Isaiah Chapters 2-5
The same prophecy found in Isaiah 2:1-4 is also mentioned by Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, in Micah 4:1-3. This does not mean that one writer copied from another, for God could give the same prophecy to both men. “Some question whether one copied from the other, but such discussions are profitless since both were inspired of God. Why wouldn’t their message be identical if they received revelation from the same source (2 Peter 1:2021)?” (Harkrider p. 14). “From the dark picture of Zion as a forsaken shed in the midst of desolation (1:8) and as an unfaithful wife who had become a harlot (1:21), the prophet turns to the future and sees Zion glorified above all cities and nations (2:14). He is then called back to reality once more and sees the city in its present condition, polluted with sin, the fruit of idolatry (2:5-4:1)” (Hailey p. 45). 2:1 Here is another revelation that Isaiah is given (1:1). 2:2 “In the last days”: The New Testament uses the same expression and applies it to the period between the incarnation and the second coming, the Messianic age (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Hebrews 1:1-2). Notice that this is not the “last day” when Jesus comes, rather the expression the “last days”, refers to the final age or era on the earth. 150 years after Isaiah spoke, Daniel used a similar expression, “the latter days”, and referred this period of time to the time of the Roman Empire (Daniel 2:28ff). Most premillennial writers feel that his expression refers to the period of time right before the end, but such is a misuse of the term.
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2:2 “The mountain of the house of the Lord will be established”: The Lord’s house is clearly the church (1 Timothy 3:15). The church was established in the New Testament era (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47). Hailey notes that Physical Zion was the steep hill in the southeastern section of Jerusalem on which David had built his fortress and on which Solomon later built the temple. It became a symbol of an impregnable stronghold against enemies and the dwelling place of God among His people. The word Zion came to be used in prophecy to refer to the spiritual Zion to come, that is, the dwelling place of God among his redeemed people where they find security and peace (p. 47). Compare with Hebrews 12:18-23. 2:2 “The mountain”: Signifies a government or seat of government (Jeremiah 51:25). In Daniel 2:44-45 the future church is likened to a great mountain that fills the whole earth. Thus God is saying that the church or kingdom of God will be exalted above all human governments and rule. This is not saying that the church would rule the world, but rather, the most important citizenship would be citizenship in this kingdom. Human empires will come and go, but this spiritual kingdom will never end (Hebrews 12:28). 2:2 “And will be raised above the hills”: “Meaning that it is superior to any political, ethical, moral, or religious ideal to be found in human society” (Harkrider p. 14). That is, the church as God designed it is superior to any human organizations, clubs, governments, and so on. There is a warning here to those who spend their time trying to build human organizations that are to rival the church. The church is the subject of prophecy and is part of God’s eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:10-11), para-church organizations are not. 2:2 “And all the nations will stream to it”: “Moreover, Jehovah’s government will be international. Note the international flavor of the ‘Great Commission’ in the New Testament (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15). Too, the term ‘flow’ (stream) suggests the receptivity that the gospel would have among the Gentiles” (Jackson p. 12). This means that this kingdom would not be reserved for Jews only but would be open to people from every nation (Revelation 5:9-10).
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2:3 “Many peoples”: Which is the equivalent of the “all nations” mentioned in 2:2. “That He may teach us concerning His ways and that we may walk in His paths”: “Instead of deafness and rebellion as in Isaiah’s day, there will be a readiness to hear and a willingness to walk in God’s paths” (Hailey p. 48). The people that will come for salvation in the New Testament will be people humble enough to admit that they need teaching and that they cannot direct their own paths (Jeremiah 10:23). “Those who come to the house of the Lord are drawn by His teaching, hence, see the need to ‘walk in His paths’. Christianity is a taught system (Isaiah 54:13; John 6:44-45). Man is not qualified to direct his own paths, and the philosophy which allows every man to do ‘that which is right in his own eyes’ (Judges 17:6) is foreign to the Scriptures” (Jackson pp. 12-13). 2:3 “For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” The “law” is the same as the “word of the Lord”, just as “Zion” is the same as “Jerusalem”. The New Covenant law or the gospel message did start in Jerusalem (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8; 2:1ff). In addition, God reminds us that the gospel message will be a “law” (James 1:25; Jeremiah 31:31-34). 2:4 “And He will judge between the nations”: “God will be the final arbiter or judge in all matters. Since the nations will come to Zion to learn His law and to walk in His ways, God’s word will be the standard by which all matters are judged. Also, God will continue to judge and execute vengeance on the heathen nations that hearken neither to His word nor to His divinely appointed ruler (Psalm 2). God will judge who is and who is not in the kingdom” (Hailey p. 49). 2:4 “They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war” As previous noted, Premillennial writers contend that this section of Scripture will be fulfilled during a 1000-year reign of Christ on the earth. They also believe that this does not apply to the church, but rather to the physical nation of Israel. Yet they are not consistent in their application.
