33:1 destroyer The crisis of 701 bc and the narrative account of that incident in chs. 36–39 suggest this refers to Assyria.

no one has dealt treacherously Note the similar language in 21:2 and 24:16. The traitor and destroyer will be judged after serving God’s purpose.

33:2 Yahweh, be gracious to us A psalm-like appeal to Yahweh, and a sign of the repentance of the people who wait on God’s salvation (see 25:9; compare 36:18).

33:3 the sound of tumult The appearance of God in judgment involved noise like thunder or roaring (see 29:6).

33:4 spoil is gathered Refers to the spoil from God’s victory over the nations.

33:5 he filled Zion with justice and righteousness The prophet is confident in God’s plan to rise up and save Zion, especially after the repentant appeal of v. 2. The confidence pays off: Yahweh arises in judgment in v. 10.

33:7 Their heroes cry out in the street The warriors of Judah have lost all confidence.

the messengers of peace weep bitterly The ambassadors who sought help from Egypt have realized all is lost and no help is coming.

33:8 One breaks a treaty Hezekiah paid tribute to Assyria (see 2 Kgs 18:14–17), but Assyria attacked anyway. The invasion was a breach of their agreement.

33:9 The land mourns; it languishes The land is experiencing the decline that accompanied judgment (see Isa 32:10 and note).

Sharon A coastal plain northwest of Jerusalem that served as a prime transportation route from the north to the region of Judah.

Bashan A fertile area to the northeast of Jerusalem.

Carmel Located south of Jerusalem.

33:10 I will arise God arises to bring justice as promised. See note on v. 5.

33:11 you bring forth stubble Chaff and stubble are easily burned. The plans of Assyria are worthless and will come to nothing.

a fire; it will consume you The image of fire used in judgment against Assyria is familiar from 10:16–17.

33:12 burning to lime Burning human bones to make lime from their ashes showed disrespect for the body of the dead (see note on Amos 2:1; compare Isa 10:17).

33:14 can live with devouring fire The arrival of God in judgment causes fear—none can survive His presence (see 6:5).

Fire as a Motif of Divine Presence

33:15 He who walks in righteousness Righteous living as defined by the Law—especially the standards of justice and fairness in judgment and leadership (see Psa 24:4).

33:16 his waters will endure Contrasts with the bread of adversity and water of affliction in Isa 30:20—after judgment, mercy, and provision.

33:17 will see the king in his beauty Either a reference to God Himself as in 6:5, or an allusion to the righteous king of 32:1–8 (see note on 32:1). The image of king is directly appropriated for Yahweh in v. 22.

33:19 the insolent people Refers to the arrogant Assyrians as in 10:12–14. See 28:11.

33:20 our appointed festivals The Hebrew term here is singular, so it likely denotes a specific feast or festival. Jerusalem is the focal point where sacred time was observed.

Israelite Festivals Table

an undisturbed settlement Reverses the image of distress of Isa 33:7–9. Like most oracles of salvation and restoration in Isaiah, this idyllic view of the future of Zion best fits in the future reign of the messianic king when all the nations have acknowledged Yahweh’s sovereignty (see 2:2–4; 11:1–16).

33:21 a mighty ship The image suggests Zion will be inaccessible, even by the most exotic ships.

33:22 Yahweh is our judge Yahweh’s ultimate sovereignty is acknowledged as the people realize He is the only righteous judge, lawgiver, and rightful king. Judah’s leaders had failed to submit themselves to God as the ultimate source of power, safety, and protection.

33:24 their iniquity will be taken away The remnant will be forgiven based on the redemptive work of Yahweh (compare Jer 50:20; Isa 1:26). Also note the redemptive role of the Servant in 53:11.