Isaiah 5:12

KJV

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the harp {H3658}, and the viol {H5035}, the tabret {H8596}, and pipe {H2485}, and wine {H3196}, are in their feasts {H4960}: but they regard {H5027} not the work {H6467} of the LORD {H3068}, neither consider {H7200} the operation {H4639} of his hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They have lutes and lyres, drums and flutes, and wine at their parties; but they pay no attention to how ADONAI works and never look at what his hands have made.

Berean Standard Bible

At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands.

American Standard Version

And the harp and the lute, the tabret and the pipe, and wine, are in their feasts; but they regard not the work of Jehovah, neither have they considered the operation of his hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:12 delivers a scathing prophetic indictment against the people of Judah, exposing their profound spiritual apathy amidst a life of self-indulgent revelry. The verse paints a vivid picture of their lavish feasts, filled with the sounds of musical instruments and the abundance of wine, symbolizing a culture consumed by pleasure. Yet, in stark and tragic contrast, the core of their sin is revealed: a willful refusal to acknowledge or thoughtfully consider the magnificent "work of the LORD" and the "operation of his hands," demonstrating a dangerous blindness to God's active presence and unfolding purposes in their midst.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 5:12 is situated within a series of "Woes" (Isaiah 5:8-25) pronounced by the prophet Isaiah against the moral and spiritual decay of Judah and Jerusalem. This section immediately follows the poignant "Song of the Vineyard" in [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"), where God's chosen people are likened to a vineyard that, despite divine care, yields only "wild grapes"—bitter fruit of injustice and unrighteousness. The revelry described in verse 12 is not an isolated incident but a symptom of the deeper spiritual sickness and societal corruption that Isaiah condemns. Specifically, [Isaiah 5:11](/isaiah/5-11 "Isaiah 5:11 - Woe to those who rise early for strong drink") directly precedes this verse, already setting the stage by denouncing those who rise early to pursue strong drink and linger late into the night, emphasizing their relentless pursuit of pleasure. The subsequent verses, such as [Isaiah 5:13-17](/isaiah/5-13 "Isaiah 5:13-17 - Consequences of Disregard"), detail the severe consequences—exile, hunger, and shame—that will befall the nation due to this spiritual ignorance and moral depravity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Isaiah's ministry (8th century BCE) was characterized by relative prosperity in Judah, particularly under kings Uzziah and Jotham. This wealth, however, often led to social stratification, injustice, and moral decline, as highlighted throughout the book of [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah"). Feasts and banquets were common cultural practices, often accompanied by music and wine, serving as expressions of joy, celebration, or social status. However, in this context, Isaiah portrays these gatherings as arenas of excessive indulgence and spiritual negligence. The people's focus on material comfort and sensory gratification had eclipsed their covenantal relationship with Yahweh. They were living in a time when God was actively working in history, both through His providential care and through the looming threat of Assyrian and Babylonian empires, yet Judah remained oblivious to His hand, mistakenly attributing their security to their own strength or pagan deities.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 5:12 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Salvation"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Blindness and Indifference**, portraying a people so engrossed in their worldly pleasures that they are utterly incapable or unwilling to perceive God's active presence and unfolding purposes. This is not mere ignorance but a willful disregard for divine revelation and action. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Idolatry of Pleasure and Self-Gratification**. While not explicitly a worship of other gods, the consuming focus on "harp, viol, tabret, pipe, and wine" elevates self-indulgence to a functional idol, displacing reverence for the Lord and His work. This spiritual misplaced priority leads to a profound disconnect from God. Thirdly, it emphasizes **God's Active Sovereignty and Imminent Judgment**. The phrases "the work of the LORD" and "the operation of his hands" serve as a stark reminder that God is continuously at work in creation, providence, and history, even when His people ignore Him. Their disregard for His actions will inevitably lead to divine judgment, a recurring motif throughout [Isaiah's prophecies](/isaiah/1 "The Prophecies of Isaiah"). This theme is further elaborated in [Isaiah 5:13](/isaiah/5-13 "Isaiah 5:13 - Consequences of Spiritual Ignorance"), which immediately follows, detailing the consequences of their "lack of knowledge."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **regard (Hebrew, _nâbaṭ'_):** From a root meaning "to scan" or "look intently at," this word implies a deliberate act of observation, often with pleasure, favor, or care. Its negation here ("regard not") signifies a willful refusal to pay attention or acknowledge God's activity, indicating a profound spiritual indifference rather than mere ignorance. It's an active turning away of the gaze.
* **consider (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to see," but here used figuratively to imply discernment, understanding, or thoughtful reflection. To "not consider" means a failure to perceive, comprehend, or apply one's mind to the implications of God's actions, suggesting a deep-seated spiritual blindness. This goes beyond mere observation to a lack of intellectual and spiritual engagement.
* **operation (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to do" or "to make," this term refers to an action, work, or product. In this context, "the operation of his hands" speaks to God's active involvement in creation, providence, and historical events, emphasizing His continuous work in the world. It encompasses both His creative power and His ongoing governance and intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts:"** This clause paints a vibrant, almost sensory, picture of the indulgent lifestyle of Judah's elite. The enumeration of musical instruments (harp, viol, tabret, pipe) and the mention of wine signify a scene of unrestrained merriment, luxury, and sensory pleasure. "Feasts" (Hebrew, _mishteh_) denotes banquets or drinking parties, highlighting a culture preoccupied with entertainment and self-gratification. The prophet is not condemning music or wine in themselves, but their context as symbols of a life consumed by worldly delights.
* **"but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands."** This second clause introduces a stark and damning contrast to the preceding scene of revelry. The conjunction "but" signals a profound spiritual disconnect. "The work of the LORD" (Hebrew, _pôʻal Yᵉhôvâh_) and "the operation of his hands" (Hebrew, _maʻăseh yâdâv_) are parallel phrases referring to God's active, powerful, and ongoing involvement in the world—His creation, His providential care, His covenant dealings with Israel, and His unfolding judgments. The phrases "regard not" and "neither consider" denote a willful spiritual blindness and intellectual apathy. The people are so engrossed in their own pleasures that they fail to observe, discern, or reflect upon God's visible actions and purposes, whether in nature, history, or their own national experience. This spiritual negligence is the heart of their sin.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, creating a stark contrast between the vibrant, sensory details of human revelry and the profound spiritual emptiness of those engaged in it. The sounds of "harp, viol, tabret, and pipe" and the presence of "wine" are set against the deafening silence of their spiritual perception. This contrast highlights the misplaced priorities of the people. **Parallelism** is evident in the phrases "the work of the LORD" and "the operation of his hands," which are synonymous expressions emphasizing God's continuous and active involvement in the world. This reinforces the idea that God's actions are manifest and undeniable, making the people's disregard even more culpable. The instruments and wine also serve as **Symbolism**, representing the broader pursuit of worldly pleasure and self-indulgence that distracts from spiritual realities. Finally, the verse contains a strong element of **Prophetic Rebuke**, directly accusing the people of a grave spiritual failing, which is characteristic of Isaiah's prophetic ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:12 profoundly articulates the danger of spiritual apathy and the idolatry of pleasure, where the pursuit of worldly comforts blinds individuals and nations to the active hand of God. This verse reveals a fundamental theological truth: God is continuously at work in creation, providence, and history, and humanity is called to acknowledge and respond to His presence. The failure to "regard" and "consider" His works is not merely an oversight but a willful rejection of His sovereignty and a dangerous path that leads to divine judgment. This spiritual negligence underscores the human tendency to prioritize immediate gratification over eternal realities, a sin that has plagued humanity throughout history and continues to manifest in various forms today.

