Isaiah 1:2

KJV

¶ Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085}, O heavens {H8064}, and give ear {H238}, O earth {H776}: for the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696}, I have nourished {H1431} and brought up {H7311} children {H1121}, and they have rebelled {H6586} against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Hear, heaven! Listen, earth! For ADONAI is speaking. "I raised and brought up children, but they rebelled against me.

Berean Standard Bible

Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.

American Standard Version

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for Jehovah hath spoken: I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 1:2 opens the prophet's message with a profound divine indictment against Israel, personifying the heavens and earth as witnesses to the Lord's solemn declaration. God, portraying Himself as a nurturing parent who has lovingly raised His children, laments their profound and willful rebellion against His benevolent care and authority. This verse immediately establishes the central conflict of the book: the covenant lawsuit between a faithful God and His faithless people, setting the stage for themes of judgment, repentance, and eventual restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful exordium to the entire book of Isaiah, immediately establishing the prophetic tone as one of divine accusation and lament. It is the very first utterance from the Lord through Isaiah, setting the stage for the "great arraignment" that unfolds in [Isaiah 1](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - The Great Arraignment"). The subsequent verses elaborate on the nature of Israel's rebellion, describing their spiritual sickness, their physical desolation as a result, and the hypocrisy of their religious practices. The call for the heavens and earth to bear witness underscores the cosmic significance of Israel's covenant infidelity, framing the entire prophetic message as a universal declaration of God's righteous judgment and ultimate redemptive purpose.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (c. 740-681 BC). While outwardly prosperous under Uzziah and Hezekiah, the nation was plagued by deep spiritual apostasy, widespread idolatry, social injustice, and political corruption. The people had abandoned the Mosaic covenant, engaging in syncretistic worship and oppressing the vulnerable, even while maintaining outward religious rituals. This verse reflects the Lord's deep disappointment with a people who, despite generations of divine care and covenant relationship, had chosen to "rebel" against their benefactor, mirroring the societal and spiritual decay prevalent in Jerusalem and Judah during Isaiah's early ministry.

* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it highlights the **Covenant Lawsuit** (or *rib*), where God acts as both plaintiff and judge, presenting His case against His people. This concept is further developed in [Isaiah 3:13-15](/isaiah/3-13 "Isaiah 3:13-15 - God's Judgment on Leaders") and [Micah 6:1-8](/micah/6-1 "Micah 6:1-8 - The Lord's Lawsuit Against Israel"). Second, it underscores God's **Parental Love and Care** for Israel, describing His nurturing role, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 32:6](/deuteronomy/32-6 "Deuteronomy 32:6 - God as Father") and [Hosea 11:1-4](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1-4 - God's Enduring Love for Israel"). Third, it confronts the stark reality of **Israel's Rebellion and Ingratitude**, a deliberate turning away from their divine Father, which is a recurring lament in prophetic books like [Jeremiah 2:12-13](/jeremiah/2-2 "Jeremiah 2 - Israel's Apostasy") and [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellions"). Finally, the call to "heavens and earth" establishes the **Cosmic Witness** to God's righteous judgment, emphasizing the universal scope and undeniable truth of His charges.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nourished (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** From H1431, a primitive root meaning "to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)." This term signifies God's comprehensive care, not merely providing sustenance but actively fostering growth, development, and elevation. It implies a nurturing, protective, and elevating relationship, akin to a parent raising a child to maturity and prominence.
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, referring to a "son" or "child" in the widest sense, encompassing literal and figurative relationships, including a nation. Here, it powerfully depicts Israel's intimate relationship with God as His offspring, emphasizing the familial bond and the expectation of filial loyalty and obedience that comes with such a privileged status.
* **Rebelled (Hebrew, _pâshaʻ'_):** From H6586, a primitive root meaning "to break away (from just authority), i.e. trespass, apostatize, quarrel." This word denotes a deliberate, willful act of revolt against a superior or benefactor. It is not merely a mistake or an oversight, but a conscious act of defiance, a betrayal of trust and a rejection of the established, righteous order, specifically the covenant relationship with the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth:"** This is a dramatic and solemn summons, calling all of creation to bear witness to the divine pronouncement. It elevates the coming message beyond a mere human complaint to a cosmic declaration, emphasizing the gravity and universal significance of God's impending indictment against His people. The entire created order is invoked as a jury or witness to the unfolding covenant lawsuit.
* **"for the LORD hath spoken,"** This phrase asserts the absolute authority and divine origin of the message. It is not Isaiah's opinion or a human lament, but the direct, unadulterated word of YHWH (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the covenant God of Israel. This establishes the unassailable truth and weight of the subsequent accusation, leaving no room for doubt about its source.
* **"I have nourished and brought up children,"** Here, God employs a tender, parental metaphor to describe His relationship with Israel. "Nourished" (H1431, _gâdal'_) and "brought up" (H7311, _rûwm'_) convey the extensive, loving, and sustained care God has provided, from their infancy as a nation in Egypt to their establishment in the Promised Land. This highlights His benevolent provision, protection, and patient guidance, emphasizing the depth of His investment in them as His chosen "children" (H1121, _bên'_).
* **"and they have rebelled against me."** This is the devastating climax of God's lament and the core of the indictment. Despite His profound parental love and diligent care, His "children" have engaged in a deliberate act of "rebellion" (H6586, _pâshaʻ'_). This is a stark betrayal of the familial and covenantal bond, a willful turning away from the One who gave them life and sustenance, revealing profound ingratitude and spiritual treason.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 1:2 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message with dramatic impact. **Personification** is evident in the address to "heavens" and "earth," imbuing them with the capacity to "hear" and "give ear," thereby creating a cosmic courtroom where all creation is summoned to witness God's case against Israel. A central **Metaphor** runs through the latter half of the verse, where God is depicted as a loving "parent" and Israel as His "children." This familial imagery highlights the intimate nature of the covenant relationship and magnifies the tragedy of Israel's "rebellion" as an act of profound filial betrayal rather than a mere breaking of rules. The verse also functions as the opening declaration of a **Covenant Lawsuit** (or *rib*), a common prophetic literary form where God formally brings charges against His people for their breach of covenant, using legalistic language and calling witnesses. This structure emphasizes God's justice and the people's accountability. Finally, the stark contrast between God's nurturing care and Israel's defiant rebellion creates a powerful **Antithesis**, underscoring the depth of their ingratitude and the severity of their sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This foundational verse establishes the profound theological truth of God's character as a loving, covenant-keeping Father and humanity's persistent tendency towards rebellion. It reveals that sin is not merely a violation of abstract laws, but a deeply personal betrayal of a relationship with a benevolent Creator who has invested deeply in His people. The cosmic summons to "heavens and earth" underscores the universal scope of God's moral governance and the indisputable nature of His righteous judgment. Israel's rebellion, despite divine nourishment, highlights the inherent human capacity for ingratitude and self-will, setting the stage for the prophetic call to repentance and the ultimate need for divine intervention to restore the broken relationship.

