Isaiah 2:6

KJV

¶ Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and [are] soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thou hast forsaken {H5203} thy people {H5971} the house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290}, because they be replenished {H4390} from the east {H6924}, and are soothsayers {H6049} like the Philistines {H6430}, and they please {H5606} themselves in the children {H3206} of strangers {H5237}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For you have abandoned your people the house of Ya'akov. Now they are filled from the east, full of sorcerers, like the P'lishtim; even the children of foreigners are enough for them!

Berean Standard Bible

For You have abandoned Your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled with influences from the east; they are soothsayers like the Philistines; they strike hands with the children of foreigners.

American Standard Version

For thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they are filled with customs from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they strike hands with the children of foreigners.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 2:6 serves as a profound declaration of God's righteous judgment and withdrawal from His covenant people, the house of Jacob. This verse articulates the specific transgressions that provoked divine abandonment: their pervasive assimilation of pagan practices, their engagement in forbidden divination, and their delight in foreign alliances and customs, all of which constituted a grave betrayal of their exclusive covenant with the Lord. It underscores the severe consequences of spiritual compromise and syncretism, setting the stage for the coming "Day of the Lord."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 2:6 marks a dramatic shift in the prophetic message. The preceding verses [Isaiah 2:1-5](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2 - The Mountain of the Lord's House") paint a glorious eschatological vision of Zion as the center of universal worship and peace, where all nations flow to learn God's ways. This idyllic future sharply contrasts with the present reality of Judah's spiritual corruption. Verse 6 begins with "Therefore," explicitly linking God's impending judgment and withdrawal to the specific sins detailed in the subsequent clauses. This verse initiates a lengthy indictment of Judah's pride, idolatry, and reliance on worldly power, which culminates in the terrifying vision of the "Day of the Lord" where human arrogance will be humbled and God alone exalted [Isaiah 2:12-22](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2 - The Day of the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Isaiah ministered in Judah during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by significant geopolitical instability and spiritual decline. The Assyrian Empire was a rising power, threatening the smaller nations of the Near East, including Judah. In response to this threat, Judah often sought alliances with powerful foreign nations like Egypt or Mesopotamia, rather than relying solely on God. This political maneuvering frequently led to cultural and religious syncretism, as foreign gods and practices were introduced and adopted. The reference to being "replenished from the east" points to the widespread influence of Mesopotamian astral worship, divination, and magical practices. The "Philistines" were long-standing adversaries and a source of pagan influence, known for their divinatory practices. The "children of strangers" likely refers to foreign alliances, intermarriage, and the adoption of foreign customs, all of which were explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law to preserve Israel's distinctiveness as God's holy people [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage").
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several key themes in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It highlights **Divine Judgment and Covenant Infidelity**, demonstrating that God's "forsaking" is not arbitrary but a just response to Israel's persistent breach of the covenant, particularly their idolatry and unfaithfulness. The theme of **Syncretism and Spiritual Corruption** is prominent, as Judah blends the worship of Yahweh with pagan rituals and superstitions, thereby diluting their monotheistic faith. This leads to a loss of **Israel's Distinctiveness and Holiness**, as they become indistinguishable from the surrounding nations, adopting their abominable practices rather than being a light to them. The verse also underscores the dangers of **Reliance on Worldly Wisdom and Power** over divine guidance, a recurring motif in Isaiah, contrasting human pride with God's ultimate sovereignty [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **forsaken (Hebrew, _nâṭash'_):** H5203, a primitive root meaning "to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusively, reject, let alone, permit, remit, etc.)." In this context, it signifies God's deliberate act of withdrawing His protective hand and favor from His people, not out of caprice, but as a consequence of their actions. It implies a removal of divine presence and intervention, leaving them vulnerable.
* **replenished (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** H4390, a primitive root meaning "to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)." Coupled with "from the east" (H6924, _qedem_, meaning "the front, of place... the East... antiquity"), it vividly portrays Israel as being "filled up" or "saturated" with foreign, particularly Eastern, superstitions, magical practices, and idolatry. It suggests an overwhelming influx and adoption of these pagan elements into their spiritual life, displacing the worship of Yahweh.
* **soothsayers (Hebrew, _ʻânan'_):** H6049, a primitive root meaning "to cover; used only as a denominative from עָנָן, to cloud over; figuratively, to act covertly, i.e. practise magic." This term refers to diviners, those who practice augury, interpret omens, or engage in various forms of forbidden magic. It highlights Israel's direct violation of God's commands against such practices, which were an abomination to Him [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob,"**: This opening clause establishes a direct causal link between Israel's actions and God's response. The "house of Jacob" refers to the nation of Israel, God's covenant people. The verb "forsaken" signifies God's withdrawal of protection, favor, and presence, a severe consequence for a nation whose identity and security were predicated on their relationship with Yahweh. It is not an arbitrary abandonment but a just divine judgment.
* **"because they be replenished from the east,"**: This clause specifies the first reason for God's forsaking. "Replenished from the east" indicates that the people of Judah had become saturated or filled with foreign influences, particularly from Mesopotamia (the "east"). This refers to the adoption of pagan religious practices, superstitions, and idolatrous customs, which were prevalent in the Eastern empires and forbidden to Israel.
* **"and [are] soothsayers like the Philistines,"**: The second reason highlights Israel's engagement in forbidden magical arts. "Soothsayers" refers to practitioners of divination, augury, and other forms of occultism. The comparison "like the Philistines" is particularly damning, as the Philistines were known for their pagan practices and were traditional enemies of Israel, symbolizing the depths of Israel's spiritual compromise and their assimilation into the very cultures they were commanded to be distinct from.
* **"and they please themselves in the children of strangers."**: This final clause points to Israel's delight in or reliance upon foreign alliances, customs, and possibly intermarriage with foreign peoples. "Children of strangers" can refer to foreign offspring or, more broadly, to the ways and people of other nations. This "pleasing themselves" implies a preference for worldly security and cultural assimilation over fidelity to God's covenant, which prohibited such entanglements due to their inherent spiritual dangers.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 2:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The verse begins with a strong declaration of **Causality**, signaled by "Therefore," clearly establishing God's "forsaking" as a direct consequence of Judah's actions, which are then enumerated by "because." This highlights the principle of divine justice. The phrase "replenished from the east" functions as a **Metaphor** or **Symbolism**, vividly portraying the overwhelming influx and saturation of foreign, pagan influences into Israel's spiritual life, as if they were being "filled" with alien substances. The **Comparison** "like the Philistines" serves as a stark indictment, associating God's people with a nation known for its paganism and hostility towards Yahweh, underscoring the extent of Israel's spiritual degradation. The final clause, "they please themselves in the children of strangers," uses **Irony** or **Paradox**, as Israel finds delight in the very things that lead to their spiritual downfall and God's judgment, rather than in the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 2:6 is a stark reminder of the gravity of covenant infidelity and the purity God demands from His people. Theologically, it underscores God's holiness and His intolerance for syncretism, where the worship of the one true God is diluted or mixed with pagan practices. Israel's identity as a chosen people was contingent upon their exclusive devotion to Yahweh and their distinctiveness from the surrounding nations. Their embrace of Eastern divination and Philistine soothsaying, along with their delight in foreign alliances, represented a profound betrayal of the covenant and a rejection of God's sovereignty. This verse demonstrates that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to persistent rebellion and spiritual prostitution, serving to purify a wayward people or to demonstrate God's righteous character to the nations.

