ISAIAH
Chapter 1:21-25


Isaiah 1:21-25

quote:

"How the faithful city has become a harlot, She who was full of justice! Righteousness once lodged in her, But now murderers. 22 Your silver has become dross, Your drink diluted with water. 23 Your rulers are rebels, and companions of thieves; everyone loves a bribe, and chases after rewards. They do not defend the orphan, nor does the widow's plea come before them. 24 Therefore the Lord God of hosts, The Mighty One of Israel declares, "Ah, I will be relieved of My adversaries, And avenge Myself on My foes. 25 I will also turn My hand against you, And will smelt away your dross as with lye, And will remove all your alloy."

These verses introduce a lament over the sinful condition of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, which was once faithful, probably under King David and Jehoshaphat, is now described as a harlot. A city that had once administered justice according to God's will, is now a city full of murderers. It is quite a change in character from the Jerusalem that was once represented by silver and fine wine, to now be considered as dross and something less than good or admirable. The depth to which the city had sunk is manifest in their extreme concern for financial gain and their neglect for the most vulnerable in their society, namely the widows and orphans. There is no longer a godly justice in the land and being a God of holiness and justice, He has no other choice but to bring judgment upon them.

It is customary for Isaiah to string God's names together as he opens with judgment. The meaning of the names of God gives us a foundational knowledge of Him and studying them can give us a better understanding of the God we serve. Verse 24 contains a string of these descriptive names –

The Lord –
"Adon", translated Lord means lord or master. He is the Lord of Lords, meaning the greatest of all. In this passage "the Lord" serves to show that He is the absolute master of all things.

God of Hosts –
The "God of Hosts", literally "the Lord of Armies", refers to the Lord's great power in warfare. In times past His power was shown in protecting and delivering Israel, but He is now getting ready to show His power and strength in judgment against them.

The Mighty One of Israel –
In the designation "Mighty One of Israel", God declares His attachment to the nation He birthed and has raised up.

Even in judgment, something good will come from it – the oppressed will be delivered from the wickedness of Jerusalem's leaders and Jerusalem will be purged of those who habitually sin and practice hypocrisy. Rather than a complete destruction, it will be a purification.

In thinking of Jerusalem's decline, we need to ask ourselves how often we pray for those we know who were once faithful to the Lord and have now turned their backs on Him. By our prayers and counsel we may help them to return. Let's be aware the Lord wants to steer them on a course that will lead to repentance and restoration. He truly is a loving Father and we should not lose sight that His supreme goal for us is one of spiritual redemption!