1-10)
In contrast to the evil rulers of Judah and the surrounding nations, the world was to receive a King, a Messiah, who would reign in righteousness and true justice. He will be both Protector, and Provider, ruling in the fear of God. In those days, peace and prosperity will be renewed. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit will bring a sense of true righteousness, which will produce peace and plenty.
Jerusalem’s deliverance has a dual application. The holy city will be delivered from the oppression and threat of Assyria, but Isaiah looks ahead to end times, when Jerusalem is ruled by the King-Messiah. God’s incredible victory over Assyria is shown to be just the “dress rehearsal” for what He ultimately plans. The Jews in the messianic kingdom will have no dread, will experience no arrogant military officers, and will hear no foreign speech. The city of Jerusalem was one of just a few great cities of Bible times that wasn’t built near a river, but this will change during the millennial kingdom (Ezekiel 47), but this new river will be the peace given by the Lord to His people. Not even sickness and disease will be present in that New Jerusalem!
In the “Day of the Lord,” the Gentiles will be punished for their treatment of God’s people, and for defiling the Holy land.
As Messiah’s reign is established, the earth will be again transformed into the Garden of Eden. In this kingdom, there will be no deaf ears or blind eyes—none lame or dumb—for all will be made whole. Fear and torment will cease. All will be at rest.
Studying the Word
- What are the results of true, God-ordained leadership? (Isaiah 32:3-5) How are fools contrasted to noble men? (Isaiah 32:6-8; Proverbs 14:9; 15:5; 18:6; 28:26; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Ephesians 5:15)
- What happens to those who are indifferent to God and His ways? (Isaiah 32:9-14; 47:8-15; Zephaniah 1:12; Matthew 25:8-13)
- Describe the power of intercessory prayer and our desperate need for it. (Isaiah 33:2-6; Genesis 18:22-32; Exodus 33:12-23; James 5:16-18)
- Isaiah 33:12-16 contrasts the majority of people who were living in prideful sin and rebellion with the righteous remnant who would be able to dwell in God’s presence. Contrast the results of pride with the results of true humility. (James 4:7-10; Micah 4:6-8; 6:6-8; Luke 18:9-14)
- Compare Isaiah 33:20-24 with Revelation 22:1-5. Try to visualize the wonderful majesty of the Kingdom of God.
- Just how complete will God’s destruction of the nations be on the day of vengeance? (Isaiah 34)
- What two important “comings” are described in Isaiah 35:3-4, and in Isaiah 35:9-10? God has taken the initiative to reveal Himself to us, and then to deliver us from the desolation we have caused. Discuss our helplessness to come to God without His first coming to us. (John 1:1-5, 14; Philippians 2:12-13)