Isaiah 1:6
From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.
From sole to head with no soundness means the whole person is diseased through and through, with open wounds, bruises and festering sores left untreated showing complete moral corruption and inward ruin under rebellion and iniquity. It was shown as the true spiritual condition of ancient Israel in Judah and Jerusalem, a people professing to serve God while walking in forbidden paths in their own stubborn way and misunderstanding His character. The same condition belongs to all humanity apart from Christ, with the whole head sick and the whole heart faint from deep-rooted deadly sin-sickness. No human power can cleanse or heal it, for the carnal heart overpowers all good resolutions so outward conduct may be restrained but the heart cannot be changed. Healing comes only by turning back to the Lord and coming to Him in faith, for Christ as Physician cleanses these wounds by divine power without being polluted and restores the whole nature toward its original state.
Israel's Wounded Condition
Isaiah was shown in vision the true spiritual condition of ancient Israel, the once-favored people in Judah and Jerusalem called to hold universal dominion with the scepter given to the seed of David. From the sole of the foot even to the head there was no spiritual soundness in them, only wounds and bruises and putrefying sores that had not been closed nor bound up nor mollified with ointment. That untreated, unbound, unsoothed injury meant total inward corruption and complete moral corruption under rebellion and iniquity, a sickness covering the whole person from head to foot. Such thorough disease left them deserving chastisement and utter destruction.
The sick head and faint heart belonged to a people professing to serve God while walking in forbidden paths in their own stubborn way. They misunderstood His character even while claiming His service, and their festering, untreated wounds displayed the extent of sin and rebellion against Him. Judah's body-wide spiritual disease showed a profession without obedience, with no soundness from head to foot.
The same picture exposes those who claim to be righteous while transgressing the holy law, showing how the Lord regards such self-deceived profession. It delineates the condition of the men later driven from the temple courts. Though wounded and corrupted by sin from head to foot, such persons consider themselves spiritually healthy and whole, unaware of their condition, deceived by sin, pleased with themselves, and flattering themselves that they are in the light. They are unchristian in speech and actions, walk in darkness, and claim to be whole when they need a physician.
That indictment of complete spiritual sickness, with no part sound and wounds left untreated, also describes the church in moral darkness and spiritual death as a disease spreading through the whole body. It applies to the rebellion of the Battle Creek church, whose course was rebellion against God and shows the grave results of turning from Him. The people were wholly damaged by rebellion, their wounds left without cleansing, binding, or soothing care.
The chapter joins the diagnosis to the remedy by calling them to cleanse their ways, cease doing evil, and learn to do good. That call to turn from evil and do what is right shows the damaged condition requires repentance. The untreated wounds, bruises, and festering sores mark a people damaged by rebellion and in need of cleansing and restoration.
Healing Through Christ Alone
From sole of foot to head there is no soundness, for the universal human condition apart from Christ is wholly damaged by a deep-rooted, deadly sin-sickness covering the whole person, with the whole head sick and the whole heart faint. That sickness is total, leaving deep wounds, bruises and festering sores through the entire nature and requiring complete renewal, healing and freedom from God. Apart from Christ the carnal heart overpowers all good resolutions and promises.
No human power can cleanse or heal this condition. Outward conduct may be controlled, but the heart cannot be changed by human power, and it is beyond human power to please God. Yet even in this helpless, diseased state the sinner in pride braces the will and sets it against the will of God.
God is set forth as the great Healer of spiritual disease, able to heal even body-wide corruption with festering, untreated injury. Jesus is needed as Physician, with healing and strengthening power for this complete illness from head to foot. Recognizing sin should not lead to despairing flight from God, nor to self-righteousness.
Christ heals these wounds, bruises and leprosy-like sores by divine power and restores humanity toward its original state. As shown in His cleansing of the leper, He can dwell among sinners and work upon the injuries sin makes in the heart without being polluted. His presence brings healing that renews the whole nature.
Healing comes only by turning and turning back to the Lord and coming to Him in faith for cleansing. Looking at and dwelling on sins and the deplorable condition leaves the wounds unhealed and untreated. Looking to Jesus the uplifted Saviour brings healing and life, as sinners lay hold by faith of His merits and cooperate with divine agencies in forming righteous characters.
When received, He leads the backslider, restores comfort, and gives freedom and peace to him that is far off and to him that is near. In saving the sinner He upholds righteousness and His righteous law. Zion's bruises and wounds are healed when members humble themselves and accept the message, so she can arise as His light and glory come upon her.