This chapter is a song full of imagery explaining some of God’s character. I suggest reading the entire thing.
The first and last parts are a hymn of praise: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” (v3-4) This sounds like a standard psalm, praising God for who He is and what he has done.
The middle strays a bit from a standard psalm: “For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. If favor is shown to the wicked, he does not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness he deals corruptly and does not see the majesty of the Lord. O Lord, your hand is lifted up, but they do not see it. Let them see your zeal for your people, and be ashamed.” (v9b-11a abr)
Isaiah’s essentially saying that God’s judgement on people is a very good thing – it can open their eyes to their sin, and to the Lord’s majesty. By judging people, God is teaching righteousness, and encouraging them to accept His love and offer of salvation.
Modern culture seems to think judging people is a bad thing, which is partially true, because the way we do it is usually wrong. Just like every other form of strong emotional behavior (eg. anger, jealousy, zeal) there are both righteous and unrighteous forms. God exhibits these behaviors in righteous ways, and Satan has created twisted, sinful versions of them which are far more commonly exhibited by people.
I encourage us to exercise caution when using emotionally-based behaviors like these. Let’s learn to examine our underlying motives and attitudes. Jesus exhibited the full range of emotion and emotional behaviors here on earth, though He did so in perfect righteousness. We’re not flawless at this like He is, but with practice, study of God’s word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can become more true to God’s original intent when we exhibit these things.
Father God, our Wholly Righteous Lord, You are flawless and perfect in all of Your ways. Please teach us to hold our tongues and withdraw our hands from any unrighteous behaviors. May we instead fully rely on Your teachings and the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions, so we may fully reflect the glory and righteousness of Jesus. May we bring you great honor in each and every word action, each and every day, forever and ever amen.
~ Conqueror in Training