Isaiah 5:23

“Which justify the wicked for reward, &c.] This is either spoken of judges, and civil magistrates, who gave the cause in favour of the wicked, that bribed them, contrary to law, (<051619>Deuteronomy 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, (<402314>Matthew 23:14,23): 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…”

“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 Isaiah 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. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Take away - Pronounce sentence against him. Isaiah 5:24”

“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; Ch2 19:7; Pro 17:23; Mic 3:11, Mic 7:3 take: Isa 10:2; Kg1 21:13; Psa 94:21; Mat 23:35, Mat 27:24, Mat 27:25; Jam 5:6 Isaiah 5:24”