Isaiah 2:6

¶ 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.

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}.

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!

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.

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.

Isaiah 2:6 serves as a stark declaration of God's withdrawal from His people, the house of Jacob, detailing the specific transgressions that provoked His judgment. This verse highlights Israel's assimilation of pagan practices and reliance on foreign ways, rather than remaining devoted to the covenant with God.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader prophecy in Isaiah, particularly in chapter 2, which begins with a glorious vision of God's future kingdom and the exaltation of Zion (Isaiah 2:2-4). However, it quickly pivots to an indictment of Judah and Jerusalem for their pride, idolatry, and reliance on worldly strength. Verse 6 marks the beginning of God's explanation for His judgment, emphasizing that His forsaking of them is a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness and spiritual corruption, setting the stage for the warnings against human pride and the coming day of the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Withdrawal: The phrase "Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people" signifies God's righteous response to Israel's persistent rebellion. It's not an abandonment without cause, but a consequence of their actions, indicating a removal of divine protection and favor.
  • Syncretism and Idolatry: The verse explicitly condemns Israel for adopting foreign customs and spiritual practices. Their being "replenished from the east" refers to the pervasive influence of Mesopotamian and other Eastern pagan beliefs and rituals.
  • Forbidden Practices: The comparison to "soothsayers like the Philistines" points to the practice of divination and magic, which was an abomination to the Lord and strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Their delight in "the children of strangers" likely refers to forbidden intermarriage or forming alliances with foreign nations, leading to further spiritual compromise (Exodus 34:15-16).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "replenished from the east" (מִקֶּ֣דֶם מָלְא֔וּ - miqqedem male'u) suggests they are "filled from the east" or "full of practices from the east." This highlights the extensive adoption of foreign superstitions and idolatry. The term for "soothsayers" (קֹסְמִים - qosemim) refers to diviners or those who practice augury, further emphasizing their departure from worshipping the one true God.

Practical Application

Isaiah 2:6 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual compromise and the dangers of allowing worldly influences to corrupt one's faith. For believers today, it underscores the importance of guarding against syncretism – the blending of Christian truth with other philosophies or practices – and remaining pure in devotion to God. It calls for discernment in associations and a firm reliance on God alone, rather than seeking security or wisdom from sources outside of Him. The consequences for the house of Jacob remind us of God's holiness and His expectation of exclusive worship and obedience, emphasizing the need for a faithful walk in Christ, distinct from the world's ways, as seen in passages like Romans 12:2.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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