Isaiah 1:21

The Corruption of Zion

21 See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers!

Isaiah 1:21 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 1:21

How is the faithful city become a harlot!
&c.] The city of Jerusalem, in which were the temple, and the pure worship of God, and was in the tribe of Judah, which ruled with God, and was very faithful with the saints when the ten tribes revolted, and fell in with the sin of Jeroboam; but now, in Isaiah's time, was become like a treacherous wife to her husband, unfaithful to the Lord, went after other lovers, committed spiritual adultery, that is, idolatry, with stocks and stones; and in the times of Christ were a wicked and an adulterous generation, corrupting the word and worship of God; see ( Matthew 12:39 ) ( Matthew 15:9 ) it was full of judgment;
strict justice was exercised privately between man and man, as well as in the public courts of judicature; righteousness lodged in it;
that is, righteous men, who walked in all the commandments of the Lord, and lived soberly, righteously, and godly; see ( 2 Peter 3:13 ) but now murderers:
of the prophets whom they stoned, who were sent unto them, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom they were the betrayers and murderers; see ( Matthew 23:37 ) ( Acts 7:52 ) .

Isaiah 1:21 In-Context

19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land.

20 But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

21 See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers!

22 Your silver has become dross; your fine wine is diluted with water.

23 Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.