Isaiah 57:6
Isaiah 57:6 in Multiple Translations
Your portion is among the smooth stones of the valley; indeed, they are your lot. Even to them you have poured out a drink offering and offered a grain offering. Should I relent because of these?
Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?
Among the smooth stones of the valley is thy portion; they, they are thy lot; even to them hast thou poured a drink-offering, thou hast offered an oblation. Shall I be appeased for these things?
Among the smooth stones of the valley is your heritage; they, even they, are your part: even to them have you made a drink offering and a meal offering. Is it possible for such things to be overlooked by me?
You have chosen to worship the smooth stones from the streams of the valleys—that's the choice you've made! You have poured out drink offerings to these idols—you have presented them with grain offerings. Should that make me happy?
Thy portion is in the smooth stones of the riuer: they, they are thy lot: euen to them hast thou powred a drinke offering: thou hast offered a sacrifice. Should I delite in these?
Among the smooth things of a brook [is] thy portion, They — they [are] thy lot, Also to them thou hast poured out an oblation, Thou hast caused a present to ascend, For these things am I comforted?
Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion. They, they are your lot. You have even poured a drink offering to them. You have offered an offering. Shall I be appeased for these things?
Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink-offering, thou hast offered a meat-offering. Should I receive comfort in these?
In the parts of the torrent is thy portion, this is thy lot: and thou hast poured out libations to them, thou hast offered sacrifice. Shall I not be angry at these things?
You take big smooth stones from the riverbeds and worship them as your gods. You pour out wine to be an offering to them, and you bring grain to burn for an offering to them. Do you think that I should not punish you for doing all those things?
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 57:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 57:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/חַלְּקֵי
נַ֣חַל
חֶלְקֵ֔/ךְ
הֵ֥ם
הֵ֖ם
גּוֹרָלֵ֑/ךְ
גַּם
לָ/הֶ֞ם
שָׁפַ֥כְתְּ
נֶ֨סֶךְ֙
הֶעֱלִ֣ית
מִנְחָ֔ה
הַ֥/עַל
אֵ֖לֶּה
אֶנָּחֵֽם
בְּ/חַלְּקֵי
challâq
H2511
smooth
Prep | Adj
נַ֣חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
חֶלְקֵ֔/ךְ
chêleq
H2506
portion
N-ms | Suff
הֵ֥ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
גּוֹרָלֵ֑/ךְ
gôwrâl
H1486
allotted
N-ms | Suff
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
לָ/הֶ֞ם
Prep | Suff
שָׁפַ֥כְתְּ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
נֶ֨סֶךְ֙
neçek
H5262
drink offering
N-ms
הֶעֱלִ֣ית
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Hiphil-Perf-2fs
מִנְחָ֔ה
minchâh
H4503
offering
N-fs
הַ֥/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Part | Prep
אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
אֶנָּחֵֽם
nâcham
H5162
to be sorry
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 57:6
בְּ/חַלְּקֵי
challâq
H2511
"smooth"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means smooth, often describing something as flat or even. It is used in the Bible to describe physical objects or surfaces, like a smooth stone or a calm sea, often in the books of Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: smooth
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: smooth. See also: Isaiah 57:6.
נַ֣חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
חֶלְקֵ֔/ךְ
chêleq
H2506
"portion"
N-ms | Suff
Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.
Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.
הֵ֥ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
גּוֹרָלֵ֑/ךְ
gôwrâl
H1486
"allotted"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a pebble or small stone used for making decisions by casting lots. It symbolizes a portion or destiny assigned by chance, like the drawing of lots to determine an outcome. This concept is central to ancient Israelite decision-making practices.
Definition: 1) lot 1a) lot-pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: lot. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Judges 1:3; Psalms 16:5.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
לָ/הֶ֞ם
""
Prep | Suff
שָׁפַ֥כְתְּ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
נֶ֨סֶךְ֙
neçek
H5262
"drink offering"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a drink offering, where a liquid is poured out as a sacrifice to God, often in a ceremonial context, as seen in Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) drink offering, libation, molten image, something poured out 1a) drink offering 1b) molten images Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "drink offering" H5261)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cover, drink offering, molten image. See also: Genesis 35:14; Numbers 29:27; Psalms 16:4.
