Pay Attention, You Nations

Before focusing on retribution against Edom, Jehovah through Isaiah extends a solemn invitation to all  nations:  "Come up close, you nations, to hear; and you national groups, pay attention.  Let the earth and that which fills it listen, and the productive land and all its produce."  (Isaiah 34:1) The prophet has repeatedly spoken against ungodly nations. Now he is about to summarize the divine denunciations against them. Do these warnings have any meaning for our day?

Yes.  The Sovereign  of the universe has a controversy with all segments of this ungodly system of things.  That is why the "national groups" and "the earth" are called upon to hear the Bible-based message that Jehovah has caused to be proclaimed worldwide.  In language reminiscent of Psalm 24:1, Isaiah says that all the earth will be covered with this message-a prophecy that has come true in our time, when Jehovah's Witnesses preach 'to the most distant part of the earth."  (Acts 1:8) The nations, however, have not listened.  They have not taken seriously the warning about their forthcoming demise.  This, of course, will not prevent Jehovah from fulfilling his word. 

The prophecy now describes the dark outlook for ungodly nations-a complete contrast to the bright hope of God's people that is described later.  (Isaiah 35:1-10) The prophet states:  "Jehovah has indignation against all the nations, and rage against all their army.  He must devote them to destruction; he must give them to the slaughter. And their slain ones will be thrown out; and as for their carcasses, their stink will ascend; and the  mountains must melt because of their blood." -Isaiah 34:2, 3.

Next time: Conclusion of Pay Attention, You Nations

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000