1 Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.
2 O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.
3 At the noise of the tumult the people fled; at the lifting up of thyself the nations were scattered.
4 And your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpiller: as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them.
5 The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.
6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.
7 Behold, their valiant ones shall cry without: the ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly.
8 The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man.
9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.
10 Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.
11 Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, as fire, shall devour you.
12 And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
13 Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.
14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
18 Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? where is he that counted the towers?
19 Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.
20 Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.
21 But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.
22 For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.
23 Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.
24 And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.
Isaiah Chapter 33 is a profound chapter in the Old Testament of the King James Version (KJV) Holy Bible. It is a chapter of prophecy, judgement, and hope. It is a chapter that provides a glimpse into the divine retribution of God against the oppressors of His people and the ultimate salvation that He promises to those who remain faithful to Him. This chapter is a testament to the unchanging nature of God's justice, His faithfulness, and His steadfast love for His people.
The chapter begins with a woe pronounced against the oppressors of God's people. “Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.” (Isaiah 33:1, KJV) This verse sets the tone for the entire chapter, establishing the theme of divine retribution and justice.
Throughout the chapter, the prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of God's judgement against those who oppress His people. The oppressors are described as treacherous and spoiling, acting unjustly towards God's people. Yet, the divine justice of God ensures that they will not escape unpunished. The oppressors will be met with the same fate they subjected God's people to - they will be spoiled and dealt with treacherously. This is the principle of divine retribution - a principle that is consistent with God's character as a just and righteous God.
In verses 10-12, God Himself declares His judgement against the wicked: "Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself. Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, as fire, shall devour you. And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire." (Isaiah 33:10-12, KJV) The imagery employed here is powerful, emphasizing the severity and certainty of God's judgement.
While the first half of Isaiah 33 is filled with the imagery of judgement and retribution, the second half of the chapter shifts focus to God's salvation and the ideal Zion. In verse 15, God describes the characteristics of those who will dwell in the future Zion: "He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;" (Isaiah 33:15, KJV)
The description of the future Zion, a place of peace, justice, and righteousness, serves as a beacon of hope for God's people. It is a promise of a future where oppression is no more, where justice reigns, and where God's people can live in peace and security. The description of the ideal Zion is not just a promise, but also a call to action for God's people to strive for righteousness and justice in their lives.
One of the most comforting aspects of Isaiah 33 is the assurance of God's presence and protection. Despite the looming judgement and the present suffering, God assures His people of His presence: "The LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us." (Isaiah 33:22, KJV) This verse encapsulates the essence of God's relationship with His people - He is their judge, lawgiver, king, and savior. He is intimately involved in every aspect of their lives, guiding them, protecting them, and ultimately saving them.
In conclusion, Isaiah 33 is a chapter that underscores the divine retribution of God against the oppressors of His people and the ultimate salvation that He promises to those who remain faithful to Him. It serves as a reminder of God's justice, His faithfulness, and His steadfast love for His people. It is a testament to the unchanging nature of God's character and His unwavering commitment to His people.
This chapter is a beacon of hope for all those who are oppressed, reminding them that God is their protector, their judge, and their savior. It also serves as a call to action for all believers to strive for righteousness and justice in their lives, reflecting God's character and His desires for His people.
Isaiah 33 is a powerful chapter that offers profound insights into God's character and His plan for His people. It serves as a guide for us today, reminding us of God's justice, His salvation, and His unwavering love for us. It is a chapter that should inspire us to live righteously, to seek justice, and to trust in God's protection and salvation.
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