Unfaithful City – Isaiah 1:21-31

“Benedict Arnold was an American military officer who served as a general during the American Revolutionary War, fighting for the American Continental Army before defecting to the British in 1780. George Washington had given him his fullest trust and placed him in command of the fortifications at West Point, New York. Arnold planned to surrender the fort to British forces, but the plot was discovered in September 1780 and he fled to the British” (Wikipedia). How does one make such a journey from faithful to unfaithful? Israel, as represented by her capital city Jerusalem, has done it.

How the faithful city has become a whore, she who was full of justice! Righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers. Your silver has become dross, your best wine mixed with water. Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves. Everyone loves a bribe and runs after gifts. They do not bring justice to the fatherless, and the widow’s cause does not come to them.

Therefore the Lord declares, the LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel: “Ah, I will get relief from my enemies and avenge myself on my foes. I will turn my hand against you and will smelt away your dross as with lye and remove all your alloy. And I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”

Zion shall be redeemed by justice, and those in her who repent, by righteousness. But rebels and sinners shall be broken together, and those who forsake the LORD shall be consumed. For they shall be ashamed of the oaks that you desired; and you shall blush for the gardens that you have chosen. For you shall be like an oak whose leaf withers, and like a garden without water. And the strong shall become tinder, and his work a spark, and both of them shall burn together, with none to quench them. (Isaiah 1:21-31 ESV)

Yahweh once again brings charges against Israel and particularly Jerusalem, the capital of Judah.  At this time Israel is divided into two states or nations, Israel and Judah.  Jerusalem was once full of righteousness but now she is a whore, given over to worshiping another god.  Murder, thievery, graft and lawlessness characterize her so that justice is skirted and the disadvantaged are uncared for.

God is going to bring judgment that will purify her and she will once again be full of righteousness.  But the judgment against the guilty will be devastating.  Everyone who was once an oak-like symbol of strength will be dry kindling before the fire of Yahweh.

Because Yahweh is in covenant with Israel His judgment is never total annihilation. Those who are not true believers are judged and destroyed, but Israelite believers are purified.  In the Christian’s life God will bring discipline but never the judgment that destroys.  He is in covenant with us through Jesus Christ and is for us (see Hebrews 12).

Discussion Questions

1. Describe a time when suffering or discomfort worked to rid you of wrong or unnecessary aspects of your life.
2. If you were living in Israel at the time Isaiah wrote, would you characterize your neighbors the way Isaiah does? Why or why not?
3. Why would God need “relief”?
4. Is “Zion shall be redeemed by justice” a prediction or a prescription?
5. Has Jerusalem yet become the city of righteousness, the faithful city?
6. Are you confident that the discipline God brings into your life is a sign of His love for you?