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

} “do not understand” This VERB (BDB 106, KB 122, Hithpalel PERFECT) in this stem means “to beinattentive.” The problem was not lack of knowledge, but their unwillingness to obey (cf. 6:9,10; Deut.4:6; 32:29). They were content with a facade of religiosity (the cultus of Israel), but without thenecessary lifelong faith, repentance, and personal trust! Their true nature is described in 5:18-23, esp. v.21 (cf. Micah 4:12). They were covenant people in title, but not covenant people in heart (cf. Rom.2:28-29; 9:6)!NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:44Alas, 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.1:4 “Alas” The INTERJECTION (BDB 222) introduces declarations of judgment (cf. 10:5; 17:12; 28:1;29:15; 31:1; 45:9,10; Amos 5:18; 6:1).} “sinful nation” The common term “sinful” (BDB 306, KB 305, Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE) means “tomiss the mark.” The term “nation” is goy (BDB 156). This term is often used for the Gentiles, but itcan refer to Israel (cf. Exod. 19:5-6). Israel was meant to be a holy nation (cf. Exod. 19:5-6), yet sheturned out to be a sinful nation. What a reversal of expectations!} “People weighed down with iniquity” This term “to be bent” or “heavy” (BDB 458) is anothermetaphor to describe sin as a burden on mankind’s back (cf. Matt. 11:28). All of the Hebrew words forsin are related to crookedness or being bent (i.e., miss the mark) because the Hebrew term forrighteousness used of God means a “measuring reed” or “ruler.”SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS“Righteousness” is such a crucial topic that a Bible student must make a personal extensive studyof the concept.In the OT God’s character is described as “just” or “righteous” (BDB 841). The Mesopotamianterm itself comes from a river reed which was used as a construction tool to judge the horizontalstraightness of walls and fences. God chose the term to be used metaphorically of His own nature. Heis the straight edge (ruler) by which all things are evaluated. This concept asserts God’s righteousnessas well as His right to judge.Man was created in the image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27; 5:1,3; 9:6). Mankind was created forfellowship with God. All of creation is a stage or backdrop for God and mankind’s interaction. Godwanted His highest creation, mankind, to know Him, love Him, serve Him, and be like Him! Mankind’sloyalty was tested (cf. Genesis 3) and the original couple failed the test. This resulted in a disruption ofthe relationship between God and humanity (cf. Genesis 3; Rom. 5:12-21).God promised to repair and restore the fellowship (cf. Gen. 3:15). He does this through His ownwill and His own Son. Humans were incapable of restoring the breach (cf. Rom. 1:18-3:20).After the Fall, God’s first step toward restoration was the concept of covenant based on Hisinvitation and mankind’s repentant, faithful, obedient response. Because of the Fall, humans were18