Our reading today is part of a new subsection (Isaiah 24-27) in the Book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 13-23, we have the Lord primarily addressing the Gentile nations around Israel in Isaiah’s time, with the exception of Isaiah 22, where the Lord addresses the unfaithful Jerusalemites. In Isaiah 13-23, we read that all nations are accountable to the God of Israel. We have mainly words of judgment, but also some words of hope, given to the citizens of the world from Yahweh God. The Lord wants all people to turn to Him in repentance and faith.

The Ultimate Destiny Of Two Cities

In Isaiah 24-27, there is coming a day when a final judgment of the City of Man will occur (Is. 24:1-13, 16b-23). It will culminate in the City of God, the New Jerusalem, finally coming to earth in its full glory and righteousness (Is. 24:14-16; 25:4-9, Is. 26:1-5). These words of hope are meant to encourage the people of God in Isaiah’s time, as well as all subsequent generations, to keep trusting the Lord alone. All manifestations of the City of Man, whether in Babylon, Assyria or Egypt, will not be able to withstand God’s Word. In the end, God’s purposes will stand and prevail on the earth.

In Isaiah 25:6-9, we read that the faithful remnant of God’s people will enjoy a banquet feast of great joy and food at the end of time. The shroud that covers people’s vision of God will be taken away. God’s glory will be totally manifested on earth. There will be no more death, tears and disgrace for God’s people. The Apostle Paul calls this feast the Wedding Supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:6-9. He also describes the New Jerusalem as a place with no more death and tears (Revelation 21:4). Both Isaiah and John envision a time when heaven and earth are joined together in the fully realized New Creation. No more devil, no more sin, no more death. Just Jesus in His full glory.

The Greatest International Wedding Banquet Ever

I think that it is important to mention that Jesus also prophetically spoke about this Final Banquet in the story of the healing of the Roman centurion’s servant in Mathew 8:5-13. Jesus says many different people groups will come from the east and the west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 8:11). This coheres with Isaiah’s mention of the Feast in Is 25:6-9. Already in the Book of Isaiah, he has prophesied several times that repentant people from all nations will be included in the people of God. For example in Isaiah 19:24-25, we read these words:

In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.”

Wow! The great God-inspired vision of Isaiah just boggles the mind. It should cause the hearts of God’s people to throb with awe and gratitude. We fall at the feet of the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel. He does everything well in his time!

QOTD: Is your reading of Isaiah’s Book leading you to enter more and more into the majestic worship and ways of Yahweh God?