Isaiahchapter 33

24 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 415 cross-references outward and receives 305 — heaviest partner: Isaiah.

Chapter summary

The chapter opens with a woe against the destroyer not yet destroyed, the treacherous dealer not yet betrayed (v. 1). A prayer follows — be thou our arm every morning — and Jehovah answers: now will I arise, now will I be exalted (vv. 2, 10). The crisis is concrete: ambassadors of peace weep bitterly, highways lie waste, the covenant is broken, and Lebanon, Sharon, Bashan, and Carmel wither (vv. 7–9). Sinners in Zion ask who can dwell with the devouring fire; the answer is the one who walks righteously, despises the gain of oppressions, and shakes his hands from bribes (vv. 14–16). Promise closes the chapter: thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty, Jerusalem a quiet tent never removed, and the triple confession — Jehovah is judge, lawgiver, and king; he will save us (vv. 17–24).

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Prophecy · Isaiah — see the Isaiah overview for the book's full setting.

1 Woe to thee that destroyest, and thou wast not destroyed; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! When thou hast ceased to destroy, thou shalt be destroyed; and when thou hast made an end of dealing treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.

2 O Jehovah, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou our arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.

3 At the noise of the tumult the peoples are fled; at the lifting up of thyself the nations are scattered.

4 And your spoil shall be gathered as the caterpillar gathereth: as locusts leap shall men leap upon it.

5 Jehovah is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with justice and righteousness.

6 And there shall be stability in thy times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge: the fear of Jehovah is thy treasure.

7 Behold, their valiant ones cry without; the ambassadors of peace weep bitterly.

8 The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: the enemy hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth not man.

9 The land mourneth and languisheth; Lebanon is confounded and withereth away; Sharon is like a desert; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their leaves.