God alone defines justice, and corrupt attempts to undermine it inevitably lead to ruin.
Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away the rights of the ones who are in the right! (Isaiah 5:23). Here, the prophet Isaiah—who ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah circa 740-681 BC—lashes out against systemic injustice. Though no specific city is mentioned in this verse, Isaiah’s ministry largely pertained to the region around Jerusalem in the kingdom of Judah, located in the southern part of what was once a unified Israel. The language portrays a leadership that used unethical practices to excuse wrongdoing, requiring money (a bribe) to shield evildoers from punishment, while simultaneously denying justice to those who legitimately deserve it. In doing so, the verse critiques both corruption and oppression, illustrating that even God’s people can lose sight of righteousness when they neglect His laws.
Who justify the wicked… (v.23) reveals a grievous failure of societal leaders. Scripture consistently condemns favoritism, especially when it leads to brazen injustices (Proverbs 17:15). The prophet Isaiah, a contemporary in a turbulent period of Judah’s history, was keenly aware of God’s righteous standards. He warns that any culture or nation that normalizes reversing right and wrong inevitably faces God’s judgment. The moral compass is skewed when wickedness is excused or honored for personal gain, subverting truth and damaging community trust.
…and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right! (v.23) highlights how far the leadership had strayed from the covenant ideals of justice. In the larger context of Isaiah chapter 5, God is metaphorically addressing the “vineyard” of His people, noting their failure despite His care and provision (Isaiah 5:1-7). This distortion of legal and moral standards also foreshadows the deeper justice and righteousness that Jesus ultimately fulfills in the New Testament, offering hope in the midst of corruption (e.g., Romans 3:21-26).
Set to dark mode
Isaiah 5:23 meaning
Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away the rights of the ones who are in the right! (Isaiah 5:23). Here, the prophet Isaiah—who ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah circa 740-681 BC—lashes out against systemic injustice. Though no specific city is mentioned in this verse, Isaiah’s ministry largely pertained to the region around Jerusalem in the kingdom of Judah, located in the southern part of what was once a unified Israel. The language portrays a leadership that used unethical practices to excuse wrongdoing, requiring money (a bribe) to shield evildoers from punishment, while simultaneously denying justice to those who legitimately deserve it. In doing so, the verse critiques both corruption and oppression, illustrating that even God’s people can lose sight of righteousness when they neglect His laws.
Who justify the wicked… (v.23) reveals a grievous failure of societal leaders. Scripture consistently condemns favoritism, especially when it leads to brazen injustices (Proverbs 17:15). The prophet Isaiah, a contemporary in a turbulent period of Judah’s history, was keenly aware of God’s righteous standards. He warns that any culture or nation that normalizes reversing right and wrong inevitably faces God’s judgment. The moral compass is skewed when wickedness is excused or honored for personal gain, subverting truth and damaging community trust.
…and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right! (v.23) highlights how far the leadership had strayed from the covenant ideals of justice. In the larger context of Isaiah chapter 5, God is metaphorically addressing the “vineyard” of His people, noting their failure despite His care and provision (Isaiah 5:1-7). This distortion of legal and moral standards also foreshadows the deeper justice and righteousness that Jesus ultimately fulfills in the New Testament, offering hope in the midst of corruption (e.g., Romans 3:21-26).