(13) Isaiah 28-35

Chapters 28 and 29 form an introduction to this prophetic outline. They quickly present the two attacks of the Assyrians. The following chapters unveil the details of the wonderful order of these prophetic events. Chapter 28 shows the incursions of the Assyrian raids through the land of Israel, from north to south, in the figure of a violent hailstorm and a great flood. Ephraim (a name used by the prophets to designate the northern kingdom of Israel, of which Samaria was the capital) was the first to feel the effects of the Assyrian incursions (Isa. 28:1-13). Isaiah goes on to warn the lawmakers of Jerusalem that the "storm of destruction" would also pass through Judah and Jerusalem, and that there would be no place where they could take shelter from it (Isa. 28:14-22). This is point #2 of the summary.

Then, in the last part of chapter 28 the prophet makes use of a parable to show that after the Assyrians passed through the land, the Lord would restore Israel. Israel is seen as Jehovah's piece of land, which He protects as a farmer protects his farm. The one who plows with the plow (the Assyrians) is hired to turn up the soil (Israel), breaking its clods (the apostate Jews). This is followed by the sowing of new seeds in the land. The act of bringing the new seeds and planting them in the land is a figure of the dispersed tribes of Israel being brought back to their land and planted there, which results in fruit for God (Isa. 28:23-29). This happens in the interval between points 5 and 6.

Next, when all twelve tribes of Israel are back in their land, chapter 29 shows that there will be another attack by the Assyrians (Gog -- Russia), only this time they will not succeed. "Ariel" (Jerusalem) will be surrounded by enemies, but in an instant the Lord will deal with them in judgment. Israel will then be delivered from all anguish just as a dream goes away when someone wakes from their sleep (Isa. 29:1-8). This is point #6 The prophet continues, in chapter 29, narrating the moral condition of the people that drew the Assyrian invasions (Isa. 29:9-16). Then, at the end of the chapter, the Millennium is seen being established with the situation being reversed with regard to Israel. The proud Assyrians will be humbled and they (Israel), who had been humbled, will be exalted. Israel's insensitivity will give way to spiritual discernment and zeal concerning the things of God (Isa. 29:17-24).

Having quickly set forth the two great movements of the Assyrians (Isa. 28-29), the prophet Isaiah then returns to give details concerning those circumstances. Chapter 30 sets out the condition of unbelief of the Jews (apostates) in the land, in the time of Isaiah, seeking to obtain from Egypt protection against the Assyrians (Compare with 2 Kings 18:21-24). But Egypt's help would be in vain (Isa. 30:7). Trusting in man to obtain help is regarded by the Lord as rebellion and, consequently, the power of Egypt would be shattered like a potter's vessel, and its men scattered by the Assyrians. The Jews would also be left like a tree on top of a mountain, separated from its branches after the passing of the Assyrians (Isa. 30:1-17 -- N.T.: "tree" is translated as "mast" in the Almeida version). All this prefigures the events to come. Egypt will go up to the land of Israel (but not for Israel's protection) and the Assyrians will destroy the Egyptians as well as their land. This refers to points 1 and 2. Then encouragement is given to those who wait on the Lord (the remnant of faithful Jews). The Lord promises that they will see deliverance, dwell in peace in Zion, and enjoy the blessings of the millennial Kingdom (Isa. 30:18-26). He also promises that the Assyrians, who were like a "rod in their hands" (Isa. 10:5,6), will be cut down and meet their end in the place of judgment -- "Tophet" -- the lake of fire (Isa. 30:27-33). In chapter 31 the Lord emphasizes the foolishness of having trusted in the arm of flesh (Egypt). He compares Egypt's strength with His divine power of protection over Zion and promises to defend the city like a lion that, with its cub, roars over the prey, and a bird that flies to guard its nest (Isa. 31:1-5). He pleads with His people to turn to Him truly, casting away their idols, and then the Assyrians would fall under the Lord's consuming judgment (Isa. 31:6-9). This may perhaps refer to point #5.

Chapter 32 shows the Lord reigning as King in Jerusalem, after the Assyrians (1st attack) have been judged. The remnant of Israel is restored and is seen with Him enjoying the shelter of His enormous protection (Isa. 32:1,2). They will have judged their iniquity and consequently will have their eyes opened and hearts understanding (Isa. 32:3-14). They will be dwelling in peace in the land, "in quiet resting places" (Isa. 32:15-20; compare with Ezek. 38:11). This chapter would be a reference to the restoration of Israel to the Lord in the interval between points 5 and 6.

So, in chapter 33, the great Assyria is once again placed before our eyes (in the 2nd attack). This is Gog (Russia) who will descend upon the land of Israel after the 12 tribes of Israel find themselves once again dwelling securely under Jehovah's protection. Russia, the great Assyria, previously plundered the land, using for this the Arab Confederation under the command of the King of the North (1st attack), which was a satellite of hers (Dan. 8:24), yet she herself, Russia, was not plundered when the Lord intervened to help the remnant and judged the King of the North, when there was no one to help him (Dan. 11:45). Now, however, Russia with many other nations under her command descends upon the land of Israel (Isa. 33:1). When the news of the approaching army reaches the newly restored Israel, the people fall to their knees before the Lord and pray for deliverance. (Isa. 33:2). In response to the prayer of His people, the Lord suddenly puts the enemy to flight (Isa. 33:3-9) and consumes them with fire (a symbol of judgment -- Isa. 33:10-14). With Gog's armies destroyed, the last part of the chapter shows Israel once again enjoying quietness in its land, having the Lord over it as its King as the Millennium begins (Isa. 33:15-24).

Chapter 34 unveils more details regarding the destruction of Gog's (Russia's) allied armies. After having destroyed Gog in the mountains of Israel (Ezek. 39:1-5), the Lord's indignation will extend to Edom, where the nations subject to Gog will be gathering (Isa. 34:1-8; 63:1-6). The Lord's judgment upon the confederate armies subject to Gog will be so severe that the land of Edom itself will become, forever and ever, a perpetual desert (Isa. 34:9- 15). Chapters 33 and 34 satisfy point no. 6.

Chapter 35 closes this prophetic outline with a picture of the Millennium that will follow these judgments. Creation is seen being freed from the bondage of corruption (Rom. 8:21,22) and the redeemed of the earth go up to Zion with songs of eternal worship (Isa. 35:1-10).