Isaiah 1:1-17
Q.1. When did Isaiah receive his visions? Who was God addressing? How had Judah strayed? How bad was the nation’s spiritual condition? – (Is.1-9)
The vision of Isaiah is a series of visions he received during a period of fifty years, (from about 740 -690 B.C.) – … during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah (Isa.1:1). These prophecies were – concerning Judah and Jerusalem (Isa.1:1). Uzziah was a good and productive king, although he was filled with pride because of his successes. He tried to perform the role reserved for those ordained by God as priests. He lived his final years as a leper. Jotham was a good king, who feared God. His son, Ahaz however was an evil ruler, who reinstated idolatry, and even child sacrifice. He trusted in an Assyrian alliance, rather than in God. Hezekiah, his son, became one of the outstanding kings of Judah, despite his ungodly heritage. He combined exceptional faith and political reforms, to briefly arrest Judah’s slide into evil. This shows that we can rise above our heritage. Israel was like a rebellious child, and further discipline seemed pointless (see Isa.1:5). They paid less attention to the great God of glory, than to a donkey and its master – 3 … But Israel does not know, My people do not understand. 4 Alas, sinful nation, people weighed down with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, sons who act corruptly! They have abandoned the Lord they have despised the Holy One of Israel … they have turned away from Him (Isa.1:3-4). They were sick through and through. Isaiah foresaw the land being overthrown by strangers and left desolate (see Isa.1:5-7). He saw the nation defenceless, knowing that the only reason they would not be destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah, was because of the grace of God – Unless the Lord of hosts had left us a few survivors, we would be like Sodom, we would be like Gomorrah (Isa.1:9).
Q.2. Why did God reject the religious observance and sacrifices of His people? Why were their prayers useless? What advice did He give Judah? – (Is.1:10-17)
In condemnation of their insincere worship, God asked – 11 “What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?” Says the Lord. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats. 12 “When you come to appear before Me, who requires of you this trampling of My courts? 13 “Bring your worthless offerings no longer, incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies– I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. 14 “I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts. They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them (Isa.1:11-14). Why was God so angry with what He had established, and why did He refuse to answer their prayers? – Your hands are covered with blood (Isa.1:15). Their daily lives were full of evil deeds, and they neglected to – … Seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow (Isa.1:17). Therefore, they should – Wash yourselves and make yourselves clean and remove the evil of your deeds from My sight (Isa.1:16). Our faith should influence our daily living.