Isaiah 1:10

Berean Standard Bible

Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah!

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Isaiah 1:10, which reads in the King James Version, "Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah," marks a pivotal moment in the opening chapter of Isaiah, a book that blends prophetic judgment with calls for repentance and hope. This verse introduces a scathing rebuke of Judah and Jerusalem, employing the shocking imagery of Sodom and Gomorrah to address the moral and spiritual corruption of God’s covenant people. To fully grasp the depth of this verse, we must explore its linguistic nuances, historical and cultural context, theological weight, and enduring relevance, revealing its role as a divine summons to heed God’s word amidst rebellion.

The verse begins with two parallel imperatives: "Hear the word of the LORD" and "give ear unto the law of our God." The Hebrew verb for "hear" (shim’u) is a command to listen attentively, implying not just auditory reception but an active response of obedience, a common prophetic call (e.g., Deuteronomy 6:4; Jeremiah 7:2). The phrase "word of the LORD" (devar YHWH) signifies divine revelation, carrying the authority of God Himself, as Isaiah speaks as His mouthpiece (Isaiah 1:1). The parallel command, "give ear" (ha’azinu), intensifies the urgency, using a verb that suggests inclining one’s ear to listen closely, often associated with heeding instruction (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:1). The term "law" (torat eloheinu) refers to God’s instruction or teaching, rooted in the Torah but here encompassing the prophetic message Isaiah delivers. The possessive "our God" underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the tragedy of their disobedience, as they belong to the God whose law they have spurned. The parallelism of these phrases, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, reinforces the urgency and weight of the divine summons, demanding the attention of a wayward people.

The addressees, "ye rulers of Sodom" and "ye people of Gomorrah," are startling in their boldness. Isaiah does not directly address Judah or Jerusalem but instead likens their leaders and inhabitants to the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, destroyed for their wickedness in Genesis 19. The Hebrew term for "rulers" (qetziney) denotes leaders or princes, likely referring to the political and religious elite of Jerusalem, while "people" (‘am) encompasses the broader populace. By invoking Sodom and Gomorrah, Isaiah employs a rhetorical shock tactic, equating Judah’s moral failure with the egregious sins of these cities, known in biblical tradition for pride, injustice, and sexual immorality (Genesis 19:4-11; Ezekiel 16:49-50). This comparison would have been profoundly offensive to Isaiah’s audience, as Sodom and Gomorrah were synonymous with divine judgment and total depravity. The metaphor underscores the severity of Judah’s rebellion, suggesting that their covenant unfaithfulness has rendered them as reprehensible as these paradigmatic examples of wickedness. For the original audience in the 8th century BCE, living under the reigns of kings like Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, this accusation would have struck at the heart of their national identity as God’s chosen people.

Historically, Isaiah 1 is set against the backdrop of a Judah facing internal corruption and external threats from Assyria. The chapter’s opening (vv. 2-9) describes a nation ravaged by sin and its consequences, likened to a rebellious child or a diseased body, with Jerusalem barely spared from destruction (v. 9). Verse 10 transitions into a direct address, shifting from lament to confrontation, as God calls the leaders and people to account for their hypocrisy. The following verses (vv. 11-15) reveal that their sin lies not in neglecting religious rituals but in performing them without genuine devotion, as their hands are "full of blood" (v. 15). The reference to Sodom and Gomorrah may also reflect specific social sins, such as oppression of the poor and injustice, which Ezekiel later associates with Sodom (Ezekiel 16:49). In this context, Isaiah’s use of these names serves both to condemn and to warn, reminding Judah that their covenant status does not exempt them from judgment if they persist in unrighteousness.

Linguistically, the verse’s structure amplifies its prophetic force. The imperatives "hear" and "give ear" are in the plural, addressing the collective responsibility of the community, from leaders to common people. The repetition of divine titles—"LORD" (YHWH) and "our God" (eloheinu)—emphasizes God’s authority and covenantal claim over Israel, contrasting their rebellion with His rightful rule. The names "Sodom" and "Gomorrah" are not merely labels but loaded symbols, evoking a narrative of destruction that would have been familiar to Isaiah’s audience. The verse’s brevity and directness enhance its impact, delivering a prophetic indictment that cuts through any pretense of righteousness. The parallelism between "word of the LORD" and "law of our God" also reflects the multifaceted nature of divine revelation, combining prophetic oracle with covenantal instruction, urging both obedience and repentance.

