Faithful on Fridays Blog

Part Three

Prophetic scripture can become confusing if we don’t keep that ‘big picture’ or framework for their purpose in mind; chapters 13-24 are good examples. Our prophetic telescope, seeing far away, very far away, and finally all the way really helps us see God’s, and also Satan’s, endgame. Whether Isaiah is declaring judgment on Babylon (Iraq), Philistia (Gaza and the west coast of Israel), Moab (Jordan), Damascus (Syria), Cush (southern Egypt and northern Sudan), Egypt, Arabia (ancient Dumah), Elam (Iran), Tyre and Sidon (Lebanon), and finally the whole earth (chapter 24) God’s endgame is His chosen people and His gifted land (14:1). That’s His big picture.

However, using a ‘double reference’, there’s a reason for the antisemitism that’s endured from Gen. 3:15 until today: Satan’s endgame. The king of Babylon, future prophecies (14:3-11), is the lower story reign of an antisemite whose end will eventually arrive. The upper story king of Babylon is Satan (14:12-17 and Rev. 12), hence the double meaning, who watches and waits for opportunities to annihilate the Jewish nation. Before time began Satan had his eye on the heavenly throne, but due to his five “I wills” God cast him down (Luke 10:17-19) to the lowest part of the earth permitting his temporary and yet delegated authority on earth. God reminds His people that He will unite them on their land once again, that’s His sovereign purpose and none can thwart it (14:26-27). 

If you’ve watched the news you know our enemy continues to attempt the annihilation of Israel, some nations are belligerent, others are quiet, but Satan’s goal remains: rule the world. Isaiah continues to declare that the God of Israel has a plan to be revealed at just the right time on His timeline; He hasn’t forgotten His eternal covenant even when His people do. That Day is coming, 

… for the LORD of hosts reigns on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and His glory will be before His elders. 24:23b

That sure sounds like Revelation 4 when 24 elders are seated on thrones in heaven; a far, far future prophecy to remember when reading Isaiah. Some theologians even call Isaiah 24-27 the Isaiah Apocalypse, meaning God was revealing (meaning of apocalypse) His end game and we should be rejoicing, celebrating, and praising that Messiah did come and He’s returning for those who trust Him for salvation.

Hopefully you’re reading along, it’s OK to scan some chapters, however, chapter 27 is fascinating.  Leviathan, Satan, will find the end of his reign on earth at the sound of the great trumpet and the whole world will be filled with His glory. The LORD is coming, 

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light and the earth will give birth to the dead. 26:19

Messiah arrived in Israel 700 years later and we’re still waiting for His Return and our resurrection.