28 But rebels and sinners will both be broken, and those who forsake the Lord will perish.
28 But rebels and sinners shall be broken together, and those who forsake the Lord shall be consumed.
28 But it's curtains for rebels and God-traitors, a dead end for those who walk out on God.
28 The destruction of transgressors and of sinners shall be together, And those who forsake the Lord shall be consumed.
28 But rebels and sinners will be completely destroyed, and those who desert the Lord will be consumed.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 1:28
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?