Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind -" Let Us Set Matters Straight"

"Let Us Set Matters Straight"

THE inhabitants of Jerusalem may feel inclined to justify themselves after hearing the denunciation recorded at Isaiah 1:1-9.  They no doubt would like to point proudly to all the sacrifices they offer to Jehovah.  However, verses 10 through 15 give Jehovah's withering reply to such attitudes. It begins: "Hear the word of Jehovah, you dictators of Sodom.  Give ear to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah." -Isaiah 1:10.

Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed not only for their perverted sex practices but also for their hardhearted, haughty attitudes.  (Genesis 18:20, 21; 19:4, 5, 23-25; Ezekiel 16:49, 50)  Isaiah's audience must be shocked to hear themselves being compared to the people of those accursed cities.  But Jehovah sees his people just as they are, and Isaiah does  not soften God's message in order to 'tickle their ears.' -2 Timothy 4:3.

Notice how Jehovah feels about the formalistic worship of his people.  " 'Of what benefit to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?'  says Jehovah.  'I have had enough of whole burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed animals; and in the blood of young bulls and male lambs and he-goats I have taken no delight.' " (Isaiah 1:11) The people have forgotten that Jehovah does not depend their sacrifices.  (Psalm 50:8-13) He does not need anything that humans may offer him.  So if the people think that they are doing Jehovah a favor by presenting their half-hearted offerings, they are mistaken.  Jehovah uses a powerful figure of speech.  The expression "I have had enough" may also be rendered "I am satiated" or "I am glutted."  Do you know the feeling of being so full of food that the very sight of  more is repulsive?  Jehovah felt similarly about those offerings-utterly repulsed!

Jehovah continues: "When you people keep coming in to see my face,m who is it that has required this from your hand, to trample my courtyards?"   (Isaiah 1:12) Is it not Jehovah's own law that requires the people to 'come in to see his face," that is, to be in attendance at his temple in Jerusalem?  (Exodus 34:23, 24)  Yes, but they come there out of mere formalism, simply going through the motions of pure worship, without pure motives.  To Jehovah, their numerous visits to his courtyards amount to 'mere trampling,' accomplishing nothing more than wearing  away the floor.

Next time: Conclusion of "Let Us Set Matters Straight"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light  for all Mankind