Salvation of The Righteous
November 5, 2020
Commentary
When the Jews in Jerusalem saw 185,000 Assyrian soldiers slain by God in one night, they realized that the God of Israel was “a consuming fire” (Isa. 10:17). This miracle deliverance of Jerusalem not only brought glory to God among the Gentiles but it also brought fear and conviction to the Jews (vv 13-16). Isaiah hoped that this would bring his people to a place of true devotion to the Lord. God called on people everywhere to acknowledge His righteous actions and His power. The people asked who can endure God’s great judgment and the prophet responded that those who walk righteously and speak what is right (v. 15). In fact, these people will enjoy God’s blessings (v. 16).
The prophet shifts his thoughts to the end times and envisions Jerusalem ruled by King Messiah (vv. 17-24). In contrast to what happened during the Assyrian invasion the Jews during the millennium will experience no terror, see no arrogant military officers and hear no foreign speech (vv 17-19). It will be a time when righteousness and peace will flourish in the land. Never again will Jerusalem be destroyed (v. 20). It will be protected by a moat (v. 21). He will rescue Israel (v. 22! In a footnote on verse 22 of the New Scofield Reference Bible it says, “All the functions of government–judicial, legislative, and executive–will be centered in the Messianic King.” No wonder the people say, “He will save us” (v. 22). Jerusalem was like a ship that almost sank, but the Lord brought it through the storm (v. 23). The nation will be whole physically and spiritually because they are forgiven (v. 24.
Application
I am like a ship that almost sank, but the Lord brought me through the storm. I will one day be whole physically and spiritually because I am forgiven.
Isaiah 33:13– 24 (NET)
13 You who are far away, listen to what I have done! You who are close by, recognize my strength.”
14 Sinners are afraid in Zion; panic grips the godless. They say, “Who among us can coexist with destructive fire? Who among us can coexist with unquenchable fire?”
15 The one who lives uprightly and speaks honestly; the one who refuses to profit from oppressive measures and rejects a bribe; the one who does not plot violent crimes and does not seek to harm others —
16 this is the person who will live in a secure place; he will find safety in the rocky, mountain strongholds; he will have food and a constant supply of water.
17 You will see a king in his splendor; you will see a wide land.
18 Your mind will recall the terror you experienced, and you will ask yourselves, “Where is the scribe? Where is the one who weighs the money? Where is the one who counts the towers?”
19 You will no longer see a defiant people whose language you do not comprehend, whose derisive speech you do not understand.
20 Look at Zion, the city where we hold religious festivals! You will see Jerusalem, a peaceful settlement, a tent that stays put; its stakes will never be pulled up; none of its ropes will snap in two.
21 Instead the Lord will rule there as our mighty king. Rivers and wide streams will flow through it; no war galley will enter; no large ships will sail through.
22 For the Lord, our ruler, the Lord, our commander, the Lord, our king— he will deliver us.
23 Though at this time your ropes are slack, the mast is not secured, and the sail is not unfurled, at that time you will divide up a great quantity of loot; even the lame will drag off plunder.
24 No resident of Zion will say, “I am ill”; the people who live there will have their sin forgiven.