Isaiah 1-3

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord … that He may teach us concerning His ways, and that we may walk in His paths” (2:3).  Isaiah saw a hopeful, distant future in which nations would stream to God, seeking His peace and following His ways.  In Isaiah’s present, Judah (southern Israel) was rebellious, offering ritual sacrifices with hard hearts (1:11-15).  God’s desire was for His people to “Seek justice, reprove the ruthless; defend the orphan, plead for the widow” (1:17).

The peaceful kingdom Isaiah prophesied, without war or greed, is only possible when human hearts are voluntarily conquered by God’s love.