1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: [but] Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.
5 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head [there is] no soundness in it; [but] wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.
7 Your country [is] desolate, your cities [are] burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and [it is] desolate, as overthrown by strangers.
8 And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.
9 Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, [and] we should have been like unto Gomorrah.
10 Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.
11 To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?
13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting.
14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear [them].
15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].
21 How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.
22 Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water:
23 Thy princes [are] rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.
24 Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies:
25 And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:
26 And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellers as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.
27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.
28 And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners [shall be] together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed.
29 For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.
30 For ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water.
31 And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench [them].
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 1
Isaiah Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to the prophetic ministry of Isaiah, setting the stage for the themes of judgment, repentance, and redemption that permeate the book. The chapter presents a stark indictment of the people of Judah and Jerusalem, highlighting their moral and spiritual failures. It also offers a call to repentance and a promise of restoration for those who turn back to God.
Key Themes
- Divine Judgment: The chapter opens with a powerful declaration of God’s displeasure with Israel’s behavior.
- Call to Repentance: God urges the people to turn from their sinful ways and seek genuine worship.
- Restoration and Hope: Despite the grim assessment, there is a promise of redemption for the faithful remnant.
Structure of the Chapter
- Introduction (Verses 1-2): The chapter begins with a title that identifies Isaiah as the author and the time period of his prophecy.
- God’s Complaint (Verses 3-9): A description of Israel’s rebellion against God, comparing them to ungrateful children.
- Empty Rituals (Verses 10-15): A denunciation of the people’s religious practices that lack sincerity and moral integrity.
- Call to Repentance (Verses 16-20): An invitation for the people to wash themselves and seek justice.
- Consequences of Sin (Verses 21-23): A lament over the corruption and injustice present in the city.
- Promise of Redemption (Verses 24-31): A declaration of God’s intention to purify His people and restore them.
Detailed Analysis
Introduction (Verses 1-2)
The chapter opens with a clear identification of Isaiah as the prophet, providing context for the audience. The mention of the “vision” indicates that Isaiah is conveying a divine revelation. The call of heaven and earth as witnesses underscores the gravity of the situation.
God’s Complaint (Verses 3-9)
In these verses, God expresses His disappointment with Israel, likening them to rebellious children who do not recognize their Creator. The imagery of a wounded nation highlights the consequences of their disobedience, with a remnant being preserved despite the overwhelming judgment.
Empty Rituals (Verses 10-15)
God criticizes the people’s sacrifices and religious observances, which have become meaningless due to their moral decay. The call for genuine worship is emphasized, as God desires a heart of obedience rather than mere ritualistic practice.
Call to Repentance (Verses 16-20)
Here, God invites the people to cleanse themselves and engage in righteous behavior. The conditional statement in verse 19 highlights the choice between obedience and rebellion, with the promise of blessings for those who heed the call.
Consequences of Sin (Verses 21-23)
This section reflects on the state of Jerusalem, portraying it as a once-faithful city now filled with corruption and injustice. The lamentation over the loss of righteousness serves to illustrate the depth of their moral failure.
Promise of Redemption (Verses 24-31)
Despite the harsh judgment, God offers a glimmer of hope. The promise of purification and restoration for the faithful remnant indicates that God’s covenant love remains steadfast. The imagery of the “oaks” and “gardens” symbolizes the potential for new life and renewal.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 1 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine faith and repentance. It sets the tone for the rest of the book, emphasizing God’s desire for a relationship with His people that is rooted in righteousness and justice. The chapter encapsulates the dual themes of judgment and hope, which resonate throughout Isaiah’s prophetic message.
