Isaiah 1:10

Letters to the Faithful - 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!

King James Bible

Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Hebrew Text:

שִׁמְע֥וּ דְבַר־יְהוָ֖ה קְצִינֵ֣י סְדֹ֑ם הַאֲזִ֛ינוּ תֹּורַ֥ת אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ עַ֥ם עֲמֹרָֽה׃

Transliteration:

Shim'u devar-YHWH, ketzinei Sedom; ha'azinu torat Eloheinu, am Amora.

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Hear the word of the LORD,

This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. In the biblical context, "the word of the LORD" is a common expression used by prophets to introduce a message directly from God. It underscores the importance of listening and obeying God's commands. The phrase is reminiscent of the call to attention found in Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel," which is a foundational call to heed God's law.

you rulers of Sodom;

Isaiah uses "rulers of Sodom" metaphorically to address the leaders of Judah, highlighting their moral corruption and wickedness. Sodom is historically known for its sinfulness and subsequent destruction (Genesis 19). By comparing Judah's leaders to those of Sodom, Isaiah underscores the severity of their transgressions and the impending judgment if they do not repent. This comparison serves as a stark warning and a call to repentance.

listen to the instruction of our God,

The term "instruction" here refers to God's law and commandments, which are meant to guide the people in righteousness. The Hebrew word for instruction, "Torah," implies teaching and guidance. This call to listen is not just about hearing but also about understanding and applying God's teachings in their lives. It echoes the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 4:1, which emphasizes the importance of heeding parental and divine instruction.

you people of Gomorrah!

Similar to the reference to Sodom, calling the people "you people of Gomorrah" serves as a metaphor for their sinful behavior. Gomorrah, like Sodom, was destroyed due to its wickedness (Genesis 19). This phrase is a powerful indictment of the people's moral state, suggesting that they are as deserving of judgment as the infamous cities. It serves as a call to self-examination and repentance, urging the people to turn back to God and His ways.

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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.