Isaiah 1:9

Letters to the Faithful - Isaiah 1:9

Berean Standard Bible

Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.

King James Bible

Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

Hebrew Text:

לוּלֵי֙ יְהוָ֣ה צְבָאֹ֔ות הֹותִ֥יר לָ֛נוּ שָׂרִ֖יד כִּמְעָ֑ט כִּסְדֹ֣ם הָיִ֔ינוּ לַעֲמֹרָ֖ה דָּמִֽינוּ׃

Transliteration:

Lūlê Yəhōwāh Ṣəvāʾōṯ hōṯîr lānū śārîḏ kimʿāṭ; kisḏōm hāyînū laʿămōrāh dāmînū.

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Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors

This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and mercy. The title "LORD of Hosts" refers to God's supreme command over the armies of heaven, highlighting His power and authority. The concept of a "remnant" is significant throughout Scripture, indicating God's preservation of a faithful group despite widespread judgment. This remnant theology is seen in other passages such as Romans 9:27-29, where Paul references Isaiah to explain God's mercy in preserving a remnant of Israel. Historically, the survival of a remnant was crucial for the continuation of God's covenant promises, ultimately leading to the coming of the Messiah.

we would have become like Sodom

Sodom is a symbol of extreme wickedness and divine judgment, as seen in Genesis 19. The comparison to Sodom underscores the severity of Judah's sin and the impending judgment they faced. This allusion serves as a warning, reminding the people of the total destruction that befell Sodom due to its unrepentant sinfulness. The mention of Sodom also foreshadows the New Testament warnings about judgment, such as in Luke 17:28-30, where Jesus compares the days of His return to the days of Sodom.

we would have resembled Gomorrah

Gomorrah, like Sodom, represents utter destruction due to sin. The parallelism in this phrase reinforces the gravity of Judah's situation and the mercy of God in sparing them from complete annihilation. The destruction of Gomorrah, alongside Sodom, serves as a historical and moral lesson throughout the Bible, as seen in Jude 1:7, which warns of the consequences of immorality and rebellion against God. The preservation of a remnant from becoming like Gomorrah highlights God's grace and the hope of redemption, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers salvation from judgment.

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Beloved in the Lord, grace and peace be unto you from our God, who reigns in mercy and righteousness. May His kindness uphold you, and may His truth establish you in steadfastness. I write to you concerning the great mercy of the Most High, for though judgment is poured out upon the nations, He has not utterly abandoned His people. In His faithfulness, He has preserved a remnant, and by His hand, He sustains those who call upon His name.  

The Word of the Lord declares, "Had the Lord of Hosts not left us a few survivors, we would have been like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah." This is the testimony of divine mercy, that though corruption abounds and wickedness fills the land, the Lord does not utterly forsake. He is the Keeper of the faithful, the Protector of the humble, the One who spares His people in the midst of judgment. In days of rebellion, when the hearts of men turn away and the land is defiled with sin, the Lord in His righteousness could bring swift destruction. Yet He, in His boundless compassion, preserves a remnant, that His name may not be forgotten, and His covenant may endure through generations.  

Take heart, dear ones, for though darkness covers the earth and wickedness seems to prevail, the Lord has not removed His hand from His people. He has spared those who fear His name, that they may bear witness to His truth and call others to repentance. If not for His mercy, none would stand; if not for His grace, all would be consumed. But He is slow to anger and rich in love, long-suffering in His dealings, not willing that any should perish but that all should turn and live. The judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah was swift and complete, for their iniquity had risen before Him without remorse, and their defilement was without repentance. But to those who humble themselves, to those who cry out and turn from their ways, the Lord extends compassion and preserves them from the fate of the wicked.  

Therefore, let us be mindful of His mercy, and let us not take for granted the grace that sustains us. The Lord has called us to be a people set apart, walking in holiness and reflecting His righteousness. He has not spared us that we might return to corruption, nor has He preserved us that we might continue in the ways of rebellion. Instead, He has kept us as a light in the darkness, as a testimony among the nations, that His truth may be proclaimed and His glory may be revealed. Let us not harden our hearts, nor turn aside to vanity, but let us seek Him with fervor, knowing that His mercy is a gift that calls us to faithfulness.  

Let those who stand today take heed, and let the fear of the Lord rest upon them. For His grace has spared us, but His justice shall not be withheld forever. The wicked shall not escape His judgment, and those who persist in unrighteousness shall not stand. Yet for those who humble themselves, for those who turn and seek His face, there is refuge under His wings and salvation in His name. The remnant that remains is not forgotten, nor cast aside; they are His chosen ones, called to proclaim His goodness and bear witness to His unfailing truth.  

Let us be diligent, dear ones, and remain faithful. Let us cling to His promises, knowing that He is the Lord of Hosts, mighty in power, merciful in judgment. Though the world may falter, though the nations may crumble, His hand shall sustain the faithful. He has left a remnant, and He will preserve them for His glory. May our hearts be steadfast, may our spirits be unwavering, and may our lives testify to His righteousness and His enduring love.  

The Lord be with you all, and may His mercy abound in your days. Walk in His ways, hold fast to His truth, and do not be swayed by the tides of the world. For He who has spared you is faithful, and He shall bring to completion all that He has purposed. To Him be all glory, forever and ever.  

Amen.

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O Lord of Hosts, God of mercy and truth, we lift our voices before You in humble reverence. You are the Keeper of the remnant, the Defender of the faithful, and the Sustainer of those who call upon Your name. Though judgment comes upon the nations, though darkness covers the earth, You have not abandoned those who seek You. Your hand preserves, Your grace sustains, and Your unfailing love endures forever.  

Had You not been merciful, O Lord, we would have been as Sodom; had You not spared us, we would have shared the fate of Gomorrah. But in Your compassion, You have left us a remnant, a people set apart to declare Your righteousness and proclaim Your name. We give thanks for Your steadfast love, for though the sins of the world rise as a stench before You, You do not utterly destroy but call the weary to repentance. You extend mercy to those who turn, You strengthen those who humble themselves, and You draw near to the brokenhearted.  

O God, cleanse us from our transgressions, purify our hearts, and lead us in the way of righteousness. May we not take for granted the grace You have given, but may we walk in holiness, remembering that we are preserved for Your glory. Teach us to honor You, to seek You with all our hearts, and to live as lights in the darkness. May we not grow complacent in Your mercy, but may we be stirred with urgency, calling the lost to repentance and the wayward to return.  

Rise up, O Lord, and defend Your people. Let the enemy not prevail, let the deceiver not triumph, let the unrighteous not trample the humble. Establish the work of Your hands, and let Your truth shine forth. Strengthen the remnant You have spared, and let them stand unwavering in faith, holding fast to Your Word and walking in obedience. May Your Spirit be their guide, and may Your power be their refuge.  

We give thanks for Your goodness, O Lord, for Your mercy is great and Your faithfulness without end. We glorify Your name, knowing that You are sovereign over all. Though the world falters, though the nations crumble, Your hand remains firm. You are the Rock, the Shelter, the Mighty Fortress, and we take refuge in You. Preserve Your people, sustain them in trials, and let Your righteousness reign forevermore.  

Amen.