Isaiah 57:7

"Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion. They, they are your lot. You have even poured a drink offering to them. You have offered an offering. Shall I be appeased for these things?"

Key Reflection

Isaiah 57:7 paints a vivid picture of those who seek worship and blessings from false gods, likening such actions to placing one's trust in smooth stones from the valley. In ancient Near Eastern culture, offerings were significant acts of devotion, yet these verses suggest that offering sacrifices to idols is futile; such idols cannot truly provide divine favor or protection. The prophet questions whether such practices can genuinely appease God, emphasizing the emptiness and superficiality of relying on false deities rather than following the true God's commands.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Upon a lofty and high mountain -The design of this verse and the following, is, to show the extent, the prevalence, the publicity, and the grossness of their idolatry. The language is that which would appropriately express adulterous intercourse, and is designed to show the abhorrence in which God held their conduct. The language is easy to be understood, and it would not be proper to go into an extended explanation of the phrases used. It is common in the Scriptures to compare idolatry among the people of God, with unfaithfulness to the marriage vow. The declaration that they had placed their bed on a high mountain, means, that in the rites of idolatrous worship, there was no concealment.

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