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Israel’s Unfaithfulness
Isaiah 43:22–28 is a direct word from God to Jacob and Israel. It names their failure in worship and obedience, then shows that God himself deals with sin, even while also speaking of coming judgement.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
In this passage, God speaks to Jacob and Israel in the form of accusation, invitation, and judgement. The verses contrast what the people have not done for God with the burden of their sins, then declare that God blots out transgressions for his own sake and calls them to answer before him.
Isaiah 43:22–28Main takeaway
This passage teaches that Israel’s sin is real and serious, yet God says he himself blots out transgressions for his own sake.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A people who did not call on GodThe passage begins with a charge against Jacob and Israel. God says they have not called on him and have been weary of him.
Explanation
The passage begins with a charge against Jacob and Israel. God says they have not called on him and have been weary of him. This is not only about missing actions, but about a broken relationship. The names Jacob and Israel show that the message is addressed to God’s own people.
02They withheld honour, but brought sinGod says they did not bring sheep for burnt offerings or honour him with sacrifices. He also says he had not burdened them with offerings or wearied them with frankincense.
Explanation
God says they did not bring sheep for burnt offerings or honour him with sacrifices. He also says he had not burdened them with offerings or wearied them with frankincense. Instead, the people burdened God with their sins and wearied him with iniquities. Their wrongdoing is presented as the true offence.
03God himself blots out transgressionsAfter naming their sins, God declares, “I, even I,” to emphasise that he alone is the one who blots out transgressions.
Explanation
After naming their sins, God declares, “I, even I,” to emphasise that he alone is the one who blots out transgressions. He says he does this for his own sake and will not remember their sins. The verse does not excuse sin, but it clearly places forgiveness in God’s action.
04A call to answer before GodGod then says, “Put me in remembrance” and “Let us plead together.” He tells them to declare their case if they can be justified.
Explanation
God then says, “Put me in remembrance” and “Let us plead together.” He tells them to declare their case if they can be justified. This is the language of answering before God. The passage does not suggest their innocence, but invites the truth to be faced openly before him.
05Sin across generations and coming disgraceThe final verses widen the accusation. Their “first father” sinned, and their teachers also transgressed against God.
Explanation
The final verses widen the accusation. Their “first father” sinned, and their teachers also transgressed against God. Therefore judgement will reach the leaders, and Jacob and Israel will become a curse and an insult. The passage ends soberly, showing that guilt brings real consequences.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What contrast do you see between what Israel did not bring to God and what they did bring?
Compare the missing offerings and honour with the burden of sins and iniquities in the passage.
02What does God say about himself in verse 25 that gives hope in this passage?
Notice who acts to blot out transgressions and the reason he gives for doing so.
03How do verses 26–28 show both accountability and judgement?
Look at God’s invitation to declare a case, then the statement about sin and the result for the people and leaders.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Isaiah 43:22–28
22Yet you have not called on me, Jacob; but you have been weary of me, Israel.
23You have not brought me any of your sheep for burnt offerings, neither have you honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, nor wearied you with frankincense.
24You have bought me no sweet cane with money, nor have you filled me with the fat of your sacrifices, but you have burdened me with your sins. You have wearied me with your iniquities.
25I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.
26Put me in remembrance. Let us plead together. Declare your case, that you may be justified.
27Your first father sinned, and your teachers have transgressed against me.
28Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary; and I will make Jacob a curse, and Israel an insult.”