Isaiah 58:1

¶ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

Cry {H7121} aloud {H1627}, spare {H2820} not, lift {H7311} up thy voice {H6963} like a trumpet {H7782}, and shew {H5046} my people {H5971} their transgression {H6588}, and the house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290} their sins {H2403}.

Shout out loud! Don't hold back! Raise your voice like a shofar! Proclaim to my people what rebels they are, to the house of Ya'akov their sins.

“Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins.

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and declare unto my people their transgression, and to the house of Jacob their sins.

Commentary

Isaiah 58:1 delivers a powerful and urgent divine command to the prophet Isaiah, instructing him to boldly confront the people of Israel regarding their spiritual hypocrisy and moral failings. This verse sets the tone for a chapter that sharply critiques superficial religious observance and calls for a return to genuine righteousness and social justice.

Context

This prophecy likely addresses the Jewish people in the post-exilic period, or perhaps even earlier, during a time when outward religious practices were being maintained, but true devotion and obedience to God's law were lacking. The "house of Jacob" refers to the entire nation of Israel. God observes their rituals and fasts but sees through their outward piety to their inward corruption and neglect of justice. The immediate context of Isaiah 58, following reflections on God's enduring promises, highlights the stark contrast between God's faithfulness and His people's unfaithfulness, prompting this severe but necessary rebuke.

Key Themes

  • Bold and Urgent Proclamation: The commands "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet" emphasize the non-negotiable and immediate nature of the message. The prophet is to deliver God's word without fear, compromise, or hesitation, ensuring it is heard clearly and unmistakably.
  • Confrontation of Sin: The primary purpose of this loud proclamation is to "shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." God desires His people to acknowledge their wrongdoing and rebellion against His covenant. This reflects God's holiness and His demand for genuine righteousness from those who claim to be His.
  • Divine Authority: The message originates directly from God ("my people," "their transgression," "their sins"), lending divine authority to Isaiah's challenging words. The prophet is merely the messenger, but the message carries the weight of the Almighty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used in this verse convey intense meaning:

  • "Cry aloud" (Hebrew: qara) implies a loud, public proclamation, not a quiet whisper. It's a call to attention.
  • "Spare not" (Hebrew: chasak) means to not hold back, to not be silent, and to deliver the full, unedited message.
  • The command to "lift up thy voice like a trumpet" (Hebrew: shophar) signifies a clear, piercing, and attention-grabbing sound. The trumpet was often used in ancient Israel for warnings, summoning assemblies, or declaring war, demanding immediate notice.
  • "Transgression" (Hebrew: pesha) specifically refers to a deliberate rebellion or revolt against God's law, an act of breaking faith.
  • "Sins" (Hebrew: chatta'ah) is a more general term for missing the mark, falling short of God's standard, or moral failure. The combination of these two terms highlights both intentional rebellion and general moral shortcomings.

Related Scriptures

This prophetic mandate echoes the call given to other prophets, such as the prophet Ezekiel, who was appointed as a "watchman" responsible for warning God's people of their impending judgment if they did not repent. It also aligns with the broader prophetic tradition of confronting national sin and calling for a return to covenant faithfulness.

Practical Application

Isaiah 58:1 remains highly relevant for believers today. It underscores the importance of:

  • Speaking Truth Boldly: When God calls for it, His people must speak truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging. This isn't about condemnation but about calling others to repentance and reconciliation with God, driven by love.
  • Examining Our Own Faith: The verse challenges us to look beyond outward religious rituals and practices to ensure our faith is genuine and expressed through righteous living, social justice, and sincere devotion. God desires transformation of the heart, not just external conformity.
  • Confronting Sin with Love: While the message is direct, it stems from God's perfect love and desire for His people's salvation and restoration. Confronting sin, when done humbly and lovingly, is an act of care that seeks to lead others to the path of life.
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Cross-References

  • Titus 2:15 (20 votes)

    ¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

  • Acts 20:26 (16 votes)

    Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I [am] pure from the blood of all [men].

  • Acts 20:27 (16 votes)

    For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

  • Hosea 8:1 (14 votes)

    ¶ [Set] the trumpet to thy mouth. [He shall come] as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.

  • Acts 7:51 (12 votes)

    ¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

  • Acts 7:52 (12 votes)

    Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

  • Matthew 3:7 (11 votes)

    ¶ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?