Isa 25 | MHM | STEP | A Song of Praise This chapter begins with worship to the Lord , celebrating His glorious reign. The prophet praises God for His powerful and faithful works. While some of these praises may have first been for God’s rescue of Israel from Babylon, the words also look ahead to the blessings found in Christ and the church. God’s people are invited to praise Him for victories over their enemies and for the comfort He gives to all who trust Him. v. 1 : The prophet makes a personal decision to praise God, saying, O Lord , thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name . Even if the world is being judged, those who belong to God can come to Him with boldness and worship. God’s people are chosen to give Him praise (Jeremiah 13:11 ). By praising God, we make Him known to others and remind ourselves of His greatness (Exodus 15:2 ).

‏ Isaiah 25

A Song of Praise

This chapter begins with worship to the Lord, celebrating His glorious reign. The prophet praises God for His powerful and faithful works. While some of these praises may have first been for God’s rescue of Israel from Babylon, the words also look ahead to the blessings found in Christ and the church. God’s people are invited to praise Him for victories over their enemies and for the comfort He gives to all who trust Him.

v. 1: The prophet makes a personal decision to praise God, saying, O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name . Even if the world is being judged, those who belong to God can come to Him with boldness and worship. God’s people are chosen to give Him praise (Jeremiah 13:11 ^a). By praising God, we make Him known to others and remind ourselves of His greatness (Exodus 15:2 ^b).

v. 2: The prophet remembers how God has destroyed proud cities and kingdoms. Thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defenced city a ruin . No matter how strong or rich a city may be, God’s power can bring it down. Many great cities have disappeared and are now only ruins. This teaches us not to trust in earthly things, because here we have no continuing city, but must seek the eternal city with God.

v. 3: Because of God’s judgments, strong nations and powerful cities will come to fear and honor Him . Sometimes, even enemies become God’s people when they see His greatness. Or, those who once felt weak will become strong for God, and others will respect and fear them. This has happened before, like when many of the people of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews fell upon them (Esther 8:17 ^c), and when God’s people did great things by His strength (Daniel 11:32 ^d).

v. 4: God is a refuge for those who are poor or in trouble. Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat . God protects His people in every kind of danger. Even when enemies seem powerful and threatening, like a storm against a wall, God’s care keeps His people safe (Psalm 76:10; Psalm 138:7 ^e). God Himself is their strength and shelter.

v. 5: God will quiet the noise and pride of those who oppress His people. Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place, even the song of the terrible ones shall be brought low . The enemies of God’s people act proud and try to make others afraid, but God will humble them. Their power and boasting will disappear, like heat fades when a cloud covers the sun (Jeremiah 46:17 ^f). Whenever God’s people suffer under harsh rulers, He will give them relief and refreshment, just like a cloud brings shade on a hot day.

The Blessings of the Gospel

This section describes the wonderful blessings that come through the gospel. While it might have first referred to joyful events like the defeat of the Assyrians or the return of the Jews from Babylon, it clearly points to something much greater. These promises reveal the salvation, grace, and eternal victory brought to us through Jesus Christ. The ultimate fulfillment of these words will happen when death is defeated, and believers are raised to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:54 ^g).

v. 6: God’s grace is compared to a great feast prepared for all people. The Lord of hosts is the host, and He provides the best for His guests. This feast is not just for Israel but for all nations, showing that the gospel is for everyone (Matthew 22:1 ^h). It is described as a feast of rich food and fine wine, symbolizing the abundance, joy, and nourishment found in God’s salvation. Those who accept God’s invitation will find comfort and spiritual refreshment, like wine that makes the heart glad and renews the spirit (Proverbs 31:5-6 ⁱ).

v. 7: The gospel will remove the darkness of ignorance and sin that has covered the world. He will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering that blinds people and keeps them from seeing the truth. This veil of spiritual blindness is over all nations, even the Jews who had God’s law (2 Corinthians 3:15 ^j). Through the gospel, God brings light to those who are lost and raises them to spiritual life.

v. 8: Death will be defeated forever. He will swallow up death in victory . Jesus has already triumphed over death through His resurrection, breaking its power and offering eternal life to believers. At the final resurrection, death will be completely destroyed, and God’s people will no longer be touched by it. This victory allows believers to say, O death, where is thy sting? (1 Corinthians 15:55 ^k).

Grief will also be removed. The Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces (Isaiah 25:8 ^l). Those who mourn for sin or suffer for Christ will be comforted. While God gives His people strength and hope now, the full promise of no more sorrow or tears will be fulfilled in heaven. There, God shall wipe away all tears, and there shall be no more death (Revelation 7:17; 21:4 ^m).

The reproach and shame faced by God’s people will be removed. The rebuke of his people, the insults, persecution, and misrepresentations they endure, will be taken away. God will vindicate His people, showing the world their righteousness and salvation. Sometimes this happens partially in this life, but it will be fully accomplished at the final judgment. The ORD has spoken this promise, and He will surely fulfill it.

The Blessings of the Gospel

This section describes the joyful response of God’s people when they see His promises fulfilled. The church welcomes the blessings of salvation, and there is hope for even greater blessings to come. The power of God will protect His people and defeat their enemies. This victory points forward to the triumph of Christ over all spiritual enemies and the final celebration of God’s people in His presence.

v. 9: When God’s salvation comes, the people will say with joy, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us . They will celebrate deliverance from suffering and praise God for keeping His promises. The joy is even greater because they waited a long time and trusted in God’s word. The people will rejoice and be glad in God’s salvation, knowing that what He begins, He will finish.

v. 10: God’s power and presence will rest on His people, especially in Mount Zion. In this mountain shall the hand of the ORD rest . God will always protect and help His church. But the enemies of God’s people, like Moab, will be defeated and humbled. They will be trampled down like straw in a pile of manure, showing that they have no lasting strength against God.

v. 11: God will use His power actively to save His people and defeat their enemies. He shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth . This means God will work on every side and will easily stop any opposition. He will bring down the pride and strength of those who fight against His people, removing what they have gained by violence.

v. 12: God will destroy all the enemies’ defenses. The high fort of thy walls shall he bring down, lay low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust (Isaiah 25:12 ⁿ). No barrier can stand against God’s power. This is a picture of Christ’s victory over death, evil, and all who oppose Him (Colossians 2:15; 2 Corinthians 10:4 ^o). Jesus will reign until all His enemies are under His feet (Psalm 110:1 ^p).