Isaiah 1:28

KJV

And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners [shall be] together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the destruction {H7667} of the transgressors {H6586} and of the sinners {H2400} shall be together {H3162}, and they that forsake {H5800} the LORD {H3068} shall be consumed {H3615}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Rebels and sinners together will be broken and those who abandon ADONAI be consumed.

Berean Standard Bible

But rebels and sinners will together be shattered, and those who forsake the LORD will perish.

American Standard Version

But the destruction of transgressors and sinners shall be together, and they that forsake Jehovah shall be consumed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 1:28 serves as a solemn declaration of divine judgment against those in Judah who persist in rebellion and unfaithfulness. It unequivocally states that the destruction awaiting transgressors and sinners is certain and shared, and that those who deliberately abandon the Lord will face utter consumption, underscoring the severe and inescapable consequences of unrepentant sin and spiritual apostasy within God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the opening indictment of Isaiah, often termed "The Great Arraignment" (Isaiah 1:2-31). Following God's lament over His rebellious children (Isaiah 1:2-9) and His rejection of their hypocritical worship (Isaiah 1:10-15), Isaiah offers a profound invitation to repentance and cleansing (Isaiah 1:16-18). He presents a clear dichotomy: obedience brings blessing, while rebellion leads to destruction (Isaiah 1:19-20). The prophet then laments Jerusalem's moral decay, calling for its restoration through judgment and purification (Isaiah 1:21-27). Verse 28, therefore, stands as the stark culmination of this initial prophetic sermon, emphasizing the inevitable and collective doom for those who refuse the path of repentance and persist in their defiance against the Lord. It directly contrasts with the hope of redemption offered to the righteous remnant in the preceding verses.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah (Isaiah 1:1), a period spanning from the mid-8th to early 7th century BCE. While Judah enjoyed relative political stability for much of this time, especially under Uzziah, spiritual and moral decline was rampant. The people engaged in outward religious observances but their hearts were far from God, marked by injustice, oppression of the poor, and widespread idolatry. The Assyrian Empire was a rising power, posing an existential threat to both Israel (the northern kingdom, which would fall in 722 BCE) and Judah. Isaiah's prophecies often address the political alliances Judah sought with foreign powers instead of trusting in the Lord, and the social corruption that permeated all levels of society. This context highlights that the "transgressors" and "sinners" were not just individuals, but the nation of Judah itself, which had broken its covenant with God.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 1:28 powerfully reinforces several major themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Central among these is the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, asserting that God, as a righteous and holy sovereign, will not indefinitely tolerate sin and rebellion. This verse highlights the **Consequences of Rebellion and Apostasy**, illustrating that a deliberate turning away from God—"forsaking the LORD"—leads inevitably to ruin, contrasting sharply with the promised restoration for those who return (as seen in [Isaiah 1:26](/isaiah/1-26 "Isaiah 1:26 - Restoration of Righteous Judges")). It underscores the **Sovereignty of God** over human destiny, demonstrating that His word, whether of blessing or curse, will be fulfilled. Furthermore, it subtly touches upon the theme of **Separation**, where the righteous are distinguished from the wicked, with distinct fates awaiting each, a concept foundational to understanding the remnant theology found throughout [Isaiah's prophecies](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Destruction (Hebrew, _sheber'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to break," signifies a fracture, ruin, or crashing. It is a powerful term indicating complete collapse and devastation, not merely a minor setback. In the context of Isaiah 1:28, it emphasizes the utter and irreversible ruin that awaits the unrepentant, a breaking apart of their lives and existence.
* **Transgressors (Hebrew, _pâshaʻ'_):** This term denotes a deliberate breaking away from authority, a rebellion, or an act of apostasy. It implies a willful violation of a covenant or a trust, signifying open defiance against God's established order and commands. The use of "transgressors" here points to those who actively and consciously rebel against the Lord, not merely those who err unknowingly.
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This word means to loosen, relinquish, or abandon. When applied to "the LORD," it describes a deliberate act of spiritual abandonment, turning away from God as the source of life, truth, and covenant relationship. To "forsake the LORD" is to sever the most vital connection, leading directly to the "consumed" state described in the verse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together":** This clause pronounces a collective and certain doom. The "destruction" (H7667, _sheber'_) is not a possibility but a certainty for two distinct yet related groups: the "transgressors" (H6586, _pâshaʻ'_, those who willfully rebel against God's authority) and the "sinners" (H2400, _chaṭṭâʼ'_, those who habitually miss God's mark or violate His law). The crucial word "together" (H3162, _yachad'_) emphasizes that their ultimate fate is shared; their varied forms of unrighteousness converge upon the same devastating end. This highlights the universality of divine judgment for all who persist in defiance against God.
* **"and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed":** This second clause reinforces and specifies the nature of the judgment. It identifies a particular category of individuals—"they that forsake the LORD" (H5800, _ʻâzab'_ H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_), meaning those who deliberately abandon their covenant relationship with God. For them, the consequence is to "be consumed" (H3615, _kâlâh'_), which implies being brought to an end, wasted away, or utterly destroyed. This is a powerful statement of complete ruin, emphasizing that spiritual apostasy, a turning away from the very source of life and blessing, leads to an absolute and final desolation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 1:28 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of judgment. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where the "destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners" in the first clause is mirrored by "they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed" in the second, reinforcing the same core message of inevitable doom for the unrighteous. The use of strong, visceral vocabulary like "**destruction**" and "**consumed**" creates a sense of **Hyperbole** and **Imagery**, painting a vivid and terrifying picture of the consequences of sin, making the warning more impactful. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Prophetic Warning**, a common device in prophetic literature where future judgment is declared as a certain outcome of present unrighteousness, serving as a final, stark call to repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 1:28 is a powerful theological statement on the nature of God's justice and the inevitable consequences of human rebellion. It underscores the truth that while God is merciful and patient, His holiness demands a response to sin. The judgment described is not arbitrary but a direct outcome of forsaking the covenant relationship with the Lord. This verse highlights the fundamental biblical principle that actions have consequences, and persistent rejection of divine authority leads to spiritual and existential ruin. It serves as a stark reminder that God's character encompasses both boundless grace for the repentant and unwavering justice for the unrepentant, upholding His moral order in the universe.

