Isaiah 1:9

KJV

Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, [and] we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Except {H3884} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} had left {H3498} unto us a very small {H4592} remnant {H8300}, we should have been {H1961} as Sodom {H5467}, and we should have been like {H1819} unto Gomorrah {H6017}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If ADONAI-Tzva'ot had not left us a tiny, tiny remnant, we would have become like S'dom, we would have resembled 'Amora.

Berean Standard Bible

Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.

American Standard Version

Except Jehovah of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 1:9 profoundly declares that Judah's continued existence, despite their profound spiritual rebellion and moral decay, was solely due to the preserving grace of the LORD of hosts, who mercifully left a small remnant. Had it not been for this divine intervention, the nation would have faced complete annihilation, suffering the same irreversible judgment and total destruction as the infamously wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This verse underscores both the severity of God's righteous judgment against sin and the boundless nature of His compassionate faithfulness to His covenant purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 1 serves as a stark indictment against Judah and Jerusalem, setting the stage for the prophet's entire message. The chapter opens with a lament from God Himself, describing His people as rebellious children who have forsaken Him, likening their spiritual condition to a body covered in festering wounds from head to toe, with no soundness left ([Isaiah 1:5-6](/isaiah/1-5-6 "Isaiah 1:5-6 - Judah's Spiritual Sickness")). The land itself is depicted as desolate and ravaged, resembling a besieged city or a temporary shelter in a vineyard after harvest ([Isaiah 1:7-8](/isaiah/1-7-8 "Isaiah 1:7-8 - The Desolation of Judah")). Verse 9, therefore, acts as a crucial turning point, revealing that the current state of partial destruction is not the worst possible outcome, but rather a testament to God's restraint. It transitions from a description of judgment to an explanation of the survival, highlighting divine mercy before moving into a call for repentance and true worship in the subsequent verses, emphasizing that God desires genuine obedience over ritualistic sacrifice ([Isaiah 1:10-17](/isaiah/1-10-17 "A Call to Repentance and True Worship")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied primarily during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (roughly 740-681 BCE), a period of significant political upheaval and spiritual decline for Judah. While outwardly prosperous at times, the nation was riddled with idolatry, social injustice, and hypocrisy, mirroring the very sins for which the northern kingdom of Israel would eventually fall. Judah was caught between the rising power of Assyria to the north and the lingering influence of Egypt to the south, often seeking alliances with human powers rather than trusting in the LORD. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah would have resonated deeply with the original audience, as these cities represented the epitome of divine judgment and utter destruction due to extreme wickedness, as recorded in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). This historical precedent served as a powerful cultural warning, emphasizing that God's justice is impartial and that even His chosen people were not immune to the consequences of unrepentant sin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's righteous wrath against sin and His unwavering commitment to justice. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah underscores the severity of the deserved punishment. Secondly, and perhaps more profoundly, it introduces the critical theme of **Divine Mercy and Preservation**, demonstrating that God, in His sovereign grace, always preserves a "remnant" even amidst widespread apostasy and deserved judgment. This "remnant" is not preserved due to their own merit, but solely by God's gracious hand. This theme is foundational to understanding God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history, as seen in passages like [Romans 9:27-29](/romans/9-27-29 "Paul's Use of the Remnant Prophecy"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Severity of Sin**, equating Judah's spiritual corruption with the heinous wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, thereby underscoring the gravity of their rebellion against the covenant. Finally, the title "LORD of hosts" reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, reminding the audience that their very survival is a direct result of the powerful and authoritative God who commands all creation and history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** This majestic divine title combines "Jehovah/Yahweh" (H3068), signifying the self-Existent or Eternal God, with "hosts" (H6635), meaning a mass of persons, especially an army. It emphasizes God's supreme authority and power as the Commander of celestial armies and the sovereign Ruler over all creation, both spiritual and earthly. In this context, it highlights that Judah's preservation is not accidental but a deliberate act of the all-powerful God, demonstrating His absolute control over life and death.
* **left (Hebrew, _yâthar'_):** This primitive root (H3498) means "to jut over or exceed," "to remain or be left," and causatively "to leave, cause to abound, preserve." Here, it signifies God's active and intentional act of preserving a portion of His people. It's not a passive oversight but a deliberate, merciful decision to ensure a future for His covenant purposes, specifically leaving behind a "remnant." This word underscores the divine initiative in Judah's survival.
* **remnant (Hebrew, _sârîyd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to survive" (H8300), this word specifically refers to a survivor or those "left over" after a catastrophe. In Isaiah 1:9, it denotes a small, preserved portion of the nation, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite the widespread unfaithfulness of the majority. This "remnant" serves as the seed for future restoration and the continuation of God's redemptive plan.
* **like (Hebrew, _dâmâh'_):** This primitive root (H1819) means "to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider." Its use here underscores the direct and severe comparison being made between Judah's deserved fate and the utter destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. It emphasizes that without God's intervention, Judah's end would have been identical to these infamous cities, highlighting the gravity of their sin and the magnitude of God's mercy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant":** This opening clause presents a counterfactual condition, asserting that Judah's survival is not a given but a direct consequence of God's merciful intervention. The "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) is the sovereign agent, whose deliberate act of "leaving" or preserving a "very small remnant" is the sole reason for the nation's continued existence. This highlights God's active role in salvation history and His faithfulness even in the face of human rebellion, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant purposes despite His people's unfaithfulness.
* **"we should have been as Sodom":** This clause starkly declares the deserved fate of Judah. The comparison to Sodom, a city utterly destroyed by divine judgment due to its extreme wickedness ([Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "Genesis 19:24-25 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")), signifies complete and irreversible annihilation. It underscores the severity of Judah's sin in God's eyes, equating their moral corruption with that of the most infamous examples of divine wrath, indicating that their rebellion was so profound it merited utter obliteration.
* **"and we should have been like unto Gomorrah":** This parallel clause reinforces the previous comparison, doubling down on the imagery of total destruction. Gomorrah, Sodom's companion city in judgment, serves to amplify the dire consequences that Judah narrowly avoided. The repetition emphasizes the certainty and totality of the destruction that would have befallen them had God not intervened with His preserving grace, leaving no doubt about the extent of the deserved judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 1:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly comparing Judah's potential fate to that of "Sodom" and "Gomorrah." This comparison is not merely illustrative but serves as a vivid and terrifying **Hyperbole**, underscoring the extreme nature of Judah's sin and the severity of the judgment they deserved. By invoking these infamous cities, the prophet taps into a deeply ingrained cultural memory of divine wrath and total annihilation, making the threat palpable and emphasizing the dire consequences of unrepentant rebellion. The use of the divine title, **"LORD of hosts,"** functions as a powerful **Appellation** that emphasizes God's omnipotence and sovereign control over all creation, including the execution of judgment and the preservation of a remnant. Furthermore, the concept of the "remnant" itself is a significant **Theological Motif** that runs throughout the biblical narrative, foreshadowing God's consistent method of preserving a faithful few through whom His covenant purposes will ultimately be fulfilled, demonstrating His enduring faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 1:9 is a cornerstone for understanding God's complex interaction with His covenant people, balancing His absolute justice with His profound mercy. It reveals that while sin demands judgment, God's faithfulness to His promises and His desire for redemption lead Him to preserve a chosen few. This concept of the "remnant" is not merely about physical survival but about the continuation of God's redemptive plan, ensuring that His covenant purposes will ultimately be fulfilled through a faithful lineage. The verse teaches that God's grace is the ultimate safeguard against total destruction, even when His people are deeply rebellious. It highlights that true hope does not lie in human strength or righteousness, but solely in the sovereign and merciful hand of the LORD of hosts. This divine preservation ensures that the lineage and purpose through which salvation would ultimately come are maintained, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive history.