* [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Abominations to the Lord")
* [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15 "Warning Against Foreign Gods and Intermarriage")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 2:6 serves as a timeless warning for all who claim to follow God. It challenges us to examine the sources from which we are "replenished" and to whom we "please ourselves." In a world saturated with diverse philosophies, spiritualities, and cultural norms, the temptation to blend Christian truth with worldly wisdom or to seek security in human systems rather than in God alone remains potent. This verse calls believers to a radical distinctiveness, guarding against syncretism that subtly dilutes faith and compromises devotion. It compels us to discern critically the influences we allow into our lives—whether through media, relationships, or ideologies—and to ensure that our ultimate allegiance and delight are in Christ alone. The consequences faced by the house of Jacob remind us that God's holiness demands exclusive worship and obedience, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and a steadfast commitment to His truth, rather than conforming to the patterns of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "replenished from the east," subtly adopting worldly values or practices over biblical principles?**
* **How do I guard against seeking wisdom or security from "soothsayers" (i.e., humanistic philosophies, self-help gurus, or cultural trends) rather than from God's Word?**
* **Am I "pleasing myself in the children of strangers" by prioritizing worldly acceptance, alliances, or comforts over my distinct identity and mission as a follower of Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why did God "forsake" His people, the house of Jacob?**

Answer: God "forsakes" His people not out of abandonment or capriciousness, but as a righteous judgment and consequence for their persistent unfaithfulness and spiritual rebellion. In Isaiah 2:6, the reasons are explicitly stated: they were "replenished from the east" (meaning they adopted foreign pagan practices and superstitions), they became "soothsayers like the Philistines" (engaging in forbidden divination and occult arts), and they "please themselves in the children of strangers" (delighting in foreign alliances, customs, and possibly intermarriage, which led to spiritual compromise). This divine withdrawal was a form of discipline, removing His protective hand and allowing them to experience the natural consequences of their idolatry and disobedience, as warned in the covenant [Deuteronomy 31:16-17](/deuteronomy/31-16 "Deuteronomy 31:16-17 - God's Anger and Hiding His Face").

**What does "replenished from the east" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Replenished from the east" signifies that the people of Judah had become saturated or filled with religious and cultural influences originating from the Eastern empires, particularly Mesopotamia (Babylon and Assyria). This included pervasive practices such as astral worship, various forms of divination (like astrology and omens), and magic. Instead of being filled with God's Spirit and His truth, they had allowed their spiritual lives to be "replenished" or "overrun" by pagan superstitions and idolatry, which were an abomination to the Lord [Isaiah 47:12-13](/isaiah/47-12 "Isaiah 47:12-13 - Babylon's Sorceries").

**Who were the "Philistines" and why is the comparison to them significant?**

Answer: The Philistines were a non-Semitic people who settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan and were long-standing adversaries of Israel. They were known for their pagan religious practices, including various forms of divination and soothsaying. The comparison "soothsayers like the Philistines" is highly significant and damning because it highlights the extent of Israel's spiritual degradation. Instead of being distinct and holy, they had assimilated to the ways of their pagan enemies, engaging in practices strictly forbidden by God's law. This demonstrated a profound rejection of their covenant identity and a preference for the occult over the true God [Leviticus 19:31](/leviticus/19-31 "Leviticus 19:31 - Do Not Turn to Mediums").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 2:6, with its stark portrayal of God forsaking His people due to their spiritual adultery and syncretism, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Israel's failure to remain distinct and pure, constantly turning to foreign gods and human wisdom, underscored humanity's inability to maintain a perfect covenant relationship with God. Jesus, as the true Israel, perfectly fulfilled the covenant, living a life of absolute fidelity and purity, never "replenished from the east" or delighting in "children of strangers." He perfectly embodied reliance on God alone. Furthermore, the "forsaking" of God, which Israel experienced as judgment, was uniquely and redemptively borne by Christ on the cross. On Calvary, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). In that moment, He, the innocent Lamb of God, experienced the full weight of divine abandonment for humanity's sin, including all forms of idolatry and spiritual compromise. Through His sacrifice, a new covenant was inaugurated, where believers are no longer "strangers and foreigners" but "fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household" [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints"). In Christ, we are cleansed from the defilement of worldly influences and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a holy people, set apart for God's purposes, truly "replenished" by His grace and truth, not by the ways of the world [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 11:20

Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

2 Kings 1:2

And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that [was] in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.

1 Chronicles 10:13

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it];

Isaiah 8:19

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

2 Chronicles 24:20

And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.

Numbers 25:1

¶ And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.

Numbers 25:2

And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.