Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children of depravity! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him. Ah, sinful nationThe Hebrew word for "Ah" is "הוֹי" (hoy), which is often used as an expression of lament or woe. It sets the tone for the verse, indicating a deep sorrow and disappointment from God towards His people. The term "sinful nation" refers to the collective moral and spiritual failure of Israel. Historically, Israel was chosen to be a holy nation, set apart for God's purposes ( Exodus 19:6). However, their persistent rebellion and idolatry have led them away from their calling. This phrase serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the gravity of their sin. a people laden with iniquity
The word "laden" suggests being heavily burdened or weighed down. In Hebrew, "עָוֹן" (avon) is translated as "iniquity," which implies a deep-rooted, pervasive sinfulness. This phrase paints a picture of a people overwhelmed by their own moral corruption. The imagery of being burdened by sin is powerful, suggesting that their iniquities are not just occasional missteps but a heavy, constant load that they carry. This reflects the spiritual state of Israel, where sin has become an integral part of their identity, affecting their relationship with God. brood of evildoers
The term "brood" refers to offspring or descendants, indicating that the propensity for evil has been passed down through generations. The Hebrew word "מֵרֵעִים" (mere'im) for "evildoers" emphasizes active participation in wickedness. This phrase suggests a lineage of rebellion against God, where each generation continues in the sinful patterns of their forebears. It underscores the idea that sin is not just an individual issue but a communal and generational problem, deeply embedded in the fabric of the nation. children of corruption
"Children" in this context signifies those who have been nurtured or brought up in a particular way. The Hebrew word "מַשְׁחִיתִים" (mashchitim) for "corruption" implies destruction or moral decay. This phrase indicates that the people have been raised in an environment of moral decay, leading to their own spiritual ruin. It highlights the failure of the society to instill godly values in the next generation, resulting in a perpetuation of corruption and a departure from God's ways. They have forsaken the LORD
To "forsake" means to abandon or leave behind. The Hebrew word "עָזַב" (azav) conveys a deliberate turning away from God. This phrase captures the essence of Israel's sin: a conscious decision to reject their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Historically, this forsaking is seen in their pursuit of idols and reliance on foreign alliances instead of trusting in God. It is a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from the source of life and blessing. they have despised the Holy One of Israel
"Despised" in Hebrew is "נָאַץ" (na'ats), meaning to scorn or treat with contempt. The "Holy One of Israel" is a title for God that emphasizes His purity, separateness, and covenant relationship with Israel. This phrase indicates a profound disrespect and rejection of God's character and authority. It reflects a heart attitude that not only ignores God's commands but also holds Him in contempt, leading to a breakdown in the relationship between God and His people. and turned their backs on Him
The imagery of turning one's back signifies a complete rejection and refusal to acknowledge someone. In Hebrew culture, this act would be seen as a grave insult and a sign of utter disrespect. This phrase encapsulates the totality of Israel's rebellion, where they have not only ignored God but have actively chosen to walk away from Him. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of such actions, leading to spiritual alienation and the loss of divine favor. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahThe prophet who conveyed God's message to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He is known for his prophecies concerning judgment and redemption. 2. Judah and JerusalemThe southern kingdom of Israel and its capital, which were the primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies. They were experiencing moral and spiritual decline. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is depicted as being forsaken and despised by His people in this passage. 4. The Holy One of IsraelA title for God emphasizing His holiness and unique relationship with Israel. It underscores the gravity of the people's rebellion against Him. 5. Sinful NationRefers to the collective moral and spiritual state of the people of Judah, characterized by sin and rebellion against God. Teaching Points Recognition of SinAcknowledge the reality of sin in our lives and communities. Just as Judah was laden with iniquity, we must be aware of our own moral failings. Consequences of Forsaking GodUnderstand that turning away from God leads to spiritual and moral decay. The people of Judah experienced this, and it serves as a warning for us. The Holiness of GodReflect on the holiness of God and His rightful place in our lives. The title "Holy One of Israel" reminds us of God's purity and our call to live in accordance with His standards. Repentance and ReturnEmphasize the need for repentance and returning to God. Despite the people's rebellion, God's desire is for restoration and relationship. Community ResponsibilityRecognize the collective responsibility of a community to uphold righteousness. The "sinful nation" serves as a reminder that our actions affect the broader community. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of Judah as a "sinful nation" in Isaiah 1:4 relate to the moral state of our society today? 2. In what ways have you personally experienced the consequences of turning away from God, as described in this passage? 