“I Will Exalt You; I Will Praise Your Name” (25:1-12)
Neal Pollard
While it is tempting to pull this chapter from context and examine it solely for the beautiful way it calls us to worship and revere God, it comes in response to the prophetic judgment against the world in chapter 24. Because of God’s matchless power and justice, how else could the righteous respond but it praise and adoration? This is the God we serve! Notice what Isaiah focuses on as he speaks of the Lord.
Isaiah praises God’s plans (1-3). He writes of God’s “plans formed of old, faithful and sure” (1). It is sobering that those plans focused on the overthrow and punishment of His enemies (2). It brought the glorifying and fear of the mightiest of earth (3). Isaiah leads his people to worship God for the certainty of His purpose!
Isaiah praises God’s protection (4-5). Throughout Scripture, God reserves special care and attention for the “have nots.” Isaiah singles out the poor and needy (4). He provides shelter, shade, a wall, and silencing against evil oppressors. The prophet describes how easily God deflects the aggression of the wicked, protecting the most helpless.
Isaiah praises God’s provision (6-9). Throughout this book, Isaiah presents the imagery of a mountain as a symbol of victory, triumph, but also abundance. God prepares a lavish feast for His people “on this mountain” (6). He provides insight and understanding “on this mountain” (7). He provides comfort and rescue for His people–swallowing up death and wiping away all tears (8) and salvation (9). Isaiah foresaw a day when the righteous would see and experience God’s full provision!
Isaiah praises God’s power (10-12). Notice how Isaiah pictures this. His hand will rest “on this mountain” (10). Thereafter, Isaiah pictures how God’s hand is against the arrogance of wicked men: trampled like straw in a dunghill (10), like the stroke of a skillful swimmer (11), and like a battering ram turning fortification walls into dust (12). These are things Isaiah’s readers would have seen and understood.
As we get ready to worship each Lord’s Day, we have the same reasons to praise God. In view of the coming Day of Judgment, we can praise God for His eternal purpose (Eph. 3:9-11), His unfailing protection (Mat. 28:20), His profuse provision (Eph. 1:3), and His matchless power (Mat. 6:13).
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