Isaiah 1:27-31

The fate of the wicked 1:27-31

Even though Zion (a poetic synonym for Jerusalem) will experience redemption by God’s justice and righteousness (Isaiah 1:25-26), the Lord will destroy individuals who continue in their sins and do not repent. This is the first occurrence of "redemption" as well as "Zion" in Isaiah, both of which received considerable attention from this prophet. The Israelites had turned to objects of idolatry ("oaks") and places of idolatry ("gardens," Isaiah 1:29), and in doing so had forsaken the Lord. God had chosen Israel, but Israel had chosen a tree! It is impossible to turn from the Lord and not turn to an idol. God’s people would feel betrayed because of their choice one day (cf. Isaiah 29:3; Isaiah 45:7; Psalms 34:5; Psalms 119:6). Those who consider themselves strong and self-sufficient, as oaks and gardens, but rely on the creation rather than the Creator to sustain them-will wither and dry up (Isaiah 1:30). Both they and their works will inevitably burn in the fires of God’s judgment, like felled trees.