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Isaiah 33:17
Verse
Context
The LORD Is Exalted
16he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured. 17Your eyes will see the King in His beauty and behold a land that stretches afar. 18Your mind will ponder the former terror: “Where is he who tallies? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Over this picture the prophet forgets the sinners in Zion, and greets with words of promise the thriving church of the future. "Thine eyes will see the king in his beauty, will see a land that is very far off." The king of Judah, hitherto so deeply humbled, and, as Micah instances by way of example, "smitten upon the cheeks," is then glorified by the victory of his God; and the nation, constituted as described in Isa 33:15, Isa 33:16, will see him in his God-given beauty, and see the land of promise, cleared of enemies as far as the eye can reach and the foot carry, restored to Israel without reserve, and under the dominion of this sovereign enjoying all the blessedness of peace.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Thine--the saints'. king in . . . beauty--not as now, Hezekiah in sackcloth, oppressed by the enemy, but King Messiah (Isa 32:1) "in His beauty" (Sol 5:10, Sol 5:16; Rev 4:3). land . . . very far off--rather, "the land in its remotest extent" (no longer pent up as Hezekiah was with the siege); see Margin. For Jerusalem is made the scene of the king's glory (Isa 33:20, &c.), and it could not be said to be "very far off," unless the far-off land be heaven, the Jerusalem above, which is to follow the earthly reign of Messiah at literal Jerusalem (Isa 65:17-19; Jer 3:17; Rev 21:1-2, Rev 21:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty,.... Not merely Hezekiah in his royal robes, and with a cheerful countenance, having put off his sackcloth and his sadness, upon the breaking up of the siege; but a greater than he, even the King Messiah, in the glory of his person and office, especially as a King reigning gloriously before his ancients in Jerusalem: the apostles saw him in his glory, in the days of his flesh, corporeally and spiritually; believers now see him by faith, crowded with glory and honour, as well as see his beauty, fulness, and suitableness, as a Saviour; and, before long, their eyes shall see him personally in his own and his Father's glory. This is to be understood of the eyes of good men, before described. The Targum is, "thine eyes shall see the glory of the Majesty of the King of worlds in his praise;'' and Jarchi interprets it of the glory of the Majesty of God; so, according to both, a divine Person is meant, and indeed no other than Christ: they shall behold the land that is very far off; not the land of hell, as the Targum, which paraphrases it thus; "thou shalt behold and see those that go down into the land of hell;'' but rather the heavenly country, the better one, the land of uprightness, typified by the land of Canaan; and may be said to be "a land afar off", with respect to the earth on which the saints now are, and with regard to the present sight of it, which is a distant one, and will be always afar off to wicked men; this now the saints have at times a view of by faith, which is very delightful, and greatly supports them under their present trials: though it may be that an enlargement of Christ's kingdom all over the world, to the distant parts of it, may be here meant; which may be called, as the words may be rendered, "a land of distances", or "of far distances" (d); that reaches far and near, from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth; which will be the case when the kingdoms of this world shall become Christ's, and the kingdom, and the greatness of it under the whole heaven, shall be given to the saints of the most High; a glorious sight this will be. And this sense agrees with the context, and declares what will be after the destruction of antichrist. (d) "terram distantiarum", Vatablus, Montanus, Gataker.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
33:17-24 This vision is about God’s reign in Zion. 33:17 The king is the human representative (32:1) of the Great King, God himself (33:22). • The land belonging to God’s people would appear to be without borders because the foreign enemies had been judged (54:3).
Isaiah 33:17
The LORD Is Exalted
16he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured. 17Your eyes will see the King in His beauty and behold a land that stretches afar. 18Your mind will ponder the former terror: “Where is he who tallies? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ Is All
By Bill McLeod2.1K39:32ChristISA 33:17ISA 33:20JER 31:22JHN 21:25ACT 28:23ROM 15:4ROM 16:26In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about two young men who argued about who would see Jesus first before being shot by communists. The leader of the communist group was deeply impacted by witnessing the faith and conviction of these young men and eventually defected to the south, where he found Christ and formed a troop with other Christians. They traveled to hundreds of churches, reenacting the dramatic event and leading many people to accept Jesus as their Savior. The speaker also emphasizes the deep love and devotion the young men had for Jesus, even in the face of death, and highlights the future kingdom of God where everything will glorify and worship Jesus.
