Isaiah 1

CHAPTER 1

A Rebellious Nation (1:1–31)

1 Verse 1 provides a heading for the whole book of Isaiah. The book is a vision—that is, a revelation or prophecy—concerning Judah and its capital, Jerusalem.⁴ The “vision” was given to Isaiah,⁵ who prophesied for at least forty years during the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah (Azariah), Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah; these kings reigned in Judah from 792 to 686 B.C.

2–4 As Isaiah begins his book, the whole nation of Israel, north and south, has rebelled against the Lord, and Isaiah is delivering the Lord’s word of judgment to the people. But Isaiah’s main focus is on the southern kingdom of Judah, where he himself lived and ministered.

5–9 Here Isaiah describes how Judah has been nearly destroyed; the description fits well with Judah’s situation during the invasion of Sennacherib king of Assyria (2 Kings 18:13). God used foreigners and strangers (the Assyrians) to punish His rebellious people (verse 7). Only the Daughter of ZION (Jerusalem and its people) remained unconquered. Jerusalem had become like a lonely hut in a field—a shadow of its former glory; it was a city under siege⁶ (verse 8). Indeed, Judah and Jerusalem were on the verge of being completely destroyed, just as the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had been destroyed (Genesis 19:23–29). But, in verse 9, Isaiah sees into the future and says that God has left some survivors among the inhabitants of Judah—a remnant of Jews who would survive God’s judgment and who would one day repossess the land.⁷

10–14 Isaiah addresses the people of Judah as if they themselves were the wicked citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah (verse 10). He tells them that the Lord takes no pleasure in their sacrifices and offerings (verse 11) because they are not offered with a sincere heart (see 1 Samuel 15:22; Proverbs 15:8; 21:27). All their ritual observances are detestable to the Lord⁸ (verses 13–14).

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).