The portrayal of the desolation of the land and the isolated situation of Jerusalem probably refers to the events of 701 BCE in which the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, laid siege to the city (see 36.1–37.38
). Such attacks were repeated in later times and hence provide a context for the whole book. The prophet's rebuke shows how
the people's own wrongdoing had brought about their misfortunes.
As a royal city, Jerusalem was a center for the administration of justice over which the king presided. The failure to uphold
such justice allowed the most serious crimes to go unpunished. God would therefore have to take action, not only against the
criminal wrongdoers, but also against those whose indifference encouraged evil deeds.
1.1–20 :
The ruin and desolation of Jerusalem and the land of Judah.
1–9 :
The portrayal of the desolation of the land and the isolated situation of Jerusalem probably refers to the events of 701 BCE in which the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, laid siege to the city (see 36.1–37.38 ). Such attacks were repeated in later times and hence provide a context for the whole book. The prophet's rebuke shows how the people's own wrongdoing had brought about their misfortunes.
8 :
The booth and shelter in vineyard and field were watchmen's huts set up to protect the vines and crops.
1.10–20 :
Criticisms of the Temple * rituals and prayers show that without justice and compassion they are meaningless to God, who ignores them.
1.21–31 :
As a royal city, Jerusalem was a center for the administration of justice over which the king presided. The failure to uphold such justice allowed the most serious crimes to go unpunished. God would therefore have to take action, not only against the criminal wrongdoers, but also against those whose indifference encouraged evil deeds.
29 :
The oaks were simple rustic shrines, devoted to fertility and the gods and goddesses who were believed to guarantee life-giving power.