Isaiah 33:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 33:13-24

Here is a preface that commands attention; and it is fit that all should attend, both near and afar off, to what God says and does (Isa. 33:13): Hear, you that are afar off, whether in place or time. Let distant regions and future ages hear what God has done. They do so; they will do so from the scripture, with as much assurance as those that were near, the neighbouring nations and those that lived at that time. But whoever hears what God has done, whether near or afar off, let them... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 33:20

Look upon Zion ,.... Instead of such terrible objects as before described, a very amiable and lovely one is presented to view; even Zion, the church of God, beloved by him, chosen for his habitation, a strong city, a perfection of beauty, and the joy of the whole earth. The Targum is, "O Zion, thou shalt see their fall;' the fall of her enemies before mentioned; as at this time the church will see the fall both of the eastern and western antichrist. But the words are an exhortation to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 33:20

Look upon Zion "Thou shalt see Zion" - For חזה chazeh , "see," read תחזה techezeh , "thou shalt see," with the Chaldee. - Houbigant. At the end of this verse we find in the Masoretic Bibles this note, הספר חצי chatsi hassepher , "the middle of the book;" that is the middle of the book of Isaiah. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 33:13-24

REFLECTIONS ON ASSYRIA 'S OVERTHROW VIEWED AS ACCOMPLISHED . The prophet's first thought is , how wonderfully the overthrow has manifested the might of God ( Isaiah 33:13 ). Next, how it must thrill with fear the hearts of the wicked among his people ( Isaiah 33:14 ). Thirdly, how the righteous are by it placed in security, and can look back with joy to their escape, and can with confidence look forward to a future of happiness and tranquil lily ( Isaiah 33:15-24 ).... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 33:17-24

The reign of Hezekiah. Amidst all the agitation caused by the invasion of Sennacherib, and his perfidy, "the voices of true prophets were raised with power, pointing to the imperishable elements in the true community, and proclaiming the approach of a great crisis, the crushing weight of which should alight only on the faithless, whether among the Assyrians or in Judah" (Ewald). Here we find a reflection of the excitement of the time. I. THE GLORY OF THE KING . His beauty is a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 33:18-24

Happy times. A very pleasant picture is this of a nation or of a Church on which the full blessing of God is resting. There are several elements in its prosperity. I. A SENSE OF THE DIVINE MERCY . "The people … shall be forgiven their iniquity" ( Isaiah 33:24 ). A sense of pardoned sin and of reconciliation to God is at the foundation of all true peace, all sacred joy, and all holy usefulness. II. THE MAINTENANCE or DEVOTIONAL HABITS . Zion is to be always known... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 33:20

Look upon Zion , etc.; i.e. turn thy thoughts, O Judah, from the past to the present—from the time of the siege to the time after the siege terminated. The city of our solemnities ; or, of our festal meetings ; the city where we celebrate our Passovers, our Feasts of Weeks, our Feasts of Ingathering, and the like. A tent that shall not be taken down . There is, perhaps, a reference to Sennacherib's threat to remove the entire population from Jerusalem to a far country ( Isaiah... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 33:20

Look upon Zion - Lowth renders this, ‘Thou shalt see Zion,’ by Changing the Hebrew text in conformity with the Chaldee. There is no doubt that this accords with the sense of the passage, but there is no authority for the change It stands in contrast with what had been said in Isaiah 33:19. There, the prophet had said that they should no more see those foreign armies that were coming to invade them. Here he directs them to look upon Zion, implying that they should be permitted to behold Zion in... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 33:20-22

Isaiah 33:20-22. Look upon Zion Contemplate Zion’s beauty and safety, and her glorious and peculiar privileges; the city of our solemnities This was the chief part of Zion’s glory and happiness, that God was solemnly worshipped, and the solemn assemblies and feasts kept in her. Thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, &c. What is here predicted was but very obscurely and imperfectly fulfilled in the literal Zion; but was, and will be, clearly and fully accomplished in the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 33:1-24

Assyria defeated; Jerusalem blessed (33:1-24)In speaking again about the current situation, Isaiah announces God’s judgment on the Assyrians. They have plundered greedily and acted treacherously (33:1). Isaiah cries to God to save Jerusalem, so that the enemy armies will flee and the Jerusalemites can seize the goods left behind (2-4). Assured that God will act, the prophet praises him before the actual victory. God gives his people security and wisdom, and they respond with reverence and trust... read more

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