Theologically, Isaiah 1:10 underscores God’s holiness and justice, as well as His desire for a responsive relationship with His people. The invocation of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning that God’s covenant love does not preclude judgment; rather, it heightens the consequences of unfaithfulness, as those who know God’s law are held to a higher standard (Amos 3:2). The call to "hear" and "give ear" reflects God’s grace, as He does not immediately destroy Judah but appeals to them through His prophet, offering an opportunity for repentance (vv. 16-20). This tension between judgment and mercy is central to Isaiah’s theology, culminating in the promise of redemption for a purified remnant (Isaiah 1:27; 53:5-6). The verse also highlights the prophetic role as a mediator of God’s word, confronting sin while pointing to restoration. For later Jewish and Christian readers, the verse resonates with the call to heed God’s voice through Scripture and, in Christian theology, through Christ, the ultimate Word (John 1:1; Hebrews 1:1-2).

Contextually, Isaiah 1:10 functions as a bridge between the opening lament (vv. 2-9) and the critique of empty worship (vv. 11-15). It sets the stage for God’s indictment of Judah’s hypocritical sacrifices, which lack the moral integrity required by the covenant (e.g., Micah 6:6-8). The reference to Sodom and Gomorrah intensifies the stakes, framing Judah’s sin as a betrayal of their covenant identity, akin to the rebellion of non-covenant nations. The verse also anticipates the chapter’s later call to repentance (vv. 16-17), where God outlines the path to restoration through justice and righteousness. For the original audience, this message would have been both a rebuke and a plea, urging them to realign with God’s will before judgment becomes inevitable, as it did for Sodom and Gomorrah.

For contemporary readers, Isaiah 1:10 remains a powerful call to authentic faith. The verse challenges believers to examine whether their religious practices—whether worship, prayer, or service—are accompanied by justice and compassion, or if they risk becoming as hollow as Judah’s rituals. The imagery of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a sobering reminder that spiritual privilege does not shield one from accountability; rather, it demands greater fidelity to God’s standards. In a world marked by social injustice, corruption, and moral compromise, the verse calls individuals and communities to "hear" God’s word by addressing systemic wrongs, such as oppression or neglect of the vulnerable (v. 17). For Christians, the verse finds resonance in Jesus’ critique of hypocritical religion (Matthew 23:23) and His call to love God and neighbor (Mark 12:30-31). The imperative to "give ear" also invites ongoing engagement with Scripture, where God’s voice continues to speak, convict, and guide.

Practically, Isaiah 1:10 challenges believers to cultivate a faith that integrates worship with ethical living. For leaders, the address to the "rulers of Sodom" underscores the responsibility to govern justly, ensuring that power serves the marginalized rather than perpetuating injustice. For individuals, the call to "hear" encourages active listening to God’s word through study, prayer, and community, fostering a faith that transforms behavior. The verse also invites reflection on cultural parallels to Sodom and Gomorrah, urging believers to confront societal sins—whether greed, inequality, or moral relativism—with prophetic courage. In preaching or teaching, the verse can inspire discussions on authentic spirituality, the dangers of hypocrisy, and the hope of repentance, pointing to God’s mercy for those who turn to Him.

In conclusion, Isaiah 1:10 is a searing prophetic summons that confronts Judah’s rebellion with the stark imagery of Sodom and Gomorrah, calling leaders and people to heed God’s word and law. Through its linguistic precision, historical resonance, and theological depth, it reveals God’s holiness, justice, and grace, urging repentance in the face of judgment. Rooted in the covenantal faith of Israel, the verse speaks across time, challenging modern readers to align their lives with God’s truth and pursue a faith that bears fruit in righteousness. Its message is both a warning and an invitation, beckoning all to listen and respond to the God who speaks with authority and love.

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Grace and peace be unto you, beloved brethren, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I write to you with urgency, that your hearts may be stirred, and your spirits awakened to the word of the Lord. For it is written, *“Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah.”* The call of the Almighty resounds through the ages, speaking not only to those of ancient times but to all generations that have turned aside from His ways. 

The Lord, in His righteousness, calls forth His people to listen, to heed His instruction, and to turn from the paths of destruction. Yet how often have the hearts of men grown cold? How often have the ears of the rebellious been deafened to His truth? Though He speaks, they do not hear; though He calls, they do not answer. The rulers of Sodom and the people of Gomorrah were condemned not for ignorance, but for defiance, for they forsook justice and walked in wickedness without remorse. Their corruption defiled the land, their arrogance despised the commandment of the Lord, and their deeds provoked His righteous judgment.

O people, do not harden your hearts as they did. The Lord has spoken, and His word stands forever. He calls all who stray to return, all who rebel to repent. Shall we continue in our own wisdom, trusting in our own ways, while the judgment of God looms ever near? Shall we forsake righteousness and walk in the blindness of our own desires, thinking that we are secure? No, for the Lord has shown what is good, and He has made known His truth. To forsake His word is to forsake life itself, to reject His correction is to invite ruin. 

Hear, then, the call of God. Let not your sacrifices be empty, nor your offerings be given in vain. For the Lord does not delight in rituals without righteousness, nor does He accept prayers from hands stained with injustice. He calls for purity of heart, for sincerity of worship, for deeds that reflect His holiness. Wash yourselves, cleanse your hands, and turn away from evil, that He may receive you in His mercy and restore you in His grace. 

The Lord, in His patience, stretches out His hand still. Though judgment is certain, His mercy is extended to those who turn to Him. Do not delay, do not linger in hesitation, but return to the One who gives life. The corruption of Sodom led to its destruction, and the rebellion of Gomorrah sealed its fate. Let their downfall be a warning, and let their condemnation awaken us to the truth that the Lord alone is our refuge. 

Beloved, let your hearts be humbled, let your ways be corrected, and let your ears hear the voice of the Almighty. His word is life, His truth is salvation, and His grace is sufficient for all who call upon Him. May His Spirit guide you, His wisdom instruct you, and His righteousness clothe you. Walk no longer in rebellion, but in the light of His glory, and may His name be praised forever. Amen.

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O Lord, Most High, the Almighty and Everlasting God, we come before You in humility and reverence, lifting our voices in prayer, for You alone are worthy of praise. You have spoken through Your prophets, calling the nations to repentance, warning the rulers of corruption, and pleading with Your people to return to You. You have declared, *“Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah.”* We hear Your voice, O Lord, and we tremble before Your truth, knowing that Your justice is unshaken and Your mercy calls even the wayward to redemption.

O God, search our hearts and examine our ways. Reveal to us where we have turned aside from righteousness, where we have trusted in the wisdom of men rather than in Your eternal truth. Cleanse us from our iniquities, that we may be found faithful in Your sight. Let our ears be open to Your word, that we may not harden our hearts as those before us, who rejected Your instruction and walked in defiance. May we heed Your call, may we respond in humility, and may we surrender all to You, the One who reigns forever.

Have mercy, O Lord, upon the nations who have strayed, upon the leaders who have turned from justice, upon the people who have forsaken Your ways. Let not our sacrifices be empty, nor our offerings be given in vain. You do not delight in outward rituals without inward righteousness, nor do You accept prayers from hearts hardened against truth. Teach us, O God, to walk in holiness, to pursue justice, to uphold mercy, and to seek Your face above all things.

Stretch forth Your hand, O Lord, and deliver Your people from the snares of wickedness. Where corruption spreads, let Your light break forth. Where injustice prevails, let Your truth overturn every evil deed. Where hearts have grown cold, rekindle the fire of devotion that burns bright in the lives of the faithful. Raise up men and women who fear Your name, who will declare Your righteousness, who will stand firm in Your word without wavering.

Forgive us, O God, for our complacency, for our rebellion, for our failure to walk in the path of truth. You are gracious, You are merciful, You are slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. May we not test Your patience, but rather submit ourselves fully to Your will. May we seek Your presence in earnest, turning away from sin and embracing the righteousness that comes from You alone. May our worship be sincere, our prayers be fervent, and our lives be a testimony to Your transforming power.

O Lord, establish Your kingdom in our midst. Let Your name be exalted above every false god, let Your word be heard in every nation, let Your glory be revealed to every heart. May the earth be filled with the knowledge of Your holiness, and may all who walk in darkness come into the light of Your salvation. Lead us in Your truth, anchor us in Your grace, and sustain us in the days ahead, that we may stand firm in faith, ever proclaiming Your righteousness.

May the name of the Lord be praised forever. May His mercy endure for all generations. May His truth be established in the hearts of His people. We surrender all to You, O King of Glory, and we worship You in spirit and in truth. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.