A pain that cuts deep is a parent who loves their child but when that child has grown up, they despise and rebel against the very ones who raised them. This is the heart of God here (v. 2). He raised Israel up like a child and now they are rebellious.
1) Why should you be beaten anymore? (v. 5)
God has brought judgment not so that they harden their hearts, but so they would turn and be saved. And yet they continue to harden their hearts. God is asking them when enough will be enough for them. He doesn’t like to bring judgment. And yet even in judgment, even in suffering, even in collapse, they still will not repent.
2) I have shown Mercy with Zion (v. 8)
As an act of care, Jerusalem is left. He had to leave something or they would have faced total destruction like Sodom or Gomorrah.
3) Enough with your sacrifices! (v. 10-15)
They brought an exorbitant amount of sacrifices and offerings to God. Perhaps to justify their actions. But God says he hates these. If you have blood on your hands, what’s the point? They are evil assemblies. God takes no delight in that. It’s like killing someone and using the money stolen off their body to buy a present for your mother. Would that be pleasing to her if she knew the source of the money? Enough! God says. I will not hear your prayers with such evil on your hands.
4) Repent and learn to do what is right (v. 16-18)
Turn from evil. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Encourage the oppressed. Defend the fatherless. Plead the case of the widow.
The Lord says that if you repent and do these things, though their sins are like crimson, he will make them as white as snow. He will wash and cleanse them.
5) Instead, the city of God has become a harlot (v. 21-23)
She used to be known as a beacon of righteousness and justice. Instead, murderers dwell within her. The rulers are worthless, loving bribes instead of justice. They could care less about the helpless, they only want to care for themselves.
6) Therefore God will purify them through judgment (v. 24-31)
He will restore them, but it will be through the burning away of dross through fire. It won’t be pleasant. He will have to be harsh. But the result will be this.
He will restore the judges as in the days of old. And afterward she will be called the City of Righteousness and the Faithful City (v. 26) once again.
But again, it will be through terrible, terrible suffering because they have persisted in not repenting. He tried other ways but they hardened their hearts. Now he will have to resort to this.
