Isaiah 33 - Introduction

This chapter comprises a new and distinct prophecy, though manifestly relating to the same general subject as the preceding. In Isaiah 33:19 of the previous chapter, the prophet had foretold the destruction of the army of Sennacherib and this chapter is designed still further to set forth the circumstances and the effects of that destruction. That it refers to Sennacherib is apparent front the whole structure of the prophecy. So it is understood by Lowth, Rosenmuller, Grotius, and Calvin, though Vitringa supposes that it refers to the destruction of the Syrians, instead of the Assyrians, and particularly after the time, and for the crimes of Antiochus Epiphanes. All the circumstances, as well as the connection, however, agree with the invasion by Sennacherib, and agree far better with that than either with the destruction of Babylon, or the judgments that came upon the Syrians. The design of the prophecy is to assure the Jews that their nation and city would be safe notwithstanding the invasion of the Assyrian, and that Yahweh would be to them a source of constant protection and consolation Isaiah 33:21. The object of the prophecy, therefore, is to comfort them in this threatened invasion, and to lead them to look up to God.

The prophecy, or poem, is one of uncommon beauty in its structure, and is especially elegant in its expressions. It abounds, indeed, in transitions; but they are easily seen, and can be distinctly marked. The structure and design of the poem may be seen in the following analysis:

I. Woe is denounced against the Assyrian; who had invaded Judea without provocation, and who was spreading desolation over a nation that had not injured him Isaiah 33:1. This contains the general scope and purport of the chapter.

II. The Jews are introduced Isaiah 33:2 as offering up supplications to Yahweh in view of the threatened invasion, and beseeching him to be mercifull to them, and expressing their confidence in him.

III. God himself is introduced declaring the overthrow of Sennacherib Isaiah 33:3. This he represents Isaiah 33:3 under the image of the people - that is, the people in his army - fleeing at the noise of the tumult caused by the desolating tempest that should sweep them away, and at the act of God’s lilting up himself to scatter the nations.

IV. A chorus of Jews is introduced Isaiah 33:5 extolling the greatness and mercy of God Isaiah 33:5; and also celebrating the wisdom and piety of Hezekiah, who had put his confidence in God Isaiah 33:6.

V. In Isaiah 33:7, the despair and alarm of the Jews are described on the approach of Sennacherib. This is exhibited in the following manner:

1. The messengers whom Hezekiah had sent to Sennacherib with three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold, to propitiate his favor 2 Kings 18:14, return without success and weeping bitterly Isaiah 33:7.

2. The desolation is described that attended the march of Sennacherib - a desolation that extended to the highways, the cities, and to the most beautiful and fertile places, represented by hewing down Lebanon, and turning Cannel into a wilderness, Isaiah 33:8).

VI. God is now introduced Isaiah 33:10 as saying that he would take the work of the destruction of the Assyrian into his own hand, and showing that he would be himself exalted Isaiah 33:10; that he would disappoint their expectations Isaiah 33:11; that they should be totally destroyed as if by fire Isaiah 33:12, and calling on the nations near and remote to hear what he had done Isaiah 33:13.

VII. The various effects of the invasion on the inhabitants of Jerusalem are described Isaiah 33:14.

1. The effect on the hypocrites, producing consternation and alarm of the highest degree Isaiah 33:14.

2. This is finely contrasted with the confidence and security of the righteous in that time. They would confide in God Isaiah 33:15; they would see the king in his beauty Isaiah 33:17; and they would see their foe completely destroyed Isaiah 33:18.

VIII. The whole account is closed with a statement of the fact that Jerusalem was safe, and that the enemy would be completely destroyed Isaiah 33:20.