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Their view of Revelation 20:1ff actually has a major battle at the end of the Millennium, thus Isaiah 2:4 “and never again will they learn war” does not fit their interpretation. Actually Isaiah is talking about the change that will take place among those from every nation who come to God’s kingdom. “People formerly hostile to one another, will, in Christ, be in peaceful harmony” (Jackson p. 13). God is describing the future character of those who enter this kingdom (compare with Ephesians 2:1ff). Isaiah is not describing a future in which the nations of the world will not fight wars. Hailey notes that in Zechariah 9:9-10, the Messiah is spoken of as cutting off the battle bow and speaking peace unto the nations. Matthew takes this prophecy and applies it to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5). “It was, therefore, in His kingdom that the implements of war would be cut off” (pp. 49-50). Compare with Ephesians 2:17 “He came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh”). “The effect of the gospel in the hearts of men is peace. Instruments of war are turned into instruments of peace, which symbolizes the differences in attitudes before and after conversion to Christ. As men are taught of the Lord they will apply the principles of His government in their lives (John 18:36; 14:27; Ephesians 2:11-16). This prophecy does not demand the cessation of all literal human war any more than it demands that society will first revert to the literal use of these primitive weapons of war and implements of agriculture” (Harkrider pp. 14-15). 2:5 The nation is urged to walk once again in the light of divine truth (1:18). Judah’s Present Wickedness 2:6-8 “Filled with influences from the east”: Israel had conformed to the pagan culture that surrounded them (Romans 12:1-2), they had become filled with the ways of the world. Such influences included the occult, covenants with pagans, materialism and greed, trust in military technology, and idolatry. Compare with Deuteronomy 17:16-17. 2:6 “They strike bargains with”: “Indicates that they find pleasure in associating with foreigners and enjoy heathen ways” (Hailey p. 50). “All of this accumulation
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of material wealth and power had led the Jews to forget their dependence upon God” (pp. 50-51). 2:9 “But do not forgive them”: For there appears to be no hope of change because Isaiah can see no desire for change among the people. Godly individuals do not want unrepentant individuals to be forgiven. 2:10-11 In view of the coming judgment, the prophet exhorts the people to take refuge in caves. God will humble such vain and arrogant people and in the day that judgment arrives, He will be glorified. The Day of Reckoning 2:12 God is opposed to the proud among His people who refuse to repent. All those who boast themselves against the Creator will be reduced to proper size. 2:13-17 “As illustrations, several items known for strength (cedars, oaks, mountains, military fortifications) are said to fall. When the contest between evil men and Jehovah is over, the Lord alone will stand” (Jackson p. 14). 2:18-22 In such a day of judgment, men will abandon their idols, even those made of precious metals, because such things will have become nothing more than dead weight and a hindrance in their attempts to flee from the coming invasion. They will seek to conceal themselves from the judgment brought by the Creator, and the people are admonished to stop trusting in man, since he is frail, and is nothing compared to God. There is a great lesson here for us today. When Jesus comes what will be considered the most important possession to have? Chapter Three: Overview 3:1-7 Because of her sins, Judah will be punished. “A list of things upon which she depended, but of which she shall be deprived, is given. She would lose her bread and water, i.e, fruit productivity. The mighty leaders, in whom the people trusted rather than the Lord, would be taken away. Their rulers would be replaced by inexperienced youth. The wicked king Manasseh began to reign when he was only twelve years old (2 Kings 21:1). In another sense, however, the ineptness of their rulers is stressed. As a consequence of poor leadership, deplorable social conditions would result. Oppression and general disrespect for others would reign. There would be
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quarreling within families as to who should rule. The dire conditions of the time would certainly be illustrated by the fact that one possessing a ‘cloak’ would be so unusual that he would be deemed qualified to rule. But no one wanted the responsibility of trying to heal the nation” (Jackson p. 14). The new rulers would act capriciously and would show no respect to the elders and the honorable citizens. “Society will be thrown into chaos as they run from one potential leader to another in search of a stabilizing force. Conditions will become so hopeless that no righteous man will accept the responsibility of leadership” (Harkrider p. 16). 3:9 As did the citizens of Sodom, Judah is flaunting her sins. The rebellion of the inhabitants is clearly seen on their facial expressions, “these people openly and shamelessly declare their sin; there is no effort to hide it” (Hailey p. 55). 3:10-11 As a man sows, so shall he reap (Obadiah 15; Galatians 6:7-8). To reap the blessings of being righteous, one must actually be righteous. 3:12 Here is one of the consequences when a society departs from God. “Inexperienced and immature rulers who act like boys and are controlled by dominating women cannot give a people sound leadership” (Hailey p. 55). Strong leaders in society and the church refuse to be intimidated by youth or feminists. But what is the driving force as far as direction in most modern denominations? Look at many liberal congregations. Decisions are not being made by the basis of God’s truth, but the demands of a youth oriented culture, and other factors. 3:13-15 God arises to contend and will deal with people in positions of influence and leadership who exploited their power. “What do you mean by”: That is, “do you think you can get away with such behavior?” 3:16-26 “The haughty, flirtatious, extravagant women of Zion are sharply censured. All of this finery, however, would in the coming captivity be taken away. Sweet smelling perfumes would be exchanged for stench. Lovely hairstyles would be replaced with baldness” (Jackson p. 15). “They seek attention by the way they walk, affecting a daintiness or youthful appearance by tripping along and wearing anklets with bells that tinkle” (Hailey p. 56).
