What three actions had God's people taken according to Isaiah?

The correct answer highlights the specific transgressions of God's people as described in the book of Isaiah. The actions of forsaking the Lord, provoking the Holy One, and turning away backward illustrate the people's abandonment of their covenant relationship with God.

Forsaking the Lord indicates a conscious decision to distance themselves from His guidance and laws, a theme that resonates throughout Isaiah as he addresses the spiritual decline of Israel. The phrase "provoked the Holy One" emphasizes the seriousness of their rebellion; provoking suggests an ongoing, deliberate act against the character and holiness of God, portraying the people's defiance. Finally, "turned away backward" signifies a regression, indicating not just a physical turning away but a spiritual decline, moving away from the truth and the righteousness that God expects of His people.

In Isaiah, these actions serve as a warning and a call to repentance, making this answer particularly significant in understanding the broader messages of the book concerning sin, judgment, and the need for restoration with God.