Isaiah 1:24

24 Therefore the 1Lord declares, the LORD of hosts, the 2Mighty One of Israel: "Ah, I will get relief from my enemies 3and avenge myself on my foes.

Isaiah 1:24 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 1:24

Therefore, saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts, the mighty
One of Israel
All these names and titles, which are expressive of the majesty, power, and authority of God, are used to give the greater solemnity and weight to what follows; and to show that he is able to accomplish what he determines and threatens to do. Ah!
which is a particle, either expressive of grief at their wretched and miserable condition, or of indignation at their provoking sins and transgressions: I will ease me of mine adversaries;
or, "I will take comfort F14 of" them, by destroying them; expressing the pleasure and satisfaction he should take in avenging his justice on them: they had been a trouble to him, and had wearied him with their sins, and now he will ease himself of them by removing them. The Targum is,

``I will comfort the city of Jerusalem;''
not taking the sense of the words: and avenge me of mine enemies;
the Jews, who were enemies to Christ and his Gospel, and would not have him to reign over them, and which was the cause of the destruction of their city, temple, and nation; see ( Luke 19:14 Luke 19:27 Luke 19:42-44 ) .
FOOTNOTES:

F14 (Mxna) "consolationem capiam", Vatablus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. "Consolabor me", Cocceius.

Isaiah 1:24 In-Context

22 Your silver has become dross, your best wine mixed with water.
23 Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves. Everyone loves a bribe and runs after gifts. They do not bring justice to the fatherless, and the widow's cause does not come to them.
24 Therefore the Lord declares, the LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel: "Ah, I will get relief from my enemies and avenge myself on my foes.
25 I will turn my hand against you and will smelt away your dross as with lye and remove all your alloy.
26 And I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city."

Cross References 3

  • 1. Isaiah 3:1; Isaiah 10:33
  • 2. Psalms 132:2
  • 3. [Deuteronomy 32:41]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.