Isaiah 27 - Printer Friendly

What does Isaiah 27 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

Isaiah 27 completes a section (Isaiah 24—27) describing the end times. This uses the expression "that day" in reference to the "day of the Lord" when judgment will come (Isaiah 2:11; Ezekiel 30:3; Obadiah 1:15; Acts 2:20; 2 Peter 3:10). Isaiah earlier revealed the Lord's judgment using the imagery of a city populated by those opposed to God (Isaiah 26:5–6). He described the inauguration feast (Isaiah 25:6) as the Lord takes the throne of Israel and becomes the king of the entire world. Now he pictures the final redemption of God's chosen people Israel.

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, a twisting ocean monster which other myths viewed as the enemy of created order. The imagery of God destroying this "chaos monster" symbolizes His ultimate victory in bringing order to the earth (Isaiah 27:1).

As before (Isaiah 5:1–7), the prophet pictures Israel as a vineyard. In chapter 5, the Lord developed and tended the vineyard. When it did not produce as expected, though, 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 (Isaiah 27:2–3).

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 hostiles—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 27:4–6).

Next, Isaiah 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 worshipping false idols and gods (Isaiah 27:7–9).

Their enemies—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 (Isaiah 27:10–11).

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 in, and they will come and worship Him on the mountain in Jerusalem once more (Isaiah 27:12–13).

Isaiah 27:1 speaks of a point in Isaiah's future when God will restore Israel from all her suffering. This uses imagery of "Leviathan;" in this context, this refers to a gigantic mythical sea monster representing chaos. Isaiah uses this convenient metaphor without suggesting that such a creature literally exists.

Isaiah 27:2–6 describes the restoration and redemption of Israel in the end times by the Lord. Isaiah pictures Israel in song as a pleasant vineyard tended and fully provided for. Her fruit will fill the world. God prefers that those within this vineyard who still oppose Him would repent, rather than being destroyed.

Isaiah 27:7–11 explains that the nations used by the Lord to punish Israel will themselves be judged. He will measure out punishment for their sin and idolatry, and for their crimes against His people. This will serve as a form of symbolic atonement, as the pagan altars are destroyed. God will have no compassion for those who oppose Him.

Isaiah 27:12–13 anticipates when Israel will be brought back from dispersal over the earth. References to landmarks indicate the entire Promised Land; this entire region will be sorted and purified by God. The people will be brought back into their own land where they can worship the Lord.

Chapter Summary:

This passage often uses the phrase "in that day" referring to the end times when the Lord reigns on earth as king. Then, the Israelites will be fully restored. Their "fruit" will fill the world. The nations God used as tools to judge His people will themselves be judged, but much more harshly. Defeats will happen in the meantime, but the Lord will only measure out enough discipline to trigger Israel's repentance. There will be no compassion for those who refuse to repent. He will bring all His people home to worship Him in Jerusalem in the end.

Chapter Context:

Isaiah 27 completes a section (Isaiah 24—27) about the time when the Lord will make all things right. That description begins with the Lord's judgment of the earth (Isaiah 24:1) and ends with the redemption and restoration of Israel (Isaiah 27:6). The nations God used to judge Israel will themselves be judged. The next section of Isaiah focuses on God's scathing words for those who opposed Him, including the failed leaders of Israel and Judah.

Isaiah is among the most important prophetic books in the entire Bible. The first segment details God's impending judgment against ancient peoples for sin and idolatry (Isaiah 1—35). The second part of Isaiah briefly explains a failed assault on Jerusalem during the rule of Hezekiah (Isaiah 36—39). The final chapters predict Israel's rescue from Babylonian captivity (Isaiah 40—48), the promised Messiah (Isaiah 49—57), and the final glory of Jerusalem and God's people (Isaiah 58—66).

Accessed 11/21/2024 4:56:46 AM