Isaiah 48

“Hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel … who swear by the name of the LORD and confess the God of Israel, but not in truth or right” (v1). Through Isaiah, God declared that using His name wasn’t enough. The Israelites were supposed to know God and walk in His ways, but they were “obstinate” and mixed idolatry with the worship of the Lord (v4-5). God desired their repentance and true, heart-level loyalty. “Draw near to Me …” (v16).

“Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river …” (v18). God calls us to trust and obey Him, for our own peace and well-being.