Isaiah 18:4 For thus the LORD said to me: “I will quietly look from my dwelling like clear heat in sunshine,
Isaiah 18:4 For thus the LORD said to me: “I will quietly look from my dwelling like clear heat in sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”
I will take my rest; these are not the words of the prophet, as some think, but of the Lord himself, signifying 
that he would, as he always did, not to lay back and enjoy himself, amidst all the commotion that is in the world. Or that he would take up his rest among his people in Zion, of which he had said, this is my rest for ever. (Psalms 132:14) Nor would He be still and quiet, as one asleep and at rest, that took no notice of what was going on, nor interpose between two countries preparing for war, and laying schemes for the ruin of each other. Not help the one nor hinder the other, but let them go on with their designs: This is not our God, our God is a God of peace, the windings of man do not rattle our God. He is at the same time Sovereign and in complete control.
And I will consider in my dwelling place: in heaven, what is to be done; for though the Lord may seem sometimes not to take notice of what is done on earth, yet he sees and knows all things, and considers in his own mind what is fit and proper that he should do, who works all things after the counsel of his own will, he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, (Ephesians 1:5)
I will make my people to rest, I will make them to rest, and I will delight in my holy habitation to do them good: ‘ like a clear heat upon herbs; or “after rain”, see (2 Samuel 23:4) when then the sun shines forth brightly after a shower of rain, which revives the plants and herbs, and makes them grow: God will shed abroad His Grace to his children, like sunshine on the earth and rain down blessing. And like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest; which is very desirable and welcome, which cools the air, refreshes the earth, plumps the corn, and is very grateful to the harvestman; and both metaphors may signify how grateful is the appearance of God to and for his people.
Although we might not understand all that is going on, why is seems the ungodly prosper seem to escape judgement. Though the Lord for a while may seem to take no notice of what is going on below, yet he in heaven beholds what is done, and looks in a way of wrath and anger upon his enemies, as the sun looks with its scorching heat upon the herbs, and dries them up; and as a cloud which brings a large dew or rain with it, which is very harmful in harvest time; and this seems most agreeable to the context.
Gregory Lane
10/7/2012