הֶעֱלִ֣ית
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2fs
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
מִנְחָ֔ה
minchâh
H4503
"offering"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for offering refers to a gift or donation, often given to God as a sacrifice. In Leviticus 2:1, it describes a grain offering. It can also mean tribute or present.
Definition: : offering/sacrifice 1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering 1a) gift, present 1b) tribute 1c) offering (to God) 1d) grain offering
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice. See also: Genesis 4:3; Numbers 29:28; Psalms 20:4.
הַ֥/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Part | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
אֶנָּחֵֽם
nâcham
H5162
"to be sorry"
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs
To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.
Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.
Study Notes — Isaiah 57:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 57:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 57:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 57:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 57:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 57:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 57:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 57:6
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 57:6
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 57:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 57:6
- Sermons on Isaiah 57:6
Context — God Condemns Idolatry
4Whom are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, offspring of deceit,
5who burn with lust among the oaks, under every luxuriant tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?
6Your portion is among the smooth stones of the valley; indeed, they are your lot. Even to them you have poured out a drink offering and offered a grain offering. Should I relent because of these?
7On a high and lofty hill you have made your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifices. 8Behind the door and doorpost you have set up your memorial. Forsaking Me, you uncovered your bed; you climbed up and opened it wide. And you have made a pact with those whose bed you have loved; you have gazed upon their nakedness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 3:9 | Indifferent to her own infidelity, Israel had defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 7:18 | The sons gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough to make cakes for the Queen of Heaven; they pour out drink offerings to other gods to provoke Me to anger. |
| 3 | Habakkuk 2:19 | Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 5:29 | Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this? |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 32:37–38 | He will say: “Where are their gods, the rock in which they took refuge, which ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up and help you; let them give you shelter! |
| 6 | Isaiah 65:11 | But you who forsake the LORD, who forget My holy mountain, who set a table for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny, |
| 7 | Isaiah 66:3 | 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. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 20:39 | And as for you, O house of Israel, this is what the Lord GOD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you. But afterward, you will surely listen to Me, and you will no longer defile My holy name with your gifts and idols. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 19:13 | The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like that place, Topheth—all the houses on whose rooftops they burned incense to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods.” |
| 10 | Jeremiah 9:9 | Should I not punish them for these things? declares the LORD. Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?” |
Isaiah 57:6 Summary
[This verse is talking about how the Israelites were worshiping false gods and offering them sacrifices, which is like spiritual adultery. God is asking if He should forgive them for this, but it's clear that their actions are unacceptable. As we reflect on this verse, we can see that it's like what Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, we can't serve two masters. We have to choose who we will worship and serve, and it should be the one true God, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a portion among the smooth stones of the valley?
In Isaiah 57:6, having a portion among the smooth stones of the valley refers to the Israelites' idolatrous practices, where they would offer sacrifices to false gods, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:15-18. This represents their spiritual rebellion against the one true God.
Why is God asking if He should relent because of these idolatrous practices?
God is rhetorically asking if He should show mercy and forgive the Israelites despite their blatant idolatry, as seen in Isaiah 57:6. This question emphasizes the severity of their sin and the justice of God's judgment, as mentioned in Romans 2:5-6.
What is the significance of the drink offering and grain offering in this context?
The drink offering and grain offering mentioned in Isaiah 57:6 were originally meant to be offerings to the one true God, as described in Exodus 29:38-42 and Leviticus 23:9-14. However, in this context, the Israelites were offering them to false gods, demonstrating their spiritual adultery and rebellion against God, as seen in Hosea 11:1-7.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Isaiah?
