God through Isaiah employs the technique of literary and evangelistic switchbacks. Even a fast reading of Isaiah reveals the main themes of blessing for the repentant faithful in Christ, Messiah, and condemnation for the unfaithful, those who rebel against God’s word. Chapter 26 excels in its illustration of the rapid contrast of these evangelistic themes. …
Isaiah’s Apocalypse Continues: Journal 54
In summary, Isaiah presents a long section on wrathful judgment in chapter 24, interrupted by a shorter section concerning salvation of the willing. Then, in chapter 25, he presents a long section rejoicing in salvation. He interrupts this by a short section to tell the end of the wicked. Next, in the section from Isaiah 26:1-27:1, Isaiah combines the two themes of judgment for the faithful (salvation) and judgment against the wicked (condemnation) in more rapid succession, interweaving these throughout. Finally, chapter 27 describes Israel’s future with metaphor. …
Moab: Isaiah Devotional Journal 52
From the very beginning of the book, Isaiah mixes concrete-physical prophesies with spiritual. Chapter 1, for example, is largely concrete-physical. Isaiah seemed to be addressing the physical people who lived in Israel at the same time he did. On the other hand, Isaiah 2:1-4 appears to contain a more spiritual application. Christ is he who said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). That is not a matter of hermeneutics. Christ said, ” …true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). In other words, Christ took no offense at spiritual meanings in Isaiah, and neither should we. …
An Ancient and Faithful Counsel: Isaiah Devotional Journal 49
He [God] would know it was time to move on when history saw Messiah born, verified, crucified, risen, and ascended into heaven. At that point, it was time for him to draw in the whole class, the whole world. God will never exclude Israel. It’s just that God’s purpose has always been so much larger and grander than this one single ethnicity. And aren’t we glad for that? …