Thursday, December 5 – Isaiah 26, 27
1. Who will be kept in perfect peace, and why? (Isaiah 26:3)
2. What does the expression “I will seek You early” mean? (Isaiah 26:9)
3. What hope does Isaiah speak of in Isaiah 26:19?
4. What invitation does God extend to His people in difficult times? (Isaiah 26:20)
5. How does Isaiah describe the final gathering of God’s children? (Isaiah 27:13)
Commentary and Reflection:
In chapter 26, the prophet Isaiah reveals another dimension of his extensive ministry: he is a poet and musician. Here, he shares a beautiful song, a psalm inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is a song of hope for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who are threatened by the imminent attack of their Chaldean enemies.
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary adds: “This chapter consists of a song of hope and trust that will be in the hearts of God’s people when troubles overwhelm the earth as Christ is about to return to reign.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Isaiah 26:1)
The song Isaiah shares today encompasses all the faithful:
“In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: ‘We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in.’” (Isaiah 26:1-2, NKJV)
Notice that Isaiah doesn’t say the righteous people keep “the truth” in singular, but “truths” in plural, implying that the saved will be faithful to the fullness of God’s truth.
Those who enter through the gates of the New Jerusalem will be those who:
- Believe in one Triune God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- Accept the Bible as a whole, inspired by God as His will.
- Believe that all the commandments of God’s Law are still in effect, including the fourth commandment that states the Sabbath as the true day of rest, and decide to obey them with the Lord’s help.
- Join the true church that bears the truths of the Gospel, serving as instruments of God to proclaim Christ as the only Savior through His grace.
- Accept that upon death, they will sleep unconscious until, at Christ’s coming, they are awakened and, together with all the redeemed, enter the New Jerusalem in Heaven.
Regarding the tender invitation God makes to His people in Isaiah 26:20 and His protective care, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary says:
That is, of God against His enemies. God’s final “indignation” takes the form of what is known as the seven last plagues (Rev. 14:10; 15:1; cf. Isa. 34:2; Nahum 1:6). At the time of the slaying of the first-born in Egypt, God’s people were to remain within their homes (Ex. 12:22, 23). During the seven last plagues God invites His people to make Him their hiding place, that He may be to them a “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). Thus protected, His people need not fear though “the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (Ps. 46:2; cf. Ps. 25:5; 91:1–10). God’s anger lasts but “for a moment” (Isa. 54:8; cf. Ps. 30:5). The work of judgment is, for the Lord, a “strange work” (Isa. 28:21). But the hour of divine indignation against the wicked is also the hour of deliverance and triumph for the people of God.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Isaiah 26:20)
In just 13 verses, Isaiah 27 presents God’s tender care over His vineyard, Israel, His redemptive punishment and forgiveness for the rebellious nation. It also briefly describes how the Lord will gather His scattered people. Many biblical commentators, including Ellen G. White, include Gentiles who God will gather and accept as part of His people. Jesus, in His teachings, uses what Isaiah shows here as proof of the final day of judgment when the faithful will be saved while the disobedient and ungrateful will be burned like chaff or tares.
I am sure this short chapter has illuminated your mind with God’s love and mercy.
May you have a very blessed day.