Isaiah 25:1-12
Tyre, the flourishing business centre of the ancient world, was the object (in Isaiah 23:1-18) of the last of the "burdens". Each of these has pronounced judgment upon mankind from a different moral viewpoint.
In Isaiah 24:1-23, the apocalyptic judgments which must put an end to the power of evil are unveiled on the earth. They have shaken it from top to bottom. But in ch. 25, from the very midst of these ruins (v. 2), rises a moving melody. The "wretched" remnant of Israel, miraculously preserved from destruction, celebrates what the LORD has been for them throughout the storm. Now "the time of singing" has come (Song of Solomon 2:12; cf. Isaiah 24:13). V. 4 has been a comfort, and the experience of countless believers in times of trial. But v. 8 gives us a glimpse of a greater power revealed: "He will swallow up death in victory". It is remarkable that this statement is in the future, whereas its quotation in 1 Corinthians 15:54 presents us with its fulfilment on behalf of believers: "Death is swallowed up . . ." Between these two verses the cross and the triumphant resurrection of the Conqueror of Golgotha have intervened. Finally, when the wicked are raised from the dead, death will be abolished (1 Corinthians 15:26).