King James Version
What Does Isaiah 1:12 Mean?
“When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? to appear: Heb. to be seen”
Context
10
Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.
11
To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. he goats: Heb. great he goats
12
When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? to appear: Heb. to be seen
13
Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. iniquity: or, grief
14
Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(12) **When ye come to appear before me.**—Literally, *before my face. *This is the meaning given by the present Hebrew text, and it is, of course, adequate. The Syriac version and some modern scholars (*e.g., *Cheyne) adopt a reading which gives *to see my face. *In either case the implied thought is that the worshippers believed they came into the more immediate presence of Jehovah when, they entered the Temple courts. To “appear before God” was the normal phrase for visiting the Temple at the three great Feasts and other solemn occasions (Exodus 34:23; Psalm 42:3; Psalm 84:7).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Isaiah 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Isaiah 1:12
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge