Isaías 18

Profecia contra a Etiópia

1 Ai da terra do zumbido de insetos^[a]ao longo dos rios da Etiópia,^[b]

2 que manda emissários pelo marem barcos de papiro sobre as águas.Vão, ágeis mensageiros,a um povo alto e de pele macia,a um povo temido pelos que estão perto e pelos que estão longe,nação agressiva e de fala estranha,cuja terra é dividida por rios.

3 Todos vocês, habitantes do mundo,vocês que vivem na terra,quando a bandeira for erguidasobre os montes, vocês a verão,e, quando soar a trombeta,vocês a ouvirão.

4 Assim diz o SENHOR:“Do lugar onde moro ficarei olhando, quietocomo o ardor do sol reluzente,como a nuvem de orvalho no calor do tempo da colheita”.

5 Pois, antes da colheita,quando a floração der lugar ao fruto e as uvas amadurecerem,ele cortará os brotos com a podadeirae tirará os ramos longos.

6 Serão todos entregues aos abutres das montanhase aos animais selvagens;as aves se alimentarão deles todo o verão,e os animais selvagens, todo o inverno.

7 Naquela ocasião, dádivas serão trazidas ao SENHOR dos Exércitosda parte de um povo alto e de pele macia,da parte de um povo temido pelos que estão pertoe pelos que estão longe,nação agressiva e de fala estranha,cuja terra é dividida por rios.As dádivas serão trazidas ao monte Sião, ao local do nome do SENHOR dos Exércitos.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Ou "gafanhotos"
• [b]. Hebraico: "de Cuxe."

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.