Isaías 18

1 ¡Ay de la tierra que hace sombra con las alas, que está tras los ríos de Etiopía

2 El que envía mensajeros por el mar, y en navíos de junco sobre las aguas. Andad, ligeros mensajeros, a la gente arrastrada, y repelada; al pueblo lleno de temores desde su principio, y después; gente harta de esperar y hollada; cuya tierra destruyeron los ríos

3 Todos los moradores del mundo, y los vecinos de la tierra, cuando levantare bandera como ejemplo en los montes, la veréis; y cuando tocare shofar, la oiréis

4 Porque el SEÑOR me dijo así: me reposaré, y miraré desde mi morada; como sol claro después de la lluvia, y como nube cargada de rocío en el calor de la siega

5 Porque antes de la siega, cuando el fruto fuere perfecto, y pasada la flor, los frutos fueren maduros, entonces podará con podaderas las ramitas; y cortará y quitará las ramas

6 Y serán dejados todos a las aves de los montes, y a las bestias de la tierra; sobre ellos tendrán el verano las aves; e invernarán todas las bestias de la tierra

7 En aquel tiempo será traído presente al SEÑOR de los ejércitos, el pueblo arrastrado y repelado; el pueblo lleno de temores desde su principio y después; gente harta de esperar y hollada, cuya tierra destruyeron los ríos, al lugar del nombre del SEÑOR de los ejércitos, al Monte de 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.