Isaiah 1:18

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 1:18

Come now - This is addressed to the nation of Israel; and the same exhortation is made to all sinners. It is a solemn act on the part of God, submitting the claims and principles of his government to reason, on the supposition that men may see the propriety of his service, and of his plan.Let us reason together - ונוכחה venivākechâh from יכח yâkach, not used in Kal, but in Hiphil; meaning to show, to prove. Job 13:15 : ‘Surely I will prove my ways (righteous) before him;’ that is, I will... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 1:18-20

Isaiah 1:18-20. Come now, let us reason together The word נוכחה is properly understood of two contending parties arguing a case; or, as Bishop Lowth translates it, pleading together; but here it seems to import also the effect, or issue of such a debate, namely, the accommodating their differences. Though your sins be as scarlet Red and bloody as theirs were, mentioned Isaiah 1:15; great and heinous; they shall be white as snow God, upon your repentance and reformation, will pardon... read more

Donald C. Fleming

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 1:18

let us reason together = let us put the matter right, or settle the matter. It means the putting an end to all reasoning, rather than an invitation to commence reasoning. sins. Hebrew. chata . App-44 . though. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "yea, though". read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Isaiah 1:18

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it."The proper understanding of this passage as a reference to the new covenant which was destined eventually to replace the Law of Moses is faithfully... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 1:18

18. God deigns to argue the case with us, that all may see the just, nay, loving principle of His dealings with men (Isaiah 43:26). scarlet—the color of Jesus Christ's robe when bearing our "sins" (Isaiah 43:26- :). So Rahab's thread (Isaiah 43:26- :; compare Leviticus 14:4). The rabbins say that when the lot used to be taken, a scarlet fillet was bound on the scapegoat's head, and after the high priest had confessed his and the people's sins over it, the fillet became white: the miracle... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 1:10-20

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

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 1:18-20

The wisdom of obeying God 1:18-20The Lord now challenged Israel to a formal trial. In the light of Israel’s condition (Isaiah 1:2-17), there was only one reasonable course of action. The Israelites could continue as they were and be destroyed, or submit to God’s will and be blessed. If they were disposed to consent and obey, God would again bless them with fertility (cf. Isaiah 1:3). If they decided to refuse and rebel, He would allow their enemies to defeat and destroy them. Behavioral change,... read more

Group of Brands