Which social issues are addressed by Isaiah in chapter 1?

Isaiah chapter 1 prominently addresses the themes of injustice and the oppression of the poor, which is a central concern throughout the chapter. The prophet Isaiah critiques the people of Judah for their empty rituals and hypocrisy, particularly highlighting the disparity between their religious practices and their treatment of the vulnerable in society.

Isaiah articulates that while the people may perform religious sacrifices and gather for worship, their actions do not reflect a commitment to righteousness or justice. He calls out their failure to defend the needy and the oppressed, emphasizing that true worship is connected with moral conduct and social justice. This strong denunciation of social injustices underscores the prophet's message that genuine piety should manifest in ethical behavior, particularly toward the marginalized. The emphasis on caring for the poor and addressing injustices serves as a fundamental aspect of God’s expectations for His people.

In contrast, the other choices focus on different issues that are not the central themes of Isaiah's indictment in this chapter. Wealth accumulation and trade, military conflicts, and cultural traditions may have their importance in various texts, but here, Isaiah’s primary concern is the moral condition of society and the urgent need to address injustices faced by the disadvantaged.