Each category of the Old Testament has its own literary rules and characteristics. The prophetic books often carry messages that have dual meanings, one for the present and one for the future. One message was meant for the people in their time and place, while another message had a “not yet” aspect. Some of these messages were fulfilled in the person of Christ, whereas others are still yet to come. In addition, the prophetic books use imagery, symbolism, and metaphors that uniquely characterize this section of the Old Testament. It is important that we know how to properly interpret Bible prophecy so that we can accurately determine the intended meaning of the author’s writing. As we become familiar with the passages that are referred to as prophecy, we notice recurring symbols, numbers, and imagery that provide a blueprint for understanding God’s Word revealed through his prophets. We can then turn to Bible study aids as secondary sources that will help us interpret and apply Scripture to our lives.
What Do You Observe?
And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.
studying the books of prophecy
putting it into practice: isaiah 25:7–8
Before we turn our attention to our practice verse for today, read the preceding chapter, Isaiah 24, to provide context for chapter 25. Also read the first verses of chapter 25 to gain context of what is happening within the chapter. Now, let’s make some observations about our verses:
Verse 7 begins with the conjunction “And”, which connects it to the content in verse 6. Someone, referred to as “he,” will swallow up two things on this mountain—the covering that is cast over all peoples and the veil that is spread over all nations.
Let’s highlight some keywords: swallow, covering, and veil.
We can also add some questions to our observations. Who is “he” referring to? What does “this mountain” refer to? Remember, we are still observing. We don’t want to interpret anything yet.
Once we have finished our observations in both verses, we can move on to interpretation and begin to answer some of the questions that we raised.
Let’s look at our question regarding “this mountain” in verse 7. The demonstrative adjective (“this”) implies that the mountain was previously mentioned. Looking through our prior contextual reading for clues, we identify the mountain as Mount Zion, named in Isaiah 24:23. Additionally, to whom does the pronoun “he” refer? From the context of verse 6, we understand that it is the Lord who will perform the actions of verses 7 and 8.
Watch Week Four
Old Testament: Major and Minor Prophets
Daily Question
What else do we observe and interpret in these verses?
Comments (10)
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I read the whole chapter and found it VERY INTERESTING especially in the days we are living in. A day full of tyrants ruling the whole earth and there is a covering of the whole earth that seems to be affecting the globe as a whole in one way or another! But Isaiah speaks of the end of time and that we look forward to “At that time they will say, “Look, here is our God! We waited for him and he delivered us. Here is the LORD! We waited for him. Let’s rejoice and celebrate his deliverance!””
Isaiah 25:9 What an encougment that if we endure the suffering HE will bring us through ❤️
I thought the exact same thoughts. What really stood out for me in the NLT was the passage "He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people". My sons and I continuously talk about the number of times we see movies and tv shows make fun of God, Jesus and Christians in general. This really struck me as God is allowing people their free will, but He will come back and silence all of this forever. We serve a good God Who has already won.
Would the “veil” refer to the veil that is torn when Jesus dies on the cross! I always thought it was the veil in the Most Holy Place but it makes sense that it is this veil referred to in Isaiah 25:7
I observe that though evil seems to continually win, there will be a day when God & His people will prevail. Death & sickness will be swallowed up and God will wipe away the tears of those who have stood for Him.
I observe the protection that is offered here through the covering, veil, and swallowing of death in verse 7 and 8. After reading the proceeding chapter and verses I interpret this as another example of how God shows up to rescue His people. In verse 8 I also see the comfort that is provided from the LORD through Him wiping tears from our faces and taking away reproach. This I interpret is also reminding us of the hope that we have from Him and the foreshadowing of the Holy Spirit to come.
I observe that God will remove the covering and veil from all people. From the New Living Translation this is translated as God will remove the cloud of gloom and the shadow of death from all people. God will make things new.
After Crucifixion of Christ the Veil of the Temple was torn in two, top to bottom (Matt 27:51).
The Old Covenant function to separate Israelites from the direct presence of God. Jesus dying on
the Cross, His body broken for us so believers have access to God, have a relationship with Him.
His blood accomplished the forgiveness of sins and established the New Covenant. (Matt 26:28)
The covering, veil was darkness that kept us from God. Destroying the veil brought light, brought
his gospel to the world and the power of the Holy Spirit, opening men’s eyes to receive it.
It is our choice whether we stay in darkness or let God’s light shine through us as we grow to know
Him and follow His word.
For me the veil means the veil when Chris was on the cross. I think because I haven’t read too much of the Old Testament to understand it any other way.
God "will" – not might do it and that His actions will be "forever"…restoration and to His land and people.
I see that no matter what we do in this life once we are serving Him we will have no more sickness and death. He will wipe away all tears and He is going to throw a lavish feasts for His people. Though it seems evil is winning my Lord will win in the end. Hallelujah