Isaiah 5:12

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BibleOld TestamentIsaiah

 

NRSV
whose feasts consist of lyre and harp,
   tambourine and flute and wine,
but who do not regard the deeds of the LORD,
   or see the work of his hands!

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


KJV

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

In vv 9-13 Isaiah is contemptuous of an ignorant, entertainment-oriented and privileged society. Rabbis have used this verse since ancient times when teaching respect for scientific discovery, searching out what "the hands of God" have done. Read Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' thoughts about how this attitude has born fruit here.

See also Job 12:7-10, Proverbs 25:2, Ecclesiastes 7:11-13 and Psalm 111:2-3.

Bruce (talk)


This passage was referenced here (4.4.3) and here (6.2.5) in our response to the AACE discussion questions.


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