Isaiah 33

33:1 This was the sixth threat of woe (see study note on 28:1–33:24). • Although the Hebrew text does not specifically name Assyria as the object of the prophecy in this chapter, Isaiah undoubtedly had Assyria in mind; they were the destroyer most immediately at hand when the prophecy was written. The prophecy applies, however, to any who seek to destroy God’s people; this included, but was not limited to, the Babylonians (see chs 13–14). • When you are done betraying: Wicked nations often break political agreements with other nations when these contracts are no longer to their own advantage.

33:2 The godly community prayed for God to be merciful in response to the promise of 30:18.

33:9 Sharon, Bashan, and Carmel were all fertile areas. Their desolation represents the destruction Assyria had inflicted on Israel.

33:11 In most passages, the Assyrians were turning other nations into worthless dry grass and stubble (see 17:13; 29:5; 40:24; 41:2). Here, ironically, they get a taste of their own medicine.

33:14 The godless were people who lived without regard for God and his law. • The image of a devouring fire came from God’s judgment of offenders during the wilderness journey (Exod 24:17; Deut 4:24). God still expects people to worship him with reverence and awe (Heb 12:29).

33:15 A godly life provides evidence that an individual truly knows God (see Col 3:5-17; Jas 2:14-18; 1 Pet 1:14-16; 1 Jn 1:5-6).

33:17-24 This vision is about God’s reign in Zion.33:17 The king is the human representative (32:1) of the Great King, God himself (33:22). • The land belonging to God’s people would appear to be without borders because the foreign enemies had been judged (54:3).

33:18 Assyrian officers brought great terror to Judah when the Assyrians defeated various cities around Jerusalem (2 Kgs 18:13).

33:19 The strange, unknown language was the tongue of Assyria and later of Babylon (see 28:11).

33:24 The people of Israel were the people of Zion (cp. 33:20). • sick . . . the Lord will forgive their sins: See 43:25.