Isaiah 30:23-26 - Homiletics

The glories of Christ's kingdom shown in figure.

Isaiah gives us several descriptions of Christ's kingdom, all of them more or less allegorical (see Isaiah 4:2-6 ; Isaiah 11:1-9 ; Isaiah 35:1-10 ; Isaiah 60:1-22 ). In the present description all is allegory. The blessings of the kingdom are—

I. RICH AND ABUNDANT HARVESTS , by which would seem to be signified a great conversion of the nations by the preaching of the gospel (comp. Matthew 9:1-38 :87, 38; John 4:35 ), together with the display of a great zeal to do abundant good works ( Matthew 7:16-20 ).

II. FREQUENT RAIN ; i.e. an abundant shedding upon the earth of the dew of God's blessing; a continued pouring down from him of refreshing, invigorating, healthful, life-giving influences. By these the rich harvests would be produced, the pastures made luxuriant, and God's creatures upon the earth, both men and animals, rendered happy.

III. CONDUITS EVERYWHERE , TO CONVEY THE LIFE - GIVING FLUID FAR AND WIDE . These appear to represent appointed means of grace—artificially constructed channels whereby the heavenly influences are ordinarily communicated to the faithful. They flow everywhere, not only in the valleys and plains, but also upon the mountains and high hills—the remotest and most inaccessible parts of the kingdom.

IV. FLOODS OF LIGHT EVERYWHERE AND AT ALL TIMES ; i.e. general illumination and enlightenment—the spread of spiritual knowledge and true wisdom through all parts of the Church and all ranks of Christians; the disappearance of spiritual darkness, of ignorance, folly, and blinded consciences. This appears to be mentioned as the crowning glory of all, beyond which description cannot go, and with which therefore the allegorical sketch comes to an end.