rulers of: i.e. rulers who ruled as in Sodom. the law. Reference to whole Pentateuch. Twelve times in Isaiah (Isaiah 1:10 ; Isaiah 2:3 ; Isaiah 5:24 ; Isaiah 8:16 , Isaiah 8:20 ; Isaiah 24:5 ; Isaiah 30:9 , &c. people of: i.e. people who acted as the people in Gomorrah acted. read more
"Hear the word of Jehovah, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. What unto me is the multitude of your sacrifices? saith Jehovah: I have had enough of the burnt-offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to trample my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; for incense is an abomination unto me; new moon and... read more
Isaiah 1:10. Hear the word of the Lord, &c.— The singular wickedness of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah was so enormous, that it was at last used as a proverbial expression, to convey the idea of the most black and incorrigible wickedness. The preceding words, which shew that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah could not now be addressed, because there were none left, shew likewise that it is the Jewish nation which is called by these names. This verse alludes to the song of Moses, Deu... read more
10. Sodom—spiritually (Genesis 19:24; Jeremiah 23:14; Ezekiel 16:46; Revelation 11:8). read more
Even though God had not yet destroyed Jerusalem as He had Sodom and Gomorrah, the city was like those corrupt towns in that the people and their rulers had turned from God’s holy standard. The people needed to heed the instruction (Heb. torah) of their God. read more
Ritual contrasted with reality 1:10-17 read more
3. God’s solution 1:10-20The prophet laid out two alternatives for the people to choose between in relating to God in their pitiful condition. They could continue to rely on religious ritual (cult) to manipulate God (Isaiah 1:10-15), or they could change their ways and live morally and ethically pure lives (Isaiah 1:16-17). The choice was theirs (Isaiah 1:18-20). read more
Jehovah’s Arraignment of His PeopleThis chapter is general in character, and much of it (e.g. Isaiah 1:10-17) might refer to almost any period. This general character of the prophecy renders it especially suitable as an introduction, and may account for its position at the beginning of the book. It gives us a picture of the internal condition of Judah in Isaiah’s age, and not only brings out his characteristic teaching, but more than any other OT. passage indicates the general line of prophetic... read more
(10) Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom.—The Hebrew text, by leaving a space between the two verses, indicates the beginning of a new section. It is noticeable that the prophet does not address the king. It may be that he trusted him, but not his ministers. We have to remember that the rulers (better, judges; same word as kadi) thus addressed were probably those who were outwardly active in Hezekiah’s work of reformation, or had taken part in the older routine worship under Uzziah.... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 1:10-31
Religious and moral corruption (1:10-31)No doubt the people thought they were pleasing God by offering sacrifices, attending public worship services, and keeping the special Israelite feasts; but because their everyday lives were full of sin, their religious exercises were hateful to God. No matter how correct the form of worship, God will not accept it unless the people show a corresponding zeal for right behaviour (10-15).The people must turn from their selfishness and treachery, and begin to... read more