21 How the faithful city has become a harlot , She who was full of justice ! Righteousness once lodged in her, But now murderers . 22 Your silver has become dross , Your drink diluted with water . 23 Your rulers are rebels And companions of thieves ; Everyone loves a bribe And chases after rewards . They do not [1]defend the [2]orphan , Nor does the widow's plea come before them. 24 Therefore the Lord [3]GOD of hosts , The Mighty One of Israel , declares , "Ah , I will be relieved of My adversaries And avenge Myself on My foes . 25 "I will also turn My hand against you, And will smelt away your dross as with lye And will remove all your alloy . 26 "Then I will restore your judges as at the first , And your counselors as at the beginning ; After that you will be called the city of righteousness , A faithful city ." 27 Zion will be redeemed with justice And her [4]repentant ones with righteousness . 28 But [5]transgressors and sinners will be crushed together , And those who forsake the Lord will come to an end . 29 Surely [6]you will be ashamed of the [7] oaks which you have desired , And you will be embarrassed at the gardens which you have chosen . 30 For you will be like an [8]oak whose leaf fades away Or as a garden that has no water . 31 The strong man will become tinder , His work also a spark . Thus they shall both burn together And there will be none to quench them.
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?