Isa 65:1-2 | KingComments | STEP | The answer of the LORD to the questions of the faithful remnant in the previous chapter we find in this chapter and especially in . The condition of the people was so bad, that an explanation of the judgment that struck them is needed first. So stubbornly and ceaselessly they resisted the grace of God. Paul quotes in Romans 10 from the Septuagint. There we see that he uses to apply this verse to the nations ( ). Under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, the great apostle of the nations used this verse for them, while quoting to illustrate the apostate state of Israel ( ). By quoting both verses, Paul links the acceptance of the nations to the disobedience of Israel (cf. ). The acceptance of the nations takes place in our time, the time of grace. It will also take place in the future. Then the gospel of the kingdom will be preached and a multitude who no one can count will accept that gospel. In the section that follows, present a terrible revelation of the idolatrous practices of God’s people, by which they offend the LORD. As a result, Israel falls short of receiving the blessings that the nations have received. To “sit among graves” probably has to do with a form of spiritism that tries to get in touch with the dead. They go to the cemeteries at night to consult evil spirits instead of asking the LORD. In doing so they defile themselves in a gruesome way. Those who commit these atrocities boast, as usual, of their special holiness and keep the uninitiated at a distance by posing themselves as inaccessible to others ( ). They claim a false holiness. Their whole behavior is a stench to the LORD. It fills the measure of their sins and calls for the most serious just repayment ( ). Here we see Phariseeism at full length reaching its lowest point in the crucifixion of Christ. Today this doctrine of holiness is also present in professing Christianity. We see it there, where separation is demanded out of a claim of superior holiness, an ‘I am holier than you’ attitude. All their evil deeds are recorded in a book of remembrance before Him (cf. ). He forgets nothing of it and will punish every atrocity with an absolute just judgment. The same goes for the faithful who may also know that there is a book of remembrance ( ). In it all faithfulness is mentioned, which will also be rewarded absolutely justly.

‏ Isaiah 65:1-2

Invitation of the LORD

The answer of the LORD to the questions of the faithful remnant in the previous chapter we find in this chapter and especially in Isa 65:8-9. The condition of the people was so bad, that an explanation of the judgment that struck them is needed first. So stubbornly and ceaselessly they resisted the grace of God.

Paul quotes Isa 65:1-2 in Romans 10 from the Septuagint. There we see that he uses Isa 65:1 to apply this verse to the nations (Rom 10:20). Under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, the great apostle of the nations used this verse for them, while quoting Isa 65:2 to illustrate the apostate state of Israel (Rom 10:21). By quoting both verses, Paul links the acceptance of the nations to the disobedience of Israel (cf. Acts 13:46).

The acceptance of the nations takes place in our time, the time of grace. It will also take place in the future. Then the gospel of the kingdom will be preached and a multitude who no one can count will accept that gospel.

In the section that follows, Isa 65:3-4 present a terrible revelation of the idolatrous practices of God’s people, by which they offend the LORD. As a result, Israel falls short of receiving the blessings that the nations have received.

To “sit among graves” probably has to do with a form of spiritism that tries to get in touch with the dead. They go to the cemeteries at night to consult evil spirits instead of asking the LORD. In doing so they defile themselves in a gruesome way.

Those who commit these atrocities boast, as usual, of their special holiness and keep the uninitiated at a distance by posing themselves as inaccessible to others (Isa 65:5). They claim a false holiness. Their whole behavior is a stench to the LORD. It fills the measure of their sins and calls for the most serious just repayment (Isa 65:6-7).

Here we see Phariseeism at full length reaching its lowest point in the crucifixion of Christ. Today this doctrine of holiness is also present in professing Christianity. We see it there, where separation is demanded out of a claim of superior holiness, an ‘I am holier than you’ attitude.

All their evil deeds are recorded in a book of remembrance before Him (cf. Rev 20:12). He forgets nothing of it and will punish every atrocity with an absolute just judgment. The same goes for the faithful who may also know that there is a book of remembrance (Mal 3:16). In it all faithfulness is mentioned, which will also be rewarded absolutely justly.