Title: The Ultimate Salvation of Israel / Isaiah 33
Content: The Ultimate Salvation of Israel
Isaiah 33
1. Prayer in Judgment (1-6)
If the previous paragraph describes the richness of the kingdom of God, this paragraph shows how God's people should live in the midst of God's judgment by Assyria. In other words, it is the process of building the kingdom of God.
① God’s people pray in the midst of tribulation (1-4)
In the desperate situation of being invaded by Assyria, Isaiah prays to the Lord.(2) This attitude shows how God's people should respond in the day of trouble. Those who can pray during tribulation acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty and at the same time thoroughly know that they do not have the strength to overcome these circumstances. That is why we have no choice but to pray for God's salvation even in difficult circumstances. Prayer is not just a passive attitude to avoid tribulation, but an active attitude of believers who can overcome the desperate reality.
② The fear of the Lord is the most important value (5-6)
Isaiah reveals that the only way to find peace and abundance of wisdom in the midst of judgment is to fear the Lord. In particular, by expressing that the fear of the Lord is a treasure, it is revealed that it has the most important value in the world.
2. Salvation of Israel (7-16)
① The desolation of Israel before salvation (7-9)
The situation in Israel is hopeless, which no human ability can ever improve. All human hopes have been shattered.
② The situation of salvation (10-13)
At that time, God will arise and save Israel, and His power will be made known to all nations.
When all human hope is cut off, there is only one person who can save, Jehovah God. God's work of salvation appears powerfully in extreme circumstances.
③ Reaction of Jehovah’s people after salvation (14-16)
The events of Jehovah's judgment on Assyria show that the wicked are not in a normal relationship with God. On the other hand, it shows that the righteous were conscious of God and lived a godly life. In the same way, each person's life will be fully revealed in the judgment in the last days.
3. Israel's Glorious Future (17-24)
① The glory of Israel (17-21)
Restoration of the earth - The earth primarily refers to the territory where the people of Israel live, but ultimately refers to the kingdom of God that will be achieved through Christ.
Restoration of Sacrifice- A declaration that sacrifices that were difficult to offer properly in the circumstances of judgment will be restored and will never cease.
Sacrifice essentially represents the spiritual relationship between God and Israel.
② Praise of the people (22-24)
Israel, who experienced God's salvation, praises God.