View source for Template:DOD protected/July 31

{{DOD-July}}

Today's reading forms what is commonly called Volume Four of the writings of [[Isaiah]]. This volume is often referred to as the Book of Judgment and Promise. These chapters form a continuous prophecy on the subject of [[judgment]] in the Day of the [[Lord]], with blessing afterward.

Chapter 24 is a [[vision]] of world convulsions and seems to relate to the same period that [[Jesus]] spoke of in [[Matthew]] 24. [[Isaiah]] says that the earth would fall and not rise again (verse 20); then later he looks beyond to a "new heavens and new earth," as we will see in chapters 65 and 66.

Chapter 25 is looking forward to the time of [[Israel]]'s praise for kingdom blessing. In verses 1-5 the delivered nation praises the [[Lord]]. In verse 1 [[Israel]] praises her [[Lord]] for His miraculous deliverances, and in verses 2 and 3 He is praised because He has punished [[Israel]]'s enemies. His help of the poor and needy is praised in verses 4 and 5. [[Isaiah]] seems to have transported himself beyond the clash of worlds into the age of the new heavens and the new earth, and put into the mouth of the redeemed a song of praise to [[God]] for His wonderful works. Most wonderful of all is the destruction of [[death]] (verse 8). This is referring to the resurrection of [[Jesus]] from the dead. Blessings for all nations are described in verses 6-8, and in verses 10-12 the enemies of [[Israel]] are judged.

Chapter 26 is a song of trust and triumph. It is probably [[Judah]] 's millennial song, with praise for the [[Lord]]'s faithfulness and mercies given in verses 1-6. Verse 19 gives assurance of the bodily resurrection of the righteous [[Old Testament]] saints, and verses 20 and 21 give us a glimpse of the divine indignation of the Day of the [[Lord]]. Verse 21 summarizes the [[judgment]] events of Revelation 6:1-- 19:21.

Chapter 27:1 records the destruction of [[Israel]]'s enemies. In verses 2-9 the [[Lord]]'s care for His own, even in chastening, is indicated under the figure of a vineyard, with [[Israel]] hereafter flourishing, after the chastenings are over. In verses 10 and 11 [[Israel]]'s enemies are destroyed, totally and finally; and the return of the remnant is recorded in verses 12 and 13.