Isaiah 27:10

"Therefore by this the iniquity of Jacob will be forgiven, and this is all the fruit of taking away his sin: that he makes all the stones of the altar as chalk stones that are beaten in pieces, so that the Asherah poles and the incense altars shall rise no more."

Key Reflection

The verse from Isaiah 27:10 speaks to the Babylonian exile, where the iniquity of Jacob (Israel) is forgiven through divine judgment and purification. The imagery of breaking the stones of altars and Asherah poles symbolizes the destruction of pagan worship sites, reflecting a complete removal of idolatry. This action signals that all remnants of sinful practices would be eliminated, ensuring that Israel would no longer return to their former ways of idolatrous behavior.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Yet the defensed city -Gesenius supposes that this means Jerusalem. So Calvin and Piscator understand it. Others understand it of Samaria, others of Babylon (as Vitringa, Rosenmuller, and Grotius), and others of cities in general, denoting those in Judea, or in other places. To me it seems plain that Babylon is referred to. The whole description seems to require this; and especially the fact that this song is supposed to be sung after the return from captivity to celebrate their deliverance. It is natural, therefore, that they should record the fact that the strong and mighty city where they had been so long in captivity, was now completely destroyed.

More from Isaiah 27

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion