Isaiah 33
BSB1 Woe to you, O destroyer never destroyed, O traitor never betrayed! When you have finished destroying, you will be destroyed. When you have finished betraying, you will be betrayed. 2 O LORD, be gracious to us! We wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble. 3 The peoples flee the thunder of Your voice; the nations scatter when You rise. 4 Your spoil, O nations, is gathered as by locusts; like a swarm of locusts men sweep over it. 5 The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. 6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure. 7 Behold, their valiant ones cry aloud in the streets; the envoys of peace weep bitterly. 8 The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. The treaty has been broken, the witnesses are despised, and human life is disregarded. 9 The land mourns and languishes; Lebanon is ashamed and decayed. Sharon is like a desert; Bashan and Carmel shake off their leaves. 10 “Now I will arise,” says the LORD. “Now I will lift Myself up. Now I will be exalted. 11 You conceive chaff; you give birth to stubble. Your breath is a fire that will consume you. 12 The peoples will be burned to ashes, like thorns cut down and set ablaze. 13 You who are far off, hear what I have done; you who are near, acknowledge My might." 14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling grips the ungodly: “Who of us can dwell with a consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting flames?" 15 He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil— 16 he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured. 17 Your eyes will see the King in His beauty and behold a land that stretches afar. 18 Your mind will ponder the former terror: “Where is he who tallies? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?" 19 You will no longer see the insolent, a people whose speech is unintelligible, who stammer in a language you cannot understand. 20 Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts. Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful pasture, a tent that does not wander; its tent pegs will not be pulled up, nor will any of its cords be broken. 21 But there the Majestic One, our LORD, will be for us a place of rivers and wide canals, where no galley with oars will row, and no majestic vessel will pass. 22 For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us. 23 Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder. 24 And no resident of Zion will say, “I am sick.” The people who dwell there will be forgiven of iniquity.
Study Notes — Isaiah 33
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 33
- Themes from Isaiah 33
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 33
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah 33 begins with a lamentation over the destruction of Assyria, emphasizing that God will judge all wickedness. The chapter then shifts to a prayer for God's mercy and salvation, highlighting the importance of righteousness and trust in God. Isaiah 33:5-6 emphasizes God's exaltation and the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The latter part of the chapter describes the desolation of the land and the fear of God's judgment, culminating in a declaration of God's redemption and the salvation of His people, as seen in Isaiah 33:20-24.
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 33 is part of the larger section of Isaiah (chapters 28-35) that focuses on God's judgment and redemption. The chapter is situated in the context of the Assyrian invasion and the impending judgment on Judah, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God amidst turmoil. The chapter's themes of judgment, redemption, and trust are central to the book of Isaiah and the larger biblical narrative, connecting to passages such as Psalm 2:7-8 and John 1:1.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Isaiah 33, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and redemption. We must examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are living righteously and trusting in God's judgment and salvation. This chapter encourages us to fear God and trust in His goodness, even in the face of uncertainty and turmoil.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 33 is about God's judgment and redemption. The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, highlighting God's sovereignty and redemption. As seen in Isaiah 33:22, God is our judge, lawgiver, and king, and He will save us. The chapter encourages us to fear God and trust in His goodness, even in the face of uncertainty and turmoil, as seen in Isaiah 33:2 and Isaiah 33:15-16.
Voices from the Church
“The judgment of God is a terrible thing, but it is also a merciful thing, for it clears the way for redemption and salvation.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The righteousness of God is the foundation of all true righteousness, and it is only through trusting in Him that we can be justified.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Destruction of the Wicked (Isaiah 33:1-3) — The chapter begins with a lamentation over the destruction of Assyria, emphasizing God's judgment on the wicked.
- A Prayer for God's Mercy (Isaiah 33:2) — The prophet prays for God's mercy and salvation, highlighting the importance of trust and righteousness.
- The Exaltation of God (Isaiah 33:5-6) — Isaiah emphasizes God's exaltation and the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, underscoring His sovereignty.
- The Desolation of the Land (Isaiah 33:7-12) — The chapter describes the desolation of the land and the fear of God's judgment, highlighting the importance of trusting in God.
- The Redemption of God's People (Isaiah 33:13-24) — The chapter culminates in a declaration of God's redemption and the salvation of His people, emphasizing the importance of trust and righteousness.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Isaiah 33 emphasizes God's control over all nations and peoples, underscoring His role as judge, lawgiver, and king. This is seen in Isaiah 33:22 and Isaiah 33:5-6.
- The Importance of Trust and Righteousness
- The chapter repeatedly emphasizes the need to trust in God and live righteously, highlighting the importance of these virtues in the face of judgment and redemption. This is seen in Isaiah 33:2 and Isaiah 33:15-16.
- The Judgment of God
- The chapter highlights God's righteous judgment on the wicked, emphasizing His justice and holiness. This is seen in Isaiah 33:1-3 and Isaiah 33:7-12.