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Chapter Four: Overview 3:26-4:1 So many of the men will be killed in the coming judgment and in an effort to escape the shame of having no husband, the women will be willing to share one man among seven of themselves. In fact, they will be willing to provide for themselves just as long as they can wear his name. 4:2-6 Notice the expression “in that day”, that is, after judgment arrives and the wicked are purged then Jerusalem will be restored to her former glory. This section is especially discussing the future glory in the Messianic age. The “Branch of the Lord” is a clear reference to Jesus (Isaiah 11:1-5; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15-16; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12). The remnant or survivors will be saved (Romans 11:5), those in such Zion will be holy, and the Lord will provide His people with guidance and protection (4:6) . “The ‘tabernacle’ will be a shelter from the sun’s heat and from the storm and rain; therefore this symbolizes how that the Lord will provide a refuge sufficient to meet every danger and every need” (Harkrider p. 17). This last statement also reveals that we are dealing with figurative language, for Christians are not protected from the literal rays of the sun, storms, or rain. Therefore, this is talking about the blessings that will be for those in Christ. Chapter Five: Overview “Judah is now portrayed under the figure of a vineyard. Great provisions for the success of the vineyard were made, rich soil, stones removed, choice vine, tower, winepress, etc. There is no logical reason why it should not have produced the finest of fruit; rather, however, it brought forth ‘wild grapes’, i.e., a disobedient people. What more could the Lord have done to bless His people? Nothing?” (Jackson p. 16). 5:1-4 Anyone who can think clearly would agree that God had bent over backwards for Judah and that He was completely just in punishing them for their ingratitude and sin. There is a needed lesson here. When people fall away, at times the church is blamed, note, there are times that people fall away and the only person to blame is the sinner. If God had done
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everything for Israel to grow spiritually, then how much more has He provided everything necessary for the growth of Christians (2 Peter 1:3)? 5:5-7 As a result, God will destroy this vineyard. Then we are told that this vineyard represents Israel and Judah, plants that were delightful to God, and plants that He expected to produce justice and righteousness, but they only produced sin. 5:6-23 This is a section of six woes upon the wicked among His people, a consuming greed for more land and houses (5:8-10), drunkenness, wasteful living, and superficial lives (5:11-12). Notice the very accurate picture of the person enslaved to alcohol and the party nightlife. Ignorance of God’s ways is the reason for this destruction (5:13, compare with Hosea 4:6). All will be humbled, but God will be exalted. 5:18 “Woe to those who drag iniquity with the cords of falsehood”: “Committing evil became the primary object of their lives. Sin follows them like a cart follows the oxen to which it is harnessed” (Harkrider p. 21). This also reveals that the sinner is enslaved to sin, like an ox yoked to a heavy load. They are bound to their sins (Proverbs 5:22), one sin leads to another, and they are forced to drag this heavy lifestyle along with them. 5:19 “Who say, ‘Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it’” “Without astounding arrogance these sinners challenge God’s prophet, in effect saying: ‘If God is going to punish us, let Him get on with it’” (Jackson p. 17). 5:20 “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil”: The rejection of absolute truth is near the end of a culture, when man is without moral guidance, and when evil and good are totally confused. Sound familiar? This is the predictable outcome when God’s truth is rejected and when man relies upon his own wisdom. 5:21 “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight”: Woe to those who trust in their own wisdom, woe to the
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arrogant, woe those who reject divine truth, and think they are smart in following their own ideas. Woe to those who feel superior to the teachings in the Bible! 5:22-23 “Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and valiant men in mixing strong drink”: Woe to those who have such misconceptions of what it means to be a man! These men do not remain at the “bar” all day (5:11), rather they are men in positions of leadership who are hard drinking and who are ready to compromise for the sake of financial gain (5:23). Notice how a leader’s personal morality does affect their public decisions. Yes, character is always the most important issue in selecting leaders for a nation or community. 5:24-25 As a result of all these sins, destruction will come like a wild fire because these people have rejected God’s word. 5:26-30 A serious judgment is on the horizon. God will lift up an ensign, a flag, cloth, or some other symbol upon a pole to the nations afar, and will whistle for them to come with speed and destroy His people. God is not calling any slackers or some disorganized army, rather the nation that will arrive will be diligent, well rested, serious, professional, and bent on destruction. Assyria would come from afar and carry off into captivity the ten northern tribes, and Judah will be spared through the efforts of Isaiah, Micah, and Hezekiah. But Babylon would also come from afar and take the unrepentant nation into captivity.
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