Isaiah 57:6 is part of a larger section condemning the Israelites' idolatry and spiritual rebellion, as seen in Isaiah 57:3-13. This verse contributes to the overall theme of the book, which emphasizes God's judgment on sin and His call to repentance, as mentioned in Isaiah 1:1-31 and Isaiah 66:1-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be unknowingly offering sacrifices to false gods in my own life, and how can I repent and turn back to the one true God?
- How does the concept of 'smooth stones of the valley' relate to the idea of spiritual complacency, and what are some signs that I may be becoming spiritually complacent?
- In what ways can I ensure that my worship and sacrifices are truly directed towards the one true God, and not towards idols or false gods?
- What does this verse teach me about God's character, particularly in regards to His justice and mercy, and how can I apply this understanding to my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 57:6
Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion,.... Or thy god; but the portion of Jacob is not like them, stocks and stones, Jeremiah 10:16.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 57:6
Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 57:6
Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; thou hast chosen for thy portion those idols which were either made of those smooth stones which were cast up by rivers, or which were worshipped upon altars made of such stones, or which were worshipped by the sides of brooks or rivers, where such smooth stones commonly lie. They are thy lot; thou hast forsaken me, and chosen idols for the great object of thy worship and trust. To them hast thou poured a drink-offering, thou hast offered a meat-offering; for the devil is God’ s ape, and idolaters used the same rites and offerings in the worship of idols which God had prescribed in his own, , &c. Should I receive comfort in these? should I be pleased with such a people and such actions? must I not needs be highly provoked, and show my displeasure by an exemplary punishment of such wicked and foolish actions? This is a usual figure, called meiosis, or litotes, when less is said, and more is understood.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 57:6
Isaiah 57:6 Among the smooth [stones] of the stream [is] thy portion; they, they [are] thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?Ver. 6. Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion.] Pars et sors tua. A poor portion it is, but such as thou art well apaid of, viz., thine altars and thine idol service, and settest up in my place. How exceeding devout in their way are some misled and muzzled Papists, those of the weaker sex especially, in the service of their god, Mauzzim, in the honour of their too admired relics, which they esteem no less than the people of the isle Ceylon, in the East Indies, did their consecrated ape’ s tooth, which being got from them, they offered an incredible mass of treasure to recover it. Should I receive comfort in these?] Or, Should I not ease myself of these?
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 57:6
(6) Among the smooth stones . . .—The worship of stones was almost as widely diffused as that of trees and serpents. In Genesis 28:18 we have, at least, an analogous practice, which might easily become identical. Among the Phœnicians such stones were known as Bœtulia (probably a Grecised form of Bethel), and were connected with the worship of the reproductive powers of nature. As the true portion of Israel was emphatically Jehovah (Jeremiah 10:16; Psalms 16:5) there is an indignant irony in the word thus used. The idolaters had chosen a fetish instead of the Eternal One. In thy portion, we have the feminine singular, designating Israel as the faithless wife. Should I receive comfort in these?—i.e., better, Should I be quiet in spite of all this? (Comp. Jeremiah 5:7.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 57:6
Verse 6. Among the smooth stones of the stream - "Among the smooth stones of the valley"] The Jews were extremely addicted to the practice of many superstitious and idolatrous rites, which the prophet here inveighs against with great vehemence. Of the worship of rude stones consecrated, there are many testimonials of the ancients. They were called βαιτυλοι and βαιτυλια probably from the stone which Jacob erected at Beth-el, pouring oil upon the top of it. This practice was very common in different ages and places. Arnobius, lib. i., gives an account of his own practice in this respect before he became a Christian: Si quando conspexeram lubricatum lapidem, et ex olivi unguine sordidatum; tanquam inesset vis praesens, adulabar, affabar, et beneficia poscebam nihil sentiente de trunco. - "When I have met with a smooth stone, smeared with oil, supposing a spiritual power to be connected with it, I worshipped it, paid my addresses to it, and requested blessings," c. Clemens Alex., Strom. lib. vii., speaks of a worshipper of every smooth stone in a proverbial way, to denote one given up to superstition. And accordingly Theophrastus has marked this as one strong feature in the character of the superstitious man: Καιτωνλιπαρωνλιθωντωνενταιςτριοδοιςπαριων, εκτηςληκυθουελαιουκαταχειν, καιεπιγοναταπεσωνκαιπροσκυνησαςαπαλλαττεσθαι. "Passing by the anointed stones in the streets, he takes out his phial of oil, and pours it on them and having fallen on his knees, and made his adorations, he departs." Kimchi says: "When they found a beautiful polished stone in a brook or river, they paid Divine adoration to it." This idolatry is still prevalent among the Hindoos. The stone which is the object of their adoration is called salgram.
