Duplicity disguised as simplicity – simple devotion, believed, but fundamentally empty. Imagine with me that there is this person who seems very devoted to you. I mean, this person does all the right things almost all the time. Hey, this person is nice to have around. But what if you find out that this person doesn’t really like you. What if all of their actions of devotion are about getting something from you; your appreciation; your love and respect? How long can you trust this? I wonder how God feels when we are the person who is chock full of displays of devotion – sacrifice, worship, prayer – and yet our hearts are far from his holiness. Jesus called this being white-washed tombs. Nice to look at, but full of death.
Isaiah 1:10-20 is an oracle against superficial observances. This oracle is directed against Judah. Some place it in the reign of Jotham. Maybe, but we don’t know. The problem is not bound up in any specific timeframe or situation. It is universal and pervasive. Isaiah cries out for the people to hear, listen to, the word of Yahweh. And he calls them the rulers of Sodom and the people of Gomorrah. Well, that is never a compliment. Sodom and Gomorrah became synonymous with evil. And this sets the tone of the oracle. God knows your heart. You may claim to be the people of God; his rulers, but you are actually the opposite of God.
God begins his word by asking what their abundance of sacrifices are to him. The word “multiplied” most likely implies their idea that quantity meant more than quality. Be evil as long as you kill yourself a boat load of animals to the Lord. He has had enough; he is full up. He doesn’t delight in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats. Their coming to the temple, God describes as a trampling of his courts. What should have been a beautiful drawing near to God moment was a dismissive trampling. Yahweh is fed up. So, he commands them to stop bringing their empty offerings. Their incense is an abomination; a detestable thing. They observe the new moon worship (new and full moon – every fourteen days), sabbath, solemn assemblies (special occasion gatherings that were required), and the three appointed feasts. But Yahweh hates it. All of this frenetic and empty observances have become a weight to God and he has become weary with the burden of it. So much so, that when they spread their hands – recognizing either their need or the blessings that are received when speaking to God – Yahweh will hide his eyes from them. He will not listen to their prayers; no matter how many they chuck his way.
Why? Because God is not able to endure their wickedness (verse 13 – this word is sometimes applied to idolatry). Because their hands are full of blood (verse 15). This phrase can refer to oppression and can include actual murder. The problem is not that God is against the sacrificial system. That would be silly. He commanded it. The problem is their heart. So, God commands them to wash themselves; to make themselves clear or pure; to turn aside their evil practices from his sight; to just stop with all of the wickedness. They need to do some good, pleasing to God, exercising. The word “learn” can mean “to exercise in.” And doesn’t that make good sense. The best way to learn is to practice. They need to frequent justice; set straight the ruthless; vindicate the orphan; and contend for the widow. Stop oppressing and begin fighting for what is right.
There is grace in this oracle. Even though their hands are full of blood; even though their hearts are full of greed and arrogance and oppression, God invites them to walk and reason with him. Their sins are scarlet and deep red, but he can, if they turn their hearts to him, make them white as snow. Nothing else, but God can do this. Verses 19-20 is Deuteronomic language. If they are willing – if they consent – and listen to Yahweh they will eat the best of the land. Once again the land will be blessed. Obedience and disobedience is tied into the state of the land; all of creation dances together. But if they refuse and are contentious they will be eaten up by the sword. The mouth of Yahweh has spoken. Do you hear it?
God has always desired your heart. Praying more prayers with filthy hands sickens God. Waltzing into a worship assembly with deadness tucked away underneath your going to church clothes is a burden to Holy God. Don’t stop praying; singing; studying. Do these things with clean hands; with a heart that loves Yahweh. And when you love Yahweh you will love people. You won’t be able to help it. Because God is just, justice will flow from your soul. God can bring the dead back to life. Let him. Walk, reasoning with God.