Scripture reading – Isaiah 34; Isaiah 35
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Isaiah 34 – Armageddon
A Summons for Judgment to the Nations (Isaiah 34:1)
In my opinion, Isaiah 34 moved from the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem during the reign of Hezekiah, king of Judah (Isaiah 33), and transports us to an event that is yet future: Armageddon (Revelation 19:11-21). All nations and people were summoned with the words, “Come near, ye nations, to hear; And hearken, ye people: Let the earth hear, and all that is therein; The world, and all things that come forth of it” (Isaiah 34:1).
The Day of God’s Wrath (Isaiah 34:2-7)
Isaiah recorded a graphic description of God’s future judgment of all nations and armies (Isaiah 34:2). It was described as a day of indignation, fury, destruction, and a great slaughter (Isaiah 34:2). The slaughter will be so vast that the bodies of the dead will be left on the battlefield. At the same time, the hills will run red with blood (Isaiah 34:3).
Even the stars and galaxies in heaven will become a scene of cataclysmic failure (Isaiah 34:4a). The heavens will melt, and the stars will fall like leaves and dying figs (Zechariah 14:6-7; Matthew 24:29; 1 Peter 3:8-14; Revelation 6:12-14).
On that day, God’s wrath will spill over onto the nations (Isaiah 34:4; Isaiah 63:1-6) and the citizens of the nations [“Idumea,” lit. Edom, and serving as a symbol of Gentile nations] will be slaughtered like lambs, goats, and bulls (Isaiah 34:5-7).
The LORD Will Execute Vengeance for Zion (Isaiah 34:8-10)
The lands will be destroyed, waters polluted, and it will seem like a perpetual flame of God’s judgment (Isaiah 34:8-9). The land will “lie waste” as a continual reminder of God’s wrath (Isaiah 34:10). Wild animals will roam the land, and no human voices will be heard (Isaiah 34:11-12). Thorns and briars will overtake the land, and wild animals, owls, “dragons” [i.e., jackals], and “satyr” [i.e., male goats] will be its inhabitants (Isaiah 34:13-15).
The Wrath of the LORD is Sure (Isaiah 34:16-17)
The judgment of God, though future, was sealed “in the book of the LORD,” and it will not be hindered (Isaiah 34:16a). God will execute His wrath on sinners as He has promised (Isaiah 34:16b), for the “lot” of His judgment has been cast (Isaiah 34:17).
Isaiah 35 – The Millennial Kingdom of Christ
The State of God’s People, Believing Jews and Gentiles, Following Armageddon
Isaiah 35 foretold the Millennial reign of Christ and the restoration of creation from the effects of man’s sin.
Isaiah prophesied that the earth will be transformed when the LORD returns and reigns in Zion. The dry land will spring forth with life, and the desert will be adorned with blossoms (Isaiah 35:1). Lebanon, once known for its fragrant cedars, will again display its glory. The beautiful oaks of Carmel will be restored, and Sharon’s lush green pastures will again reflect God’s glory and excellency (Isaiah 35:2).
When Christ returns, mankind will be healed from its ills, the weak will be strengthened (Isaiah 35:3), and the fearful will be fearless (Isaiah 35:4). On that day, the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will jump for joy (Isaiah 35:5), and the mute will break forth into singing (Isaiah 35:6a)! What a glorious day that will be.
The LORD will restore nature when He comes again. The desert will flow with streams of water (Isaiah 35:6b) and blossom like an oasis (Isaiah 35:7). The redeemed will walk “the way of holiness” (or “the holy way”), and the highways will be safe (Isaiah 35:8-9).
Closing thoughts –
When will these things come to pass? When will the Day of the LORD’s wrath be seen?
When will the redeemed of the LORD gather at Zion, and the songs of “everlasting joy” and gladness be heard? When will “sorrow and sighing” flee away? (Isaiah 35:10)
The Scriptures do not give us the time or day of God’s judgment, nor the hour sorrow and sadness will be turned to joy and gladness. However, the Scriptures encourage all believers to live in anticipation of that day.
2 Peter 3:10–11 – 10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.
Let us not fret over the when but how we should live until the LORD returns.
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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