Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind - A Dirge Over the Beloved City

A Dirge Over the Beloved City

At Isaiah 1:21-23, we see the full extent of the wickedness of Jerusalem at this time.  Isaiah now begins an inspired poem in the style of a dirge, or lament: "O how the faithful town has become a prostitute!  She was full of justice; righteousness itself used to lodge in her, but now murderers." -Isaiah 1:21.

How the city, Jerusalem,  has fallen!  Once  a faithful wife, she has now become a prostitute.  What could more powerfully convey the sense of betrayal and disappointment that Jehovah feels?  "Righteousness itself use to lodge in" this city. When? Well, even before Israel existed, back in Abraham's day, this city was called Salem.  Over it ruled a man who was both king and priest.  His name, Melchizedek, means  "King of Righteousness," and it evidently suited him well.  (Hebrews 7:2; Genesis 14:18-20)  About 1,000 years after Melchizedek, Jerusalem reached a peak, under the king ships of David and Solomon.  "Righteousness itself use to lodge in her," especially when her kings set the example for the people by walking in Jehovah's ways.  By Isaiah's day, though, such  times are a distant memory.

It seems that the leaders among the people are a large part of the problem.  Isaiah goes on with his lament: "Your silver itself has become scummy dross.  You wheat beer is diluted with water.  Your princes are stubborn and partners with thieves.  Every one of them is a lover of a bribe and a chaser of gifts. For a fatherless boy they do not render judgment; and even the legal case of a widow does not get admittance to them." (Isaiah 1:22, 23) Two vivid word pictures in quick session set the tone for what must follow.  The smith at his forge skims the scummy dross from the molten silver and throws  it away.  Israel's princes and judges are like the dross, not the silver.  They need to be discarded.  They have no more use  than beer that has been diluted with water and lost its flavor.  Such a beverage is fit only to be poured down the drain!

Verse 23 shows why the leaders observe such a description. The Mosaic Law ennobled God's people, setting them apart from other nations. It did so, for example by mandating the protection of orphans and widows.  (Exodus 22:22-24)  But in Isaiah's day, the fatherless boy has little hope of any favorable judgment.  As for the widow, she cannot get anyone even to hear her case, let alone strive in her behalf.  No, these judges and leaders are too busy looking after their own interests-seeking bribes, chasing gifts, and serving as partners to thieves, evidently protecting the criminal while allowing their victims to suffer.  Worse yet, they are "stubborn," or hardened, in their course of wrong doing. What a sorry state of affairs!

Next time: Jehovah Will Refine His People

From the Book  Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind