Having the Intelligence of a Donkey

The prophet Isaiah began his ministry during the last year of King Uzziah’s reign. This was a time marked by steady decline in Judah's faithfulness, morality, and knowledge. Isaiah claims that the people were less intelligent than an ox or donkey (1.3). At least these beasts know where the barn is and do not bite the hand that feeds them. The spiritual condition of Israel was like a wounded man and an unmaintained hut. Wounds that are left unattended will result in death and a shelter that is not maintained will eventually fall. Likewise, if Judah continues to reject God, they will be punished.

There are two ways Israel can deal with their alienation from God. First, they can follow the wrong way (9-15). Many at that time thought they were immune from judgment because they were children of God (and would always be) and were following the strict ritual that God had revealed. This is what I like to call “checklist discipleship.” If we follow the ritual without a relationship, we are not true disciples. This attitude can be seen today when people believe they only have to be baptized, go to church, and take the Lord’s Supper to go to heaven. Israel had followed the ritual but their hands were still full of blood. God desires a relationship, yet some follow God as a form of fire insurance (I won’t go to eternal punishment if I will just do this…). This reduces discipleship to an easy religion, something God has never promised.
Second, Israel can follow the right way (16-17). The covenant that reveals ritual also teaches the ethical treatment of others. The key to being a true disciple of God comes from a relationship with him and fellow man. Many today are divided on how to follow God. Does it come from knowing the doctrine of the Bible or showing love and kindness to others? The answer is both! God wants cleansing, reformation, justice, mercy, and care toward others (1.16-17).

The Lord invites Isaiah’s listeners to “come and let us reason together.” If one lifestyle leads to destruction (1.20) and the other restoration (19), which one is best? Isaiah says that even an ox or a donkey can figure this out.