3. How can we, as a community of believers, ensure that we do not become a "brood of evildoers"? 4. What steps can you take to align your life with the holiness of God, as emphasized in Isaiah 1:4 and 1 Peter 1:15-16? 5. How does the call to repentance in Isaiah 1:4 inspire you to seek restoration in your relationship with God and others? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 32:5This verse describes Israel as a "crooked and perverse generation," similar to Isaiah's depiction of a "brood of evildoers." Jeremiah 2:13Jeremiah speaks of Israel forsaking God, the "fountain of living waters," which parallels Isaiah's message of the people turning their backs on the LORD. Hosea 4:1-2Hosea describes the lack of faithfulness and knowledge of God in the land, echoing the iniquity and depravity mentioned in Isaiah. Romans 3:23Paul writes about all having sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, which connects to the universal nature of sin highlighted in Isaiah. 1 Peter 1:15-16Peter calls believers to be holy as God is holy, contrasting the sinful state described in Isaiah with the call to holiness. People Ahaz, Amos, Amoz, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Jotham, UzziahPlaces Gomorrah, Jerusalem, Sodom, ZionTopics Abandoned, Act, Ah, Alas, Anger, Backs, Backward, Brood, Contemned, Corrupt, Corrupters, Corruption, Corruptly, Crime, Deal, Despised, Doers, Estranged, Evil, Evildoers, Evil-doers, False-hearted, Forsaken, Full, Generation, Guilt, Hearts, Heavy, Holy, Iniquity, Laden, Loaded, Nation, O, Offspring, Provoked, Respect, Seed, Sin, Sinful, Sinning, Sons, Spurned, Themselves, Utterly, Weighed, WeightedDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 1:4 5127 back
5424 nationalism
5770 abandonment
6130 corruption
6173 guilt, and God
6194 impenitence, warnings
6231 rejection of God
7135 Israel, people of God Isaiah 1:1-6 8705 apostasy, in OT Isaiah 1:2-5 6223 rebellion, of Israel Isaiah 1:3-4 8702 agnosticism Isaiah 1:4-9 6024 sin, effects of Library Useless Sacrifice
Preached at Southsea for the Mission of the Good Shepherd. October 1871. Isaiah i. 11-17. "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: . . . When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination to me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other SermonsThe Stupidity of Godlessness
The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, My people doth not consider.'--ISAIAH i. 3. This is primarily an indictment against Israel, but it touches us all. 'Doth not know' i.e. has no familiar acquaintance with; 'doth not consider,' i.e. frivolously ignores, never meditates on. I. This is a common attitude of mind towards God. Blank indifference towards Him is far more frequent than conscious hostility. Take a hundred men at random as they hurry through …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Great Suit: Jehovah Versus Judah
'The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. I Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath spoken: I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me. 3. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. 4. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture What Sin Does to Men
'Ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water. 31. And the strong shall be as tow, and His work as a spark; and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them.'--ISAIAH i. 30-31. The original reference of these words is to the threatened retribution for national idolatry, of which 'oaks' and 'gardens' were both seats. The nation was, as it were, dried up and made inflammable; the idol was as the 'spark' or the occasion for destruction. But a wider application, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 1St Day of Month. Pardoning Grace.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "Come now, 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."--ISAIAH i. 18. Pardoning Grace. My soul! thy God summons thee to His audience chamber! Infinite purity seeks to reason with infinite vileness! Deity stoops to speak to dust! Dread not the meeting. It is the most gracious, as well as wondrous of all conferences. Jehovah himself breaks silence! He …
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser Worship
ISAIAH i. 12, 13. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. This is a very awful text; one of those which terrify us--or at least ought to terrify us--and set us on asking ourselves seriously and honestly--'What do I believe after all? What manner of man am I after all? …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God "But we are all as an Unclean Thing, and all Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags,"
Isaiah lxiv 6, 7.--"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," &c. This people's condition agreeth well with ours, though the Lord's dealing be very different. The confessory part of this prayer belongeth to us now; and strange it is, that there is such odds of the Lord's dispensations, when there is no difference in our conditions; always we know not how soon the complaint may be ours also. This prayer was prayed long before the judgment and captivity came …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Time of Doubting and of Spiritual Darkness Constitutes
another season when it is very difficult to keep the heart. When the light and comfort of the divine presence is withdrawn; when the believer, from the prevalence of indwelling sin in one form or other, is ready to renounce his hopes, to infer desperate conclusions with respect to himself, to regard his former comforts as vain delusions, and his professions as hypocrisy; at such a time much diligence is necessary to keep the heart from despondency. The Christian's distress arises from his apprehension …
John Flavel—On Keeping the Heart What are Consequences of Backsliding in Heart.
