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

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE REMNANT, THREE SENSESThe OT concept of “a faithful remnant” is a recurrent theme of the Prophets (mostly in the eighthcentury prophets and Jeremiah). It is used in three senses.1. those who survived the Exile (e.g., Isaiah 10:20-23; 17:4-6; 37:31-32; Jeremiah 42:15,19;44:12,14,28; Amos 1:8)2. those who remain faithful to YHWH (e.g., Isa. 4:1-5; 11:11,16; 28:5; Joel 2:32; Amos 5:14-15; Micah 2:12-13; 4:6-7; 5:7-9; 7:18-20)3. those who are a part of the eschatological renewal and recreation (e.g., Amos 9:11-15)} “Sodom and Gomorrah” This is a historical allusion to God’s judgment recorded in Genesis 18-19.These Canaanite cities became a proverb for both evil and God’s judgment of evil.NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:10-1510Hear the word of the LORD,You rulers of Sodom;Give ear to the instruction of our God,You people of Gomorrah.11"What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?"Says the LORD."I have had enough of burnt offerings of ramsAnd the fat of fed cattle;And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats.12When you come to appear before Me,Who requires of you this trampling of My courts?13Bring 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.14I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts,They have become a burden to Me;I am weary of bearing them.15So when you spread out your hands in prayer,I will hide My eyes from you;Yes, even though you multiply prayers,I will not listen.Your hands are covered with blood."1:10-15 Israel’s defense against God’s charges of vv. 2-6 is her religiosity!1:10 “Hear. . .Give ear” The two IMPERATIVES of v. 2 are repeated.} “You rulers of Sodom. . .You people of Gomorrah” Judah is like Sodom and Gomorrah, both herleaders and people are morally corrupt. This phrase was a shocking slur on the covenant people, as wasgoy of v. 4.25