Isa 1:29 | KingComments | STEP | Opposite those who repent and enter the realm of peace and enjoy its blessing ( ), are those who will follow the antichrist. They are “transgressors” of God’s commandments ( ). By this is meant the apostate mass of God’s people. “Sinners” refers to the lawless heathens, people who do not fulfill God’s goal – the word “sin” literally means “to miss the goal”. Being “crushed” will affect them, for they have all “forsaken the LORD” and “will come to an end”. The mighty ones of the earth on whom they have trusted, represented in “the oaks”, will disappoint them ( ), as will the glory of the world, represented in “the gardens”. They have thought, through their connection with “the oaks” and the “gardens”, to become an “oak” and a “garden” themselves, but will be greatly “embarrassed” in this ( ). They will come to an end together with them. points to the final verdict at the end of the book ( ), which underlines the idea that this first chapter is the introduction to the whole book. In “the strong man” we recognize the beast out of the sea, the ruler of the European Union, that is the restored Western Roman Empire ( ). In “his work”, i.e. the one who works it, we recognize the beast out of the earth, that is the antichrist ( ). “They shall both”, i.e. the beast out of the sea and the beast out of the earth, “burn together”. “These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone” ( ). The fire of judgment does not come from outside, but from within. Just as “tinder” that contains fire spark and sets the tinder on fire from within, so sin carries the judgment within itself and calls the judgment on it. Their self-confidence is their downfall. Summary Isaiah 1 We have seen in this first chapter that it is the introduction to the whole book because it sets forth the principles of God’s actions toward the people of Israel. It begins with the indictment of their sins and a call to repentance. This is followed by His promise to bless those who obey, the believing or faithful remnant, and His threat to judge those who are unwilling, the ungodly mass of the people. After the judgment has been executed and cleansing has taken place, God’s blessing in the realm of peace will come through His Messiah to Israel and through Israel to the nations. We will see that in the coming chapters.

‏ Isaiah 1:29

Judgment on the Basis of Right

Opposite those who repent and enter the realm of peace and enjoy its blessing (Isa 1:26-27), are those who will follow the antichrist. They are “transgressors” of God’s commandments (Isa 1:28). By this is meant the apostate mass of God’s people. “Sinners” refers to the lawless heathens, people who do not fulfill God’s goal – the word “sin” literally means “to miss the goal”. Being “crushed” will affect them, for they have all “forsaken the LORD” and “will come to an end”.

The mighty ones of the earth on whom they have trusted, represented in “the oaks”, will disappoint them (Isa 1:29), as will the glory of the world, represented in “the gardens”. They have thought, through their connection with “the oaks” and the “gardens”, to become an “oak” and a “garden” themselves, but will be greatly “embarrassed” in this (Isa 1:30). They will come to an end together with them.

Isa 1:31 points to the final verdict at the end of the book (Isa 66:24), which underlines the idea that this first chapter is the introduction to the whole book. In “the strong man” we recognize the beast out of the sea, the ruler of the European Union, that is the restored Western Roman Empire (Rev 13:1-10). In “his work”, i.e. the one who works it, we recognize the beast out of the earth, that is the antichrist (Rev 13:11-18).

“They shall both”, i.e. the beast out of the sea and the beast out of the earth, “burn together”. “These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone” (Rev 19:20). The fire of judgment does not come from outside, but from within. Just as “tinder” that contains fire spark and sets the tinder on fire from within, so sin carries the judgment within itself and calls the judgment on it. Their self-confidence is their downfall.

Summary Isaiah 1

We have seen in this first chapter that it is the introduction to the whole book because it sets forth the principles of God’s actions toward the people of Israel. It begins with the indictment of their sins and a call to repentance. This is followed by His promise to bless those who obey, the believing or faithful remnant, and His threat to judge those who are unwilling, the ungodly mass of the people.

After the judgment has been executed and cleansing has taken place, God’s blessing in the realm of peace will come through His Messiah to Israel and through Israel to the nations. We will see that in the coming chapters.