The Effects of Persistent Sin (Part 1)

Pastor Bill Farrow

Isaiah 1:21-22

21  How the faithful city has become a harlot!
It was full of justice;
Righteousness lodged in it,
But now murderers.

22  Your silver has become dross,
Your wine mixed with water.

ISAIAH 1:21

How is - This is an expression of deploring, or lamenting. It indicates that that had occurred which was matter of grief. It was a grief to Isaiah, but chief, the indication here is that it was a grief to God Himself!  We must remember here that Isaiah is not chiefly speaking for himself, but for God, the Lord and Master of Israel.  The prophet had stated the principles of the divine government; had urged the people to reason with God; and had affirmed his willingness to pardon. But it was seen that they would not repent. They were so wicked and perverse, that there was no hope of their reformation. His mind is full of this subject; he repeats the charge of their wickedness (Isa. 1:21-23), and states what must be the consequences.

The faithful city – namely, Jerusalem. It is represented here under the image of a wife - once faithful to her husband; once a devoted and attached partner. Jerusalem was thus once. In former days, it was the seat of the pure worship of God; the place where his praise was celebrated, and where his people came to offer sincere devotion. In the Scriptures, God’s people are often represented under the image of a wife, to denote the tenderness and sacredness of the union; (Hos. 2:19-20; Isa. 62:5; 54:6; Rev. 21:9).

An harlot - She has proved to be false, treacherous, unfaithful. The unfaithfulness of the people of God, particularly in their idolatry, is often, and perhaps best, represented under the idea of unfaithfulness to the marriage contract; (Jer. 3:8-9; 5:7; 13:27; 23:14; Ezek. 16:32; 23:37; Josh. 2:2; 4:2). This is the first great effect of persistent sin – pollution of what was once an entirely holy and sacred vessel; turned into a most base and polluted thing.

It was full of judgement - It was distinguished for justice and righteousness, namely in conduct and in character.

Lodged in it - This is a figurative expression, meaning that it was characterized as a righteous city. The word means “to pass the night, or to remain through the night” (Gen. 19:2); and then to lodge, to dwell; (Ps. 25:13; Job 17:2; 29:19). In this place it has the sense of abiding, remaining, or continuing permanently. Jerusalem was the home of justice, where it found protection and safety. This is how it should have remained, because of the presence of God amongst her.  Yet she had not so remained.  the fault could not be God’s, therefore it must be the peoples!

Now murderers - By murderers here are meant, probably, unjust judges or the like; people who did not regard the interests of the poor, the widow, and the orphan; and who therefore, by a strong expression, are characterized as murderers. They had displaced justice from its home; and had become the permanent inhabitants of the city; (compare the note at Isa. 1:15). This is the second great effect of persistent sin – the perversion of that good and wonderful thing God does into something sad and evil and sinful. 

It is interesting that what God is dealing with here is what the inhabitants of the city should have, or might have been, not what they were.  The potential or the “should haves” or “ought to-s” of Scripture are worth considering.  God holds men responsible for what they might have, or should have done, every bit as much as for what they did, indeed do!  This is the third great effect of persistent sin – wasted potential!