* [Psalm 28:5](/psalm/28-5 "Psalm 28:5 - Consequences of Ignoring God's Works")
* [Romans 1:21](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21 - Suppressing the Truth")
* [Luke 12:19-20](/luke/12-19 "Luke 12:19-20 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:12 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the human tendency to become so engrossed in worldly pursuits and pleasures that we lose sight of God's active presence and purposes. In an age saturated with entertainment, consumerism, and instant gratification, this verse challenges us to critically examine where our primary attention and affections lie. Are we truly discerning God's hand in our daily lives, in the unfolding of global events, and in the grand narrative of redemption, or are we, like ancient Judah, allowing the clamor of our own "feasts" to drown out the divine symphony of His "work"? This passage calls for a radical reorientation of priorities, urging us to cultivate a posture of spiritual awareness and intentional discernment. It reminds us that true life is found not in endless indulgence, but in actively recognizing, reverencing, and responding to the Lord's continuous operation in and around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "harps, viols, tabrets, pipes, and wine" in my life might be distracting me from discerning God's work?**
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate a greater awareness of "the work of the LORD" and "the operation of his hands" in my daily life?**
* **How does my use of time, resources, and attention reflect my regard (or disregard) for God's presence and purposes?**
* **What are the potential consequences, both personal and communal, of persistent spiritual indifference in our contemporary context?**

