Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 5:23
Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
23. These valiant drinkers are weak enough in their official capacity; they acquit the guilty and condemn the innocent. justify the wicked ] “wicked” and “righteous” are here used in their forensic sense: “he who is in the wrong” and “he who is in the right” (cf. Exo 9:27). So “take away the righteousness” means “declare guilty” the opposite of “justify.”
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Which justify – This refers, doubtless, to magistrates. They gave unjust decisions.
For reward – For bribes.
And take away the righteousness – That is, they do not decide the cause in favor of those who have just claims, but are determined by a bribe; see the note at Isa 1:23. It is remarkable, that this is introduced in immediate connection with their being mighty to mingle strong drink. One effect of intemperance is to make a man ready to be bribed. Its effect is seen as clearly in courts of justice, and in the decisions of such courts, as any where. A man that is intemperate, or that indulges in strong drink, is not qualified to be a judge.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 23. The righteous] tsaddik, singular, Sept. Vulg., and two editions.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Justify the wicked for reward; not by mistake or incogitancy, but wilfully for bribes.
Take away the righteousness of the righteous from him, to wit, juridically; they pronounce sentence against him, as if he and his cause were unjust.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Which justify the wicked for reward,…. This is either spoken of judges, and civil magistrates, who gave the cause in favour of the wicked, that bribed them, contrary to law, De 16:19 or rather of the Scribes and Pharisees, who pronounced the wicked righteous men, provided they kept the traditions of the elders, and paid tithes of all they possessed, and gave them money for their long prayers, Mt 23:14:
and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him; by condemning them as unrighteous persons: so the Jews did Christ and his apostles; they pronounced them wicked, and condemned them to death; and as much as in them lay took away their righteousness from them, by taking away their character from them as righteous persons among men; though their righteousness itself could not be taken away, it being an everlasting one.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
23. Who justify the wicked for a reward. He censures a corruption which at that time abounded in judgment-seats, and points out the reason why there is no room for justice in these places, namely, that they are under the influence of gifts. For covetousness blindeth the eyes of the wise, and perverteth all regard to what is good and just, even among those who would otherwise be disposed to follow what is right. (Exo 23:8; Deu 16:19.)
It may be objected that there are other methods, and that it is not by gifts only that judgments are perverted; for favor, hatred, friendship, and other sinful passions, often blind the understanding. This is undoubtedly true; but the Prophet had in his eye what happens for the most part, ( ἐπὶ τὸ πολὺ,) and at the same time did not intend to spare those vices which he did not express by name. Following this example, godly teachers ought to be wise and careful in observing and correcting the vices which most extensively abound among the people, and most of all to oppose everything which appears to be sanctioned by wicked custom.
Now this corruption which is mentioned is that which most frequently of all is to be found in judgment-seats; and, therefore, it ought to be most carefully avoided by those judges who wish to form an upright judgment. Nor ought we to listen to what is affirmed by many, that gifts are not bestowed on them for that purpose, or that, after having accepted them, they are as free as ever to give a just decision; for where gifts are allowed, the regard to what is just and right must be corrupted, and it is impossible for your mind not to be favourably disposed towards him from whom you received them. In short, we should hear the Lord, who declares that the understanding of the wisest man is corrupted, and the disposition of the most upright man is perverted, unless we choose to be thought wiser than God.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
Isa 5:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Ver. 23. Which justify the wicked for reward, ] q.d., Woe to such also, for even they both are abomination to the Lord Pro 17:15 Isa 1:23 See Trapp on “ Pro 17:15 “
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the wicked = a lawless one. Hebrew. rasha’.
reward = a bribe,
the righteous = righteous ones.
him = them.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
justify: Exo 23:6-9, Pro 17:15, Pro 24:24, Pro 31:4, Pro 31:5
for reward: Isa 1:23, Deu 16:19, 2Ch 19:7, Pro 17:23, Mic 3:11, Mic 7:3
take: Isa 10:2, 1Ki 21:13, Psa 94:21, Mat 23:35, Mat 27:24, Mat 27:25, Jam 5:6
Reciprocal: Exo 23:8 – thou shalt take Deu 25:1 – General Psa 50:17 – castest Psa 50:18 – consentedst Pro 18:5 – to overthrow Isa 32:7 – instruments Isa 59:14 – General Hos 7:5 – made Amo 2:6 – because Hab 2:5 – he transgresseth Joh 7:24 – General Act 8:33 – judgment