Translations
Original
Notes
lays waste the earth and leaves it in ruins: There is a play here on the Hebrew words baqaq (lays waste) and balaq (leaves it in ruins). The devastation will start with Judah and spread to the entire world (see 1 Peter 4:17).
All the earth will face destruction, including its people and political systems.
Here, the judgments described in Isaiah 13–23 apply to all of creation.
This section is often called the Little Apocalypse. It is given this name because it has similarities to the book of Revelation.
In these chapters, Isaiah moves from his present time into a vision of the future. The language is broad and universal. Because of this, it is difficult to connect the events to one specific historical situation.
These chapters are not meant to provide a detailed timeline of future events. They are not a historical blueprint. Instead, Isaiah uses vivid images to describe a dramatic future world that is both similar to and different from the present.
The vision includes elements of both the old age and the new age. For example, the people of Zion are described as righteous (new), yet they still wait for their full redemption (old). This pattern fits with the New Testament teaching that the future age has already begun but has not yet fully arrived (2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 1:4).
Peter wrote that believers were already living in the last days (1 Peter 1:12; 2 Peter 3:3). At the same time, he said that the final day of the Lord is still future (2 Peter 3:10). These passages show that the present age and the future age overlap.
Events
- Prophecies of Isaiahc. 759 BC
Glossary
Topics
Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Lending: General Scriptures Concerning Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning: Dispersion of Usury or Interest: Judgments Denounced Against Those Who Exacted Unlawful