The text says, that "the backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways." 1. He shall be filled with his own works. But these are dead works, they are not works of faith and love, which are acceptable to God, but are the filthy rags of his own righteousness. If they are performed as religious services, they are but loathsome hypocrisy, and an abomination to God; there is no heart in them. To such a person God says: "Who hath required this at your hand?" (Isaiah 1:12). "Ye are they which justify …
Charles G. Finney—The Backslider in Heart Works.
The extant works of St. Basil may be conveniently classified as follows: I. Dogmatic. (i) Adversus Eunomium. Pros Eunomion. (ii) De Spiritu Sancto. Peri tou Pneumatos. II. Exegetic. [302] (i) In Hexæmeron. Eis ten Exaemeron. (ii) Homiliæ on Pss. i., vii., xiv., xxviii., xxix., xxxii., xxxiii., xliv., xlv., xlviii., lix., lxi., cxiv. (iii) Commentary on Isaiah i.-xvi. III. Ascetic. (i) Tractatus prævii. (ii.) Prooemium de Judicio Dei and De Fide. (iii) Moralia. Ta …
Basil—Basil: Letters and Select Works "His Chains Fell Off. " Acts xii. 7
IN ANSWER TO PRAYER:--Do you know any one tied and bound? Have you prayed for them without ceasing? Are you conscious of the enemy putting YOUR hands or feet in fetters? Are you unable to reach that purse which was at one time always within your grasp, so that now you do not give to the poor as you once did? Are your feet prevented from going on errands of mercy? Do the manacles keep you at home on Sundays, instead of walking muddy lanes to preach? If so, how do you like it? Do you not think …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread The Greater Prophets.
1. We have already seen (Chap. 15, Nos. 11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical school established by him there began a new era, in which the prophets were recognized as a distinct order of men in the Theocracy; and that the age of written prophecy did not begin till about the reign of Uzziah, some three centuries after Samuel. The Jewish division of the latter prophets--prophets in the more restricted sense of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Synagogues in the City; and Schools.
"R. Phinehas, in the name of R. Hoshaia, saith, There were four hundred and sixty synagogues in Jerusalem: every one of which had a house of the book, and a house of doctrine," "A house of the book for the Scripture," that is, where the Scripture might be read: "and a house of doctrine for traditions," that is, the Beth Midrash, where traditions might be taught. These things are recited elsewhere, and there the number ariseth to four hundred and eighty. "R. Phinehas, in the name of R. Hoshaia, saith, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Massacre
Your hands are full of blood.--Isaiah i. 15. Foiled at every turn, Gaïnas began to feel that his star was no longer in the ascendant; that fortune had abandoned him; that in the game of ambition he had been finally defeated; that Nemesis was but awaiting her opportunity. Tormented more and more by indecision and disappointment, and seeing in their effects the anger of a besetting demon, he gave out that he was ill, and that he should resort to the Chapel of St. John the Baptist at the Hebdomon. …
Frederic William Farrar—Gathering Clouds: A Tale of the Days of St. Chrysostom Fresh Troubles
The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and festering sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with oil.--Isaiah i. 5-6. We have already seen enough to show the intense and all but universal corruption which ruined the true work of the Church in Antioch, and still more in Constantinople. It is distressing to find the same moral apostasy, the same revolting unreality, …
Frederic William Farrar—Gathering Clouds: A Tale of the Days of St. Chrysostom Self-Righteousness Insufficient.
