What does Isaiah 1:2 Mean?

Study Notes

Hear, O heavens
The chapter, down to Isaiah 1:23 , states the case of Jehovah against Judah. Chastening, according to Deuteronomy 28-29, had been visited upon Israel in the land ( Isaiah 1:5-8 ), and now the time of expulsion from the land is near. But just here Jehovah renews the promise of the Palestinian Covenant of future restoration and exaltation Isaiah 1:26 ; Isaiah 1:27 ; Isaiah 2:1-4 .

Context Summary

This chapter forms the preface to the prophecies of Isaiah. It is a clear and concise statement of the points at issue between Jehovah and His people. Special urgency was given to these appeals, when first uttered, from the fact which was well-known to the Hebrew politicians and people, that Assyria was preparing for a great war of conquest, which would be directed specially against Jerusalem and her allies. This chapter is east in the form of an assize, a crown case in which God is both complainant and judge. The conviction of sinfulness which the prophet desired to secure, was sought, not by appealing to a code of laws which had been transgressed, but by showing the ingratitude with which Israel had repaid the fatherly love of God. It is the personal element in sin that most quickly convicts men. "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" "Thou art the man!" "He hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace!" [source]

Chapter Summary: Isaiah 1

¹  Isaiah complains of Judah for her rebellion
⁵  He laments her judgments
¹⁰  He upbraids their whole service
¹⁶  He exhorts to repentance, with promises and threats
²¹  Bewailing their wickedness, he denounces God's judgments
²⁵  He promises grace
²⁸  And threatens destruction to the wicked