Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 25

Verses 1-12

1. Thy counsels, etc.] RV ’even counsels of old’ (i.e. formed of old) ’in faithfulness and truth.’

2. A city] viz. the one that oppressed God’s people (Isaiah 24:10). Strangers] aliens from God’s covenant people (Isaiah 1:7).

3. The hostile power is not utterly destroyed; its remnant acknowledges Jehovah.

4. Strength] RV ’stronghold.’

5. As the heat] i.e. as heat is assuaged by the shadow of a cloud. Branch] RV ’song’; viz. of triumph.

6. The temporal and spiritual blessings which the rule of Jehovah will bring to mankind. This mountain] i.e. Zion (Isaiah 2:1-2). Fat things] i.e. of flesh, offered in sacrifice. On the lees] left on the lees to heighten the flavour.

7. Covering] Covering the face was a token of mourning for the dead (2 Samuel 19:4); the taking away of the veil or covering is symbolically put for the destruction of death (Isaiah 25:8).

8. In victory] so some early Gk. versions and St. Paul in quoting this passage (1 Corinthians 15:54). Heb. text has ’for ever’ (RV).

Will wipe, etc.] quoted Revelation 7:17; Revelation 21:4.

Rebuke] RV ’reproach.’

10. Hand] protecting hand. Under him] RV ’in his place,’ where he stands. Moab is here mentioned as being a proud (Isaiah 16) and hostile power, a typical enemy. For the dunghill] RV ’in the waters of the dunghill.’

11. He shall spread] i.e. Moab, who vainly endeavours to save himself. He shall bring] i.e. Jehovah. Spoils] RV ’craft.’