- The Redemption of God's People
- The chapter culminates in a declaration of God's redemption and the salvation of His people, emphasizing the importance of trust and righteousness. This is seen in Isaiah 33:13-24.
Lessons from Isaiah 33
- The Importance of Trusting in God — Isaiah 33 emphasizes the need to trust in God amidst turmoil and uncertainty, relying on His sovereignty and redemption. This is seen in Isaiah 33:2 and Isaiah 33:15-16.
- The Danger of Wickedness and Rebellion — The chapter highlights the dangers of wickedness and rebellion, emphasizing God's judgment on the wicked. This is seen in Isaiah 33:1-3 and Isaiah 33:7-12.
- The Blessings of Righteousness and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the blessings of righteousness and obedience, highlighting the importance of living in accordance with God's law. This is seen in Isaiah 33:15-16 and Isaiah 33:22.
- The Sovereignty of God Over All Nations — Isaiah 33 emphasizes God's control over all nations and peoples, underscoring His role as judge, lawgiver, and king. This is seen in Isaiah 33:22 and Isaiah 33:5-6.
- The Ultimate Redemption of God's People — The chapter culminates in a declaration of God's redemption and the salvation of His people, emphasizing the importance of trust and righteousness. This is seen in Isaiah 33:13-24.
Themes from Isaiah 33
- Judgment and Redemption — The chapter highlights God's righteous judgment on the wicked and His redemption of the righteous, emphasizing the importance of trust and righteousness.
- The Sovereignty of God — Isaiah 33 emphasizes God's control over all nations and peoples, underscoring His role as judge, lawgiver, and king.
- Trust and Righteousness — The chapter repeatedly emphasizes the need to trust in God and live righteously, highlighting the importance of these virtues in the face of judgment and redemption.
- The Importance of Fearing God — The chapter encourages us to fear God and trust in His goodness, even in the face of uncertainty and turmoil.
- The Ultimate Salvation of God's People — The chapter culminates in a declaration of God's redemption and the salvation of His people, emphasizing the importance of trust and righteousness.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Isaiah 33 teach us about God's sovereignty and judgment?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of trust and righteousness?
- What does the chapter reveal about God's character and redemption?
- How can we apply the lessons of Isaiah 33 to our own lives and circumstances?
- What does the chapter teach us about the relationship between God's judgment and redemption?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Destruction of the Wicked (Isaiah 33:1-3)
| Isaiah 33:1 | The chapter begins with a lamentation over the destruction of Assyria, emphasizing God's judgment on the wicked. |
| Isaiah 33:2 | The prophet prays for God's mercy and salvation, highlighting the importance of trust and righteousness. |
| Isaiah 33:3 | The verse emphasizes the fear of God's judgment, highlighting the importance of trusting in Him. |
2. The Exaltation of God (Isaiah 33:5-6)
| Isaiah 33:5 | Isaiah emphasizes God's exaltation and the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, underscoring His sovereignty. |
| Isaiah 33:6 | The verse highlights the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, emphasizing the blessings of obedience. |
3. The Desolation of the Land (Isaiah 33:7-12)
| Isaiah 33:7 | The chapter describes the desolation of the land and the fear of God's judgment, highlighting the importance of trusting in God. |
| Isaiah 33:8 | The verse emphasizes the destruction of the wicked and the redemption of the righteous, highlighting God's sovereignty. |
| Isaiah 33:9 | The verse highlights the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, emphasizing the blessings of obedience. |
| Isaiah 33:10 | The verse emphasizes the fear of God's judgment, highlighting the importance of trusting in Him. |
| Isaiah 33:11 | The verse describes the desolation of the land and the fear of God's judgment, highlighting the importance of trusting in God. |
| Isaiah 33:12 | The verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, highlighting the blessings of obedience. |
4. The Redemption of God's People (Isaiah 33:13-24)
| Isaiah 33:13 | The chapter culminates in a declaration of God's redemption and the salvation of His people, emphasizing the importance of trust and righteousness. |
| Isaiah 33:14 | The verse highlights the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, emphasizing the blessings of obedience. |
| Isaiah 33:15 | The verse emphasizes the fear of God's judgment, highlighting the importance of trusting in Him. |
| Isaiah 33:16 | The verse describes the blessings of righteousness and obedience, highlighting the importance of living in accordance with God's law. |
| Isaiah 33:17 | The verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, highlighting the blessings of obedience. |
| Isaiah 33:18 | The verse highlights the fear of God's judgment, highlighting the importance of trusting in Him. |
| Isaiah 33:19 | The verse describes the desolation of the land and the fear of God's judgment, highlighting the importance of trusting in God. |
| Isaiah 33:20 | The verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, highlighting the blessings of obedience. |
| Isaiah 33:21 | The verse highlights the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, emphasizing the blessings of obedience. |
| Isaiah 33:22 | The verse emphasizes God's role as judge, lawgiver, and king, highlighting His sovereignty and redemption. |
| Isaiah 33:23 | The verse describes the blessings of righteousness and obedience, highlighting the importance of living in accordance with God's law. |
| Isaiah 33:24 | The verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, highlighting the blessings of obedience. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 33?
