Isaiah 1:10

KJV

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, ye rulers {H7101} of Sodom {H5467}; give ear {H238} unto the law {H8451} of our God {H430}, ye people {H5971} of Gomorrah {H6017}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hear what ADONAI says, you rulers of S'dom! Listen to God's Torah, you people of 'Amora!

Berean Standard Bible

Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah!

American Standard Version

Hear the word of Jehovah, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 1:10 delivers a searing prophetic indictment from the LORD against the people of Judah and Jerusalem, astonishingly addressing their leaders as "rulers of Sodom" and their populace as "people of Gomorrah." This powerful metaphorical comparison serves not as a literal geographical address, but as a severe spiritual condemnation, highlighting the profound depth of Judah's moral corruption, spiritual rebellion, and pervasive injustice, suggesting their wickedness had reached a level comparable to these infamously destroyed cities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed early in the book of Isaiah, within a chapter that functions as a comprehensive divine lawsuit against Judah. Following God's lament over His rebellious children who have "forsaken the LORD" and "provoked the Holy One of Israel to anger" ([Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - God's Lament Over Rebellious Israel")), Isaiah 1:10 intensifies the accusation. The preceding verses vividly describe the nation's spiritual sickness and physical devastation as a result of their sin, likening them to a "very small remnant" barely surviving ([Isaiah 1:5-9](/isaiah/1-5 "Isaiah 1:5-9 - The Desolation of Judah")). The direct address to "rulers of Sodom" and "people of Gomorrah" immediately precedes a scathing critique of their empty religious rituals, where God declares His abhorrence for their sacrifices and festivals due to their pervasive injustice and bloodshed ([Isaiah 1:11-15](/isaiah/1-11 "Isaiah 1:11-15 - God Rejects Empty Rituals")). Thus, verse 10 acts as a shocking and decisive turning point, unmasking the true spiritual state behind the façade of religious observance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (c. 740-687 BC), a period of significant political upheaval and moral decline in Judah. While outwardly prosperous at times, the nation was plagued by social injustice, corruption among its leaders, and spiritual apostasy, often blending the worship of Yahweh with pagan practices. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")) would have resonated profoundly with Isaiah's audience. These cities were archetypal symbols of extreme wickedness, particularly in terms of sexual immorality and lack of hospitality, and were universally known for their catastrophic divine judgment. By applying these names to Judah, Isaiah invoked a powerful cultural memory of ultimate depravity and its inevitable consequence, underscoring that Judah's sin was not merely a lapse but a deep-seated, systemic rebellion against the covenant God.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 1:10 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Indictment and Rebuke**, demonstrating God's righteous anger against His people's unfaithfulness. The shocking comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah underscores the **Severity of Sin** and its devastating consequences, revealing that Judah's moral decay had reached a critical, judgment-deserving level. Despite the harsh condemnation, the commands "Hear the word of the LORD" and "give ear unto the law of our God" introduce the theme of **Call to Hear and Obey**, implying that even in their dire state, there remains an opportunity for repentance and restoration through heeding God's instruction. This verse also sets the stage for the broader theme of **Hypocrisy Unmasked**, as it exposes the stark contrast between Judah's outward religious observance and their inward corruption, a theme further developed in subsequent verses where God rejects their empty sacrifices ([Isaiah 1:11-15](/isaiah/1-11 "God's Rejection of Rituals")). Ultimately, it speaks to the importance of **True Righteousness and Justice** as the genuine expression of covenant faithfulness, in stark opposition to mere ritualism.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, this primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often implying "attention, obedience, etc." It's not merely about the physical act of hearing sound, but about listening with understanding and a willingness to respond. In this context, it's a command for the people to truly comprehend and internalize the divine message, leading to a change in behavior.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers to "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." It encompasses not just spoken utterances but also decrees, affairs, messages, and even deeds. Here, "the word of the LORD" signifies the authoritative, comprehensive divine revelation and command, demanding full attention and obedience from those addressed.
* **Rulers (Hebrew, _qâtsîyn'_):** From H7101, meaning "a magistrate (as deciding) or other leader." This term denotes those in positions of authority, responsible for governance and justice within the community. By specifically addressing the "rulers of Sodom," Isaiah highlights that the corruption and injustice within Judah were systemic, originating from and perpetuated by those entrusted with leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear the word of the LORD":** This is an imperative command, a direct address from God through His prophet, calling for immediate and serious attention. It emphasizes that what follows is not merely human opinion but divine revelation, the authoritative message from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The implication is that their failure to "hear" (in the sense of obeying) has led to their current predicament.
* **"ye rulers of Sodom":** This is a shocking and deeply insulting metaphor, directly equating the leaders of Judah with those of the notoriously wicked city of Sodom. It implies that the moral and spiritual corruption among Judah's governing class was so profound and pervasive that they mirrored the depravity that led to Sodom's destruction. This accusation highlights their failure to uphold justice and righteousness.
* **"give ear unto the law of our God":** This is a parallel imperative, reinforcing the initial command to "hear." "Give ear" (from _ʼâzan'_, H238) means to listen attentively, broadening one's ear to receive instruction. "The law" (from _tôwrâh'_, H8451) refers to God's instruction, precepts, and statutes, particularly the Mosaic covenant. This phrase underscores that their rebellion was against the very foundation of their covenant relationship with God, whose divine instruction was meant to guide their lives.
* **"ye people of Gomorrah":** This second metaphorical address extends the condemnation from the leaders to the entire populace, likening them to the inhabitants of Gomorrah, the companion city in wickedness and destruction. It signifies that the corruption was not confined to the elite but had permeated every level of society, making the entire nation complicit in the profound spiritual decay that mirrored these ancient, condemned cities.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 1:10 is rich in rhetorical power, primarily employing **Metaphor** and **Apostrophe**. The most striking device is the direct metaphorical identification of Judah's leaders as "rulers of Sodom" and its people as "people of Gomorrah." This is not a literal claim but a potent symbolic comparison, leveraging the well-known biblical archetype of these cities as epitomes of extreme wickedness and divine judgment. This **Symbolism** serves to shock the audience into recognizing the severity of their own moral and spiritual corruption. The prophet also uses **Apostrophe**, directly addressing an absent or personified entity (in this case, the people of Judah, as if they were literally the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah), which heightens the dramatic impact and personalizes the accusation. Furthermore, there is clear **Parallelism** in the structure: "Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom" is paralleled by "give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah," reinforcing the message through repetition and emphasizing both the divine command and the extent of the nation's spiritual degradation. This parallelism also highlights the **Irony** that those who claim to be God's chosen people are behaving like those utterly rejected by Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 1:10 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering holiness and His demand for genuine righteousness, not merely outward religious performance. Theologically, it underscores that covenant relationship with God entails moral obligation and obedience to His law. When a people, even those specially chosen, descend into widespread injustice, corruption, and spiritual rebellion, they become indistinguishable from the most depraved societies in God's eyes. This verse highlights the prophetic principle that God's judgment is impartial, falling upon any who persistently reject His word and law, regardless of their religious heritage or rituals. It challenges the false security derived from national identity or religious affiliation without true transformation of heart and conduct.

* [Genesis 18:20-21](/genesis/18-20 "Genesis 18:20-21 - The Cry Against Sodom and Gomorrah")
* [Jeremiah 23:14](/jeremiah/23-14 "Jeremiah 23:14 - False Prophets Like Sodom and Gomorrah")
* [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Desires Justice, Not Empty Rituals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 1:10 stands as a timeless and sobering mirror for any community or individual claiming allegiance to God. It challenges us to look beyond superficial religious practices and confront the true condition of our hearts and actions. The prophet's scathing indictment of Judah's leaders and people as "Sodom" and "Gomorrah" forces us to consider the severity of our own sin and the potential for spiritual decay when justice, compassion, and genuine obedience are neglected. This verse compels us to examine whether our lives truly reflect the "word of the LORD" and the "law of our God," particularly in how we treat the vulnerable, pursue equity, and embody integrity in all spheres. It's a call to profound self-examination, urging us to recognize that God values righteous living far above empty rituals or mere profession of faith. The invitation to "hear" and "give ear" remains open, offering the possibility of turning from a path of judgment to one of repentance and renewal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community might we be guilty of outward religiosity without inward righteousness, akin to Judah's hypocrisy?**
* **How seriously do I take God's "word" and "law," and how does my daily life demonstrate a genuine desire to "hear" and "give ear" to His commands?**
* **What injustices or corruptions in our society or personal conduct might God liken to the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, calling for urgent repentance?**
* **Am I complacent in my faith, or am I actively pursuing a life of justice, mercy, and humility that truly honors God?**

### FAQ
**Why does God call Judah "Sodom" and "Gomorrah" if they are His covenant people?**

Answer: God calls Judah "Sodom" and "Gomorrah" not because they are literally those ancient cities, but as a powerful, shocking metaphor to highlight the extreme depth of their moral and spiritual corruption. Despite being His chosen people, Judah had descended into widespread injustice, idolatry, and rebellion against God's law, particularly among its leaders and populace. The comparison signifies that their wickedness had reached a level comparable to these famously depraved cities, which were utterly destroyed by divine judgment for their sin ([Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24-25 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")). It's a prophetic accusation designed to awaken them to the severity of their condition and the impending judgment if they did not repent. It underscores that God's judgment is based on righteousness, not merely on ethnic or covenantal identity without obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 1:10, with its searing indictment of a rebellious people and its call to "hear the word of the LORD" and "give ear unto the law of our God," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "word of the LORD" that Judah failed to truly hear and obey is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the living Word of God made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). While Judah's leaders and people were likened to Sodom and Gomorrah due to their pervasive sin and rejection of God's law, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law and lived a life of absolute righteousness, offering the perfect obedience that humanity failed to provide ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He did not merely call for hearing, but embodied the very truth to be heard, proclaiming the kingdom of God and calling all to repentance ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Preaches the Gospel")). Furthermore, the judgment threatened upon a rebellious Judah, mirroring that of Sodom and Gomorrah, was ultimately borne by Christ on the cross, as He became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, those who truly "hear" His gospel and obey His call are delivered from the judgment that a "Sodom-like" sinfulness deserves, receiving forgiveness and the power to live according to God's true law, written now on their hearts by the Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "The Law Written on Hearts")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 11:8

And their dead bodies [shall lie] in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Ezekiel 16:49

Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

Amos 9:7

[Are] ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir?

Isaiah 3:9

¶ The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

Deuteronomy 32:32

For their vine [is] of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes [are] grapes of gall, their clusters [are] bitter:

Ezekiel 16:46

And thine elder sister [is] Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, [is] Sodom and her daughters.

Jeremiah 23:14

I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.