The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

3. let the purpose of the Holy One of Israel draw near, BDB 897, KB 1132, Qal IMPERFECT usedin a JUSSIVE sense (“the Holy One of Israel” is a title for Deity so common in Isaiah; see noteat 1:4)4. come to pass, BDB 97, KB 112, Qal COHORTATIVE5. that we may know it, BDB 393, KB 390, Qal COHORTATIVEThis verse may relate contextually to v. 12! They really do not want to understand God’s will andpurpose because they are so set on their own will and purpose. The results of the fall (Genesis 3)continue!The NASB Study Bible makes an interesting comment about #1 and #2 above.“The Hebrew for the words ‘make speed’ and ‘hasten’ correspond to that of the first andthird elements of the name ‘Maher-shalal-hash-baz’ (meaning ‘swift is the booty, speedyis the prey,’ see 8:1,3), he may have been responding to the sarcastic taunts of theirsinners” (p. 967).5:20 “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil” Many say that this refers to the judges of Israel.Although that fits vv. 18-23, it seems to me that this is a reference to the society as a whole, not limitedto a group of judges. This is a poignant example of the tragedy of what happens when our lightbecomes darkness (cf. Matt. 6:22-23). The fall of Genesis 3 has affected the moral compass of thecreatures made in the image and likeness of the God of Justice, Righteousness, and Fairness!5:21 “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,And clever in their own sight” This again refers to the sin of prideful arrogance (i.e., results ofGenesis 3). Probably one of the most classical passages of this is Jer. 9:23-24. Real wisdom is inknowing and trusting God! Humans are smoke-blinded by self, sin, and their own importance (cf. Pro.26:5,12,16; 28:11).5:22 “Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine” Isaiah is using sarcasm because the term“heroes” normally refers to “mighty men of war,” but in this context it refers to “drinking bouts” and notmilitary exploits.} “mixing strong drink” There has been some question as to what this (BDB 1016) refers.1. mixing wine with water, 1:22, like the Greeks and Romans, but the Isaiah texts refer to badwine, not normal drinking wine2. old strong wine mixed with new wine3. wine mixed with other distilled fruit or honey liquors, which made it more intoxicating (theydid not have fermented drinks with high alcohol content, as are available today)This is the NOUN form of the VERB “to become drunk.” Drunkenness is condemned often in Scripture(cf. 5:11,22; 28:7; 56:12; Pro. 20:1; 23:29-35; Micah 2:11). It is even used as a metaphor for thejudgment of YHWH (cf. Ps. 75:8). See Special Topic at 1:22.5:23 “Who justify the wicked for a bribe” This is the place in the strophe where commentatorsdiscuss the absence of a seventh woe. The interpretive question is whether there are seven woes (theperfect number) or six woes (the number of human imperfection).Bribery was regularly condemned in Isa. 1:23; 10:1-2 (cf. Exod. 23:8; Deut. 10:17; 16:19; Pro.17:23; Micah 3:11; 7:3).NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 5:24-2524Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes stubbleAnd dry grass collapses into the flame,82