Esther 5
By William MacDonald1.6K49:27EstherEST 2:13EST 4:14PRO 3:5ISA 33:17MAT 6:33HEB 6:10HEB 11:6In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Esther and highlights the hand of God in shaping the events of history for the benefit of His people. The speaker emphasizes that the Christian life is full of unexpected and significant moments, and encourages listeners to persevere and not give up. The sermon also mentions the importance of family values and the impact of small acts of kindness done in the name of Jesus. The speaker concludes by reminding listeners that God rewards their service, even if they may not see the immediate results.
From Famine to Feasting
By Bob Phillips1.5K1:10:50ISA 5:30ISA 33:17ISA 33:19JOL 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discernment and preparation for the coming judgment. He references Isaiah 33:17, which speaks of seeing the king in his beauty and no longer encountering fierce people. The preacher urges the congregation to seek repentance and spend time with God if they have been convicted by the message. He compares the Word of God to a seed, highlighting its potential for growth and transformation. The preacher also warns against deceptive influences that may appear good but are actually destructive, using the analogy of locusts disguised as rain. He further supports his message by referencing Jeremiah 15:3 and Ezekiel 14, which speak of doom and severe judgments.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:9 - Part 2
By Chuck Smith1.3K25:59ExpositionalISA 31:9ISA 32:3ISA 33:17ISA 33:20In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the blessings and prosperity that come from living a righteous life. He emphasizes the importance of sowing seeds in well-watered areas and living in accordance with God's will. Pastor Chuck also mentions the upcoming studies on the day of the Lord and Armageddon. He concludes by reminding listeners of the true meaning of Christmas and recommends resources that explain the gospel and the significance of Jesus' birth.
03 the Beauty of God: Transformed by Seeing Who God Is
By Mike Bickle3855:58The Beauty of GodSpiritual VitalityPSA 27:4SNG 1:3ISA 33:17JHN 16:13EPH 1:17REV 4:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing the beauty of God as depicted in the Song of Solomon, illustrating how this beauty captivates the human spirit and fulfills our innate longing to be fascinated. He explains that God created us with a desire to marvel at His beauty, which can only be satisfied through a deep relationship with Him, rather than through worldly distractions. Bickle highlights the prophetic promise that in the generation of the Lord's return, the beauty of Jesus will be magnified, leading to a resurgence of love songs and expressions of worship that celebrate His attributes. He encourages believers to pursue this beauty intentionally, as it is foundational to spiritual vitality and safety, and warns against spiritual boredom that arises from a diminished view of God. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a renewed commitment to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ, inviting others to join in this pursuit of divine beauty.
04 Delighting in God's Beauty (Song 1:16)
By Mike Bickle3059:58Delighting in God's BeautySpiritual VitalityPSA 19:1PSA 27:4PSA 37:4PRO 2:4SNG 1:16ISA 33:17ISA 40:26MAT 24:10JHN 17:24COL 1:16Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of delighting in the beauty of God, urging believers to awaken a deeper revelation of Christ as the glorious God-man. He highlights that many Christians experience spiritual boredom due to a lack of fascination with God's beauty, which is essential for spiritual vitality. Bickle encourages the congregation to actively seek and behold God's beauty in all aspects of life, as this pursuit will empower and motivate them in their faith. He draws from the Song of Solomon and the Psalms to illustrate the connection between beauty and delight, asserting that true fulfillment comes from a deep relationship with God. Ultimately, he calls for a renewed commitment to seek God's beauty as a source of strength and stability in a troubled world.
