Isaiah 1:20

But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

But if ye refuse {H3985} and rebel {H4784}, ye shall be devoured {H398} with the sword {H2719}: for the mouth {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696} it.

but if you refuse and rebel, you will be eaten by the sword"; for the mouth of ADONAI has spoken.

But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.

Isaiah 1:20 (KJV) delivers a stark warning, concluding a pivotal section of God's indictment against His rebellious people, Judah and Jerusalem. It directly contrasts with the promise of blessing offered in the preceding verse, Isaiah 1:19, presenting a clear choice with severe consequences.

Context

This verse is part of Isaiah's opening chapter, often termed "The Great Arraignment," where God, through the prophet, confronts Israel (specifically Judah) for their widespread sin, spiritual apostasy, and hypocrisy. Despite God's abundant blessings and covenant relationship, the people had turned away. Verses 18-20 form a climactic appeal, offering a pathway to reconciliation through repentance ("Come now, and let us reason together," Isaiah 1:18). However, Isaiah 1:20 warns of the inevitable outcome if they persist in their rebellion, highlighting the conditional nature of the covenant established at Mount Sinai (see Deuteronomy 28:15-68).

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Rebellion: The verse unequivocally states that refusal to obey God's will and continued rebellion will lead to devastating judgment. This emphasizes divine justice and the serious nature of sin against a holy God.
  • Divine Judgment by the Sword: "Devoured with the sword" symbolizes military defeat, destruction, and loss of life. It signifies God using foreign nations or internal strife as instruments of His judgment against a disobedient people, a common theme in prophetic literature (e.g., Jeremiah 21:7).
  • The Authority of God's Word: The concluding phrase, "for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it," powerfully affirms the certainty and immutability of this warning. What God declares will undoubtedly come to pass. It underscores His sovereignty and the reliability of His pronouncements, whether promises or warnings (compare with Numbers 23:19).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words convey strong intent:

  • "Refuse" (ma'an - מָאַן) implies a deliberate, stubborn unwillingness to comply.
  • "Rebel" (marah - מָרָה) signifies active defiance and disobedience, a rejection of authority.
  • "Devoured" ('akhal - אָכַל) used here in a passive sense, meaning to be consumed or utterly destroyed, often by fire or the sword, indicating complete devastation.
  • The phrase "the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it" (pi YHWH dibber - פִּי יְהוָה דִּבֵּר) is a powerful declaration of divine authority and certainty, leaving no room for doubt regarding the fulfillment of the warning.

Practical Application

While originally addressed to ancient Israel, Isaiah 1:20 carries timeless relevance. It serves as a potent reminder that:

  1. Choices Have Consequences: Our decisions regarding God's will profoundly impact our lives. Obedience brings blessing, while persistent rebellion invites negative outcomes.
  2. God's Word is Sure: Both His promises of grace and His warnings of judgment are reliable. We should take His warnings seriously and not presume upon His patience.
  3. The Seriousness of Rebellion: Rebellion against God is not a minor offense but a grave act with severe repercussions, both individually and corporately. It calls for genuine repentance and a return to faithfulness.

This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we walking in obedience, or are we refusing and rebelling against the clear voice of God?

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 65:12

    Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose [that] wherein I delighted not.

  • Isaiah 58:14

    Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

  • Isaiah 40:5

    And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

  • Numbers 23:19

    God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

  • Isaiah 3:25

    Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war.

  • Isaiah 3:11

    Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

  • 1 Samuel 12:25

    But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.

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