Isaiah 1:21-31
21 See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her— but now murderers!
22 Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water.
23 Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.
24 Therefore the Lord, the LORD Almighty, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: “Ah! I will vent my wrath on my foes and avenge myself on my enemies.
25 I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities.
26 I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.”
27 Zion will be delivered with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness.
28 But rebels and sinners will both be broken, and those who forsake the LORD will perish.
29 “You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be disgraced because of the gardens that you have chosen.
30 You will be like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water.
31 The mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the fire.”
Meaning
In this passage, Isaiah laments over the moral and spiritual decline of Jerusalem, once a city known for justice and righteousness. The city, now corrupt and full of injustice, faces God's impending judgment. However, God promises to purge the city of its corruption and restore it to its former glory as the "City of Righteousness." Those who repent will be saved, but rebels and sinners will face destruction.
Moral Lesson
This passage teaches the importance of integrity and justice in leadership. It warns against corruption, bribery, and neglecting the vulnerable in society. God desires repentance and restoration, offering hope to those who turn back to righteousness. However, persistent sin and rebellion lead to inevitable consequences.
