Isaiah 5: The Sins of Israel

Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, (2002), 140–141

Isaiah 5 contains Isaiah’s continued description of Israel’s sins and the consequences of those sins. As you read, consider how the people’s sins in Isaiah’s day are like people’s sins in our day and what the Lord said will happen to those who refuse to repent.

Understanding the Scriptures

Isaiah 5

Betwixt (v. 3)Between 
Hedge (v. 5)Fence, wall 
Trodden down (v. 5)Walked on 
It shall not be pruned, nor digged (v. 6)It shall not be taken care of 
Briers (v. 6)Thorns or thorn bushes 
Judgment (v. 7)Justice, fairness 
Behold (v. 7)Saw 
Oppression (v. 7)Bloodshed 
Woe (vv. 8, 11, 18, 20–22)Sadness, or calamity 
Desolate (v. 9)Empty 
Inhabitant (v. 9)Someone who lives in a certain place 
Bath, ephah (v. 10)Units of measurement (see Bible Dictionary, “weights and measures,” p. 789) 
Exalted (v. 16)Lifted up, set up high 
Waste places of the fat ones (v. 17)The lands used by animals for grazing will be destroyed. 
Prudent (v. 21)Careful and of good judgment 
Despised (v. 24)Turned away from, hated 
Ensign (v. 26)Flag or banner an army gathers under and marches behind 

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A or B as you study Isaiah 5.

Activity A iconInterpret the Parable for Today

The parable in Isaiah 5:1–7 is about those who are given the gospel. What is the message of the parable for members in our day? You may want to consider Doctrine and Covenants 1:27; 82:3; and 105:6 as you write your response.

Activity B iconWoe!

List all of the people who the Lord says will experience “woe,” according to Isaiah 5:8–25, and describe each group of people in your own words.