Jesus throughout the Scriptures: Pre-exilic Prophets 3 (1)
Pray Psalm 115.1-3.
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.
Why should the Gentiles say,
“So where is their God?”
But our God is in heaven;
He does whatever He pleases.
Sing Psalm 115.1-3.
(Plainfield: Nothing But the Blood of Jesus)
Not to us, O God, not us, but unto Your Name give glory!
For Your love and faithfulness, ever to Your Name be glory!
Why should the nations cry, “Where is their God on high?”
You rule us, LORD, on high: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Read Isaiah 25.1-12; meditate on verses 6-9.
Preparation
1. What would happen on “this mountain”?
2. What will the people say in response?
Meditation
With the return to thinking about “that day” that comes in chapter 24, the prophet’s mood changes significantly. From threats of judgment and condemnations of sin (chapters 13-23), Isaiah turns to celebrate the promised salvation of the LORD, to which he pointed in chapter 24 (vv. 21-23).
He praises God for His faithfulness and care for His remnant (25.1-5)—all those who waited on and trusted in Him (v. 9). Isaiah rejoices in the expanding of that remnant to include “all people” (vv. 6, 7) who confess God and have believed in His salvation. A great day of feasting on the goodness of the LORD is coming when even death will be defeated and tears will be no more (v. 8). The mountain of the Lord’s house (Is. 2.1-4, cf. Is. 25.10-12) will overcome all His enemies and become a strong fortress among the nations.
Paul undoubtedly had this passage in mind as he mocked death when he wrote, “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15.54). The reason for all this celebrating in Isaiah 25 is because of the work God will do through the death and resurrection of Jesus. In Him the “veil that is spread over all nations”—the veil of sin and unbelief—will be taken away, so that “the rebuke of His people”—the sin and rebellion of God’s elect—will no longer keep them from the joy of His salvation. Instead, God’s people “will be glad and rejoice in His salvation” (v. 9) because of what God has done for them on His holy mountain.
It is the work of Jesus—the promised Child and King—which is in view here. That work will be described in more detail in chapters to come.
Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.16.
“And it will be said in that day:
‘Behold, this is our God;
we have waited for Him, and
He will save us.
This is the LORD;
we have waited for Him;
we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation’” (Is. 25.9).
“And Mary said:
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior’” (Lk. 1.46, 47).
Zacharias, filled with the Holy Spirit, said:
“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David…that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us…to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life” (Lk. 1.67-75).
The waiting, elderly prophet Simeon, as he held the baby Jesus in his arms, said:
“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Lk. 2.29-32).
The redeemed, serving, and waiting servants today say:
“I know Whom I have believed and
am persuaded that He is able
to keep what I have committed to Him
until that Day” (2 Tim. 1.12).
“This is the LORD”
our beloved Jesus Christ,
“we have waited for Him,
we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation” (Is. 25.9).
“Thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15.57).
Reflection
1. What does it mean to “wait” for the Lord? What are we “waiting” for when we “wait” on Him?
2. Waiting on the Lord is usually associated with gladness and joy. Why do you think that is so?
3. What does it mean to say that Jesus “swallowed” death? What does it mean to you?
There is a veil spread over all nations, for all sat in darkness. But this veil the Lord will destroy, by the light of his gospel shining in the world, and the power of his Spirit opening men’s eyes to receive it. He will raise those to spiritual life who were long dead in trespasses and sins. Christ will himself, in his resurrection, triumph over death. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on Isaiah 25.6-9
Pray Psalm 115.9-18.
Thank God for His many blessings. Pray for a greater understanding and experience of His great salvation.
Sing Psalm 115.9-18.
(Prainfield: Nothing But the Blood of Jesus)
All who trust in Jesus yield—ever to His Name be glory—
find in Him their help and shield: Ever to Your Name be glory!
O Israel, trust the LORD! He helps us evermore!
Fear Him, obey His Word: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Blessings from our gracious LORD —ever to Your Name be glory—
will attend us evermore: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless all who fear You, LORD, all who obey Your Word,
all who Your Name adore: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Grant us, Savior, great increase—ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless us with eternal peace: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Heaven and earth are Yours; let every soul adore
and bless You evermore: Ever to Your Name be glory!
T. M. and Susie Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
