Isaiah 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Isaiah receives a vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (v. 1). God complains that His people have rebelled against Him, unlike even the ox and donkey who know their owners (vv.

Key verse

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says Yahweh: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Isaiah 1:18 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 1:1 Introduction of Isaiah's Vision
Isaiah 1:2–4 God's Complaint Against Israel
Isaiah 1:5–9 Consequences of Rebellion
Isaiah 1:10–15 Rejection of Rituals
Isaiah 1:16–20 Call to Repentance
Isaiah 1:21–27 Judgment and Restoration
Isaiah 1:28–31 Final Warning of Destruction

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Yahweh say regarding the relationship with His children?
What does the phrase 'the whole head is sick' in v5 suggest about Israel?
In v9, what does the mention of a 'very small remnant' imply about Israel's future?
What is the implication of Yahweh saying 'I will hide my eyes' in v15?
How do you respond when called to 'wash yourselves' and 'cease to do evil' (v16)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 1: Isaiah 43, 1 Samuel 15, Micah 6.

Before next time: read Isaiah 2.