Isaiah 1:21-28
1:21 a The image of Jerusalem as a prostitute represents Judah’s unfaithfulness to God (see Jer 3:6-14 b; Ezek 16:25-26 c; Hos 1–3 d).1:24 e The Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the Mighty One of Israel, was usually Israel’s protector (31:5 f). However, in this context, God was coming to take revenge against his own people, who by their wickedness had become his enemies and foes.
1:25 g I will raise my fist against you: God, normally Israel’s protector, would become their attacker. However, he had a purpose beyond punishment.
• I will melt you down. ... I will remove all your impurities: God would use the Exile to remove the wicked from among his people and to refine those who would return.
1:26 h The restoration of the community would be marked by new leaders who uphold justice rather than perverting it (see 1:23 i). Jerusalem would again be pure silver (see 1:22 j), the Home of Justice and the Faithful City.
1:27 k Here, Zion refers to the remnant community. Only those who repent would receive God’s salvation and purification and would dwell in his presence. Zion was required to be the bastion of justice and righteousness, for God loves righteousness. God expected the covenant community to reflect the holy standards he cares about.
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