Transformed by Delighting in God's Beauty
By Mike Bickle291:25:43Transformation through WorshipDelighting in God's BeautyPSA 27:4PSA 34:8ISA 33:17MAT 10:42ROM 12:22CO 3:18EPH 1:17EPH 3:8PHP 3:81PE 3:4Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of delighting in God's beauty, urging believers to seek and behold the beauty of Jesus as essential for spiritual victory. He highlights that this pursuit is accessible to all believers, countering the misconception that Jesus is boring, and encourages a lifelong commitment to exploring God's beauty through prayer, meditation, and worship. Bickle draws from Psalm 27:4, illustrating how David prioritized beholding God's beauty even amidst conflict, and he calls for a generation of 'theologians of God's beauty' to arise. The sermon concludes with a call to shift from negative narratives to a focus on the beauty and purpose God imparts to our lives.
02 the Forerunner Message in Isaiah 3-4
By Mike Bickle281:27:31The Beauty of the LordEnd Times ProphecyPSA 45:2ISA 2:3ISA 3:1ISA 4:2ISA 33:17HAG 2:7ZEC 6:12MAT 24:12JUD 1:15REV 19:11Mike Bickle emphasizes the interconnected message of Isaiah chapters 2, 3, and 4, highlighting God's promise of glory, the consequences of Israel's sin, and the eventual restoration. He encourages listeners to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance for understanding key points relevant to the end-time church, focusing on the beauty of the Lord and the importance of recognizing sin and judgment. Bickle stresses that the beauty of Jesus will be revealed in the midst of trials, and that God's mercy extends even to those who have resisted Him. The sermon calls for a response to the beauty of the Lord, urging believers to embrace His leadership and prepare for the coming glory.
Victory and the Restoration of All Things (Rev. 19-22)
By Mike Bickle2449:00Victory of ChristRestoration of All ThingsPSA 24:7ISA 4:2ISA 33:17ISA 63:1ZEC 12:3MAT 23:39REV 19:11REV 21:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the ultimate victory of Jesus as the warrior king in the final battle against evil, detailing the sequential events leading to His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He explains how Jesus will defeat the Antichrist and all earthly kings, bind Satan, and establish His reign with the saints for a thousand years. The sermon highlights the beauty of Jesus as bridegroom, king, and judge, and the significance of Jerusalem in God's redemptive plan. Bickle encourages believers to understand the importance of the battle for Jerusalem and the eventual restoration of all things, culminating in God's dwelling with humanity on earth.
The Sevenfold Beauty of Jesus Ruling the Earth
By Mike Bickle241:02:01Spiritual WarfareThe Humanity of ChristPSA 115:16ISA 33:17ISA 44:2MRK 9:24LUK 4:6ROM 1:4EPH 3:161TI 3:16REV 5:12REV 21:3Mike Bickle explores the profound significance of Revelation 5, emphasizing the sevenfold beauty of Jesus as He rules the earth. He highlights that Jesus, fully God and fully man, is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing, not just as God but as an anointed human. This understanding inspires a deeper adoration and loyalty towards Jesus, as He is the only one capable of fulfilling the divine plan to cleanse the earth and invite the Father back. Bickle encourages believers to recognize the implications of Jesus' humanity and His role in spiritual warfare against the Antichrist, asserting that the declaration of His worthiness is a powerful tool in the hands of the Church.
The Power of Delighting in God's Beauty
By Mike Bickle2450:52Overcoming FearDelighting in God's BeautyPSA 19:1PSA 27:4PSA 145:5ISA 33:17HAB 2:14MAT 6:33JHN 10:10ROM 12:2PHP 4:81PE 2:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of delighting in God's beauty, asserting that this practice is essential for believers to achieve victory amidst the increasing challenges of fear, lust, and violence in society. He draws from Psalm 27, where David, facing external and internal conflicts, declares his commitment to seek God's beauty as a source of strength and safety. Bickle argues that the biblical vision of Christianity is to enjoy a relationship with God by delighting in His beauty, which is crucial for navigating life's storms. He encourages believers to cultivate a history of encountering God's beauty, as it serves as a protective narrative against fear and insecurity. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a communal embrace of this message, highlighting its importance for both personal and collective spiritual health.
