Using language intended to seize the attention and awe of the hearer, Isaiah not only describes the power and ferocity of the Lord’s judgment, but he also describes the Lords direct involvement in that judgment, such that there can be no mistake, that this will not be a simple work of nature, but the actual act of God.
The word for Lord, is used throughout the Old Testament. It is used in reference to the second person of the Trinity, who is the God-man, and Savior, and is a reference to Jesus Christ.
His voice, expresses the command and decree of God.
Lightning down the arm, expresses God’s direct involvement in bringing judgment.
Indignation and anger, expresses the application of Gods perfect righteousness and perfect justice.
In the phrase fire and scattering and tempest and hailstones, all describe the overpowering and overwhelming nature of a judgment that cannot be escaped, nor can it be misunderstood.
Throughout history, these conditions have existed from time to time.
God physically removed Adam and Eve from the garden, He flooded the planet in the time of Noah, he delivered the Israelites from Egypt and destroyed pharaohs power, and on numerous other occasions Gods power and involvement have been clear and obvious in the events of human history.
In the final days of history, God’s direct involvement will begin with the rapture, and continue for seven years until the second advent of Christ.
These words describe Gods sovereign authority in issuing judgment against evil. These words are not available for self-righteous people, to throw at those that they deem are evil.
Jesus Christ controls history, and His decisions are His sovereign right, and no one else’s.
