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More Isaiah commentaries
Isaiah 30:1-7
Admonition Against the Alliance
Isaiah 30:8-17
Prediction of the Failure of the Alliance
Isaiah 30:18-33
Restoration of Israel
Isaiah 31:1-9
Deliverance From Israel’s Enemy
Isaiah 32:1-20
Woe to Those Trusting in Military Defense
Isaiah 33:1-12
Destruction of Assyria
Isaiah 33:13-24
Salvation of the Righteous
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Destruction of Assyria
Isaiah 33:1–12
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
According to psychologist William Damon, respect for the parent who exercises proper authority leads to respect for legitimate social institutions and to respect for law. Damon writes, “The child’s respect for parental authority sets the direction for civilized partici … More
Isaiah’s sixth and final pronouncement of “woe” upon the kingdom of Israel and Judah deals with the devastation that shall come upon the land (v. 1). It is directed against Sennacherib because of his treachery against Judah. Hezekiah had tried to “buy off” the Assyrians ( 2 Kings 18:13-15) but Sennacherib had broken the agreement and invaded Judah anyway. This was a foolish thing for King Hezekiah to do when he took the temple treasures and tried to bribe Sennacherib, but God forgave him. When Jerusalem was surrounded by the Assyrians there was a godly remnant that prayed (vv. 2-4). God spared Jerusalem because of this remnant who prayed and trusted God. We should never underestimate the power of a praying minority.
Rejoicing in the Lord’s omnipotence, the righteous praise God for His exaltation, for filling Jerusalem with justice and righteousness, with wisdom and knowledge (vv. 5-6). But in the present there was no peace, only lamentation (vv 7-9). Some of Judah’s bravest soldiers wept when they saw one city after another fall to the enemy. The roads were very dangerous to travel, the fields and orchards were ruined, and there was no way of escape; except to turn to God (v. 10). Isaiah describes God’s judgment as someone who’s plans will turn to chaff and straw. The hot breath of the Assyrian invaders would destroy them like a fire set to burning brushes (vv 11-12).
Application
Assyria continually broke its promises, but demanded that others keep theirs. It is so easy for me to put myself in the same selfish position of demanding my rights while ignoring the rights of others. I need to treat others as I would have them treat me.
Isaiah 33:1-12 (English Standard Version)
Ah, you destroyer, who yourself have not been destroyed, you traitor, whom none has betrayed! When you have ceased to destroy, you will be destroyed; and when you have finished betraying, they will betray you. O LORD, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble. At the tumultuous noise peoples flee; when you lift yourself up, nations are scattered, and your spoil is gathered as the caterpillar gathers; as locusts leap, it is leapt upon. The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion's treasure. Behold, their heroes cry in the streets; the envoys of peace weep bitterly. The highways lie waste; the traveler ceases. Covenants are broken; cities are despised; there is no regard for man. The land mourns and languishes; Lebanon is confounded and withers away; Sharon is like a desert, and Bashan and Carmel shake off their leaves. "Now I will arise," says the LORD, "now I will lift myself up; now I will be exalted. You conceive chaff; you give birth to stubble; your breath is a fire that will consume you. And the peoples will be as if burned to lime, like thorns cut down, that are burned in the fire."
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