Isaiah invites us to behold, to look upon the scene of God’s judgment. The principles revealed here apply universally to the judgment of the Lord, but the ultimate fulfilment of this will be in the ultimate period of judgment, the time of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22), which will immediately precede the second coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:29-30).

1. The catastrophic desolation (vs. 1-20)

• The catastrophe has been determined (vs. 1-3). It is determined by the Word of the Lord. In verse 1-2, Isaiah is stressing that this desolation is going to fall on everyone, everywhere and this is why he lists all these various occupations.
• Isaiah describes the desolation that he has just stated is going to come to pass. (Vs. 4-20).

1. The earth is under the curse (vs. 4-9). The desolation is going to affect man and other life on all the earth. God is fed up with the way men have been living and now His Kingdom is coming. The everlasting covenant is the Noahic covenant. People have broken it. It can be seen in the breakdown of law and order in the government.
2. Earth’s cities are to be judged (vs. 10-12). The “city of confusion” may refer ultimately to the Babylon mentioned in Revelation 17. See also Genesis 11 for comparison.
3. The remnant spared (vs. 13-15). It was customary for a few grapes to be left on the trees for the poor. (vs. 13). There is a remnant in Israel from west and east.
4. Terror and suffering (vs. 16-20).

2. Visitation upon the oppressors by the coming deliverer (vs. 21-23)

There will be judgment upon the angelic world and upon the kings of the earth. God’s purpose in judgment isn’t simple vengeance or vindictiveness; it is to bring about a glorious new world. This in effect is moral judgment upon the whole universe. (vs. 21). Satan and his demons will be put into the pit and then punished (vs. 22). See Revelation 20:1-10. In the presence of the glory of God, the sun and moon will look like nothing. (vs. 23).

Categories: Isaiah