* [Jeremiah 2:12](/jeremiah/2-12 "Jeremiah 2:12 - Astonishment at Israel's Apostasy")
* [Deuteronomy 32:5-6](/deuteronomy/32-5 "Deuteronomy 32:5-6 - Israel's Corruption and God's Fatherhood")
* [Hosea 11:1-2](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1-2 - God's Love and Israel's Rebellion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 1:2 serves as a timeless mirror for humanity, reflecting the tension between God's unwavering love and our often-rebellious hearts. It compels us to consider the depth of God's investment in our lives, His patient nourishment, and His desire for a filial relationship. The divine lament over Israel's rebellion resonates with the sorrow God feels when His children turn away from His wisdom and care. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: Do we recognize the Lord as the source of our sustenance and growth? Are we living in grateful obedience, or are there areas where we are willfully rebelling against His loving authority? True spiritual health begins with acknowledging our dependence on God and responding to His love with faithful devotion, rather than defiant self-sufficiency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I experienced God's "nourishment and bringing up" in my own life?**
* **What specific areas of my life might reflect a spirit of "rebellion" against God's will or Word?**
* **How does understanding God as a loving, nurturing parent impact my view of His commands and expectations?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more obedient and grateful heart in response to God's care?**

### FAQ

**Why does God call upon the "heavens and earth" to listen?**

Answer: God calls upon the heavens and earth to listen because it signifies the cosmic gravity and universal scope of His indictment against Israel. In ancient Near Eastern legal traditions, witnesses were often called upon to attest to a covenant or a legal dispute. By summoning all of creation, God emphasizes that His case against Israel is not a private matter but a public, undeniable truth, witnessed by the very fabric of the universe He created. It underscores the solemnity of His pronouncement and the undeniable justice of His charges, as seen in similar appeals in [Deuteronomy 32:1](/deuteronomy/32-1 "Deuteronomy 32:1 - Moses' Song of Witness") and [Micah 6:1-2](/micah/6-1 "Micah 6:1-2 - God's Lawsuit Against Israel").

**What does it mean that God "nourished and brought up children" but "they have rebelled"?**

Answer: This phrase uses a powerful **parental metaphor** to describe God's relationship with Israel. "Nourished and brought up" (from the Hebrew _gâdal_ and _rûwm_) signifies God's comprehensive, tender, and sustained care for Israel from their very beginnings as a nation. It encompasses His deliverance from Egypt, provision in the wilderness, establishment in the land, and continuous guidance through His law and prophets. Despite this profound, unconditional love and diligent upbringing, Israel, His "children," chose to "rebel" (Hebrew _pâshaʻ_), which means to deliberately break away from just authority, to trespass, or apostatize. This highlights the tragedy of their ingratitude and willful disobedience, a betrayal of the intimate, familial covenant relationship God desired with them, as further lamented in [Jeremiah 2:5-7](/jeremiah/2-5 "Jeremiah 2:5-7 - Israel's Idolatry and Forgetfulness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 1:2, with its poignant portrayal of God as a nurturing Father and Israel as rebellious children, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Israel's failure to live as obedient "children" under the Father's care foreshadows the universal human condition of rebellion against God, as described in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). Yet, in the midst of this pervasive rebellion, Jesus Christ emerges as the perfectly obedient Son, the true Israel, who perfectly fulfills the filial relationship that humanity, and Israel in particular, failed to uphold. He is the Son in whom the Father is well pleased ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - Jesus' Baptism")), who always did what pleased the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")), and who perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ makes a way for all who believe to be adopted into God's family, transforming rebellious "children" of wrath into beloved "children of God" by grace through faith ([Ephesians 2:3-5](/ephesians/2-3 "Ephesians 2:3-5 - Dead in Sin, Made Alive in Christ"); [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Receiving Christ and Becoming Children of God")). Thus, what Israel failed to be, Christ perfectly was, and through Him, we are graciously invited into the very sonship and daughtership that Isaiah 1:2 laments as lost.

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

Deuteronomy 32:1

¶ Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

Deuteronomy 30:19

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Micah 1:2

Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.

Deuteronomy 4:26

I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong [your] days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.

Psalms 50:4

He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

Malachi 1:6

¶ A son honoureth [his] father, and a servant his master: if then I [be] a father, where [is] mine honour? and if I [be] a master, where [is] my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

Micah 6:1

¶ Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.