Isa 26:9-10 | KingComments | STEP | Even when the judgments of the great tribulation went over the earth, they, that is the believing remnant, waited for Him ( ). The Jews never looked forward to Divine intervention by rapturing them to meet their Messiah in the air. They have looked forward to Him as Someone Who comes to earth to judge their enemies in order to deliver them and then give them the promised blessings in their land. They now experience how God rewards this patience. They did not just wait for their deliverance, but for the honor of His “Name” for which they also prayed according to the word of the Lord Jesus: “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name’” ( ). His Name He has attached to His promises. They have expected that He will fulfill those promises. His Name is everything His Person contains. His “memory” has also been the object of the desires of their souls. This means that they have remembered His deeds, that in the past He so often has given salvation to His people. This has given them confidence for the future. The desire of their souls is focused on Him, on His Person and His deeds. During the night of judgments that mean tribulation for the faithful, yes, to the faithful remnant of Israel it is ‘the great tribulation’, they have longed for Him ( ). They have learned to seek Him with a serious longing. This is always the answer of the trusting soul in times of trial. Thus, in the present time, the church may gather in His Name ( ) and gather in remembrance of Him ( ). Then the believers think of Him and of His work that He once accomplished for them on the cross. They also think ahead of the moment He comes ( ). When we think of the work He once did, making everything right, this works trust for the future. The unbelieving people on earth, who are blind to the righteousness of God, will only learn God’s righteousness through His judgments on the day of the LORD ( ). They will then become acquainted with it. The faithful have insight in the judgments of the LORD. They say that His judgments strike the earth . With “the earth” is often meant the limited area where God’s order reigns. That is the western world that has been Christian, and also Israel. When that order is not taken into account, His judgments come on that area. The effect of these judgments is for a much larger area, because through these judgments “the inhabitants of the world” learn what righteousness is. By “the world” here is meant the unlimited area, wherever people live, regardless of whether or not He commanded ordinances there.

‏ Isaiah 26:9-10

The Desire of the Soul of the God-fearing

Even when the judgments of the great tribulation went over the earth, they, that is the believing remnant, waited for Him (Isa 26:8). The Jews never looked forward to Divine intervention by rapturing them to meet their Messiah in the air. They have looked forward to Him as Someone Who comes to earth to judge their enemies in order to deliver them and then give them the promised blessings in their land. They now experience how God rewards this patience.

They did not just wait for their deliverance, but for the honor of His “Name” for which they also prayed according to the word of the Lord Jesus: “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name’” (Mt 6:9). His Name He has attached to His promises. They have expected that He will fulfill those promises. His Name is everything His Person contains.

His “memory” has also been the object of the desires of their souls. This means that they have remembered His deeds, that in the past He so often has given salvation to His people. This has given them confidence for the future. The desire of their souls is focused on Him, on His Person and His deeds.

During the night of judgments that mean tribulation for the faithful, yes, to the faithful remnant of Israel it is ‘the great tribulation’, they have longed for Him (Isa 26:9a). They have learned to seek Him with a serious longing. This is always the answer of the trusting soul in times of trial.

Thus, in the present time, the church may gather in His Name (Mt 18:20) and gather in remembrance of Him (1Cor 11:23-25). Then the believers think of Him and of His work that He once accomplished for them on the cross. They also think ahead of the moment He comes (1Cor 11:26). When we think of the work He once did, making everything right, this works trust for the future.

The unbelieving people on earth, who are blind to the righteousness of God, will only learn God’s righteousness through His judgments on the day of the LORD (Isa 26:9b). They will then become acquainted with it. The faithful have insight in the judgments of the LORD. They say that His judgments strike the earth. With “the earth” is often meant the limited area where God’s order reigns. That is the western world that has been Christian, and also Israel. When that order is not taken into account, His judgments come on that area.

The effect of these judgments is for a much larger area, because through these judgments “the inhabitants of the world” learn what righteousness is. By “the world” here is meant the unlimited area, wherever people live, regardless of whether or not He commanded ordinances there.

The Wicked Is Devoured

The wicked one ignores all judgments, he does not let himself be warned by them, he does not repent. By “the wicked” (singular) is usually meant the antichrist. The hardening of the wicked is so great that even if there were to be an offer of grace, he would reject it (Isa 26:10). He lives in a land of uprightness, that is Judah, but he does not act accordingly. It is not because of the circumstances, but because of the incorrigible wickedness of man. A favorable environment works nothing out if the heart is not directed toward God. Even though the wicked has learned God’s righteousness in judgment, he does not get to know the essence of righteousness. He remains a declared adversary of God and His people.

God’s hand is threateningly lifted up (Isa 26:11) to strike those who have committed themselves to the wicked, that is, all the wicked who have chosen the antichrist (Jn 5:43). But they are blind to the threat, they do not want to see it. However, the moment irrevocably comes when they will realize that God’s fire has devoured them because of their opposition. Then it is forever too late to repent.

The Lord Jesus speaks about a rich man who is in everlasting pain (Lk 16:19-31). This man does not ask for deliverance from Hades. He does wish that others will not end up there (Lk 16:28). The Lord then points out that only God’s Word can convince someone to repent (Lk 16:31).