Today's reading forms what is commonly called Volume Four of the writings of Isaiah. This volume is often referred to as the Book of Judgment and Promise. These chapters form a continuous prophecy on the subject of judgment in the Day of the Lord, with blessing afterward.
Chapter 24 is a vision of world convulsions and seems to relate to the same period that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24. Isaiah says that the earth would fall and not rise again (verse 20); then later he looks beyond to a "new heavens and new earth," as we will see in chapters 65 and 66.
Chapter 25 is looking forward to the time of Israel's praise for kingdom blessing. In verses 1-5 the delivered nation praises the Lord. In verse 1 Israel praises her Lord for His miraculous deliverances, and in verses 2 and 3 He is praised because He has punished Israel's enemies. His help of the poor and needy is praised in verses 4 and 5. Isaiah seems to have transported himself beyond the clash of worlds into the age of the new heavens and the new earth, and put into the mouth of the redeemed a song of praise to God for His wonderful works. Most wonderful of all is the destruction of death (verse 8). This is referring to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Blessings for all nations are described in verses 6-8, and in verses 10-12 the enemies of Israel are judged.
Chapter 26 is a song of trust and triumph. It is probably Judah's millennial song, with praise for the Lord's faithfulness and mercies given in verses 1-6. Verse 19 gives assurance of the bodily resurrection of the righteous Old Testament saints, and verses 20 and 21 give us a glimpse of the divine indignation of the Day of the Lord. Verse 21 summarizes the judgment events of Revelation 6:1-- 19:21.
Chapter 27:1 records the destruction of Israel's enemies. In verses 2-9 the Lord's care for His own, even in chastening, is indicated under the figure of a vineyard, with Israel hereafter flourishing, after the chastenings are over. In verses 10 and 11 Israel's enemies are destroyed, totally and finally; and the return of the remnant is recorded in verses 12 and 13.
