‘Be silent before me, you islands!
    Let the nations renew their strength!
Let them come forward and speak;
    let us meet together at the place of judgment.

I have to confess, my first thought on reading these words had to do with that renewal of strength many Christians find in silence and solitude. I would not be alone in seeing these spiritual practices as vital ingredients for a walk with God.

But verse 1 has nothing to do with spiritual disciplines. It is a sobering reminder that the nations of the world are accountable to God, and it will be formidable to end up in His court. They will need ”strength” for that appearance.

Let no country (or grouping) on earth think they can defy God, and do what they like with impunity. Their day in the dock will come.

In this chapter God speaks directly through Isaiah to the nations who are hostile to His people. On the great Assize day, they will have no legs on which to stand.