Isaiah 1-4, Proverbs 2

Isaiah 1 opens like a courtroom. God is the Judge, and Judah is on trial. Although they keep religious practices, their hearts are far from Him. God doesn’t want empty religion.

Isaiah lived through the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to Assyria (722 BC) and saw Judah repeating similar mistakes. In Isaiah 2, Isaiah projects a motivating vision. Jerusalem will become the spiritual center of the world. The mood shifts and we see the people remain proud and back to chasing idols. A strong message: people must first humble themselves.

In Isaiah 3, we see Judah's leaders are corrupt, and its society is falling apart. God gives a warning.

During this time of judgement, Isaiah 4 is a flicker of hope. A reminder that God’s presence will cleanse and protect as it always has.

In Proverbs 2, Solomon urges his son to chase wisdom like hidden treasure, because the path of wisdom always protects you. This chapter looks at the differences between and upright path protected by God, and a dark path full of unfaithful hearts.