The Last “Woe” And The Magnification Of The Almighty (33:1-24)
Neal Pollard
Chapter 33 is the last of five “woes” (“ah” in the ESV). It focuses on Assyria’s destruction, the fulfillment of which we read about in chapters 36-39 in Hezekiah’s righteous, faith-filled stand against Sennacherib. This chapter contrasts the incredible fall of the Assyrians with the absolute exaltation of the Lord.
The preamble of the chapter (1) is a warning to Assyria that their days are numbered. They have ravaged, a “destroyer,” a “traitor,” and a “betrayer,” but now they will be destroyed. After this statement, Isaiah reveals what his people will say to the God they remember to trust and lean upon for rescue.
The prayer of Judah (2-6). Notice the contents of the prayer. It is a cry of help–“be gracious” (2). It is a pledge of trust–“we wait for you” (2). It is an expression of praise–“The Lord is exalted” (5). It is a grateful acknowledgement of His greatness–“he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure” (5b-6). When their enemy was removed from before their eyes, they could see God in His full splendor without any obscurities.
The praiseworthiness of God (7-13). Before this hoped-for deliverance, Judah stared down the prospect of treachery and destruction from the hands of the Assyrian people they had petitioned nations like Egypt to protect them against. That was wrong and foolish. Gary Smith writes, “Four geographic locations are specified: Lebanon, the Sharon plains, Bashan, and the Carmel mountains. These are areas that were renown for their fertility and lush green trees and crops. Now these areas are withered and look more like a desert” (NAC, 356). Judah is languishing in fear and defeat. God says that, in such conditions, they will be better able to see Him in His true splendor–“Now I will arise,” says the Lord, “now I will lift myself up; now I will be exalted” (10). The contrast is stark! The Lord says, “Hear, you who are far off, what I have done; and you who are near, acknowledge my might” (13).
The perspectives of the wicked and righteous (14-22). What about the sinners in Zion? They’re afraid and tremble (14). What about the righteous? They dwell on the heights with ample bread and water (16). But more importantly, the godly do not have willful sin blinding their eyes to God’s greatness. Not only will they see God in His beauty, they will see the land in its sufficiency, the disappearance of the Assyrian threat, the restoration of the place of worship, and the delivering power of God (17-22).
The promise of the future (23-24). Despite the abiding threat at the time this is written (23a), things would change. Prosperity would return, sickness would recede, and redemption would be restored. Assyria was going down, and the people should see the goodness and mercy of God in the wake of it.
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