21 How hath a faithful city become a harlot? I have filled it 'with' judgment, Righteousness lodgeth in it—now murderers. 22 Thy silver hath become dross, Thy drink polluted with water. 23 Thy princes 'are' apostates, and companions of thieves, Every one loving a bribe, and pursuing rewards, The fatherless they judge not, And the plea of the widow cometh not to them. 24 Therefore—the affirmation of the Lord—Jehovah of Hosts, the Mighty One of Israel: Ah, I am eased of Mine adversaries, And I am avenged of Mine enemies, 25 And I turn back My hand upon thee, And I refine as purity thy dross, And I turn aside all thy tin, 26 And I give back thy judges as at the first, And thy counsellors as in the beginning, After this thou art called, 'A city of righteousness—a faithful city.' 27 Zion in judgment is redeemed, And her captivity in righteousness. 28 And the destruction of transgressors and sinners 'is' together, And those forsaking Jehovah are consumed. 29 For 'men' are ashamed because of the oaks That ye have desired, And ye are confounded because of the gardens That ye have chosen. 30 For ye are as an oak whose leaf is fading, And as a garden that hath no water. 31 And the strong hath been for tow, And his work for a spark, And burned have both of them together, And there is none quenching!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 1:21-31
Commentary on Isaiah 1:21-31
(Read Isaiah 1:21-31)
Neither holy cities nor royal ones are faithful to their trust, if religion does not dwell in them. Dross may shine like silver, and the wine that is mixed with water may still have the colour of wine. Those have a great deal to answer for, who do not help the oppressed, but oppress them. Men may do much by outward restraints; but only God works effectually by the influences of his Spirit, as a Spirit of Judgment. Sin is the worst captivity, the worst slavery. The redemption of the spiritual Zion, by the righteousness and death of Christ, and by his powerful grace, most fully accord with what is here meant. Utter ruin is threatened. The Jews should become as a tree when blasted by heat; as a garden without water, which in those hot countries would soon be burned up. Thus shall they be that trust in idols, or in an arm of flesh. Even the strong man shall be as tow; not only soon broken, and pulled to pieces, but easily catching fire. When the sinner has made himself as tow and stubble, and God makes himself as a consuming fire, what can prevent the utter ruin of the sinner?