Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
What does Isaiah 1:18 mean?
Not only feel sorrow for the sin committed, but break off the practice. We must be doing, not stand idle.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Isaiah 1:16-20 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Isaiah 1:18
Come now - This is addressed to the nation of Israel; and the same exhortation is made to all sinners. It is a solemn act on the part of God, submitting the claims and principles of his government to reason, on the supposition that men may see the propriety of his service, and of his plan. Let us reason together - venivakechah from yakach, not used in Kal, but in Hiphil; meaning to show, to prove. Job 13:15 : 'Surely I will prove my ways (righteous) before him;' that is, I will justify my ways before him.
Key words
- oppressed
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oppressed. Comment. Ebr. p. 265.
- reason
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Come now, and let us reason, together, saith the Lord,.
- together
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Come now, and let us reason, together, saith the Lord,.
Context in Isaiah 1
Show chapter context
Isaiah 1 belongs to the opening movement of the book, especially the section often described as oracles of judgment and holiness. Isaiah is one of Scripture’s grandest prophetic books, moving from holy judgment to consolation, servant imagery, and new-creation hope. Read this chapter with the wider themes of holiness, judgment, and remnant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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