Isaiah 27 - Israel's Final End

by Katrina

LINK: Isaiah 27

BACKGROUND
"Is that your final answer?" Isaiah is telling the people of the impending destruction of the land and dispersing of the people. That judgment is only a few years away for the people hearing Isaiah speak. But that won't be the final end of God's people. Chapter 27 tells some things about the final end.

First of all, Leviathan will be destroyed (vs 1). There are different theories as to the exact identification of Leviathan, but they all refer to God's enemies. God will destroy His enemies.

Second, God's people will be at peace with God and will become like a fruitful vineyard. They will blossom and fill the whole world with fruit. All idols will be completely crushed (vs 2-9).

Verses 10-11 describe how God withdrew His compassion and allowed Babylon to siege the city of Jerusalem. God's purpose was to chastise His people so they would turn back to Him.

The chapter concludes (vs 12-13) with a description of God sweeping through the earth, gathering the sons of Israel to Jerusalem. A great trumpet will sound, and the scattered will return to Jerusalem where they will worship the Lord. This will be the final end for Israel.

REFLECTION
Jesus spoke of a day when a great trumpet would sound and God's elect from all over the world would be gathered together (Matthew 24:31). And Paul spoke of the trumpet calling all believers to meet Jesus in the air at the rapture and then be forever with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). When Paul spoke of the rapture of the Church in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, he said that at the sound of the trumpet, the dead will rise first, and we all will be changed to immortal beings. Death itself will be completely conquered. And we will live forever with Jesus.

APPLICATION
In light of these truths, Paul says, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).

Let's praise and thank God for the victory over death and sin that He provided through Jesus. And let us be steadfast, immovable, always doing much work of the Lord. For this work will never be in vain!

PRAYER
We praise You, Lord, for conquering death and sin, and thereby providing a way for us to live victoriously in You. Strengthen us to stay "on mission" doing Your work until Jesus comes to take us home to be with Him forever. Amen.