Isaiah 1:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

With judgment, signifying retribution, discipline, and affliction of adversaries. Through acts of charity, reflecting profound compassion. In this, He assures them of two significant blessings: to exact retribution on their captors and to grant them abundant prosperity; either of these blessings can bring immense joy, but together, they yield unparalleled delight. Conversely, to emphasize that their return to their homeland would occur not as a result of deserved punishment and purification from their transgressions, but rather due to God's mercy, He includes the phrase: and with acts of charity.

After the generations were separated, as I previously mentioned, a remarkable individual who had faith—the chosen one—was redeemed.

The prophet, having refrained from mentioning sensual adversaries or captives directly, refers to the restoration of the city as a deliverance from bondage. This leads us to understand that, due to our being ensnared by sin and under the authority of the enemy, we are effectively prisoners of transgression, taken captive by the evil one, causing our tongues to serve unrighteousness (cf. Rom. 6:19). This is why there have been judges, saviors, and protectors of the people, such as Barak, Samson, Gideon, and Jephthah; and why there are counselors and guides for salvation, so that the captives of this city may attain deliverance. To be saved with judgment signifies being saved through scrutiny and discernment.

Zion will be saved through judgment, either by the reckoning that is to come upon Babylon or by the completion of the period of servitude that divine justice has determined for the Jewish people. Zion’s liberation will occur due to the righteousness of Daniel, Zerubbabel, and other similarly virtuous individuals.

Not everyone will experience redemption, and not all will attain salvation, but there will be a remnant, as previously indicated (Is. 1:9).

Zion, or Jerusalem, along with its surrounding towns and communities, will prosper when the righteous leaders mentioned in the previous verse are appointed and acts of charity—showing compassion to the vulnerable and impoverished—are firmly established. At that time, through the application of justice and kindness, Zion will find deliverance from future troubles as the captives, likely those taken to Babylon, are restored.