Isaiah 1

15–17 In verse 15, the Lord says He will not listen to the prayers of His disobedient people (see Psalm 66:18). Then, in verses 16–17, He tells His people what they must do. The Lord is not interested in their words, He is interested in their actions—the fruit of their repentance (Matthew 3:8; Luke 19:8–9). Let them practice true religion: let them cease doing evil and instead seek justice and look after the fatherless and the widow (see James 1:27).

18–20 Then the Lord offers an amazing promise: if His people are willing and obedient⁹ (verse 19), then He will totally forgive them; their sins will be washed away as if they had never existed! However, if His people resist and rebel (verse 20), they will be destroyed. The Lord offers them the same choice He offered their ancestors: the choice of blessings or curses, life or death (see Leviticus 26:3–39; Deuteronomy 30:15–20 and comments).

21–26 Isaiah says that the faithful city (Jerusalem) has become a harlot; its citizens have committed spiritual adultery by worshiping other gods (verse 21). They have become polluted by evil (verses 22–23). Therefore, says the Lord through Isaiah, “I will . . . avenge myself on my enemies—on those of you who do not repent” (verse 24). “I will turn my hand against you—in order to purge away . . . your impurities” (verse 25). “Then you will be restored, and Jerusalem will again be called a Faithful City” ¹⁰ (verse 26).

27–31 Judgment begins with the family of God: The LORD will judge his people (Deuteronomy32:36; Hebrews10:30). His penitent ones will be redeemed (verse 27), but those who forsake the LORD will perish (verse 28).

The Lord tells the inhabitants of Judah that they will be ashamed and disgraced because of their sacred oaks and gardens (verse 29). The “sacred oaks” and “gardens” represent human strength and organization. The very accomplishments of the people will be their own undoing. The work of a mighty man will be a spark that ignites God’s fiery judgment¹¹ (verse 31).