While historians may view the destruction of Israel as the result of ancient colonialism, this passage depicts God's anger towards Israel for its wickedness. Isaiah reveals that its corruption runs from the top to the bottom of society. The elders, the dignitaries, and even the prophets have all led the people astray. No one turns to the LORD. So, God's wrath will destroy Israel like a fire.

Wickedness itself burns like a fire. Unjust laws and oppressive decrees deprive the poor their rights and withheld justice from the oppressed. Injustice is self-destructive, like cannibalism of one's own people. When nations don't take care for their own struggling people, a society cannot stand.

When wickedness reigns, there is no consolation or hope for those who are suffering. People only think of their own comforts and "freedom" without realizing how it may affect others. This becomes more apparent during a crisis, when we realize we all need each other. We must live in the light of God's justice and mercy and turn to Him in humility and with compassion for humanity as Jesus did.


Application: Lord, you care for all your children and cannot stand injustice. Have mercy on our nation and may we seek a just society that gracefully bears the name of Jesus.
One Word: Seek justice.