### FAQ
**What does "the work of the LORD" and "the operation of his hands" refer to?**

Answer: These phrases are parallel expressions that refer to God's active and ongoing involvement in the world. They encompass His creative power (e.g., [Psalm 19:1](/psalm/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")), His providential care for His creation and His people (e.g., [Psalm 104:24](/psalm/104-24 "Psalm 104:24 - God's Wisdom in Creation")), His historical interventions (e.g., the Exodus, as described in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")), and His unfolding plans for judgment and redemption. The people of Judah were failing to acknowledge these divine actions, whether in the natural order, their national history, or the prophetic warnings being delivered to them.

**Is enjoying music, feasts, or wine inherently sinful according to this verse?**

Answer: No, the verse is not a blanket condemnation of music, feasting, or wine in themselves. These elements were part of normal life and even religious celebrations in ancient Israel (e.g., [Deuteronomy 14:26](/deuteronomy/14-26 "Deuteronomy 14:26 - Feasting before the Lord")). The sin condemned here is the *excessive* and *exclusive* pursuit of these pleasures to the point of spiritual blindness and indifference to God. It's about misplaced priorities and the failure to "regard" or "consider" God's active presence and purposes while being consumed by self-gratification. The issue is the heart's disposition, not the objects themselves.

**How is this verse relevant to believers today?**

Answer: Isaiah 5:12 remains profoundly relevant as a warning against spiritual apathy in any age. In our contemporary world, which offers an abundance of distractions and opportunities for self-indulgence (e.g., endless entertainment, consumerism, social media), it challenges believers to examine their priorities. It calls us to cultivate a conscious awareness of God's work in creation, in providence, in the Church, and in the unfolding of world events. The verse reminds us that true spiritual vitality comes from actively seeking and discerning God's hand, rather than allowing the clamor of worldly pursuits to deafen us to His voice and blind us to His presence. It's a call to vigilance against the subtle idolatry of pleasure that can displace God in our lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 5:12, with its lament over Judah's spiritual blindness to "the work of the LORD" and "the operation of his hands," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very "work of the LORD" that Judah failed to regard culminated in the redemptive mission of God's Son. Jesus Himself declared, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work" ([John 5:17](/john/5-17 "John 5:17 - Jesus' Authority to Work")). He is the visible manifestation of God's active hand in history, the One through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy in Creation and Sustenance")). The spiritual blindness condemned in Isaiah is precisely what Jesus came to heal, opening the eyes of the blind, both physically and spiritually ([John 9:39-41](/john/9-39 "John 9:39-41 - Jesus Heals the Blind Man and Condemns Spiritual Blindness")). Humanity's failure to "consider" God's work led to judgment, but in Christ, God performed His greatest work of salvation, offering forgiveness and reconciliation through His sacrifice on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")). Thus, for those who, like ancient Judah, are consumed by the "feasts" of this world, Christ offers a new feast—the eternal banquet of His kingdom—and invites them to "taste and see that the LORD is good" ([Psalm 34:8](/psalm/34-8 "Psalm 34:8 - Taste and See That the Lord is Good")), truly regarding and considering the glorious operation of His hands in salvation.

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

Job 21:11

They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.

Job 21:14

Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

Amos 6:4

That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

Amos 6:6

That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

Job 34:27

Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:

Psalms 28:5

Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.

Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: