Introduction to Part Three of the Book of Isaiah

The oracles in Part Three of the book of Isaiah (chapters 24–27) describe actions by Yahweh that are worldwide in scope, affecting even the created order. These oracles apply on a cosmic scale the themes of both judgment and restoration that characterize the prophecies against the nations in Part Two. As a result, it is difficult to determine what specific historical situation inspired the oracles in this part of the book.The oracles in chapters 24 and 25 announce and celebrate the destruction of a great city. Some interpreters identify this city as Babylon and conclude that these two oracles come from the time of the second great moment of decision that the book of Isaiah addresses, when God’s people were called to return from exile in Babylon to the land of Israel. (See the discussion in the introduction to the book of Isaiah.) That is possible; however, these oracles also look forward to the time when God will judge the entire world, so their application is not limited to a single historical situation.The oracles in chapters 25 and 27 have some themes in common with the ones in chapters 11 and 12, at the end of Part One. They express the hope that God’s anger will shortly pass and that all nations will learn about God from what he does for his people. A passage in the last oracle in this section, 27:2–5, echoes and reverses the song of the vineyard in 5:1–7. The vision of restoration in these oracles could come originally from the time of the first great moment of decision, the Assyrian crisis. But their application should also not be limited to a single situation. The oracles in all of Part Three seem to have been shaped and collected to present a worldwide vision of what Yahweh will ultimately do to make all nations recognize that he is the one true God.1. A vision of the cosmic destruction of Yahweh’s enemies (24:1–23)2. Yahweh destroys an oppressive city, makes a feast, and punishes Moab (25:1–12)3. Wait patiently for Yahweh to punish wicked people and rescue righteous people (26:1–21)4. Yahweh will destroy his enemies and regather and restore his own people (27:1–13)

Introduction to Isaiah 24

Structure and Formatting

1. Universal judgment on the earth (1–6) 2. Lament for a destroyed city (7–13) 3. A song of praise from the remnant (14–16a) 4. Renewed description of universal judgment and Yahweh’s reign (16b–23)