The main theme of Isaiah 33 is God's judgment and redemption, emphasizing the importance of trust and righteousness. This is seen in Isaiah 33:1-3 and Isaiah 33:20-24.
How does the chapter emphasize the importance of trust and righteousness?
The chapter repeatedly emphasizes the need to trust in God and live righteously, highlighting the importance of these virtues in the face of judgment and redemption. This is seen in Isaiah 33:2 and Isaiah 33:15-16.
What does the chapter teach us about God's character and redemption?
The chapter reveals God's character as a righteous judge and a merciful redeemer, emphasizing His sovereignty and redemption. This is seen in Isaiah 33:22 and Isaiah 33:5-6.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 33:1 → Psalm 2:7-8 | Both passages emphasize God's judgment on the wicked and His redemption of the righteous, highlighting the importance of trust and righteousness. |
| 2 | Isaiah 33:2 → John 1:1 | Both passages emphasize the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, highlighting the blessings of obedience. |
| 3 | Isaiah 33:5 → Psalm 119:1-2 | Both passages emphasize the importance of living in accordance with God's law, highlighting the blessings of obedience. |
| 4 | Isaiah 33:10 → Matthew 25:31-46 | Both passages emphasize the importance of living righteously and trusting in God, highlighting the blessings of obedience and the fear of God's judgment. |
| 5 | Isaiah 33:13 → Romans 8:1-4 | Both passages emphasize the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, highlighting the blessings of obedience and the redemption of God's people. |
| 6 | Isaiah 33:15 → Proverbs 10:2 | Both passages emphasize the importance of living righteously and trusting in God, highlighting the blessings of obedience. |
| 7 | Isaiah 33:17 → Psalm 27:1-3 | Both passages emphasize the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, highlighting the blessings of obedience and the fear of God's judgment. |
| 8 | Isaiah 33:20 → Hebrews 12:1-2 | Both passages emphasize the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, highlighting the blessings of obedience and the redemption of God's people. |
| 9 | Isaiah 33:22 → Revelation 20:11-15 | Both passages emphasize God's role as judge, lawgiver, and king, highlighting His sovereignty and redemption. |
| 10 | Isaiah 33:24 → 1 John 1:5-7 | Both passages emphasize the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, highlighting the blessings of obedience and the redemption of God's people. |
Sermons on Isaiah 33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Five Principles of Revival by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God in bringing about revival. He emphasizes that revival is initiated, controlled, and concluded by the Lord, |
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A Man Who Saw God on the Throne by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the importance of hating sin. He describes God as actively hostile to sin and warns against being flippant about it. |
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The Downfall of Saddam Hussein by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his struggle to find a message for the congregation but feels a burning desire to share something important. He emphasizes that God is about |
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When God Stops the Plundering by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the reasons why God rises up to deliver His people. The first reason is that God waits for us to forsake our confidence in our own power and |
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Oh the Depth by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of deepening our relationship with God and going beyond superficiality. He uses the example of Jesus being tempted by the enem |
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The River of Life by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had about a river of life. The preacher emphasizes that this vision is a prophecy for the Church of the lat |
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Christ Is All by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about two young men who argued about who would see Jesus first before being shot by communists. The leader of the communist grou |
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Palm Sunday by Martin Geehan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going out and spreading the word of God. He compares the act of evangelizing to untying and loosing people from their sins |
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Esther 5 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Esther and highlights the hand of God in shaping the events of history for the benefit of His people. The speaker emphasizes tha |
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(Pure Testimony) Purity in Us and Our Children by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just asking what is lawful, but also what is profitable in our lives. He encourages believers to be cautious and avoid |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 33
In Isaiah 33, we see the terrible judgment of God on the wicked, as well as the merciful redemption of the righteous. The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and living righteously, highlighting the blessings of obedience. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the righteous shall be saved, but the wicked shall be punished.' The chapter culminates in a declaration of God's redemption and the salvation of His people, emphasizing the importance of trust and righteousness. As Henry writes, 'the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us.' This redemption is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is our judge, lawgiver, and king. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Contrast Between Judgment and Redemption
The chapter juxtaposes God's judgment on the wicked with His redemption of the righteous, highlighting the importance of trust and righteousness. This contrast is seen in Isaiah 33:1-3 and Isaiah 33:20-24.
The Emphasis on God's Sovereignty
Isaiah 33 emphasizes God's control over all nations and peoples, underscoring His role as judge, lawgiver, and king. This is seen in Isaiah 33:22 and Isaiah 33:5-6.
The Importance of Trust and Righteousness
The chapter repeatedly emphasizes the need to trust in God and live righteously, highlighting the importance of these virtues in the face of judgment and redemption. This is seen in Isaiah 33:2 and Isaiah 33:15-16.