* [Psalm 9:17](/psalms/9-17 "Psalm 9:17 - The Fate of the Wicked")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")
* [Jeremiah 17:13](/jeremiah/17-13 "Jeremiah 17:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 1:28 stands as a timeless and sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and the certainty of divine justice. For contemporary believers, it serves as a profound call to introspection and a renewed commitment to faithfulness. It challenges us to examine the true state of our hearts, asking whether our lives genuinely reflect a turning towards the Lord or a subtle, perhaps even unconscious, forsaking of Him through apathy, compromise, or outright rebellion. This verse shatters any illusion that persistent sin or spiritual indifference will go unaddressed by a holy God. Instead, it urges an urgent response of repentance and a steadfast pursuit of righteousness, recognizing that while God's patience is immense, His justice is ultimate and unavoidable for those who refuse His gracious invitation to reconciliation. It compels us to live lives marked by genuine devotion, not merely outward religious observance, understanding that our eternal destiny is inextricably linked to our relationship with the sovereign Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be subtly or overtly "forsaking the LORD" in our daily lives or priorities?**
* **How does the concept of "destruction" and "consumption" for the unrepentant deepen my appreciation for God's mercy and the grace offered through Christ?**
* **What specific steps can I take to ensure my life is characterized by genuine faithfulness and obedience, rather than rebellion or spiritual apathy?**

### FAQ
**Does "destruction" in Isaiah 1:28 refer to physical death or something more profound?**

Answer: While physical death is certainly a consequence of sin, the "destruction" (H7667, _sheber'_) and being "consumed" (H3615, _kâlâh'_) in Isaiah 1:28 refer to a more profound and comprehensive ruin. The context of Isaiah 1, which speaks of spiritual sickness and a nation's moral decay, suggests a complete undoing of well-being, both individually and corporately. This includes the loss of God's blessing, the breaking of the covenant relationship, and ultimately, an eternal separation from the source of life. It speaks to the utter desolation that results from persistent rebellion against God, encompassing spiritual, social, and existential ruin, foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual death mentioned in the New Testament (e.g., [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 1:28, with its stark pronouncement of destruction for transgressors and those who forsake the Lord, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the abolition of divine justice, but in its perfect execution and the provision of an escape from its wrath through Jesus Christ. The "destruction" and "consumption" spoken of here represent the just wages of sin, a debt that humanity, in its fallen state, could never pay. However, the New Testament reveals that God, in His infinite love, sent His Son, Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the requirements of God's law and bore the full weight of this deserved judgment on the cross. Jesus became the ultimate "transgressor" in the eyes of the law, taking upon Himself the sin of the world, so that those who believe in Him might not face destruction but receive eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering reconciliation to those who were once alienated and enemies because of their evil behavior ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Thus, while Isaiah 1:28 declares the certainty of judgment for those who forsake the Lord, the Gospel proclaims that through Christ, we can be reconciled to God and escape the very consumption that our sin would otherwise guarantee, finding life and peace in Him who was consumed for us.

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

Psalms 1:6

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

2 Thessalonians 1:8

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Thessalonians 1:9

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Isaiah 30:13

Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Job 31:3

[Is] not destruction to the wicked? and a strange [punishment] to the workers of iniquity?

Psalms 73:27

For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.