The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

C. James G. Frazer1. Adonis, Attis, Osiris2. Folklore in the Old Testament3. The Worship of NatureD. C. H. Gordon, Before the BibleE. S. N. Kramer, Mythologies of the Ancient World} “incense stands” The term (BDB 329 calls it a “sun-pillar,” but KB 329 calls it a transportable“incense-altar”) is always used in a negative sense in the context of idol worship (cf. Lev. 26:30; II Chr.14:5; 34:4,7; Isa. 17:8; 27:9; Ezek. 6:4,6).17:9 This seems to begin a new thought unit. It describes the coming judgment in hyperbolicagricultural metaphors (MT)1. like the forsaken places of the forest2. like branches which they abandoned3. the land will be a desolationThis verse is translated very differently by the Septuagint and its translation is followed by JB, NRSV,and REB (and the JPSOA seems to acknowledge its validity in its footnote). The phrase denotes (1) arapid exodus where useless things are abandoned or (2) people groups conquered by the Israelites in theConquest (i.e., the Amorites and Hivites).17:10 This verse is uniquely addressed to Israel and the reason for their judgment by their covenantDeity.1. forgotten the God of your salvation (i.e., Ps. 78:11,42)2. not remembered the rock of your refuge (i.e., Ps. 18:1-3; 78:35)3. planted delightful plants in honor of a strange god (cf. 1:29-30; 65:3; 66:17, i.e., sacredgardens or trees. It may refer to Adonis/Tammuz, a vegetation god to whom flowers wereplanted early in the spring, cf. AB, vol. 6, p. 318)} “the God of your salvation” This is a recurrent description of Israel’s God (cf. 12:2; 17:10; 33:2;45:17; 61:16; 62:10; Ps. 65:5; 68:19; 85:4). Salvation denotes deliverance from any force or pressurethat denies or cancels YHWH’s covenant desire for His people. Only Israel’s sin can thwart His desiresfor them and yet, He remains “the God of your salvation” (cf. Micah 7:7; Hab. 3:13,18).17:11 This refers to the sacred gardens #3 in v. 10 above.1. they plant it carefully2. they fence it3. they fertilize itIt will grow and reproduce amazingly fast, but will result in1. harvest a heap2. sickliness3. incurable pain (cf. Job 34:6; Jer. 15:18; 17:9; 30:12,15; Micah 1:9)188