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Isaiah 65:12

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Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose [that] wherein I delighted not.

Therefore will I number {H4487} you to the sword {H2719}, and ye shall all bow down {H3766} to the slaughter {H2874}: because when I called {H7121}, ye did not answer {H6030}; when I spake {H1696}, ye did not hear {H8085}; but did {H6213} evil {H7451} before mine eyes {H5869}, and did choose {H977} that wherein I delighted {H2654} not.

I will destine you to the sword, you will all bow down to be slaughtered; because when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not hear, but did what was evil from my point of view and chose what did not please me."

I will destine you for the sword, and you will all kneel down to be slaughtered, because I called and you did not answer, I spoke and you did not listen; you did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.”

I will destine you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter; because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but ye did that which was evil in mine eyes, and chose that wherein I delighted not.

Commentary

Isaiah 65:12 delivers a stern prophetic warning from God to those in ancient Israel who had persistently rejected His call and chosen a path of disobedience and idolatry. This verse highlights the severe consequences of rebellion against divine instruction and love.

Context

This verse is found within a chapter that sharply contrasts two groups of people: the rebellious and the righteous. Isaiah 65 opens with God declaring His availability to a people who did not seek Him (often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the Gentiles, or simply those who were not His chosen people but would turn to Him), while simultaneously condemning His own people, Israel, for their unfaithfulness. Verses 1-7 detail their specific sins, including idolatry, offering sacrifices in forbidden places, and engaging in pagan rituals. Verse 12 serves as a direct pronouncement of judgment against these specific acts of defiance, setting the stage for the glorious promises of a new heaven and new earth for the faithful in the latter part of the chapter (e.g., Isaiah 65:17).

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Justice: The verse unequivocally states God's intent to bring judgment ("number you to the sword," "bow down to the slaughter"). This is not arbitrary but a just response to persistent sin and rebellion.
  • Rejection of God's Call: The core reason for judgment is the people's deliberate refusal to listen and respond to God's voice. They "did not answer" and "did not hear" when He called and spoke, indicating spiritual apathy and disobedience.
  • Deliberate Disobedience: Their actions were not accidental but a conscious choice to "do evil before mine eyes" and "choose that wherein I delighted not." This emphasizes the intentionality of their rebellion against God's will.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "number you to the sword" uses the Hebrew word manah (מָנָה), which means to count, appoint, or destine. It implies a deliberate and precise act by God, not a random occurrence. He is actively orchestrating their fate as a consequence of their actions. The imagery of "bow down to the slaughter" vividly portrays their helpless and unavoidable doom, akin to sacrificial animals led to the altar. The repetition of "when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear" powerfully emphasizes their willful deafness and spiritual apathy, highlighting a profound lack of response to divine communication.

Practical Application

Isaiah 65:12 serves as a timeless warning about the profound importance of heeding God's voice. In our own lives, it underscores that:

  • Listening is Crucial: God still speaks today through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and circumstances. Our responsiveness to His guidance is paramount. Just as in ancient Israel, a refusal to listen can lead to severe spiritual consequences (Proverbs 1:24-27).
  • Choices Matter: Our choices have eternal implications. Deliberately choosing what displeases God, even when His will is clear, invites His righteous judgment. God desires our genuine obedience and love, not just outward religious observance.
  • God's Patience Has Limits: While God is incredibly patient and merciful, this verse reminds us that His patience is not infinite when faced with persistent, unrepentant rebellion. He desires all to come to repentance and a saving knowledge of Him.

This verse calls us to a posture of humility, attentiveness, and willing obedience to the Lord, seeking always to do what delights Him and avoid the path of deliberate disobedience.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 7:13 (7 votes)

    And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not;

  • 2 Chronicles 36:15 (5 votes)

    And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

  • 2 Chronicles 36:16 (5 votes)

    But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

  • Isaiah 50:2 (3 votes)

    Wherefore, when I came, [was there] no man? when I called, [was there] none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because [there is] no water, and dieth for thirst.

  • Zechariah 7:11 (3 votes)

    But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.

  • Zechariah 7:13 (3 votes)

    Therefore it is come to pass, [that] as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:

  • Matthew 21:34 (3 votes)

    And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.