July 18, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Isaiah 23 - The fall of Tyre is the subject of this chapter.  Cities like this had become very popular, especially Tyre because of its strategic location as a port for shipping and commerce.  Many times God shows His displeasure that the world gets caught up in the beauty, luster, and wealth of a mere city, yet hardly give God a notice. 

Isaiah 24 - From chapter 24 through chapter 27, Isaiah presents what some call a "little apocalypse" as he describes conditions in his day that pictures the tribulation period yet to come.  So much of the earth will face desolation and destruction.  Israel faced this after the Babylonians invaded their land.  As it will happen in the tribulation, a remnant of Jews will rejoice, verse 14, and eventually bring glory to God.  The Lord will punish the world for its wickedness and He will eventually reign in Jerusalem, verse 23.

Isaiah 25 - The glories of the Kingdom Age are pictured.  Note the similarity to what we all look forward to in the Millennium as you read verse 8, "He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from  all faces..."  This is just one more evidence of the promises God made to Israel way back in Genesis and the fact that God will keep them!

Isaiah 26 - Israel will have peace as they learn to trust in the Lord.  Note verses 3 and 4 and put them to memory!  The names in verse 4 referring to God are unique in that the word for either Jehovah or Yahweh is repeated twice is succession.  The phrase in verse 1, "In that day" refers to the Millennial reign of Christ.  He will establish justice in the earth and He will bring Israel back to their land and He will even raise some from the dead, verse 19.  Israel does have a glorious future with their Lord!

Isaiah 27 - Israel is seen as a "vineyard" verse 2-6.  They will blossom and bring forth fruit.  God will bring Israel back to worship Him after they have suffered, verses 10-13.  For the believer today, these chapters are a great reminder of God's faithfulness to His Word and to His people.