Isaiah 25

25:1-12 The second part of the Little Apocalypse (see study note on 24:1–27:13) describes praise for God’s judgment (25:1-5, 11-12) and salvation (25:6-9).25:1-5 Isaiah here praises God for protecting the needy (see 12:1-6).

25:3 Assyria and Egypt were strong . . . ruthless nations, but in the future they will exalt God rather than their own power.

25:6-8 The banquet is a symbol of God’s providing richly for all those who will receive his gracious invitation (Rev 3:20-21; 19:9).25:6 In Jerusalem: Literally On this mountain—that is, the mountain of the Lord (see 2:2; 24:23): This does not refer to a geographical city but to Zion, the eternal city of God (see 1:8, 27).

25:8 He will swallow up death forever: Isaiah’s hope was God’s power over sin and sin’s devastating results. In the New Testament this promise is realized in Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:54). • The Lord’s presence will be a source of eternal comfort; he will wipe away all tears (see Rev 21:4).

25:9-12 The new community of God’s people will respond in joy and faith. When the enemy is defeated, God’s people will be free forever.

25:10 on Jerusalem: Literally on this mountain. • Moab (see 15:1–16:14) here represents the nations under judgment, those who trust only themselves (see 34:5-17). • like straw trampled down: The people would be helpless and dying in the most degrading circumstances.

25:11 Isaiah used the image of a swimmer forcibly kept under water to illustrate that Moab’s people are hopelessly doomed and their human pride will be conquered.