Judgment on Ungodly Living

MEMORY VERSE: “The Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.” —Isaiah 5:16

ISAIAH 5:8, 11, 12, 18-23

THIS lesson consists largely of a denunciation of the sins of Israel, together with the assurance, as in our memory verse, that “the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment” and “sanctified in righteousness. The reference here apparently is to the manner in which the Lord’s righteous judgments against his sinful people will eventually redound to his glory.

In the lesson the word “woe” occurs six times. In verse 8 “woe” is pronounced upon those who display a selfish greed for land and houses, a greed that fails to take into consideration the rights of others. Selfishness seldom considers others except to exploit them.

In verse 11 woe is pronounced for the sins of drunkenness and dissipation. The verse reads, “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!” Surely God is opposed to such conduct as this, as are all who love righteousness and truth.

Verse 18 seems to be descriptive of a determined attitude to work iniquity in defiance of God. There have always been those who have defied God, and this is especially reprehensible on the part of those who profess to be his people, as was the case with the Israelites.

In verse 20 woe is pronounced upon those that misrepresent evil as being good, and good as being evil; “that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Only a mind distorted by selfishness could derive any satisfaction from such a policy of misrepresentation, and God is opposed to it.

Verse 21 speaks of those who are blinded by self-conceit. Woe is pronounced upon these also. They glory in their own supposed brilliance and superiority. This is a terrible condition of mind, one against which all who follow the Master should earnestly strive.

In verse 22 we read of those who are “mighty to drink wine,” and “men of strength to mingle strong drink.” The “mighty” and those of “strength” could be men of authority in a community. Attention is called to the evil consequences they can bring about through their debauchery. Woe is pronounced against these also.

There is a higher standard of conduct for those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus than for those who do not so profess. Jesus said to his disciples, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34) Jesus’ love for his disciples and for all mankind led him to lay down his life that they might live. If we have this same love for one another, it will lead us to seek ways and means to do them good.

If we love our neighbors and our brethren we will not wish to exploit them in any way. Those who are thus filled and controlled by unselfish love will desire to honor and obey the God of love. But only a small minority, even in professed Christian countries, have caught the spirit of true Christian love and fellowship. The vast majority are guided by the law of selfishness.

Many keep self-interest somewhat under control, and do not outwardly and willfully injure their neighbors. Some, however, have little concern for their fellows, with the result that large police forces are needed to keep them in control. We rejoice in the assurances given us in the Scriptures that under the administration of Christ’s kingdom the people will be instructed in the advantages of love over selfishness. In that kingdom no one will be permitted to injure another. The Prophet Isaiah wrote, “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain [kingdom]: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”—Isa. 11:9

Ancient Israel was subject to the Law given at Mount Sinai, but the Lord tells us that in the kingdom of Christ he will make a New Covenant with Israel and the world. In this covenant God’s law will be written in the hearts of the people, and in their inward parts.—Jer. 31:31-34

QUESTIONS

Explain the six “woes” mentioned in the lesson.

By what law are Christians governed?

What sort of covenant will be made with the people in the Millennial Age?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |