Rebellion and Restoration (Isaiah 1:1-20)

• 1:1 – Isaiah = Yesha-Yahu = “Jehovah is salvation”
  • Son of Amoz; married to a prophetess (8:3); 2 sons (7:3; 8:3)
  • Prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah (767-740 BC), Jotham (750-736 BC), Ahaz (736-716 BC), Hezekiah (716-698 BC)
• 1:2-9 – Judah is a “sinful nation,” “laden with iniquity,” “brood of evildoers,” “corrupters”
  • Their sin caused suffering
  • Is suffering always caused by sin? (Job 1:1; 1 Peter 3:17)
  • The description of desolation consistent with Micah 6:13-16 and corresponds with Lev. 26 and Deut. 28
• 1:10-15 – God does not want sacrifice without submission
  • Proverbs 15:8; 1 Timothy 2:8; James 5:16
  • “Rite without right is wrong” (Clyde M. Woods)
• 1:16-17 – Restoration is called for
  • “Repentance is surrender; a change of thinking, willing, acting; a life directed toward the will of God as revealed in His Word” (Butler)
  • Cessation of evil must be accompanied by commencement of right (Ephesians 4:25-32)
• 1:18-20 – Reason is a big part of righteousness
  • Paul reasoned (Acts 17:2,17; 18:4,19; 19:8-9; 24:25)
  • “The words of truth and reason” (Acts 26:25)
  • Living sacrifice = “reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1)
  • Choice: “willing and obedient” or “refuse and rebel” (Romans 11:22)

Discussion Questions

1. What is the force of the comparison of the people of Judah to the ox and donkey?

2. What sickness did the people have?

3. God commanded sacrifices through Moses; here, He says He takes no pleasure in them. Does He contradict Himself?

4. What positive commands were the people given?

5. Is it reasonable to serve God? Why or why not?