I. Introduction
In chapter 3, God testified against the vain and worldly women of Israel.
Here God focused on the rich people ("joined house to house") and those dedicated to life pleasures ("heroes at drinking wine")
God is not against riches or pleasure but in their obsession they became blind to the work of God's hands. God had been taken for granted.
Our memory verse: "What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it? When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes?" (5:4) force us to ask ourselves whether we also have taken God's blessings and protection , and whether we are more interested in bearing "wild grapes". What are our wild grapes and what fruits do God expects from us?
Remember what Jesus said, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" John 15:4-5
Though saved by Grace, Good expects fruits - fruits of the Spirit, fruits of our lips, and fruits of righteousness.
II. The song of the Beloved and his vineyard (1-7)
The vineyard refers to Israel. It was planted by a "fertile hillside", where God was the provider of everything they need physically. Digging up the stones refer to removing sin from the land, eg, the idolatry from the canaanites before, though Israel never did fully remove them and started to follow their customs. The "choicest vines" refer to the purity and holiness of the law taught to their fathers. Their purpose was to create good wine that bring glory to God.
Despite all the best given, Israel could only yield wild grapes that are dry and sour. How will other people yield anything good for the Lord? Israel is an object lesson that man cannot conquer sin on their own, even through the perfect law given. It emphasises the necessity of a Messiah, Jesus Christ, to be provided for mankind to be saved.
III. Woe to Sinners
Isaiah identified the following errors of the people and declared six "woes" as a warning of coming judgment to them:
"Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field" (v8) - this is about the sin of greed. The person have everything and is not generous to the poor. He ends up alone. God will bring economic disaster on them.
"Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks" (v11) - this is against those who are addicted to the lust of alcohol, and entertainment, but forgets God. God will bring death.
"Woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit" (v18) - this is about those who practice deception and wickedness. They not only chase after sin, they are pulling it along and tempting others.
"Woe to those who call evil good" (v20) - to those who twists moral standards to their own advantage. We justify the wrong when it is convenient or pleasurable to us.
"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes" (v21) - to those who are proud and stubborn and who thinks they are right. They are self-confident and don't need counsel from God, from the Word or from other Christians.
"Woe to those who ... who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent" (v22-23) - this refers to authorities who pervert the justice system for their own advantage for a bribe, and has a reputation for drinking strong drinks.
IV. Terrifying judgment (24-30)
Isaiah summarizes the sin of all these people by saying "they have rejected the law of the Lord Almighty and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel." Man treats the law of God, be it written or the natural moral law such as gender as if it is optional. God doesn't make optional laws. God also knows the sinful man cannot follow His holy laws 100%, which is why His plan was to send a saviour through His son Jesus Christ.
For Judah, their rebellion will end with calamity when Babylon comes to conquer and torture them.
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