1 "Where are the mourners, [1] (saith the Lord) "That wait and tremble at my word, "That walk in darkness all the day? "Come, make my name your trust and stay. 2 ["No works nor duties of your own "Can for the smallest sin atone; "The robes [2] that nature may provide "Will not your least pollutions hide. 3 "The softest couch that nature knows "Can give the conscience no repose: "Look to my righteousness, and live; "Comfort and peace are mine to give.] 4 "Ye sons of pride that kindle coals "With your …
Isaac Watts—Hymns and Spiritual Songs Confession and Prayer. December 13, 1776
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John Newton—Olney Hymns The Expositor's Bible.
Crown 8vo, cloth, price 7s. 6d. each vol. FIRST SERIES, 1887-8. Colossians. By the Rev. A. MACLAREN, D.D. St. Mark. By the Right Rev. the Bishop of Derry. Genesis. By Prof. MARCUS DODS, D.D. 1 Samuel. By Prof. W. G. BLAIKIE, D.D. 2 Samuel. By the same Author. Hebrews. By Principal T. C. EDWARDS, D.D. SECOND SERIES, 1888-9. Galatians. By Prof. G. G. FINDLAY, B.A., D.D. The Pastoral Epistles. By the Rev. A. PLUMMER, D.D. Isaiah I.-XXXIX. By Prof. G. A. SMITH, D.D. Vol. I. The Book of Revelation. …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews "The Dust of the Actual"
"This may be counted as our richest gain, to have learned afresh one's utter impotency so completely that the past axiom of service, 'I can no more convert a soul than create a star,' comes to be an awful revelation, so that God alone may be exalted in that day." Rev. Walter Searle, Africa. WE have just come back from a Pariah village. Now see it all with me. Such a curious little collection of huts, thrown down anywhere; such half-frightened, half-friendly faces; such a scurrying in of some …
Amy Wilson-Carmichael—Things as They Are If it is Objected, that the Necessity which Urges us to Pray is not Always...
If it is objected, that the necessity which urges us to pray is not always equal, I admit it, and this distinction is profitably taught us by James: " Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms" (James 5:13). Therefore, common sense itself dictates, that as we are too sluggish, we must be stimulated by God to pray earnestly whenever the occasion requires. This David calls a time when God "may be found" (a seasonable time); because, as he declares in several other …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith How those are to be Admonished who Abstain not from the Sins which they Bewail, and those Who, Abstaining from Them, Bewail them Not.
(Admonition 31.) Differently to be admonished are those who lament their transgressions, and yet forsake them not, and those who forsake them, and yet lament them not. For those who lament their transgressions and yet forsake them not are to be admonished to learn to consider anxiously that they cleanse themselves in vain by their weeping, if they wickedly defile themselves in their living, seeing that the end for which they wash themselves in tears is that, when clean, they may return to filth. …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee,"
Isaiah lxiv. 7.--"And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold on thee," &c. They go on in the confession of their sins. Many a man hath soon done with that a general notion of sin is the highest advancement in repentance that many attain to. You may see here sin and judgment mixed in thorough other(315) in their complaint. They do not so fix their eyes upon their desolate estate of captivity, as to forget their provocations. Many a man would spend more affection, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Links Isaiah 1:4 NIVIsaiah 1:4 NLTIsaiah 1:4 ESVIsaiah 1:4 NASBIsaiah 1:4 KJV
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