Isaiah 42:24

Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the LORD, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law.

Who gave {H5414} Jacob {H3290} for a spoil {H4933}{H4882}, and Israel {H3478} to the robbers {H962}? did not the LORD {H3068}, he against whom {H2098} we have sinned {H2398}? for they would {H14} not walk {H1980} in his ways {H1870}, neither were they obedient {H8085} unto his law {H8451}.

Who gave Ya'akov to be pillaged, Isra'el to the plunderers? Didn't ADONAI, against whom we have sinned, in whose ways they refused to walk, he whose Torah they did not obey?

Who gave Jacob up for spoil, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned? They were unwilling to walk in His ways, and they would not obey His law.

Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not Jehovah? he against whom we have sinned, and in whose ways they would not walk, neither were they obedient unto his law.

Commentary

Isaiah 42:24 presents a powerful rhetorical question and its stark answer, revealing the divine perspective on Israel's suffering and subjugation. The verse probes the reason for the nation of Jacob (Israel) being given "for a spoil" and "to the robbers," ultimately attributing their plight to their own spiritual rebellion against God.

Context

This verse is situated within the broader context of Isaiah's "Servant Songs" (chapters 42, 49, 50, 52-53), which introduce the ideal Servant of the LORD. However, Isaiah 42:18-25 serves as a sharp contrast, shifting focus from the ideal Servant to the reality of Israel's spiritual deafness and blindness. It explains that Israel's historical periods of defeat, plunder, and captivity—such as the Assyrian or foreshadowing the Babylonian exile—were not random misfortunes or a sign of God's weakness, but rather a direct consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness. The passage sets the stage for understanding God's righteous judgment alongside His ultimate plan for redemption.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Justice: The rhetorical question "did not the LORD?" emphatically declares that God Himself, despite His love for Israel, allowed these calamities. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over the destinies of nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. He is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in human history, responding to His people's actions.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The core reason for Israel's suffering is explicitly stated: "for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law." This underscores a fundamental biblical principle that sin and rebellion against God's commands inevitably lead to negative outcomes and divine discipline. Their failure to uphold their end of the covenant resulted in the forfeiture of its blessings and the experience of its curses.
  • Covenant Fidelity: The verse implicitly reminds Israel of their covenant relationship with God. As His chosen people, they were bound by divine law and expected to live in a way that honored their God. Their disloyalty disrupted this sacred bond, leading to the painful experiences described as being a "spoil" and prey to "robbers."

Linguistic Insights

The terms "spoil" (Hebrew: בַּז, baz) and "robbers" (Hebrew: שָׁסִים, shasim) vividly depict the brutal reality of military conquest and plunder. The phrase "walk in his ways" (Hebrew: הָלְכוּ בִדְרָכָיו, haleku bidrakav) is a common biblical idiom representing a lifestyle lived in accordance with God's moral and ethical principles. Similarly, "obedient unto his law" (Hebrew: וְלֹא שָׁמְעוּ לְתוֹרָתוֹ, velo sham'u letorato) directly refers to their rejection of the Torah, God's divine instruction and covenant stipulations, which was the foundation of their relationship with Him.

Practical Application

Isaiah 42:24 serves as a timeless warning and a profound lesson for all who claim to follow God. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, and while God is merciful and loving, His justice demands accountability. For believers today, this verse emphasizes the importance of genuine obedience and faithfulness to God's Word. It encourages us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we are truly doers of the Word and not hearers only. Ignoring God's commands can lead to spiritual barrenness and a loss of divine blessing, whereas walking in His ways brings life and peace.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 28:49 (2 votes)

    The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, [as swift] as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

  • Nehemiah 9:26 (2 votes)

    Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

  • Nehemiah 9:27 (2 votes)

    Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

  • Isaiah 10:5 (2 votes)

    ¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

  • Isaiah 10:6 (2 votes)

    I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

  • 2 Chronicles 15:6 (2 votes)

    And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity.

  • Matthew 22:7 (2 votes)

    But when the king heard [thereof], he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.