Isaiah 25

In verse 8, we are given one of the greatest promises in the Old Testament. Death the great “swallower” will itself be swallowed up (see 1 Corinthians 15:54), and the tears of pain and mourning will be wiped away forever (see Revelation 21:4). In this one verse, the last enemy is destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26) and the last tear is shed. No wonder God’s people will cry out in that day: “. . . let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation”¹¹⁴ (verse 9).

10–12 In these verses, Isaiah suddenly begins talking about God’s judgment on Moab (see Isaiah Chapters 15–16). Here, however, “Moab” symbolizes all nations that set themselves up against God. Moab’s major sin was pride (Isaiah 16:6); here in verse 12, the high fortified walls symbolize that pride—and the pride of all people who do not submit to God. Here, once again, we see that God opposes the proud (1 Peter 5:5) and will bring judgment upon them.¹¹⁵