Introduction
2. The relationship of righteousness and ritual chs. 58-59
The structure of this section is similar to that of the previous section of the book (chs. 56-57). First, Isaiah depicted true religion (ch. 58); second, the people’s failure (Isaiah 59:1-15 a); and third, God’s action for His people (Isaiah 59:15-21).
What God wants ch. 58
Again Isaiah presented the folly of simply going through a system of worship without changing one’s attitudes and conduct, especially in relationships (Isaiah 1:10-20; cf. Zechariah 1; Matthew 5-7). In chapter 1, God threatened His people with destruction if they did not change. Here He promised them blessing if they did change. The difference is due to His provision of the Servant. God appealed to redeemed people to change.
". . . the religion which is exposed here rests on Canaanite rather than Yahwistic principles. The essence of Canaanite religion was to put the gods under pressure to perform their functions (hence, for example, what we would call orgiastic rites designed to stimulate Baal to acts of fertility). . . . The essence of Israelite religion, however, is response. Not doing things to influence the Lord but doing them to obey him; not works looking for reward but faith acting in obedience." [Note: Motyer, p. 478.]
Be the first to react on this!
