Isaías 18

1 ¡Ay de la tierra del zumbido de alas que está más allá de los ríos de Etiopía,

2 la que envía por el mar embajadores en naves de juncos sobre la superficie de las aguas! Id, veloces mensajeros, a una nación de alta estatura y de piel brillante, a un pueblo temido por todas partes, una nación poderosa y opresora cuya tierra surcan los ríos.

3 Todos vosotros, habitantes del mundo y moradores de la tierra, tan pronto como se alce la bandera sobre los montes, la veréis, y tan pronto como la trompeta sea tocada, la oiréis.

4 Porque así me ha dicho el SEÑOR: Me estaré quieto y miraré desde mi morada, como calor resplandeciente al sol, como nube de rocío en el calor de la cosecha.

5 Pues antes de la cosecha, tan pronto como el botón se abra y la flor se convierta en uva madura, El cortará los pámpanos con podaderas y podará y quitará los sarmientos.

6 Juntos serán dejados para las aves de rapiña de los montes, y para las bestias de la tierra; pasarán allí el verano las aves de rapiña, y todas las bestias de la tierra allí invernarán.

7 En aquel tiempo será traído un obsequio al SEÑOR de los ejércitos de parte de un pueblo de alta estatura y de piel brillante, de un pueblo temido por todas partes, de una nación poderosa y opresora, cuya tierra surcan los ríos, al lugar del nombre del SEÑOR de los ejércitos, el monte Sion.

Isaías 18 Commentary

Chapter 18

God's care for his people; and the increase of the church.

- This chapter is one of the most obscure in Scripture, though more of it probably was understood by those for whose use it was first intended, than by us now. Swift messengers are sent by water to a nation marked by Providence, and measured out, trodden under foot. God's people are trampled on; but whoever thinks to swallow them up, finds they are cast down, yet not deserted, not destroyed. All the dwellers on earth must watch the motions of the Divine Providence, and wait upon the directions of the Divine will. God gives assurance to his prophet, and by him to be given to his people. Zion is his rest for ever, and he will look after it. He will suit to their case the comforts and refreshments he provides for them; they will be acceptable, because seasonable. He will reckon with his and their enemies; and as God's people are protected at all seasons of the year, so their enemies are exposed at all seasons. A tribute of praise should be brought to God from all this. What is offered to God, must be offered in the way he has appointed; and we may expect him to meet us where he records his name. Thus shall the nations of the earth be convinced that Jehovah is the God, and Israel is his people, and shall unite in presenting spiritual sacrifices to his glory. Happy are those who take warning by his judgment on others, and hasten to join him and his people. Whatever land or people may be intended, we are here taught not to think that God takes no care of his church, and has no respect to the affairs of men, because he permits the wicked to triumph for a season. He has wise reasons for so doing, which we cannot now understand, but which will appear at the great day of his coming, when he will bring every work into judgment, and reward every man according to his works.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 18

This chapter is a prophecy of the desolation of a land or country, described by the wings with which it was shaded, and by the rivers by which it was situated, Isa 18:1 by its messengers and message to another nation, which is also described, Isa 18:2 all the nations of the world are called upon to observe the judgment about to be inflicted on it, Isa 18:3 and a promise is made, that at the same time God will take up his rest and dwelling among his own people, and refresh and protect them, Isa 18:4 and the time, and manner, and nature of the destruction of the people before threatened, are metaphorically expressed, Isa 18:5,6 and the issue of all will be the glory of God, since these people will be brought, in after times, as a present to him in Mount Zion, Isa 18:7.