The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

} “the Almighty” This is the Hebrew title Shaddai. This was the patriarchal name for YHWH (cf.Exod. 6:3). See Special Topic: Names for Deity at 1:1. There is a sound play (BDB 994) between“destruction” ($–,, BDB 994) and “the Almighty” (*$–/, BDB 994). Note the connection with Joel1:15.13:7-8 The approach of YHWH will cause certain fearful responses.1. “wail,” v. 62. “all hands will fall limp,” v. 7, cf. Ezek. 7:17; 21:73. “every man’s heart will melt,” v. 7, cf. 19:1; Nah. 2:104. “they will be terrified,” v. 85. “pain and anguish will take hold of them,” v. 86. “writhe like a woman in labor,” v. 8, cf. 21:3; 26:17; 66:77. “look at one another in astonishment,” v. 88. “their faces aflame,” v. 813:9 This verse describes the day of the Lord as it relates to sinners (cf. v. 10).A wasted and unpopulated land is exactly opposite to God’s will for His creation (cf. Genesis 1-2).13:10 The approach of YHWH to His physical creation causes reactions in nature. These reactions areoften referred to as apocalyptic, but in reality they are metaphorical in the OT prophets and only turn toapocalyptic in the inter-biblical period and NT.1. stars and constellations cease to shine (the ancients thought these were life-controlling deities),v. 102. sun and moon grow dark, v. 103. the heavens tremble, v. 134. the earth will be shaken from its place, v. 13The heavens, the abode of God, become dark and fearful (cf. Ezek. 32:7; Joel 2:10,31; 3:15; Matt. 24:29;Rev. 6:12-13). But there is a new light coming (cf. 2:5; 9:2; 60:1-3,19-20).13:11 “the world” This (BDB 385) is a poetic synonym for 69! (i.e., “land,” “earth,”cf. 14:21; 24:4;34:1). It is obviously a hyperbole (or maybe not, cf. 24:4; 34:1), but it does express the theologicalconcept of YHWH the creator and controller of this planet!Notice how humans are characterized.1. evil2. wicked for their iniquity3. arrogance of the proud4. haughtiness of the ruthlessThese same attributes describe the covenant people in 2:9,11,17; 5:15! The deadly tentacles (i.e., self,sin) of the Fall are everywhere (also note Gen. 6:5,11; 8:21)!13:12 “Ophir” This refers geographically to southern Arabia. The allusion here is that living humanbeings will be very scarce on the day of judgment.13:14-16 This is a vivid description of the horrors of invasion.1. hunted like gazelles2. sheep with no shepherd3. flee to family and homeland4. inhabitants thrust through5. inhabitants fall by the sword156