Bible Commentary

Isaiah 1:1-9

Matthew Henry on Isaiah 1:1-9

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Isaiah signifies, "The salvation of the Lord;" a very suitable name for this prophet, who prophesies so much of Jesus the Saviour, and his salvation. God's professing people did not know or consider that they owed their lives and comforts to God's fatherly care and kindness.

How many are very careless in the affairs of their souls! Not considering what we do know in religion, does us as much harm, as ignorance of what we should know. The wickedness was universal. Here is a comparison taken from a sick and diseased body.

The distemper threatens to be mortal. From the sole of the foot even to the head; from the meanest peasant to the greatest peer, there is no soundness, no good principle, no religion, for that is the health of the soul.

Nothing but guilt and corruption; the sad effects of Adam's fall. This passage declares the total depravity of human nature. While sin remains unrepented, nothing is done toward healing these wounds, and preventing fatal effects.

Jerusalem was exposed and unprotected, like the huts or sheds built up to guard ripening fruits. These are still to be seen in the East, where fruits form a large part of the summer food of the people.

But the Lord had a small remnant of pious servants at Jerusalem. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed. The evil nature is in every one of us; only Jesus and his sanctifying Spirit can restore us to spiritual health.

Recommended reading

More for Isaiah 1:1-9

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Vision of Isaiah. (b. c. 738.)Isaiah 1:1 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE VISION OF ISAIAH. (B. C. 738.) Here is, I. The name of the prophet, Isaiah, or Jesahiahu (for so it is in the Hebrew), which, in the New Testament is read Esaias. His name signifies the salvation of the Lord—a prope…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 1:1-31Isaiah 1:1-31 · The Pulpit CommentaryPART I.—EARLIER PROPHECIES OF ISAIAH (CH. 1-35.) SECTION I.—THE GREAT ARRAIGNMENT (Isaiah 1:1-31.). EXPOSITIONThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 1:1Isaiah 1:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryTITLE OF THE WORK. It is questioned whether the title can be regarded as Isaiah's, or as properly belonging to the work, and it is suggested that it is rather a heading invented by a collector who brought together into…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 1:1Isaiah 1:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe vision (comp. Obadiah 1:1; Nahum 1:1). The term is probably used in a collective sense, but is also intended to suggest the intrinsic unity of the entire body of prophecies put forth by Isaiah. As prophets were orig…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 1:1Isaiah 1:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe vision of Isaiah which he saw. The modern theory, that the prophetical gift was a mere "presentiment, "or" insight, "closely akin to that by which clear-sighted men of all times and nations have been able, in many r…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 1:1-9Isaiah 1:1-9 · The Pulpit CommentaryJehovah arraigns his people. I. INGRATITUDE THE BASEST OF SINS. He, the Father, has been faithlessly forsaken by ungrateful sons. This is the worst form of ingratitude. "Filial ingratitude! Is it not as this mouth shoul…
commentaryThe Vision of Isaiah. (b. c. 738.)THE VISION OF ISAIAH. (B. C. 738.) Here is, I. The name of the prophet, Isaiah, or Jesahiahu (for so it is in the Hebrew), which, in the New Testament is read Esaias. His name signifies the salvation of the Lord—a prope…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 1:1TITLE OF THE WORK. It is questioned whether the title can be regarded as Isaiah's, or as properly belonging to the work, and it is suggested that it is rather a heading invented by a collector who brought together into…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 1:1-9Jehovah arraigns his people. I. INGRATITUDE THE BASEST OF SINS. He, the Father, has been faithlessly forsaken by ungrateful sons. This is the worst form of ingratitude. "Filial ingratitude! Is it not as this mouth shoul…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 1:1-31PART I.—EARLIER PROPHECIES OF ISAIAH (CH. 1-35.) SECTION I.—THE GREAT ARRAIGNMENT (Isaiah 1:1-31.). EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 1:1The times and mission of Isaiah. God raises up the man for the age, giving him gifts for the particular work which the age may demand. History is not a mere faithful record of things done, but a wise and sympathetic est…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 1:1The vision of Isaiah which he saw. The modern theory, that the prophetical gift was a mere "presentiment, "or" insight, "closely akin to that by which clear-sighted men of all times and nations have been able, in many r…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 1:1The vision (comp. Obadiah 1:1; Nahum 1:1). The term is probably used in a collective sense, but is also intended to suggest the intrinsic unity of the entire body of prophecies put forth by Isaiah. As prophets were orig…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Degeneracy of Israel; The Sinfulness of Israel; The Sufferings of Israel. (b. c. 738.)THE DEGENERACY OF ISRAEL; THE SINFULNESS OF ISRAEL; THE SUFFERINGS OF ISRAEL. (B. C. 738.) We will hope to meet with a brighter and more pleasant scene before we come to the end of this book; but truly here, in the begi…Matthew Henry