Isaiah 1:22

22 Your silver has become dross, Your drink diluted with water.

Isaiah 1:22 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 1:22

Thy silver is become dross
Meaning either that such persons, who had the appearance of goodness, looked like genuine silver, were now become reprobate, and, as the wicked of the earth, like dross, ( Jeremiah 6:30 ) ( Psalms 119:119 ) or that the word of God, which is as silver purified seven times, was now corrupted with false glosses and human traditions, which were as dross: thy wine mixed with water
F13; the wine of the divine word, which was mixed and blended with the inventions of men, as before; so the roof of the church's mouth, which is no other than the ministry of the word, is compared to the best wine, ( Song of Solomon 7:9 Song of Solomon 7:11 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F13 It being usual to mix water with wine, and drink it, and this being not at all reproachful, but commendable, Gussetius thinks such a version does not express the sense of the words; he therefore thinks that (lhm) is the same as (llwhm) contracted, which signified "infatuated"; and so the words should be rendered, "thy wine is infatuated into water"; is degenerated, and has lost its spirit and sprightliness, and is become insipid and tasteless. So Jarchi mentions a Midrash, which interprets it by the same word in ( Ecclesiastes 2:2 ) . It is a word only used in this place. Joseph Kimchi says that <arabic> in the Arabic, language has the signification of mixture, but without giving any instance. Indeed, according to Castel, it is used for the lees of oil.

Isaiah 1:22 In-Context

20 "But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword." Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
21 How the faithful city has become a harlot, She who was full of justice! Righteousness once lodged in her, But now murderers.
22 Your silver has become dross, Your drink diluted with water.
23 Your rulers are rebels And companions of thieves; Everyone loves a bribe And chases after rewards. They do not defend the orphan, Nor does the widow's plea come before them.
24 Therefore the Lord GOD of hosts, The Mighty One of Israel, declares, "Ah, I will be relieved of My adversaries And avenge Myself on My foes.
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