Isaiah 5 is written to “Christians” (literally to the Jews of Jerusalem) – to those who claim God as God alone and worthy of worship. Isaiah 5 is written to those who are in a relationship with God. Isaiah 5 is written to people who say they love God. God is speaking to us!
Isaiah 5:11, Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may follow intoxicating drink; who continue until night, till wine inflames them!
They are passionate about their sports team, their political bent, their money, their children, their weekend and bucket list or their health. They rise early thinking of it, ponder on it throughout the day and exit the day with it in mind. You don’t speak to them very long and they are talking about it. They are driven, even “drunk”, with their thing!
5:12, The harp and the strings, the tambourine and flute, and wine are in their feasts; but they do not regard the work of the Lord, nor consider the operation of His hands.
They are about entertainment: movies, TikTok, concerts, music, partying, fun, amusement parks, shopping, events, etc. AND NOT about God! God is OK for Sunday morning or maybe even all-day Sunday but come Monday or Thursday or coffee break – God is a distant thought.
They don’t see God’s artistry in a sunrise or sunset or in a robin’s nest or in the texture and colors of roses. They don’t see God’s handiwork in the human eye or in the ability to drive a car or to compose music and play it. They don’t regard the work of God nor are they keen to God’s care, leading and blessings bestowed day after day.
5:13, Therefore, my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
So, God sends them into captivity – into a captivity of fear, despair, want and hopelessness. They find themselves without direction, wisdom, understanding or ideas. They have no leaders – nobody of grit and voice. They are thirsty for peace, hope and joy. They are barren.
5:20-23, Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink,
Who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man!
Their nation, existence, life is consumed and confronted with twisted values, lies, arrogant men, manipulations and wickedness. Their once glorious and righteous existence is turned to rot/vileness. What was once beautiful is now ugly!
Psalm 107:8, Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:15, Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:21, Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:31, Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
a PK Musing 
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