BOOK OF ISAIAH - CHPATERS  47 - 51

A study on the last 27 chapters of Isaiah helps us to understand the end of the present age. Use this brief outline as a study guide as you read the verses yourself.

These chapters historically speak to the exiles and prophetically speak to believers that: 1.God is powerful and has not been defeated by the God of Babylon (Satan and the world system), 2.God continues to love Israel (believers) and has not abandoned them. 3.God is reliable and what He promises, He will do. 4.The exiles (believers) can be sure they will return to their land (believers overcome) as the words of the prophets are--and will be fulfilled. We will try to understand these chapters and how they relate to Israel and the Church prophetically in our time. As you read keep in mind that Isaiah is an end of the age, millennial book. It is a dual prophecy. It is historically true and prophetic to the period in which it was written and is also a word to future believers about the end of the age. When reading the prophets we should always try to understand them in their historical (that time), personal (our lives), and prophetic (future) context.


47.1-15 A mock lament over Babylon. Historically this chapter talks about how haughty Babylon has suddenly lost everything. Once a princess, now Babylon must work as a lowly slave girl. Babylon was never as strong as she thought she was--she was successful because God used her to chastise His people. God sentences Babylon to her own punishment. God makes mention of her reliance on magicians and soothsayers whose skills turn out to be illusions.

Look on Babylon as the world system. Our system is based on financial credit and the power of a nation’s military. Man forces his will on others--God woos us to him gently. It is a very personal relationship. Nations don’t usually operate that way. This chapter lines up well with Revelation 17 and 18. Read them.

48.1-22 Rebuke and consolation. The prophet focuses on the sins Israel had committed and reviews the reasons they needed chastisement. He explains why the exile had to occur and reassures the people that the Lord is not fickle. Those exiles who remained unfaithful in exile are also criticized. God has told the children of Israel since the beginning that they would forsake Him. He is taking away all their lame excuses. God will save them for His own sake--for the nation of Israel is linked to His reputation--just as we are. In verses 17-19 God tells us when we obey Him we prosper. Finally God tells us to come out of Babylon.

Yeshua told us not to love the world. Babylon is the world. The world system is Babylon. Yeshua also said he was not praying for God to take us out of the world but that God would keep us from the evil one. We live in this world as a light to the world. The world system is not to control us. We should not be lusting for “things” and getting in debt to buy “stuff”. We are to live righteously and obey God’s commandments. If we love God, all we need and more will be provided through the world system--but we are not to be a part of it, or to love it. We are stewards of our Father and someday will inherit all things!

SECTION TWO - CHAPTERS 49-57

Prophecies concerning Zion and the renewal of the community there. Their tone remains hopeful, but some disappointment becomes evident. The speeches focus on the returning exiles wretched state and how it will be transformed into a glorious one. A strong emphasis on Zion and the servant of the Lord is expressed. There is a sense of disappointment in the reality of the condition of Zion and the returnees. At the end of this section the language toward the exiles is harsher than the rebukes in section one.

49.1-13 The servant of the Lord and universal recognition of God. The servant speaks to the nations of the world as well as the Israelites. We see the servant as the Lord, rabbinic commentators look elsewhere. The servant was named while he was in the womb--God knows us before we are born. The servant announces that the world will recognize the one true God when the whole Israelite nation returns to its land.

We see the Jews returning to the nation of Israel today. They are returning to their land for the final conclusion of the “time of the Gentiles.” When the Antichrist appears and makes a covenant with them that will be the beginning of the tribulation. After 3.5 years, the man of sin will double cross them as events will be near the climax.

49.14-26 Consolation for Zion. God tells Zion they will be comforted, they are not forgotten. We see fulfillment today as Jews from every corner of the earth are coming back to the land. Many Christians are involved in exiles returning and in assisting the Jewish nation. In the final three verses of this section we see that Israel’s conqueror will be giving Israel back to God. Israel’s final national redemption will bring the knowledge of God to all humanity. Read vv 24-26 carefully--they are end time truths!

50.1-11 A response to the nation’s tribulations. God addresses the Israelite’s despair at their plight.

50.1-3 The Israelites are viewed as God’s wife and also as His children. God insists that no divorce has taken place and they have not been sold away.

50.4-11 The mission of the prophet and of the nation. The prophet speaks of his mission and the difficulties he has experienced in carrying it out. Prophetically we see Yeshua in vv 4-9. Some will hear and trust the Lord when times are dark, but others still refuse and are consumed with fire.

51.1-8 An exhortation to Israelites who despair. Remember Abraham and Sarah and their small beginning--they became a multitude. The Lord will rebuild the ruins and restore. In vv 4-5 we see that God is the source of teaching. In the millennium we will be teaching the nations about the Lord! Even if the earth should melt away (Atomic warfare) we are to look toward the heavens--God will triumph! Finally we should not fear what man can do unto us--God’s salvation is sure.

51.9-11 The people lament. They ask God to awake as in days of old. Rahab…Dragon…abyss of the sea…this is a description of God defeating Satan at the creation of earth when he rebelled. They want God to save them now in the same way. We know that he will!

51.12-17 God’s positive response. The Lord promises to comfort. We are not to fear the rage of men who are trying to cut us down (spiritual warfare). God is putting His words in our mouth and tells us to be bold.

51.17-23 We are told to rise up. We have been bereaved and in despair but God is our/their champion and our enemies will become the victims of His wrath. They (Satan) will no longer walk on our backs.

This word to ancient Israel is a word to God’s people today. It also is a shadow of the tribulation that the saints will go through at the end of the age. The Lord is going to save His people at His appearing! Those who have gone through the refiners fire will be served at the royal banquet--the wedding supper of the Lamb and His bride! God brings salvation to us. So it is the same at the end of the age. When all appears lost--He will come! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

Tomorrow: Chapters 52 through 57