NOTES for Isa 14:24-32
Today we read two brief prophecies, about Assyria and about the land of the Philistines, spoken by the prophet Isaiah after the fall of Samaria. These prophecies are separated by about a quarter century, but both are similar in meaning.
For us, living 27 centuries after both of these prophecies, what matters most is that they represent an ancient, original form of apocalypse and speak about the meaning of history. The prophet sees the future and says that, despite all the intricate interests and motives of its actors, history has meaning and purpose. Despite the resistance of nations and kingdoms, despite the temporary triumph of godless empires, the Lord speaks about the future: "...as I have planned, so it shall be, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand."
This prophecy is clothed in a frightening form, but its meaning is great joy and hope. These are words that God's will, good and perfect, will surely triumph.