Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

ISAIAH 1:2KJV
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Isaiah 1:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 1:2 mean?

Isaiah 1:2 presents the LORD’s complaint against his people as the complaint of a parent whose children have turned against him. The verse contrasts the LORD’s care in raising them with their rebellion, making their conduct a breach of a close relationship.

Heaven and earth are called to listen as the LORD speaks. That summons gives the complaint a public setting, as though the whole world were being called to hear the case.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 1:2

  • “nourished” — גָּדַל (gadal): This word can mean to make great or bring up. Here the image is of raising children to maturity, not only feeding them.
  • “rebelled” — פָּשַׁע (pashaʿ): This word carries the sense of revolt or breaking away from authority. The children’s action is pictured as defiance against the one who raised them.

Why Isaiah 1:2 matters

  • The “children” are the people being addressed, not a group of young children. The LORD speaks of raising them, and the following verses address Israel as a people.
  • The complaint begins with the LORD’s own words: “for the LORD hath spoken.” Isaiah presents the charge as coming from the LORD, rather than as Isaiah’s personal accusation.
  • The family image gives the later comparison with animals its force. In verse 3, an ox and a donkey are said to know their owners, while Israel does not understand.

Where else these words appear

“rebelled” Hebrew H6586 · used in 37 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:50 And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:
  • Psalms 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
  • Jeremiah 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

“ear” Hebrew H238 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Job 37:14 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
  • Psalms 140:6 I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

“nourished” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.