It Starts Small

Isaiah 24-27 describe the end times. Chapter 27 completes this section. When we read the scripture, many times we see him use the expression “that day.” This is in reference to the “day of the Lord” when judgment will come (see Isaiah 2:11; Ezekiel 30:3; Obadiah 1:15; Acts 2:20; 2 Peter 3:10)

In chapter 26, Isaiah revealed the Lord’s judgment using the imagery of a city populated by those opposed to God.

⁵ For he has humbled those who live in lofty places—
an inaccessible city.
He brings it down; he brings it down to the ground;
he throws it to the dust.
⁶ Feet trample it,
the feet of the humble,
the steps of the poor.

Isaiah 26:5-6

He described the inauguration feast. The Lord takes the throne of Israel. He becomes the king of the entire world. Now he pictures the final redemption of God’s chosen people Israel.

We know that chapter divisions were not part of Isaiah’s original writing. Verse 1 seems to fit better as the end of the previous chapter. Isaiah declares that the Lord will defeat Leviathan. This creature is a twisting ocean monster. It is viewed it as the enemy of created order. The imagery of God destroying this “chaos monster” symbolizes His ultimate victory in bringing order to the earth.

When we studied Isaiah 5, the prophet pictures Israel as a vineyard. The Lord developed and tended the vineyard. When it did not produce as expected, the Lord tore down the hedge and the walls and allowed the vineyard to be trampled by wild beasts. Isaiah connected God removing His protection of Israel with the nation’s unrighteousness and injustice toward the people.

Here in chapter 27, Isaiah again depicts Israel as the Lord’s vineyard. This time, the vineyard has been restored and is flourishing during the Lord’s reign as king on the earth. The Lord declares that He has no wrath or anger. He provides all the vineyard needs to thrive and produce beautiful wine grapes.

Even so, God anticipates dealing with threats from within the nation. These are represented as invasive plants which are only useful as firewood. His repeated preference is that these hostile or unbelievers, would repent and be reconciled to Him. No matter what, the abundant fruit from the vineyard of Israel and Judah will fill the world.

Isaiah reveals deals with the difference between God’s wrath as applied to Israel versus other nations. At the time this was written, the northern ten tribes may have already been exiled. The southern two tribes of Judah seemed under constant threat of being wiped out. But the fate of those nations which attacked Israel is even worse. Israel and Judah would be exiled, but the Lord would use this as discipline. He would bring them back with full repentance from worshiping false idols and gods.

Their enemies are symbolized as a fortress city (Isaiah 26:5–6)—will be thoroughly wiped out and only desolation will remain. Those who attacked Israel lack the discernment expected of those who honor God (Proverbs 1:7). Their Creator has neither obligation (Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:15) nor plans to show them mercy.

The chapter and the section end with a promise. In what was then Isaiah’s future, the Lord will collect His scattered people. They will come from the regions of Assyria and Egypt and arrive at home. Their exiles and sufferings will not be the end of the nation. The trumpet will be played to gather the Lord’s people. They will come and worship Him on the mountain in Jerusalem once more.

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