Isaiah 1:1-2a

1) Why is it difficult, yet important, for us to read and study the Bible while trying not to let our culture or personal presuppositions determine its meaning? To help us understand Scripture, why do we need to gain insight into the life and world of the people to whom the Scriptures were written?

2) We are not ancient Israelites, so why do you think we should continue to study the Old Testament? (1 Corinthians 10:1-12; John 5:39-40)

3) According to Nehemiah 9:29-30, what is the prophet’s primary task? The prophets can be called covenant prosecutors, which is why Isaiah calls on heaven and earth as witnesses in the cosmic courtroom (Isaiah 1:2a).

Read the following passages and discuss how they explain the basis for the prophets’ prosecution. What do they tell us about why the northern tribes of Israel were exiled and why the southern tribes also ended up in exile for a time?

• Exodus 6:6-8
• Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 7, 15, 20, 25, 36, 45, 52, 64
• Leviticus 20:22
• Exodus 24:3 & 7
• Deuteronomy 29:10-15 & 29
• 2 Kings 17:6-8, 13-18
• 2 Kings 24:18-20

4) Though the prophets prosecuted, they also offered comfort and hope. According to Deuteronomy 30:1-6, what is the basis of this comfort? How does it compare to Isaiah 10:20-22? How does Deuteronomy 30:6 point forward to God’s work in Jesus? (Consider Jeremiah 32:36-40; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Romans 2:28-29; Colossians 2:11.)

5) How does knowing about God’s hatred for sin, His patience with sinful people, and the blessings He offers to those who belong to Him—most of all, His salvation through Jesus’ death—affect and guide your life?