Why Four Gospels? Their Unique Purpose and Message
By Mike Bickle201:16:46The Nature of ChristThe Four GospelsISA 33:17JER 23:5ZEC 3:8MAT 1:1MRK 10:45LUK 19:10JHN 1:1JHN 5:18HEB 4:15REV 4:6Mike Bickle emphasizes the unique purposes of the four Gospels, illustrating how each Gospel presents a distinct portrait of Jesus tailored to different audiences: Matthew to the Jews as the Son of David, Mark to the Romans as the Servant, Luke to the Greeks as the Son of Man, and John to all believers as the Son of God. He highlights the beauty of Jesus and the intentionality of the Holy Spirit in crafting these narratives to deepen our understanding of Christ's nature and mission. Bickle encourages a treasure hunt for the nuances in each Gospel that reveal the multifaceted beauty of Jesus, urging listeners to engage with the Scriptures to see Him more clearly.
The Seven Longings of the Human Heart
By Mike Bickle161:02:39Intimacy With GodLongings of the HeartPSA 27:4ISA 33:17MAT 10:42MAT 20:26JHN 17:26ROM 5:5EPH 5:27COL 3:4HEB 6:10REV 3:21Mike Bickle discusses 'The Seven Longings of the Human Heart,' emphasizing that these longings are divinely designed cravings within us that reflect God's personality. He explains that while these longings can lead us to seek fulfillment in unhealthy ways, they ultimately point us back to God, who can satisfy them. Bickle highlights the importance of understanding these longings to deepen our intimacy with God and live fully alive in our spirits. He encourages believers to pursue these longings through prayer, worship, and a revelation of God's beauty, assuring that they will be fully satisfied in the resurrection.
We Would See Jesus
By A.B. Simpson0Future GloryVision of ChristISA 33:17MAT 5:14JHN 12:21ROM 8:182CO 3:18PHP 3:20COL 3:2HEB 12:21PE 1:8REV 21:4A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus and the future glory that awaits believers. He encourages the congregation to look beyond their current struggles and to envision the opportunities for service and joy that lie ahead, just as Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. By gazing upon Jesus, we become transformed and reflect His beauty in our lives, much like a child who sees a golden sign reflected on a brick wall. Simpson urges believers to ensure that their vision is solely on Christ, as this will shape their perspective and actions. Ultimately, everything we behold will be influenced by our focus on Him.
Our Aim
By W.R. Inge0PSA 16:11PSA 27:4ISA 33:171CO 2:9REV 22:4W.R. Inge emphasizes the incomparable joy and blessedness awaiting those who will behold the glorious face of God without hindrance, experiencing the fullness of His goodness and beauty. In God, they will find ultimate pleasure, power, joy, and beauty, possessing all that is good and desirable with eternal security and joy, free from the fear of ever being separated from Him.
Revelation in Relation to Sonship
By T. Austin-Sparks0ISA 33:17LUK 3:212CO 4:6GAL 1:1T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the significance of sonship as exemplified by Paul in his letter to the Galatians. Paul emphasizes that his apostleship and the Gospel he preaches are not from men but through a revelation of Jesus Christ, highlighting the personal and direct nature of sonship. The sermon delves into the need for a revelation of Christ in the heart, emphasizing that true sonship involves a personal, independent, and ongoing relationship with the Lord, distinct from second-hand knowledge or traditional Christianity.
The Lord of All Beauty
By A.W. Tozer0Beauty of ChristMoral PerfectionPSA 27:4ISA 33:17PHP 4:8COL 3:11PE 2:9A.W. Tozer reflects on the concept of beauty, emphasizing that God has instilled in humanity an appreciation for beauty that transcends the physical to encompass moral beauty, which is epitomized in Christ. He notes that even those who opposed Jesus, like Hitler and Nietzsche, recognized His moral perfection and beauty. Tozer encourages believers to acknowledge the promise of heaven as the ultimate expression of beauty, where the all-beautiful Savior resides. This understanding of beauty invites us to deepen our relationship with Christ, who embodies the highest moral standards. Ultimately, Tozer calls us to celebrate and seek the beauty that comes from God.
