ישעיהו, פרק א׳, פסוק כ׳

A sharp choice is presented to the people, bringing the divine argument to a close. God establishes the conditions and leaves the power of free will entirely in their hands. They must decide between following the path of good or facing severe punishment for abandoning it [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

If they stubbornly refuse to listen and instead rebel against God's word [מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד], the consequence will be utter destruction [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators highlights a tragic irony in this outcome. While obedience would allow the people to eat the good of the land, rebellion reverses their fate. Instead of eating the land's bounty, they themselves will be eaten and devoured by the sword [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, שד״ל, אבן עזרא].

To ensure this warning is not dismissed as a hollow threat, a firm declaration is made that God has spoken. This serves as an absolute guarantee that God has the power to fulfill His word and will undoubtedly do so [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. Commentators explore the historical roots of this divine promise. One perspective traces it back to the warnings in the book of Leviticus, where God explicitly cautioned that He would bring a sword against the people [רש״י]. Another approach connects this threat to the ancient blessings of Isaac. Because it was divinely decreed that Esau would live by his sword, any sin committed by the descendants of Jacob allows Esau's descendants to gain power and strike them [חומת אנך].

With this final warning, the portion of the prophecy directed specifically at Judah comes to an end, paving the way for a new message dedicated to Jerusalem [מלבי״ם].