A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;
A people who constantly make me angry right in front of me; who offer sacrifices in gardens and burn incense on brick altars;
God is expressing His frustration with people who openly worship false gods and practice forbidden rituals right before His eyes.
📚 Historical Context
Isaiah was writing during a time when many Israelites had turned away from worshiping God at the temple and instead practiced pagan rituals in gardens and on makeshift altars. These practices included worshiping foreign gods like Baal and participating in fertility cults that were common among surrounding nations. Such worship was explicitly forbidden by God's law and represented a direct rejection of their covenant relationship with Him.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.