* [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah") - Details the historical destruction that Isaiah references, emphasizing the totality of God's judgment against extreme wickedness and serving as a stark warning.
* [Romans 9:27-29](/romans/9-27-29 "Paul's Use of the Remnant Prophecy") - The Apostle Paul directly quotes Isaiah 1:9 to explain God's sovereign choice and preservation of a believing remnant within Israel, demonstrating the continuity of this theological principle into the New Testament era.
* [Zechariah 8:12](/zechariah/8-12 "Blessings for the Remnant") - Illustrates the future blessings and prosperity promised to the faithful remnant, showing God's ultimate intention to restore and bless those He preserves as part of His covenant faithfulness.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 1:9 offers profound lessons for believers today, serving as both a sober warning and a source of immense hope. It challenges us to confront the seriousness of our own sin and the devastating consequences of rebellion against God, reminding us that His justice is real and impartial. The thought that our deserved end might be akin to Sodom and Gomorrah should instill a deep sense of humility and gratitude. Yet, even more powerfully, it reveals the astonishing depth of God's mercy. Our very existence, our spiritual preservation, and any good within us are not due to our own merit but solely to His undeserved grace. This should cultivate profound humility and gratitude, prompting us to live lives that reflect His faithfulness and to continually turn to Him in repentance. In a world often marked by spiritual decline, this verse encourages us to recognize and value the "remnant" – those who genuinely seek to follow God – and to strive to be part of that faithful few, knowing that God works through them to fulfill His purposes. It calls us to repentance, to turn from any form of spiritual apathy or injustice, and to embrace the transformative power of God's preserving love, which alone offers true hope and salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community might we be taking God's grace for granted, similar to the people of Judah?**
* **How does the concept of God preserving a "remnant" encourage me when I feel overwhelmed by the spiritual state of the world or my own struggles with faithfulness?**
* **What specific actions can I take to align myself more fully with God's purposes, actively striving to be part of His faithful remnant?**
* **How does understanding the severity of sin (likened to Sodom and Gomorrah) deepen my appreciation for God's boundless mercy and preserving grace in my own life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) emphasizes God's supreme power and authority. "Hosts" refers to armies, both earthly and heavenly, signifying God's command over all creation. In Isaiah 1:9, it profoundly communicates that Judah's survival was not by chance or human effort, but by the deliberate, sovereign act of the all-powerful God who commands all forces and governs all history. This title highlights His omnipotence and His ability to execute His will, whether in righteous judgment or in merciful preservation. It underscores that the "remnant" was left not by accident, but by the intentional decision of the Almighty Commander, ensuring His covenant purposes would endure.

**Why are Sodom and Gomorrah used as a comparison here?**

Answer: Sodom and Gomorrah were cities famously destroyed by God due to their extreme wickedness, as recounted in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). They represent the epitome of divine judgment and complete annihilation. By comparing Judah's deserved fate to these cities, Isaiah underscores the profound depth of Judah's moral and spiritual corruption, equating it with the most egregious examples of sin in biblical history. It serves as a stark warning that Judah's rebellion was so severe that it warranted total destruction, and only God's extraordinary mercy prevented such an outcome. This comparison amplifies the gravity of their sin and the magnitude of God's preserving grace.

**Does "remnant" refer only to a physical group, or does it have a deeper meaning?**

Answer: While "remnant" in Isaiah 1:9 initially refers to a physically surviving portion of Judah, the concept carries profound theological depth throughout the Bible. It signifies not just those who survived a catastrophe, but those whom God sovereignly preserves for His redemptive purposes. This remnant is often characterized by faithfulness, even if small in number, and serves as the vehicle for God's ongoing work in the world. The New Testament, particularly in [Romans 9:27-29](/romans/9-27-29 "Romans 9:27-29 - Paul's Use of the Remnant Prophecy"), expands this to include a spiritual remnant—those who believe and are saved by grace, whether Jew or Gentile. Thus, it encompasses both physical preservation and spiritual faithfulness, pointing to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His ultimate plan of salvation through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 1:9, with its declaration of a preserved "remnant" by the grace of the "LORD of hosts," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very reason God preserved a remnant in Judah was to ensure the lineage and covenant through which the Messiah would ultimately come. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "remnant" of Israel, the perfectly obedient Son who represents the true Israel, the faithful one through whom God's promises are fully realized. While Israel as a nation largely rejected God, a faithful remnant believed in Jesus, forming the nucleus of the early church ([Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "God's Grace and the Remnant")). Through Christ, God established a new covenant, extending the concept of the remnant to all who believe, Jew or Gentile, forming the spiritual Israel, the Church ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs According to the Promise")). The judgment averted for Judah by a small remnant foreshadows the ultimate salvation from sin and death offered through the sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ, for all who believe. He is the one through whom God's mercy triumphs over judgment, making a way for a new, redeemed remnant from every nation, tribe, and tongue to be saved from the spiritual "Sodom and Gomorrah" of a sin-cursed world, bringing them into His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "The Multitude from Every Nation")).

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

Romans 9:29

And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

Isaiah 37:31

And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:

Isaiah 37:32

For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.

Genesis 19:24

¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

Lamentations 3:22

[It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Isaiah 17:6

¶ Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two [or] three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four [or] five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.

Isaiah 6:13

But yet in it [shall be] a tenth, and [it] shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance [is] in them, when they cast [their leaves: so] the holy seed [shall be] the substance thereof.