Isaiah 26:12-27:13

Let us continue in the song that will be sung in the land of Judah in that day.

·        26:12-15 indicates that Israel will now live in peace (as well as in righteousness as was emphasized in 26:7-11).  That is the nature of the kingdom of Messiah: He will reign in righteousness and peace (Isa. 11:3-9).

·        26:16-19 presents a great thought.  Israel had suffered much affliction.  It was first something of their own making, by their disobedience and idolatry.  But then it became extreme because of the hatred of the nations for Israel.  But in that day Israel will be alive, alive with the resurrection life of Jesus Christ.

·        26:20-27:1 declares that God will protect the saved nation in the time of the great tribulation, especially in the latter part of it when His attention is turned fully to the nations.  Just as in Egypt in Moses’ time, so Israel will experience trouble in the beginning of that time that is called the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jer. 30:7).  But then God will protect them (cf. Rev. 12:13-17) as He destroys the world system symbolized by the harlot Babylon (Rev. 17-18).  The Lord will also punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent … that twisted serpent and He will slay the reptile that is in the sea (all of these are a part of Revelation; cf. Rev. 12:9; 13:1; 20:1-3,10).  This will all happen when the Lord comes out of His place, when Jesus returns from heaven (Rev. 19:11-21).

·        27:2-6 speaks of Israel as a vineyard, a symbolism used often in the prophetic writings.  The vineyard will flourish, being cared for by God and producing the best wine.  God’s fury is gone (v4), a term that is used to describe God’s wrath when His patience gives way to the need to punish His people.  Instead, Israel will blossom and bud, a picture of restoration of the land.

·        27:7-9 asks if God has treated Israel as did those enemies who exacted far more affliction than God called for.  The answer is NO!  In the coming day God will be there to protect Israel from the hot and dusty east wind.

·        27:10-11 says that the wicked city from before is no more.  Instead, from north (the River, Euphrates; northern border of the land promised to Abraham, Gen. 15:18-21; Assyria) to south (the Brook of Egypt; the southern border of Israel; Egypt) Israel will worship in Jerusalem, the city that will be known for HOLINESS TO THE LORD (Zech. 14:20-21; Isa. 35:8).

How great is our God!  How worthy of worship!  Here we see His fullness: His wisdom, justice, grace, sovereignty, power, love … His fullness!  Paul gloried in his weaknesses so God’s power might be glorified; that is Israel’s testimony.  Paul said God chose that which was weak and despised so He might be honored above all; that is Israel’s testimony.  Paul said God chose him, the chief of sinners, to display His grace and mercy; that is Israel’s testimony.  In that day the greatest evidence of all that God is will be seen in His faithfulness to Israel.