Isaiah 1:9

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Context of Isaiah 1:9

Isaiah 1 serves as a powerful introduction to the prophet's message, painting a grim picture of Judah's spiritual state. The chapter opens with God's lament over His rebellious children, likening them to a physically sick and morally corrupt nation. Despite being chosen by God, Judah had strayed into idolatry, injustice, and hypocrisy. Verse 9 delivers a stark warning by comparing Judah's deserved fate to that of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities utterly destroyed by divine judgment due to their extreme wickedness. This comparison highlights the severity of Judah's sin and the imminent danger they faced.

Key Themes in Isaiah 1:9

  • Divine Mercy Amidst Judgment: The verse powerfully conveys that Judah's continued existence was not due to their righteousness, but solely to God's preserving grace. Had it not been for His intervention, they would have been completely wiped out. This emphasizes God's patience and His desire to offer an opportunity for repentance, even in the face of widespread rebellion.
  • The Remnant: Central to this verse is the concept of "a very small remnant." This refers to a faithful minority, preserved by God's sovereign hand, through whom His covenant promises would eventually be fulfilled. The idea of a remnant is a recurring biblical theme, signifying God's faithfulness to His purposes despite human failure. The apostle Paul later references this very verse to explain God's preservation of a believing minority in Israel (Romans 9:29).
  • Severity of Sin: The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah underscores the extreme nature of Judah's spiritual corruption. It serves as a vivid reminder that God takes sin seriously and that unchecked disobedience leads to catastrophic consequences.
  • God's Sovereignty: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme power and authority over all creation, including heavenly armies and earthly nations. It reminds us that He is in ultimate control and His judgments are just and certain.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "LORD of hosts" is a significant divine title, appearing frequently in the prophetic books. In Hebrew, Yahweh Sabaoth conveys God's sovereignty as the Commander of celestial armies and the Ruler over all powers, both spiritual and earthly. It speaks to His omnipotence and His ability to execute His will. The word "remnant" (Hebrew: sarid or she'ar in various contexts) denotes survivors, those left over after a catastrophe, highlighting God's deliberate act of preservation.

Practical Application

Isaiah 1:9 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Hope in God's Faithfulness: Even in times of widespread spiritual decline or societal decay, God always preserves a faithful remnant. This provides hope and encouragement for believers who may feel isolated or overwhelmed by the prevailing culture.
  • The Gravity of Sin: The verse serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of sin and the seriousness with which God views rebellion against His commands. It calls for genuine repentance and a turning back to Him.
  • Divine Grace: Ultimately, the verse is a testament to God's incredible grace and mercy. He doesn't give us what we deserve but extends compassion, always leaving a way for redemption and restoration for those who turn to Him.
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Cross-References

  • Romans 9:29 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 37:32 (10 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Lamentations 3:22 (4 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 17:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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.