Introduction
God’s appeal to his people to return to him or face the consequences.
Questions
1. What does the LORD say about the children he has nourished and brought up?
v 2 ... the LORD has spoken:
“I have nourished and brought up children
and they have rebelled against me.
2. What does the LORD want the Israelites to do when he asks them to wash themselves and make themselves clean?
v 16 and 17 Wash yourselves. Make yourself clean.
Put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes.
Cease to do evil.
Learn to do well.
Seek justice.
Relieve the oppressed.
Defend the fatherless.
Plead for the widow.”
3. What are the contrasting results the LORD says will happen if they are obedient or if they rebel?
v 19 and 20 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good of the land;
but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured with the sword;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken it.”
Summary Points
- v 1 to 4 God has looked after his people (Israel) but they in return have disobeyed him
- v 5 to 10 Isaiah laments the spiritual state of his fellow countrymen
- v 11 to 20 The people bring their offerings, but their lives show they don’t respect God. God appeals to his people to return to him. Things will go well for them if they change their ways
- v 21 to 31 Jerusalem will eventually be restored but those who do evil will be destroyed