Isaiah 65:6

"who say, ‘Stay by yourself, don’t come near to me, for I am holier than you.’ These are smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all day."

Key Reflection

Isaiah 65:6 portrays the self-righteous and hypocritical attitudes of those who claim to be superior to others spiritually but whose actions actually offend God. The verse uses vivid imagery, comparing such individuals to smoke that irritates the nose or a fire that burns continuously, emphasizing how their pretensions are not only unwelcome but also persistent in their offense against divine holiness. This message underscores the importance of genuine piety over false boasting and highlights the contrast between true spirituality and superficial religiosity in God's eyes.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Behold, it is written before me -That is, the crimes of which they had been guilty, or the sentence which would be consequent thereon. The allusion is to the custom of having the decrees of kings recorded in a volume or on a table, and kept in their presence, so that they might be seen and not forgotten.

More from Isaiah 65

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