What Have I to Do With Idols?
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0ISA 33:17HOS 4:17HOS 7:8HOS 7:11HOS 8:11HOS 13:8HOS 14:8LUK 22:61JHN 11:35ACT 7:55COL 3:5Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the story of Ephraim in the book of Hosea, highlighting how despite all reproof and chastisement, Ephraim remained joined to idols until he heard and observed the Lord, leading to his conversion and forsaking of idols. Gaebelein emphasizes the importance of being separated from idols and walking wholly with the Lord through heart occupation with Him, conscious communion through His Word, and beholding His glory and beauty. The preacher urges believers to have the Lord constantly before their eyes and hearts to avoid being drawn back to idols.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Over this picture the prophet forgets the sinners in Zion, and greets with words of promise the thriving church of the future. "Thine eyes will see the king in his beauty, will see a land that is very far off." The king of Judah, hitherto so deeply humbled, and, as Micah instances by way of example, "smitten upon the cheeks," is then glorified by the victory of his God; and the nation, constituted as described in Isa 33:15, Isa 33:16, will see him in his God-given beauty, and see the land of promise, cleared of enemies as far as the eye can reach and the foot carry, restored to Israel without reserve, and under the dominion of this sovereign enjoying all the blessedness of peace.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Thine--the saints'. king in . . . beauty--not as now, Hezekiah in sackcloth, oppressed by the enemy, but King Messiah (Isa 32:1) "in His beauty" (Sol 5:10, Sol 5:16; Rev 4:3). land . . . very far off--rather, "the land in its remotest extent" (no longer pent up as Hezekiah was with the siege); see Margin. For Jerusalem is made the scene of the king's glory (Isa 33:20, &c.), and it could not be said to be "very far off," unless the far-off land be heaven, the Jerusalem above, which is to follow the earthly reign of Messiah at literal Jerusalem (Isa 65:17-19; Jer 3:17; Rev 21:1-2, Rev 21:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty,.... Not merely Hezekiah in his royal robes, and with a cheerful countenance, having put off his sackcloth and his sadness, upon the breaking up of the siege; but a greater than he, even the King Messiah, in the glory of his person and office, especially as a King reigning gloriously before his ancients in Jerusalem: the apostles saw him in his glory, in the days of his flesh, corporeally and spiritually; believers now see him by faith, crowded with glory and honour, as well as see his beauty, fulness, and suitableness, as a Saviour; and, before long, their eyes shall see him personally in his own and his Father's glory. This is to be understood of the eyes of good men, before described. The Targum is, "thine eyes shall see the glory of the Majesty of the King of worlds in his praise;'' and Jarchi interprets it of the glory of the Majesty of God; so, according to both, a divine Person is meant, and indeed no other than Christ: they shall behold the land that is very far off; not the land of hell, as the Targum, which paraphrases it thus; "thou shalt behold and see those that go down into the land of hell;'' but rather the heavenly country, the better one, the land of uprightness, typified by the land of Canaan; and may be said to be "a land afar off", with respect to the earth on which the saints now are, and with regard to the present sight of it, which is a distant one, and will be always afar off to wicked men; this now the saints have at times a view of by faith, which is very delightful, and greatly supports them under their present trials: though it may be that an enlargement of Christ's kingdom all over the world, to the distant parts of it, may be here meant; which may be called, as the words may be rendered, "a land of distances", or "of far distances" (d); that reaches far and near, from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth; which will be the case when the kingdoms of this world shall become Christ's, and the kingdom, and the greatness of it under the whole heaven, shall be given to the saints of the most High; a glorious sight this will be. And this sense agrees with the context, and declares what will be after the destruction of antichrist. (d) "terram distantiarum", Vatablus, Montanus, Gataker.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
33:17-24 This vision is about God’s reign in Zion. 33:17 The king is the human representative (32:1) of the Great King, God himself (33:22). • The land belonging to God’s people would appear to be without borders because the foreign enemies had been judged (54:3).