ISAIAH

Summary Isaiah Ch. 19-23

We tend to see the divine revelations spoken against the nations as outdated predictions having little value otherwise. Because of this and the difficulty understanding them, chapters 19-23 are usually neglected in a study of Isaiah. But the prophetic message concerning these nations is powerful. They speak to us of the sovereignty of God exercised throughout history. They speak of the fact that all human empires are answerable to the Living God, Creator of the whole world. And they speak of the fact that even the most powerful nations on earth are temporary.

The Hebrew Scriptures held a vision of the inclusion of all nations in God's redemptive purpose, the promise of blessing first given to Abraham. Moses made mention of those who would join themselves to Israel and here in the prophetic books, is an identification of nations with Israel with the same names, privileges and responsibilities before God as seen in Isaiah 19:19-25. Other scriptures indicate the same.

quote:

Isaiah 56:7c says, "For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples."

And

Acts 15:16-18
"After this I will return, and I will rebuild the fallen tent of David; I will rebuild its ruins and restore it, 17 so that the rest of humanity may seek the Lord, namely, all the Gentiles I have called to be my own,' says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from long ago."

This unity in worship does not mean the loss of national identity. Rather, the glory of the future reign of God will be an influx of all peoples. Not just their peoples, but all their achievement, wealth and glory will be brought, purified, into the new Jerusalem. This vision is found in Isaiah 60:5-11; Haggai 2:6-8; and in the conclusion of an oracle against Tyre (Isaiah 23;18), where it is said that all the profits will be "set apart for the Lord", for the benefit of His people.

God's ultimate purpose is the creation of a people for Himself. The same vision is expressed in Revelation, when "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ" and the "kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it". (Revelation 11:15; 21:24).

2 Timothy 3:16a, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching,"

Let us not neglect any of the Word, but search it out as to how it applies to us even today. God has given us a wonderful revelation of Himself and of His purposes from beginning to end, Genesis through Revelation. To Him be the glory!