Chapters 18-21

Chapter 18

Egypt and Ethopia are now brought into the picture. Caution, however, is given, since God is the one in charge and will do things in his good time (18:4). These too will bring gifts and honor the LORD on Mount Zion (18:7). Here I cannot help but think of the best of the nations streaming to the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:24-26.

Chapter 19

In words that call to mind the earlier Exodus deliverance, the great Nile will be dried up (cf. the plagues in Exodus 7-12) and Pharaoh’s magicians will be rendered fools (ya’al) (19:11-15). The LORD’s glory and presence will extend even into Egypt (19:19-22).

Chapter 20

This short chapter pictures naked and shoeless Isaiah. It is not unusual for God to call prophets to live in their person his Word. Indeed, when we find the phrase “the word of the LORD came to [the prophets],” it is better translated “the word of the LORD happened to the prophet.” It is not just the words of the mouth of the prophets that the davar Adonai (word of the LORD) happened to, but to their entire person. One only has to consider Hosea, for example, who was called to live out in his life God’s words of grace and judgment by marrying the unfaithful Gomer.

Chapter 21

This is a difficult chapter. What can be said about is that the prophet and his hearers await the fall of Babylon the great (21:9), so perhaps the call here is a call to patient faithfulness, patient waiting for the LORD. The LORD will indeed vindicate his people, but on his time schedule, not ours. What does it mean to be a watcher and sentinel? Perhaps the parable of the virgins is instructive here (Matthew 25:1-13).