Isaiah 1:22

22 Your silver has become impure; your beer is 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 ) .

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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. The LORD has said this.

21 This faithful town has become a prostitute! She was full of justice; righteousness lived in her— but now murderers.

22 Your silver has become impure; your beer is diluted with water.

23 Your princes are rebels, companions of thieves. Everyone loves a bribe and pursues gifts. They don't defend the orphan, and the widow's cause never reaches them.

24 Therefore, says the LORD God of heavenly forces, the mighty one of Israel: Doom! I will vent my anger against my foes; I will take it out on my enemies,