Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.
O Lord, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.
At the noise of the tumult the people fled; at the lifting up of thyself the nations were scattered.
And your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpiller: as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them.
The Lord is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.
Behold, their valiant ones shall cry without: the ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly.
The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man.
The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.
Now will I rise, saith the Lord; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.
Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, as fire, shall devour you.
And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.
The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? where is he that counted the towers?
Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.
Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.
But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.
For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us.
Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.
And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.
Isaiah 33 offers a powerful message of hope and deliverance amidst destruction and betrayal. This chapter speaks to both the immediate historical context of Judah facing the Assyrian threat and the ultimate, future reign of God. It's a message that resonates even today, reminding us of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in times of trouble.
Woe to the Destroyer (33:1-6)
The chapter opens with a pronouncement of woe against Assyria, the seemingly invincible empire that threatened to engulf Judah. "Woe to you, O destroyer, you who were not destroyed, and traitor, you who have not been betrayed!" (Isaiah 33:1). This verse highlights the irony of Assyria's situation. They had wreaked havoc on other nations, yet their own destruction was imminent. God used Assyria to discipline His people, but Assyria's own wickedness would not go unpunished. Their days were numbered.
In contrast to the impending doom of Assyria, Isaiah offers a message of hope to the righteous remnant in Judah. Even in a time of trouble, they cry out to God for strength and salvation (Isaiah 33:2). The response is comforting: God will be a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge to those who are faithful (Isaiah 33:6). Faithfulness to God is the key to unlocking these treasures, even in the midst of a faithless society.
Futile Alliances and Divine Deliverance (33:7-12)
Isaiah vividly portrays the Assyrian invasion and the futility of Judah's attempts to secure protection through alliances with other nations. The "messengers of peace" (Isaiah 33:7) likely refer to those sent to negotiate treaties, but their efforts prove fruitless. This may also allude to King Sennacherib's betrayal, who despite agreeing to leave Jerusalem alone in exchange for tribute (2 Kings 18:13-15), attacked the city anyway. The broken treaties and failed alliances leave King Hezekiah and the people of Judah with nowhere to turn but to God. It is in this desperate situation, when Hezekiah cries out to the Lord, that Jerusalem is spared (see Isaiah 37).
The Future Kingdom of Righteousness (33:13-24)
Even in the face of a brutal enemy at Jerusalem's gates, Isaiah assures the righteous that they will be delivered (Isaiah 33:13-16). The day will come when the Assyrians, who caused such dread, will be gone forever. This deliverance inspires Isaiah to look ahead and prophesy about the future, when all of God's enemies will be defeated and Jerusalem will finally be the city of peace that God intended it to be (Isaiah 33:17-24).
In this millennial kingdom, "they will see the King in his beauty" (Isaiah 33:17). This speaks of a time when Christ will rule from Jerusalem in perfect peace and righteousness. Those who dwell in Jerusalem will be forgiven their iniquity (Isaiah 33:24).
Isaiah 33:22 is a powerful declaration of God's ultimate authority: "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us." This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of God's rule. He is not just a powerful force, but the source of justice, law, and salvation.
This verse also speaks to the importance of recognizing God's authority in all areas of life. Human governments should reflect God's government, operating with justice and righteousness. While Jesus Christ will exercise absolute authority in His kingdom, in our current world, God's kingdom agenda is advanced through decentralized institutions operating under His divine authority, with checks and balances.
Christians who are committed to living out God’s kingdom agenda have a great future. The invisible kingdom of which we are a part will become universally visible the day when Jesus Christ returns to earth and establishes his reign. Those who submit to His kingdom agenda now will have the privilege of ruling with Him in the kingdom. God is preparing faithful people to rule with Him in His earthly kingdom.
Isaiah 33 reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope remains. God is sovereign, faithful, and ultimately victorious. By trusting in Him and living according to His Word, we can experience His salvation and participate in His eternal kingdom.
Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.
O Lord, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.
At the noise of the tumult the people fled; at the lifting up of thyself the nations were scattered.
And your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpiller: as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them.
The Lord is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.
Behold, their valiant ones shall cry without: the ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly.
The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man.
The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.
Now will I rise, saith the Lord; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.
Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, as fire, shall devour you.
And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.
The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? where is he that counted the towers?
Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.
Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.
But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.
For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us.
Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.
And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.
Isaiah 33 offers a powerful message of hope and deliverance amidst destruction and betrayal. This chapter speaks to both the immediate historical context of Judah facing the Assyrian threat and the ultimate, future reign of God. It's a message that resonates even today, reminding us of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in times of trouble.
Woe to the Destroyer (33:1-6)
The chapter opens with a pronouncement of woe against Assyria, the seemingly invincible empire that threatened to engulf Judah. "Woe to you, O destroyer, you who were not destroyed, and traitor, you who have not been betrayed!" (Isaiah 33:1). This verse highlights the irony of Assyria's situation. They had wreaked havoc on other nations, yet their own destruction was imminent. God used Assyria to discipline His people, but Assyria's own wickedness would not go unpunished. Their days were numbered.
In contrast to the impending doom of Assyria, Isaiah offers a message of hope to the righteous remnant in Judah. Even in a time of trouble, they cry out to God for strength and salvation (Isaiah 33:2). The response is comforting: God will be a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge to those who are faithful (Isaiah 33:6). Faithfulness to God is the key to unlocking these treasures, even in the midst of a faithless society.
Futile Alliances and Divine Deliverance (33:7-12)
Isaiah vividly portrays the Assyrian invasion and the futility of Judah's attempts to secure protection through alliances with other nations. The "messengers of peace" (Isaiah 33:7) likely refer to those sent to negotiate treaties, but their efforts prove fruitless. This may also allude to King Sennacherib's betrayal, who despite agreeing to leave Jerusalem alone in exchange for tribute (2 Kings 18:13-15), attacked the city anyway. The broken treaties and failed alliances leave King Hezekiah and the people of Judah with nowhere to turn but to God. It is in this desperate situation, when Hezekiah cries out to the Lord, that Jerusalem is spared (see Isaiah 37).
The Future Kingdom of Righteousness (33:13-24)
Even in the face of a brutal enemy at Jerusalem's gates, Isaiah assures the righteous that they will be delivered (Isaiah 33:13-16). The day will come when the Assyrians, who caused such dread, will be gone forever. This deliverance inspires Isaiah to look ahead and prophesy about the future, when all of God's enemies will be defeated and Jerusalem will finally be the city of peace that God intended it to be (Isaiah 33:17-24).
In this millennial kingdom, "they will see the King in his beauty" (Isaiah 33:17). This speaks of a time when Christ will rule from Jerusalem in perfect peace and righteousness. Those who dwell in Jerusalem will be forgiven their iniquity (Isaiah 33:24).
Isaiah 33:22 is a powerful declaration of God's ultimate authority: "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us." This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of God's rule. He is not just a powerful force, but the source of justice, law, and salvation.
This verse also speaks to the importance of recognizing God's authority in all areas of life. Human governments should reflect God's government, operating with justice and righteousness. While Jesus Christ will exercise absolute authority in His kingdom, in our current world, God's kingdom agenda is advanced through decentralized institutions operating under His divine authority, with checks and balances.
Christians who are committed to living out God’s kingdom agenda have a great future. The invisible kingdom of which we are a part will become universally visible the day when Jesus Christ returns to earth and establishes his reign. Those who submit to His kingdom agenda now will have the privilege of ruling with Him in the kingdom. God is preparing faithful people to rule with Him in His earthly kingdom.
Isaiah 33 reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope remains. God is sovereign, faithful, and ultimately victorious. By trusting in Him and living according to His Word, we can experience His salvation and participate in His eternal kingdom.