Study notes

Isaiah 25

Introducing IsaiahWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

24:1–27:13

This section is often called the Little Apocalypse. It is given this name because it has similarities to the book of Revelation.

In these chapters, Isaiah moves from his present time into a vision of the future. The language is broad and universal. Because of this, it is difficult to connect the events to one specific historical situation.

These chapters are not meant to provide a detailed timeline of future events. They are not a historical blueprint. Instead, Isaiah uses vivid images to describe a dramatic future world that is both similar to and different from the present.

The vision includes elements of both the old age and the new age. For example, the people of Zion are described as righteous (new), yet they still wait for their full redemption (old). This pattern fits with the New Testament teaching that the future age has already begun but has not yet fully arrived (2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 1:4).

Peter wrote that believers were already living in the last days (1 Peter 1:12; 2 Peter 3:3). At the same time, he said that the final day of the Lord is still future (2 Peter 3:10). These passages show that the present age and the future age overlap.

24:1–27:13 Section

The messages of judgement in these chapters are about the whole world. They are examples of apocalyptic writing. They use powerful and scary pictures and signs to describe judgement. It was hard for Isaiah to share these judgement messages. They made him feel weak and terrible.

The judgement messages were bad news for people who were proud. They were bad news for people who trusted in cities that have high walls. This was a way of talking about trusting a government or army instead of trusting God. The judgement messages were also bad news for the spiritual forces of evil. These are evil spiritual beings and the devil.

The messages of hope in these chapters are also about the whole world. They talk about God ruling as King of the whole world. He will destroy cities that are proud. This means that God will destroy all governments and leaders that are proud. He will destroy governments and leaders that don’t follow his example for being rulers. This brings great joy to the people treated badly by those governments and leaders. Then all people will learn to do what is right. All nations will honour God. People who were God’s enemies will be able to make peace with God. They will be able to trust him for safety.

God will put a stop to things that make people sad and full of shame. He will destroy death and will give life to people once again. This time of joy is described as a feast that God prepares for all nations. He prepares it on Mount Zion where the temple is. This is a picture of how God would bless all nations through the people of Israel. It’s a picture of how all nations will worship God as the one true God. These messages lead people to sing songs of praise to God.

Jews understood that Isaiah’s prophecies talked about a time in the future. Some of these messages of hope came true when Babylon lost its power. Some of John’s visions in Revelation are like Isaiah’s messages of judgement and hope. Revelation chapters 19 to 22 make it clear when Isaiah’s messages will fully come true. That will be when Jesus rules completely as King in the new creation.

25:3

Assyria and Egypt were strong and ruthless nations, but in the future, they will honor God instead of their own power.

25:6

On this mountain: This means the mountain of the Lord (see Isaiah 2:2; 24:23). This refers not to a geographical city but to Zion, the eternal city of God (see Isaiah 1:8, 27).

25:8

  • He will swallow up death forever: Isaiah hoped in God's power over sin and its harmful effects. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ fulfills this promise (1 Corinthians 15:54).

  • The Lord's presence will provide eternal comfort. He will wipe away all tears (see Revelation 21:4).

25:9–12

The new community of God’s people will respond in joy and faith. When the enemy is defeated, God’s people will be free forever.

25:10

  • on this mountain: This refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem.

  • Moab (see Isaiah 15:1–16:14) represents the nations facing judgment, those who rely only on themselves (see Isaiah 34:5–17).

  • as straw is trodden: The people would be helpless and dying in very shameful circumstances.

25:11

Isaiah used the image of a swimmer forcibly kept under water to illustrate that Moab’s people are hopelessly doomed and their human pride will be conquered.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources