Isaiah 3:13

KJV

The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} standeth up {H5324} to plead {H7378}, and standeth {H5975} to judge {H1777} the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI rises to accuse, he stands to judge the peoples.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people.

American Standard Version

Jehovah standeth up to contend, and standeth to judge the peoples.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 3:13 presents a solemn and powerful image of the Lord rising to engage in a divine legal proceeding against His people, Judah and Jerusalem. This verse marks a pivotal moment in Isaiah's prophecy, shifting from a detailed description of societal decay and moral corruption to the direct declaration of God's active intervention. He assumes the dual roles of both prosecutor, presenting His case against their injustice and rebellion, and ultimate judge, poised to deliver a righteous verdict and administer the consequences of their widespread sin and covenant infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 3:13 serves as a climactic statement within Isaiah's scathing indictment of Judah and Jerusalem. The preceding verses ([Isaiah 3:1-7](/isaiah/3-1-7 "Isaiah 3:1-7 - Removal of Leadership and Support")) detail the removal of all forms of leadership and stability, leaving the nation in chaos and vulnerability. This is followed by a stark portrayal of widespread moral depravity, where the people's sin is openly displayed, and they oppress the poor and needy ([Isaiah 3:8-12](/isaiah/3-8-12 "Isaiah 3:8-12 - Judah's Open Sin and Oppression")). The specific targets of God's judgment are identified as the elders and leaders who have "devoured the vineyard" and "crushed the faces of the poor" ([Isaiah 3:14-15](/isaiah/3-14-15 "Isaiah 3:14-15 - God's Indictment of the Elders")). Thus, verse 13 sets the stage for God's direct, judicial response to the profound societal injustice and spiritual rebellion described throughout the chapter, signaling an imminent divine reckoning.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah is set during the tumultuous 8th century BCE, a period marked by political instability and moral decline in both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Judah, under kings like Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, experienced periods of prosperity but also significant social injustice and widespread idolatry. Isaiah's message is addressed to a society that had strayed far from the covenant obligations established with Yahweh at Sinai. The cultural norms of the time included a hierarchical society where the powerful often exploited the vulnerable, and religious practices were frequently superficial, failing to produce genuine righteousness. God's "standing up" to plead and judge would have resonated deeply with the familiar legal systems of the ancient Near East, where disputes were brought before a judge or elder, emphasizing the divine King's direct and personal engagement with His people's actions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Isaiah's prophetic message and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Justice and Accountability**, portraying God not as a distant observer but as an active participant who intervenes to address human wickedness. This highlights the principle that all nations and individuals are ultimately accountable to God's righteous standards, as seen in passages like [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Individual Accountability to God"). Secondly, it emphasizes **God as Prosecutor and Judge**, illustrating His comprehensive role in upholding His moral law. He first "pleads" His case, laying out the charges against His people's covenant infidelity and social injustice, much like a divine advocate, before assuming the role of the ultimate Judge to deliver a righteous verdict. This sequence underscores His fairness and righteousness, as He does not judge arbitrarily. Finally, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Societal Sin**, serving as a potent reminder that widespread injustice, corruption, and disregard for the vulnerable will inevitably invite God's intervention and judgment, a truth echoed in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - God's Requirements for Justice and Mercy") and [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This term refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, the covenant name of God (Jehovah or Yahweh). Its use here emphasizes that it is the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel who is taking this judicial action, not a lesser deity or an impersonal force. This highlights the personal and relational nature of the judgment, as it comes from the very One who established a special relationship with His people, underscoring the gravity of their covenant violations.
* **plead (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** This primitive root signifies "to toss," "grapple," or, more commonly in a figurative sense, to "wrangle" or "hold a controversy." It carries the strong connotation of a legal dispute or a lawsuit. When God "pleads," He is bringing a formal charge, presenting His case, and articulating His grievances against His people's actions, particularly their covenant infidelity and social injustice. It suggests a divine prosecution, where God lays out the evidence of their sin before delivering a verdict.
* **judge (Hebrew, _dîyn'_):** This root primarily signifies "a straight course," implying a direct and unwavering application of truth and law. In the context of judgment, it refers to the act of administering justice by setting things right or bringing a situation to a just, "straight" conclusion. It encompasses not only the decision-making but also the execution of a righteous verdict, ensuring that actions align with divine standards and that the divine decree is enforced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD standeth up to plead":** This clause portrays God in an active, decisive posture, initiating a formal legal process. The imagery of "standing up" suggests a deliberate and authoritative action, indicating that God is no longer passively observing but is now directly intervening. His purpose is to "plead," which signifies His intention to present His case, articulate His grievances, and lay out the charges against His people, much like a prosecutor in a courtroom. This highlights His righteous indignation and His unwavering commitment to justice.
* **"and standeth to judge the people":** This second clause reinforces the Lord's active stance and clarifies the ultimate outcome of the preceding "pleading." Having presented His case, God now assumes the role of the ultimate Judge, ready to deliver a verdict and administer justice. The repetition of "standeth" emphasizes His unwavering resolve and supreme authority in this judicial proceeding. "The people" refers specifically to Judah and Jerusalem, underscoring that this judgment is directed at His own chosen nation, who have violated their covenant responsibilities and oppressed the vulnerable within their society.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 3:13 is rich in literary devices that enhance its impact and convey its profound theological message. The most prominent device is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described using human characteristics and actions ("standeth up"). This makes the abstract concept of divine judgment more relatable and immediate, portraying God as actively engaged in the affairs of humanity rather than being a distant, impassive deity. Closely related is the pervasive use of **Legal Metaphor** or **Judicial Imagery**. The terms "plead" and "judge" directly invoke the setting of a courtroom, casting God in the dual role of prosecutor and judge. This framework emphasizes the fairness, order, and righteousness of God's actions; He is not acting arbitrarily but according to established principles of justice and covenant law. Furthermore, the verse employs **Parallelism** through the repetition of "standeth" in both clauses ("standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge"). This structural repetition creates a sense of emphasis and solemnity, reinforcing the certainty and dual nature of God's decisive intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 3:13 profoundly reveals God's intrinsic nature as a God of justice and righteousness, deeply concerned with the moral order of His creation and the conduct of His covenant people. It underscores that divine patience has limits, and persistent sin, particularly social injustice and oppression, will inevitably provoke God's direct intervention. This verse establishes a universal principle of accountability, reminding humanity that there is a divine standard by which all actions, both individual and collective, will ultimately be measured. It highlights that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is rooted in His perfect character and His covenant faithfulness, serving as a solemn warning and a call to repentance for those who have strayed from His righteous path.

* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "God's Call to Justice, Mercy, and Humility")
* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Personal Accountability Before God")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "The Certainty of Death and Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 3:13 serves as a timeless and urgent reminder that God is actively engaged with the moral landscape of human society. It challenges us to confront the reality that our actions, especially how we treat the vulnerable and uphold justice, are not unseen or unjudged by the Almighty. For believers today, this verse calls for a deep introspection into our own lives and the systems we participate in. Are we contributing to injustice or actively working against it? Do we reflect God's heart for righteousness in our communities, or are we complacent in the face of oppression? This passage compels us to pursue justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, understanding that true worship extends beyond ritual to encompass ethical living. It also offers profound comfort to the oppressed, assuring them that God is not indifferent to their suffering but is their ultimate advocate and judge against those who exploit them, promising that true justice will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our contemporary society, or even our own lives, reflect the societal decay and injustice that provoked God's judgment in Isaiah's time?**
* **How does the imagery of God "standing up to plead and judge" shape your understanding of His character and His active involvement in human affairs?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to "do justly" and advocate for the marginalized in my sphere of influence, reflecting God's heart for justice?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "plead" in this context?**

Answer: When Isaiah 3:13 states that "The LORD standeth up to plead," it uses a legal metaphor to describe God's action. The Hebrew word for "plead" (_rîyb_) signifies to engage in a legal dispute or controversy. In this context, it means God is acting as a divine prosecutor, bringing a formal lawsuit against His people, Judah and Jerusalem. He is presenting His case, articulating His grievances, and laying out the charges against them for their covenant infidelity, idolatry, and pervasive social injustice, particularly their oppression of the poor and vulnerable, as detailed in [Isaiah 3:1-12](/isaiah/3-1-12 "Isaiah 3:1-12 - Judah's Sins and Judgment"). This demonstrates God's righteousness and His commitment to holding His people accountable to the standards of His covenant.

**Is God always judgmental, or does this verse represent a specific type of divine action?**

Answer: While Isaiah 3:13 portrays God in a judicial role, emphasizing His judgment, it's crucial to understand this within the broader biblical narrative. God is fundamentally characterized by love, mercy, and patience ([Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassion and Justice")). However, His love is not divorced from His righteousness. This verse represents a specific type of divine action: a righteous response to persistent, unrepentant sin and systemic injustice within His covenant people. It's not a picture of arbitrary judgment, but a necessary consequence of their rebellion and their failure to uphold the covenant. It highlights that divine patience has limits and that God will ultimately intervene to uphold justice and His holy character, as seen in other prophetic warnings throughout the Old Testament, such as those found in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 3:13, with its depiction of the Lord rising to plead and judge His people, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While this Old Testament passage speaks of God's judgment on sin and injustice, the New Testament reveals how God's justice and mercy perfectly converge in Christ. Jesus is presented as the one to whom all judgment has been committed by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). He is not only the ultimate Judge who will return to administer perfect justice ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ the Righteous Judge")), but He also uniquely fulfilled the "pleading" aspect of this verse. On the cross, Christ became the ultimate Advocate for humanity, taking upon Himself the very judgment that Isaiah 3:13 describes as coming upon a sinful people. He absorbed the righteous wrath of God against sin, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Thus, the divine court described in Isaiah finds its resolution in the gospel: God's justice is satisfied through Christ's sacrifice, and through faith in Him, those who were once under condemnation are now offered reconciliation and eternal life, awaiting His return not as a terrifying judge, but as their glorious King and Savior.

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

Micah 6:2

Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.

Hosea 4:1

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because [there is] no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Hosea 4:2

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

Proverbs 23:10

¶ Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

Proverbs 23:11

For their redeemer [is] mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

Proverbs 22:22

¶ Rob not the poor, because he [is] poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

Proverbs 22:23

For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.