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

}NASB “instruction”NKJV “law”NRSV, TEV “teaching”This is the term Torah (BDB 435). Notice the possible connotations. In this context it could referto (1) Scripture; (2) the preaching of the prophets; or (3) the teachings of the priests. They knew God’srevealed will, but chose not to follow it.1:11 “What are your multiplied sacrifices to me” It must be remembered, this is not an attack onsacrifice as such, but the attitudes in which people bring their sacrifices (cf. 29:13; Hos. 6:6; Amos 5:21-27; Mic. 6:6-8). Ritual can be meaningful if accompanied by a right attitude toward God (cf. Ps. 50).See Hard Sayings of the Bible, pp. 207-208, 274-275.} “I have had enough” This VERB (BDB 959, KB 1302, Qal PERFECT) means bloated or sated.} “burnt offerings” This refers to totally burnt sacrifices which symbolized total dedication to God.} “The fat of fed cattle” This refers to sacrifices when only part of the animal (fat of lower viscera)was offered on the altar and the rest was given to the priest or to the person bringing the sacrifice to eatas a communal meal with God and family, friends, and neighbors. The meat of large animals could notbe preserved and had to be eaten quickly.} “I take no pleasure in” This VERB (BDB 342, KB 339, Qal PERFECT) denoted YHWH’s acceptanceof a sacrifice. The usual idiom was “a soothing aroma” (cf. Gen. 8:21; Exod. 29:18,25). However,YHWH rejected these people’s worship (cf. vv. 10-15).1:12 “to appear before Me” This refers to one’s personal attendance at the Tabernacle/Temple (i.e.,Exod. 23:17). They were not coming for true worship, but for ritual liturgy!1:13 “worthless offerings” This term (BDB 996) means “empty,” “vain,” “nothing.” It can refer to1. idolatry (Jonah 2:8; Ps. 31:6)2. offerings (here)3. evil people (Isa. 5:18)4. use of God’s name (Exod. 20:17; Deut. 5:11; Ps. 139:20)5. lying words (Isa. 59:4)} “Incense is an abomination to Me” The term “incense” (BDB 882) means “that which goes up.”Therefore, it could refer to1. the smoke of sacrifices2. the smell of incense (usually spices placed on top of the sacrifice) or smoke from the incensealtar before the inner veil of the tabernacle/templeThese are strong words! It reminds me of Jeremiah’s “Temple sermons” of Jeremiah 7. Ritual andliturgy had replaced repentance and faith. They were blind and deaf (cf. Isa. 6:9-10). They had a formof godliness, but denied true faith (cf. II Tim. 3:5). The tragedy is that they thought they were right withGod! They thought they were His people! They were wrong, as are so many religious, normal, activereligionists in every age.The term “abomination” (“BDB 1072) is used primarily in Deuteronomy, Proverbs, and Ezekiel. Itdescribes God’s reaction to many things.1. homosexuality, Lev. 18:2226