Question 1

Who is Isaiah in this passage and what is his role?

Accepted Answer

Isaiah is introduced as the son of Amoz and as a prophet who received a vision from God about Judah and Jerusalem. His role is to speak God’s message, not his own ideas. Through him, God shows the people their sin, explains why judgment has come on their land, and calls them to turn back to Him. Isaiah acts like a messenger in a royal court, delivering both the charges against the nation and God’s gracious offer of forgiveness and restoration if they will repent.

Question 2

What does it mean that Judah is a sinful nation laden with iniquity?

Accepted Answer

When God calls them a “sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity,” He is saying their lives are weighed down and filled up with wrongdoing. Sin is not just on the surface, it affects every part of their society, from rulers to ordinary people. The picture of a sick body, from head to foot covered in wounds, shows how deep the damage goes. It is not a small mistake but a settled pattern of rebellion, corruption, and turning away from the God who raised them like children.

Question 3

Why does God reject sacrifices, feasts, and prayers in this passage?

Accepted Answer

God is not against sacrifices and feasts themselves, because He had commanded them. He rejects them here because the people bring offerings while their hearts and lives stay wicked. He calls their incense an abomination and says He will not listen to their many prayers because their hands are full of blood. In other words, they keep religious routines but ignore justice, honesty, and mercy. God is saying that worship without obedience and love for neighbor is empty and offensive to Him.

Question 4

What does “wash you, make you clean” and “though your sins be as scarlet” mean?

Accepted Answer

“Wash you, make you clean” is God’s call to real repentance. It means turning away from evil deeds, stopping oppression, and beginning to do what is right, especially toward the weak. When God says, “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow,” He is offering full forgiveness. Scarlet and crimson picture deep, staining guilt. White snow and wool picture purity. God is saying He Himself is ready to wipe away even great and obvious sins if they will listen, turn, and obey Him.

Question 5

What is the small remnant mentioned, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

The passage says that unless the Lord had left a very small remnant, the people would have become like Sodom and Gomorrah, meaning completely destroyed. The remnant is a small group God preserves when judgment falls on the wider nation. Their survival is not due to their strength, but to God’s mercy. This shows that even when sin is widespread and judgment is deserved, God keeps a people for Himself. It gives hope that He has not utterly cast off His own, and that restoration is still possible.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about God’s character?

Accepted Answer

This chapter shows God as a caring Father who has nourished and brought up children, yet is deeply grieved by their rebellion. He is holy, calling their sin what it is and comparing their city to a harlot and their leaders to thieves. He is just, bringing desolation and warning of the sword. But He is also patient and merciful, inviting them to reason with Him, offering cleansing from scarlet sins, and promising to restore their judges and make Zion again a city of righteousness for those who turn back.

Question 7

Why is Jerusalem called a harlot and then later the faithful city?

Accepted Answer

Jerusalem is first called a harlot because she has been unfaithful to God. The city that once was full of judgment and righteousness is now known for murder, bribery, and neglect of orphans and widows. Later, God promises to turn His hand upon them, purge away their dross, and restore their judges and counselors. After this cleansing, the city will again be called “the city of righteousness, the faithful city.” So the harsh name shows their present unfaithfulness, and the later title points to the restored state God intends.

Question 8

How does the call to seek justice and help the oppressed fit with worship here?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, God ties true worship directly to how people treat others. After rejecting their sacrifices, He commands them to stop doing evil, learn to do well, seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, defend the fatherless, and plead for the widow. This shows that caring for the weak and standing against injustice are not optional extras but part of what it means to honor God. Their festivals and prayers mean nothing to Him while they ignore those in need. Real devotion to God shows up in justice and mercy.

Question 9

What warning is given to those who keep rebelling and follow idols?

Accepted Answer

God warns that if they refuse and rebel, they will be devoured by the sword. Those who forsake the Lord will be consumed. People who have chased after idol worship in the groves and gardens will be ashamed of what they loved. They themselves will become like dry trees and a garden without water. The strong will be like tinder and the maker like a spark, and they will burn together with no one to put out the fire. It is a picture of complete ruin for those who cling to sin and false gods.

Isaiah 1:1

The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Judah’s Rebellion

Meaningless Offerings

The Corruption of Zion

Judah’s Rebellion

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Isaiah 1:1

The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

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Judah’s Rebellion

Meaningless Offerings

The Corruption of Zion

Judah’s Rebellion

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