Isaiah 1

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do well. Now comes the positive; first, in the general form" learn," etc.; which resembles the apostle's "Put on the armor of light" ( Romans 13:12 ). Then follow the particulars. Seek judgment ; or, seek out justice ; i.e. endeavor to get justice done to all men; see that they "have right." Relieve the oppressed. So the LXX ; the Vulgate, the Syriac, and the Chaldean Versions. But the word translated "oppressed" is thought by many to mean "oppressor" (Kimchi, Gesenius,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together. God has from time to time permitted man to reason with him ( Genesis 18:23-32 ; Exodus 4:1-17 ; Job 23:3-7 ; Micah 6:2 ); but it is difficult to see that there is any "reasoning" or "controversy" here. Mr. Cheyne translates, "Let us bring our dispute to an end." Though your sins be as scarlet … like crimson ; i.e. "open, evident, glaring." Or there may be an allusion to their blood-guiltiness (see Isaiah 1:15 , Isaiah 1:19 ). They shall... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:18

Salvation to the uttermost. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." The previous verses show that the Jews had mistaken the ideal of Divine services; they had turned them into a correct ritual, to a multitude of sacrifices without purpose. And purpose or motive is the very heart of religion. They were devotional, but cruel. "When ye make many prayers, I... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:18

The magnitude of the Divine mercy. I. THE FULNESS OF THE DIVINE MERCY . In estimating the fullness of God s grace to mankind, we must include: 1. His patience toward all men, both penitent and impenitent. From the beginning of sin until the present hour God has been forbearing to inflict penalty. He has not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." The times of long-continued ignorance God overlooked, or did not interpose with special... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:18

Reasoning with God about our sins. Conceive a man responding to this appeal, what may we think he would say to God, and what may we suppose God would reply? I. FIRST PLEA . "Thou art revealed as the great God, inhabiting eternity, whose Name is Holy; who art of purer eyes than to look upon iniquity. I am afraid thou wouldst not concern thyself about the sin, much less about the forgiveness, of such creatures as we are." What is God's answer? "I have a great interest in that little... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:18-23

Argument and conviction. I. THE TRIAL OF THE CASE . 1. God is reason , otherwise he could not be God of justice . And if the nature can defend itself, clear itself from guilt, its plea will be allowed. Just so in Isaiah 43:19 , the imagery of a court of justice is presented: "Let them bring forth their witnesses that they may be justified, and let them hear, and say, It is true." The question is—Can the nation clear itself from the charges alleged against it? If so,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:19

If ye be willing and obedient. Rosenmüller explains this as equivalent to "if ye be willing to obey" (cf. Ezekiel 3:7 ); but perhaps it is better to give each verb its separate force: "If you consent in your wills, and are also obedient in your actions" (so Kay). Ye shall eat the good of the land ; i.e. there shall be no invasion; strangers shall not devour your crops (see Isaiah 1:7 ); you shall consume them yourselves. "The good of the land" is a common expression for its produce (... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:19-23

Unrighteousness a nation's curse. Comp. Proverbs 14:34 , "Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people." The prophet is picturing the corrupt state of the metropolis, and contrasting its present moral degradation with the high and honorable character which it had formerly sustained. The following points may be illustrated, and the lessons of them enforced. I. UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IN THE LEADERS IS THE CURSE OF A BAD EXAMPLE . Illustrate by the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:20

If ye refuse and rebel ; i.e. "if ye neither consent in will, nor obey in act, "antithetical to the two verbs in the first clause of Isaiah 1:19 . Ye shall be devoured ; or, ye shall be eaten . The same verb as in the latter clause of Isaiah 1:19 . With the sword. The metaphor is not a common one, but occurs in Jeremiah ( Jeremiah 2:30 ; Jeremiah 12:12 ; Jeremiah 46:10 , Jeremiah 46:14 ) and Nahum ( Nahum 2:13 ). The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. A weighty... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:21

How is the faithful city become an harlot! Not here an idolatress, but one that has left her first love, and turned to other attractions. Faithful once to her lord her spouse (Cant; passim ), she has now cast him off—she is an adulterous wife, she no longer obeys or loves her husband. It was full of judgment ; righteousness , etc. "She that was full" (Revised Version). Under Solomon ( 1 Kings 3:9-28 ) and again under Jehoshaphat ( 2 Chronicles 19:5-11 ). It is not clear when the... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:18

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:18

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:18

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:18

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:18-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:19

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:19-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:20

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 1:21

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