by Larry Ferrell. | November 25, 2017
The lament by Isaiah in verses 21-23 clearly implies that there has been no change of heart among the people. The way of forgiveness has been rejected, and judgment is now announced by the Lord in verses 24-26. But there is a surprise here. The judgment is described in terms which imply purification rather than annihilation. Even in judgment, the Lord remembers mercy.

The central image is of crude ore being passed through a furnace and emerging as refined metal (v. 25). The city which was once faithful (v. 21) will be faithful again (v. 26), but only after it has passed through the fires of God’s judgment. The same basic image underlies verses 27-28: the pure metal which emerges from the furnace is a remnant of those who repent while the rest are destroyed. But now a different way of viewing the whole process is triggered by the rich word redeemed: Zion will be redeemed with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness. The full treatment of the redemption theme will come in chapters 40-66, but already we are alerted here to a vital element of it. It will not involve any bypassing of justice and righteousness. God will rescue His people in a way which is in complete accord with His holiness. That is how He always acts, and how He acted supremely in the cross of Christ. Redemption and judgment are inseparable; the one can come only through the other.

A cluster of secondary images in verses 29-31 throws further light on the corrupt state of the once faithful city. It became polluted with pagan worship, involving sacred trees and gardens where fertility rites were practiced. But those who were guilty of these practices would become like drought-stricken plants themselves, tinder-dry and ready to burn. There is a particular emphasis in this passage on the accountability of the present leaders (vv. 23, 31) and on the promise of good leadership in the purified and restored city of the future.

Isaiah 1:21-31 Reflection Questions:
What are the similarities between Isaiah 1:31 and Matthew 3:12?
Can you recall a time in when you experienced the judgment of God?
What are some things today that God would consider to be idolatrous?

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