Isaiah 1:9 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

If the LORD Almighty had not left us a small group of survivors, we would have been completely destroyed like the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is acknowledging that only God's mercy in preserving a small remnant of faithful people saved them from total destruction.

📚 Historical Context

Isaiah was writing during a time when Judah faced devastating invasions and exile, with most of the nation falling into idolatry and moral corruption. The reference to Sodom and Gomorrah recalls the complete destruction of those cities due to their wickedness, as recorded in Genesis. This verse reflects the reality that only a faithful minority would survive God's judgment and maintain the covenant relationship.

Explore Similar Verses

Jeremiah 51:62

Then you'll say, 'God, you've declared judgment on this place — that it'll be completely destroyed with no survivors, not even animals. Just empty and desolate forever.'

Ezra 9:14

Should we break your commands again and intermarry with people who practice these detestable things? Wouldn't you be angry with us until you completely destroyed us, leaving no survivors or anyone to escape?

Job 1:16

While the first messenger was still speaking, another one came and said, 'Fire from God fell down from heaven and burned up all the sheep and the servants, completely destroying them. I'm the only one who escaped to bring you this news.'

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