Understanding Isaiah Chapter 1 - Me vs New Oxford Bible
Created: 24 October 2021 Modified:According to analysis of the Dead Sea Scrolls the book of Isaiah is the oldest dated book of the bible. Largely unchanged to this day. I will read the chapters of Isaiah and interpret them as best I can. I am reading from the New Oxford Annotated Bible. I will then follow up with the scholars interpretation from the annotated footnotes.
I was immediately put off when reading chapter one by its tone. It reminded me of preachers from my past who I hold in disregard. So much so that its been months since my initial reading of the first chapter. I have now come back to read it without angst.
Isaiah speaks for God to Judah and Jerusalem. Presumably parts of the nation of Israel. The cities and the nation are full of sinful people and led by sinful people. The people and their leaders are peforming religious rites without following the guidance in their daily lives. Fortunately there are a few righteous people left. If the remaining sinners don’t take corrective action God will kill them.
After Reading Annotations
The scholars indicate that parts of this chapter contain language used in discussing law. They also indicated that it was discussing the nation and wars rather than the direct killing of individuals.
Breakdown by verse
Chapter 1 Verse 1
Seems straight forward. This is the vision of Isaiah during the times of several kings. Located in Jerusalem and Judah.
So Isaiah is long lived or there was turmoil and several shortlived kings.
Chapter 1 Verse 2
Isaiah claims to be speaking for God and mentions his rebellious children. I interpreted this as Gods’ children not Isaiahs’.
Chapter 1 Verse 3
Poetic description of how the people of Israel have lost its way.
Chapter 1 Verse 4
The people of Israel are behaving in corrupt and evil ways. They are not worshipping God as they should.
Chapter 1 Verse 5
Somewhat vague. Nation of Israel is sick and behavior needs to change or punishment will continue.
Chapter 1 Verse 6
Graphic metaphor on scale of sin and corruption in the nation of Israel. Based on metaphor it is quite severe. I wonder if the metaphor accurately conveys the authors original meaning. By modern medical standards it seems borderline life threatening.
Chapter 1 Verse 7
Claims nation is desolate and the cities have suffered fires. Sounds like the nation was physically devestated. Strangers have taken over the nation. Was there a war?
Chapter 1 Verse 8
Metaphor for the nation of Israel being surrounded on all sides.
Chapter 1 Verse 9
Indicates some kind of tragic event with only a few survivors.
Chapter 1 Verse 10
The nation of Israel needs to listen to God.
Chapter 1 Verse 11
God says he is tired of burnt offerings.
Chapter 1 Verse 12
Don’t show up at God’s temple. Presumably the location of sacrifice.
Chapter 1 Verse 13
God doesn’t want you in the temple providing sacrifice when you are not living a proper life.
Chapter 1 Verse 14
God has a soul. His soul is weary of all the religious celebrations.
Chapter 1 Verse 15
God isn’t going to listen to you because you are killer/murderer.
Chapter 1 Verse 16
Clean up your lives and make yourself worthy of Gods’ presence.
Chapter 1 Verse 17
Learn what is good. Do good. Help the unfortunate.
Chapter 1 Verse 18
God can remove/forgive your sins.
Chapter 1 Verse 19
If you do what God wants then the land will provide generous resources.
Chapter 1 Verse 20
If you don’t do what God wants you will die.
Chapter 1 Verse 21
Jerusalem has become corrupt and is full of murderers.
Chapter 1 Verse 22
Your wealth is worthless. Although a strict interpretation would indicate transmutation of materials.
Chapter 1 Verse 23
Your leaders are bad guys and associate with murderers. Everyone is taking bribes and nobody is looking out for the unfortunate.
Chapter 1 Verse 24
God will punish those that do not follow his rules.
Chapter 1 Verse 25
God will punish you by removing your waste and metal. Something lost in translation. How is removing waste a punishment?
Chapter 1 Verse 26
God will change things back to a correct state. Like it was in the beginning. You will then be and be seen as righteous.
Chapter 1 Verse 27
The nation/city will be saved and those who follow the rules shall live.
Chapter 1 Verse 28
If you don’t do what God wants you will be killed.
Chapter 1 Verse 29
A metaphor that you will be ashamed of your actions.
Chapter 1 Verse 30
Metaphor that your actions will come to nothing.
Chapter 1 Verse 31
Metaphor your evil actions will destroy you.
tags: bible - isaiah - oxford - new oxford annotated bible - understand