Isaiah 65:4

Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels;

Which remain {H3427} among the graves {H6913}, and lodge {H3885} in the monuments {H5341}, which eat {H398} swine's {H2386} flesh {H1320}, and broth {H4839}{H6564} of abominable {H6292} things is in their vessels {H3627};

They sit among the graves and spend the night in caverns; they eat pig meat and their pots hold soup made from disgusting things.

sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls.

that sit among the graves, and lodge in the secret places; that eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;

Isaiah 65:4 is part of a prophetic indictment against a rebellious and disobedient people within Israel who have turned away from God. This verse specifically details some of their idolatrous and defiling practices, highlighting their profound spiritual apostasy.

Context

In Isaiah chapter 65, the prophet Isaiah presents a stark contrast between God's readiness to be found by those who did not seek Him (the Gentiles, or humble seekers) and the persistent rebellion of His chosen people, Israel. God laments their continuous provocation and outlines the specific sins that have alienated them. Verse 4 serves as a detailed accusation against those who stubbornly cling to pagan customs and defile themselves, despite God's repeated calls to repentance. This passage sets the stage for God's promise of a new heaven and a new earth for the righteous, while judgment awaits the unfaithful (see Isaiah 65:17).

Key Themes

  • Idolatry and Pagan Practices: The verse paints a vivid picture of individuals engaging in practices associated with the dead ("remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments"). This likely refers to necromancy, ancestor worship, or seeking communication with spirits, all strictly forbidden by God's law as detestable acts (Deuteronomy 18:11). Such actions demonstrate a profound distrust in God as the sole source of life and truth.
  • Ritual Impurity and Disobedience: The consumption of "swine's flesh" and "broth of abominable things" directly violates the dietary laws given to Israel in the Mosaic covenant (Leviticus 11:7, Deuteronomy 14:8). These laws were not merely arbitrary but served to distinguish God's people as holy and set apart from the surrounding pagan nations. Eating unclean animals was a clear sign of rebellion against God's commands and assimilation into pagan culture.
  • Spiritual Rebellion: The cumulative effect of these actions signifies a deep-seated spiritual rebellion and a deliberate rejection of God's covenant and His holiness. The people described here are not merely ignorant but actively defiant, choosing defilement over devotion.

Linguistic Insights

The term "abominable" (Hebrew: sheqets or to'evah in similar contexts) emphasizes the strong disapproval and disgust God has for these practices. It signifies something utterly loathsome and morally repugnant in God's sight, not just ritually unclean. The phrase "broth of abominable things" suggests a mixture or stew made from unclean animals or perhaps even sacrificial offerings to idols, further highlighting the depth of their spiritual defilement.

Spiritual Significance & Application

Isaiah 65:4 serves as a powerful warning against spiritual compromise and syncretism. For a modern audience, while literal grave-dwelling and swine-eating might not be common issues, the underlying principles remain highly relevant:

  • Avoiding Spiritual Adultery: Just as ancient Israel was tempted to blend worship of Yahweh with pagan practices, believers today can be tempted to blend Christian faith with worldly philosophies, consumerism, or self-worship. We are called to be separate and holy, not conforming to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2).
  • Obedience to God's Word: The dietary laws were specific commands that tested Israel's obedience and commitment. Today, God's Word provides clear moral and ethical guidelines. Our willingness to obey even seemingly small commands reflects our devotion and trust in Him.
  • Seeking God Alone: The practices of consulting the dead or relying on "abominable things" highlight a failure to trust God as the sole source of wisdom, guidance, and power. We are encouraged to seek God's counsel through prayer and His Word, knowing that He is sufficient for all our needs. This verse reminds us that true spiritual freedom and blessing come from wholehearted devotion to the Lord, free from defiling influences.
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.
  • Isaiah 66:17

    They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.
  • Leviticus 11:7

    And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he [is] unclean to you.
  • Isaiah 66:3

    He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
  • Deuteronomy 14:3

    Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.
  • Ezekiel 4:14

    Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.
  • Deuteronomy 14:8

    And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it [is] unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.
  • Deuteronomy 14:21

    Ye shall not eat [of] any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that [is] in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

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