The Paradox of Israel: the Torah keeping sinner.
(cf Paul's teaching on the works of the Law)
This note was recorded on Sun 21.7.13
Reading from Isaiah 1:1 - 2:5
(1) the Conduct of Israel: they performed WORKS of the Torah.
Isaiah 1:11 they offered sacrifices of sheep, bulls and fine animals.
Isaiah 1:13 they observed new moon festivals and sabbaths
Isaiah 1:15 they lifted their hands in prayer.
[ but their hearts were not perfect]
Cf Hebrews 9:10,
". . . Those offerings and sacrifices cannot make worshippers hearts perfect - they involve only food, drinks and purification ceremonies . . ."
(2) The Condition of Israel: they have rebelled against YHWH.
They have rebelled against Him (1:2)
They have turned their backs on Him (1:4)
They have become completely bad:
"From head to foot, there is no healthy spot" (1:6) !
(3) The Condemnation of Israel: they are doomed.
They are doomed like Sodom and Gomorrah (1:9, 10)
Their hands are covered with blood (1:15)
The prophet Isaiah used severe words to describe Israel:
"murderers" (1:21)
"rebels and friends of thieves" (1:23)
Conclusion: In what way has Israel rebelled against YHWH?
The answer lies in verses 23 and 29.
They have refused to defend orphans and widows (1:23)
They have worshipped trees and sacred gardens (1:29)
What really matters is repentance from evil doings like injustice, oppression and neglect of orphans and widows. (Isaiah 1:16, 17) Otherwise, sacrifices are futile. Incense is an abomination. New moons, Sabbaths and holy convocations would be hated by God. Even prayers would not be heard by Him! (Isaiah 1: 12-15)
All these outward works of the Torah, the incense, the holy days and prayers are rejected by God because the people's hands are "full of blood" (1:15). In fact, such people are trampling His courts. (1:12).
Cf The Master Yeshua's rebuke against Pharisees who broaden their phylacteries (tefillin?) and say long prayers publicly at street corners.
Matthew 23:5 KJV