They are found about eighty miles from the source of the river Sown, in the viceroyalty of Bahar, on the coast of Bengal. Ayeen Akbery vol. ii. p. 29.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 57:6
6. As commonly explained, the verse refers to the worship of stone fetishes; but this is very doubtful. It is obvious, indeed, that by the smooth (ones) of the wadi some objects of worship are denoted, but is it necessary to suppose that they were smooth stones? The expression “smooth ones” (ḥ ?alqê) is chosen for the sake of a play of words between it and “portion” (ḥ ?çleq). If we take it literally it is of course natural to think of stones worn smooth by the winter torrents (cf. 1 Samuel 17:40), although even then there is force in Duhm’s observation that such featureless objects were least of all likely to be chosen as fetishes. (See Tylor, Primitive Culture3, Vol. ii. p. 144 f.) But the word occurs in the metaphorical sense of “slippery,” flattering, deceitful (Ezekiel 12:24; cf. Proverbs 7:5; Proverbs 7:21; Proverbs 29:5; Psalms 5:9, &c.); and such a term might readily be applied to false gods of any kind (cf. e.g. “lies” in Amos 2:4). We may therefore render (following Duhm), “In the deceivers of the wadi is thy portion”; although the special connexion of the deities with the wadi remains obscure. thy portion] As Jehovah is said to be the portion of His people (Deuteronomy 4:19; Jeremiah 10:16; Psalms 16:5; Psalms 142:6) so these deceitful beings are the portion of those who do homage to them in the manner described in the second half of the verse. thou hast offered a meat-offering] or, more generally, an oblation, as R.V. (see on ch. Isaiah 1:13). should I receive comfort in these?] Better, as R.V., shall I be appeased for these things? i.e. “leave them unpunished.” Cf.
Jeremiah 5:9. Note that from this verse onwards the female personification is employed, indicating that a definite community is addressed.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 57:6
Among the smooth stones of the streams - In the original here, there is a paronomasia, which cannot be fully retained in our English version.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 57:6
5, 6. More closely scrutinizing their case, the prophet puts it as it is.
Sermons on Isaiah 57:6
| Sermon | Description | |
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Epistle 252 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of humility, meekness, and purity for those who minister the gospel. He urges ministers to be examples in their conduct and to avoid ungracious |
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The Message of the Cross by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the grave sin of idolatry, which provoked God's wrath in the Old Testament and continues to do so today. He warns against a modern form of idolatry that |
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To What Purpose by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life focused on Christ rather than material possessions. He references the teachings of John Wesley, who advocated |
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Spiritual Religion by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of handling the word of God with sincerity and genuine love for scripture. He warns that simply preaching orthodox teachings d |
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The Portion of the Wicked by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the justice of God in allotting indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish to wicked men, emphasizing that their sinful nature and refusal to repe |
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The Fool's Bauble, the Fool's Fiddle by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks warns against the folly of indulging in sin, describing it as the 'fool's bauble' and 'fool's fiddle.' He emphasizes that fools take delight in wickedness, treating s |
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The Unreasonableness of Indetermination in Religion by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the unreasonableness of being indecisive in religion, using the example of Elijah challenging the people to choose between the Lord and Baal. He emp |