Sun and Moon Increased or Decreased in Isaiah- Isaiah 24:23 and Isaiah 30:26

Question

Isaiah 24:23 and Isaiah 30:26 appear to be contradictory when it comes to the sun and the moon.

Answer

Isaiah 24:23 The moon will be abashed, the sun ashamed; for the Lord Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders, gloriously

Isaiah 30:26 The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.

With Isaiah 24:23, in comparison with the glory of the Lord Almighty, the sun and moon must recognize their meaninglessness. God who is light (John 8:12) created these lights (Gen. 1:3). On the other hand, in Isaiah 30:26 the wording is exaggerated to reveal that God is with his people (Isa. 42:16; 60:19; Rev. 21:22-23). As R.C. Sproul comments:
Light stands for God's blessings, presence, and revelation (9:2; 30:26; 42:6, 16; 60:1-3). The Lord is the light in blessing and in judgment (10:17; 60:19, 20; cf. John 1:4; 8:12). People who exchange His light for the darkness of their corrupt minds (5:20; 8:20), will experience His judgment and live in the darkness of separation from God (5:30; 13:10; 59:9; cf. John 3:19, 20).

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation Study Bible. Nashville: T. Nelson.

Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr.

Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).