Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Isaiah 1:10

Explanation:
Notice the two commands that God gives in this verse: “hear” and “give ear.” The idea of these words were not just to audibly take it in. The idea was to listen and obey.

Also notice the two audiences: “rulers of Sodom” and “people of Gomorrah.” When you read the context here, God is speaking (1:2) to the nation of Judah and Jerusalem specifically (1:1). He is not talking to the actual cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Those cities were known to be very sinful cities.

But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

Genesis 13:13

These were the cities who faced the fire and brimstone of God’s wrath because of their wickedness.

Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

Genesis 19:24-25

In essence God was calling Jerusalem and Judah the future objects of his wrath. He was calling them wicked. By calling them to listen to His Word and His Law he was being merciful. He was warning them of the status of their behavior.

Application:
It is so important for us to listen to God’s Word. It’s not enough to know what His will is. We must be dedicated to doing it.

Response:
• Are you being disobedient to God’s Word in any area of your life?