We continue looking at America in Biblical prophecy out of Isaiah 5.
So far, we have looked at the first two woes: covetousness and drunkenness. Today we will look at the third woe.
The Six Woes of Isaiah: Woe #3 – The Flaunting of Sin
Woe to those who drag iniquity with the cords of falsehood, and sin as if with cart ropes. –Isaiah 5:18.
The imagery here is that of a public display of sinful behavior, likened to that of a parade. It’s the blasphemous celebration of sin and the prideful display of it.
The word “drag” in the Hebrew, in the passage above means “to draw to one.”
The word “iniquity” is the Hebrew word “עָוֹן” transliterated “avon.” It means “perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity.” Its use in Isaiah is the “penalty of sin.”
If you put it together, it’s the drawing of the penalty of sin to oneself. How? By using “cords of falsehood.” It’s the joining of sin by falsehood or a lie.
Who say, “Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it; and let the purpose of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come to pass, that we may know it!” –Isaiah 5:19.
Putting the two passages together, you get those who would unabashedly flaunt their sin and thumb their noses at God. They tempt God by calling on Him to “do something about it.” Like so many who have gone before, they think that God’s delayed wrath means God won’t judge sin. This is an error of the most grievous kind!
Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the father fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. –2 Peter 3:3-4, 7.
Make no mistake. God is just and must punish sin. It’s up to you if you will repent and let Jesus bear the burden of the punishment of your sins. Or, you can continue in your lustful pursuits of sin and bear the burden yourself for all eternity. It’s your choice!
What’s next?
The fourth woe we’ll look at next time is those who would pervert moral distinctions.
May He Increase!
