34-39 (Transitions)

Like much of Isaiah, chapters 34-35 are subject to multiple interpretations. Is chapter 34 a description of the final judgment (against all nations at the end of the world)? Some of the language, taken in a certain literal sense, would seem to convey as much (34:2, 4, 10). On the other hand, there is some evidence that the passage is focused specifically on the judgment of Edom (34:5-6, 9) while using apocalyptic language to describe the judgment. It's not as simple, then, as just picking either a literal or spiritual interpretation. The former interpretation takes the description of the judgment literally. The latter interpretation takes the name of those being judged literally. And both groups take the reverse spiritually (so to speak).

Certainly God's judgment of Edom was meant as a sign of God's judgment in general. God's judgment brings desolation and wilderness like conditions (34:1-15). But judgment is ultimately for the purpose of bringing about restoration. Chapter 35 speaks of the wilderness becoming fruitful once again. While some interpret this to be a literal prophecy of desert sands turning into fruitful fields, it seems in keeping with Isaiah's use of language to take this to mean spiritually dryness/deadness will be transformed into fruitful spirituality (see 32:15, 40:3-5, Jeremiah 31:12). These predictions point to the coming of John the Baptist in the wilderness (40:3-5), the coming of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost (32:15) and the coming of the New Covenant through Christ (Jeremiah 31:12). It is after John, through Christ, and by His Spirit, that the dead come to life spiritually. The weak are strengthened. Justice will be had. Such blessings will be accessed through a new way of life, or, more accurately, a new Way of life (Jesus Christ, 35:8).

Chapters 36-39 tell a portion of the story of King Hezekiah. The section serves as a historical interlude between the judgment and comfort sections of Isaiah. Much of the material is nearly identical to 2 Kings 18-20 and 2 Chronicles 32.

The Assyrian Empire was taking over the entire region (including the northern kingdom). Nevertheless, Hezekiah had stopped by tribute to them and was trusting in God's word (through Isaiah) for protection. The Assyrians mocked Hezekiah's apparent confidence. If he was depending on Egypt, he would be let down (God had said as much!). If he was relying on his God, then why had he torn down the altars (perhaps the Assyrians didn't realize that Hezekiah tore down the altars of false gods, not the God of Israel OR he may have just been spreading lies). Finally, the Assyrians argued that Hezekiah's God had commanded them to come against Jerusalem (indeed, God had used the Assyrians as a tool of judgment previously, but in this case God had promised protection). These mockings were made loud and clear so that even the common people would become afraid and stop listening to Hezekiah's confident claims.

In the face of this opposition, Hezekiah turned to prayer and to the prophet Isaiah. He was assured that he would indeed remain protected. The King of Assyria would be turned away and eventually killed (37:7). Sennacherib (King of Assyria) had come to believe that it was by his strength that he had accomplished the building of an empire (37:24). God reminded Hezekiah (through Isaiah) that it was actually God who had allowed Sennacherib to become prominent (37:26) and thus God was capable of ending his fame and protecting His city. Indeed, God put to death 185,000 Assyrian soldiers causing Sennacherib to retreat. He was then murdered by 2 of his sons.

Chapter 38 speaks of Hezekiah's life threatening illness and recovery. God revealed to Hezekiah (through Isaiah) that his time had come (38:1). But when Hezekiah prayed and wept, the Lord responded by granting him another 15 years of life. As a sign to confirm this promise, God caused a sundial to go backwards in time (miraculously). 2 Chronicles 32:24-26 tells us that Hezekiah became prideful after this promise was made. Only upon repentance did God's wrath not come upon Hezekiah and the people for their pride. Isaiah 39 may provide some evidence of the pride mentioned in 2 Chronicles. Some envoys had come from Babylon (at that point, Babylon was just another subject of the Assyrian Empire). Hezekiah showed off his riches as if they were truly HIS riches. Isaiah proceeded to tell Hezekiah that someday after Hezekiah's death the Babylonians themselves would take the Jews into exile. Hezekiah acknowledged this prophecy, but was thankful still to avoid God's wrath during his own lifetime (39:8).