Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
These are people who say, 'Stay away from me, don't come near me, because I am more holy than you.' These people are like irritating smoke in my nose, like a fire that burns all day long.
God is expressing His anger toward people who act spiritually superior and look down on others, saying their religious pride disgusts Him.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Isaiah, the prophet is delivering God's message to the people of Judah during a time of spiritual decline in the 8th century BC, warning them about their idolatry and hypocritical practices. This verse specifically addresses the self-righteous individuals who distanced themselves from others, claiming superior holiness, which symbolized the broader rebellion against God's covenant. It reflects God's frustration with this attitude as part of His judgment on unfaithful Israel before the Babylonian exile.
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