Isaiah 65:4
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sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
We are now drawing towards the conclusion of this evangelical prophecy, the last two chapters of which direct us to look as far forward as the new heavens and the new earth, the new world which the gospel dispensation should bring in, and the separation that should by it be made between the precious and the vile. "For judgment" (says Christ) "have I come into this world." And why should it seem absurd that the prophet here should speak of that to which all the prophets bore witness? Pe1 1:10, Pe1 1:11. The rejection of the Jews, and the calling in of the Gentiles, are often mentioned in the New Testament as that which was foreseen and foretold by the prophets, Act 10:43; Act 13:40; Rom 16:26. In this chapter we have, I. The anticipating of the Gentiles with the gospel call (Isa 65:10). II. The rejection of the Jews for their obstinacy and unbelief (Isa 65:2-7). III. The saving of a remnant of them by bringing them into the gospel church (Isa 65:8-10). IV. The judgments of God that should pursue the rejected Jews (Isa 65:11-16). V. The blessings reserved for the Christian church, which should be its joy and glory (Isa 65:17-25). But these things are here prophesied of under the type and figure of the difference God would make between some and others of the Jews after their return out of captivity, between those that feared God and those that did not, with reproofs of the sins then found among them and promises of the blessings then in reserve for them.
Open source ↗65:4 worshiping the dead: God had banned the practice of necromancy (consulting dead spirits; see 8:19-22; 47:9; Deut 18:9-11). • the flesh of pigs . . . other forbidden foods: See Isa 66:3-4; Lev 11:7; Deut 14:3, 8.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD.
And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.
Although they chew the cud, they do not have a divided hoof. They are unclean for you, as well as the pig; though it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. It is unclean for you. You must not eat its meat or touch its carcass.
Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations.
When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, He was met by two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.
casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead.
When Jesus stepped ashore, He was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothing or lived in a house, but he stayed in the tombs.
You must not eat any detestable thing.
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”
Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.”