INTRODUCTION

Throughout the series of six woes (Isaiah 28-33), Isaiah’s attention has been on the doom that is coming to Judah and Israel – the drunkards of Egypt, Ariel, the rebellious sons who seek help from Egypt. The last woe is is against the “destroyer” and “treacherous” (Isaiah 33:1), that is, the Assyrians who will be punished for their pride and cruelty (Isaiah 10:15-27).

THE TEXT

“Woe to you who plunder, though you have not been plundered; and you who deal treacherously, though they have not dealt treacherously with you! When you cease plundering, you will be plundered; when you make an end of dealing treacherously, they will deal treacherously with you . . . .” (Isaiah 33:1-24).

SPOILER SPOILED

Isaiah 33:1 rhythmically uses the verbs “destroy” and “be treacherous” four times each. Yahweh threatens an eye-for-eye justice against those who destroy and betray; they will be destroyed and betrayed. Men will fall on the plunder of the plunderer Assyria like locusts (v. 4). The fourfold verbs of verse 1 are matched by the fourfold treasure of justice and wisdom that the Lord will offer in Zion (v. 6). Yahweh will answer the prayer of the prophet; He will raise His arm every morning (v. 2), and will arise to scatter those who have turned Judah into a deserted desert land (vv. 8-12).

WHO CAN STAND?

The plans and achievements of Assyria are chaff and stubble before the fire of Yahweh’s breath (vv. 10-11), but that same fire terrorizes the “sinners in Zion” (v. 14). Who can stand before the consuming fire of Yahweh the judge? (v. 14; cf. Psalm 15; 24). Isaiah answers: Those who walk with justice, who speak truth, who refuses bribes, who closes his eyes and ears to evil plots (v. 15; cf. Micah 6:8). These trust in Yahweh, but they demonstrate that trust in their conduct. Only the faithful and obedient will withstand the fire. They will not only survive, but will be exalted with Yahweh on the heights (v. 16; cf. v. 10).

THE KING IN BEAUTY

When Yahweh turns back the Assyrian threat, He will reveal Himself in His beauty and glory (v. 17; cf. Psalm 27:4; 50:2; 96:6). Ephraim’s beauty is a fading flower (Isaiah 28:1, 4), but Yahweh’s will be forever. All those who walk in righteousness will have the same vision that Isaiah the prophet had (Isaiah 6). Assyria will be nowhere to be found, and no Assyrian speakers will be heard in Jerusalem anymore (vv. 18-19). Jerusalem will again be a meeting place for Yahweh and His people. Jerusalem will be a “tent of meeting,” a new tabernacle (vv. 19-20), but a tabernacle that will never be pulled up and transported. The city will be supplied with life-giving water; it will be a new Eden, and Yahweh will be the river (v. 21).

YAHWEH, YAHWEH, YAHWEH, YAHWEH

Verses 21-22 repeat the name Yahweh four times. He will be the refuge and protection for Judah on every side, and will provide all that Judah needs. He is Judge, Lawgiver, King, and Savior, so Judah has nothing to fear from the Assyrians and no need for an alliance with Egypt. Though Jerusalem is presently an unprepared ship with slack tackle and loose mast (v. 23), it does not matter. Yahweh will heal the sick ship of state, forgive their sins, and preserve the city of God.