Isaiah 1:17

17 and learn to do right. See that justice is done - help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows."

Isaiah 1:17 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do well
Which men are naturally ignorant of; to do good they have no knowledge; nor can they that are accustomed to do evil learn to do well of themselves; but the Lord can teach them to profit, and of him they should ask wisdom, and desire, under the influence of his grace, to learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, and particularly to do acts of beneficence to all men, and especially to the household of faith; and also, the following ones, seek judgment;
seek to do justice between man and man in any cause depending, without respect of persons: relieve the oppressed;
the poor that are oppressed by their neighbours that are richer and mightier than they, right their wrongs, and deliver them out of the hands of their oppressors ^F9: judge the fatherless;
do justice to them who have none to take care of them, and defend them: plead for the widow;
that is desolate, and has none to plead her cause.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 Misn. Sabbat, c. 9. sect. 3. T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 67. 1,

Isaiah 1:17 In-Context

15 "When you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood.

16 Wash yourselves clean. Stop all this evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil

17 and learn to do right. See that justice is done - help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows."

18 The Lord says, "Now, let's settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool.

19 If you will only obey me, you will eat the good things the land produces.