Listen to Me, you stubborn people, far removed from righteousness: Listen to Me,God calls His people to give undivided attention to the One who alone declares the end from the beginning and accomplishes all His purposes. His command demands more than hearing words; it calls for faith that receives His authority and obeys His will. Psa 81:8 Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel… you stubborn people, Israel had repeatedly resisted the Lord despite His covenant mercies, His law, and His acts of deliverance. A hardened heart refuses God’s rule even while benefiting from His patience. The warning addresses those tempted to trust idols, political alliances, or human strength rather than the living God. Act 7:51 You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears!… far removed from righteousness: Their conduct and unbelief had placed them at a great moral distance from God’s holy standard. Yet the following promise declares that the Lord Himself would bring near His righteousness and salvation. Israel could not restore itself, but God would act for Zion’s sake, ultimately pointing to the righteousness given through faith in Jesus Christ. Isa 59:9 Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah during a time of moral and spiritual decline. 2. Stubborn People This refers to the Israelites who were resistant to God's guidance and commands. They are described as being "far from righteousness," indicating their spiritual waywardness. 3. God The speaker in this verse, God is calling His people to listen and return to Him. He is portrayed as a patient yet firm guide, desiring righteousness for His people. 4. Righteousness A key theme in Isaiah, righteousness here refers to living in accordance with God's will and commands. The Israelites are described as being distant from this ideal. 5. Babylonian Captivity While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Isaiah includes the looming threat of Babylonian captivity, a consequence of the people's stubbornness and unrighteousness. Teaching Points The Call to ListenGod continually calls His people to listen, emphasizing the importance of being attentive to His word and guidance. The Danger of Stubbornness Stubbornness can lead us away from righteousness. We must be willing to submit to God's will and change our ways. Proximity to Righteousness Being "far from righteousness" is a spiritual condition that requires repentance and a return to God's ways. God's Patience and Desire for Righteousness Despite our stubbornness, God is patient and desires for us to return to righteousness, offering us grace and guidance. The Consequences of Ignoring God Ignoring God's call can lead to spiritual and sometimes physical consequences, as seen in the history of Israel. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern examples of stubbornness that can distance us from righteousness, and how can we overcome them?2. How does the concept of righteousness in Isaiah 46:12 relate to the righteousness described in the New Testament? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are listening to God in our daily lives? 4. Reflect on a time when you were "far from righteousness." What steps did you take to return to God, and what role did listening play in that process? 5. How can the lessons from Isaiah 46:12 be applied to the church today, especially in terms of spiritual leadership and guidance? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 9:6This verse also addresses the stubbornness of the Israelites, reminding them that their possession of the land is not due to their righteousness but God's promise. Romans 10:3 Paul speaks of the Israelites' ignorance of God's righteousness and their attempt to establish their own, paralleling the stubbornness mentioned in Isaiah. Hebrews 3:7-8 The author warns against hardening hearts, echoing the call in Isaiah for the people to listen and not be stubborn.
People Isaiah, JacobPlaces Babylon, Cush, ZionTopics Deliverance, Ear, Faith, Feeble-hearted, Hearken, Heart, Listen, Mighty, Righteousness, Stouthearted, Stout-hearted, Stubborn, Stubborn-hearted, Stubborn-mindedDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 46:12Library A Righteousness Near and a Swift Salvation'Hearken unto Me, ye stout-hearted, that are far from righteousness: I bring near My righteousness; it shall not be far off, and My salvation shall not tarry.'--ISAIAH xlvi. 12,13. God has promised that He will dwell with him that is humble and of a contrite heart. Jesus has shed the oil of His benediction on the poor in spirit. It is the men who form the exact antithesis to these characters who are addressed here. The 'stout-hearted' are those who, being untouched in conscience and ignorant of … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The God of the Aged Whether the Seven Petitions of the Lord's Prayer are Fittingly Assigned? Of Internal Acts Of Inward Silence Of Rest in the Presence of God --Its Fruits --Inward Silence --God Commands it --Outward Silence. "And this is his Commandment," &C. "Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour, and are Wearied," &C. Epistle v. To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor. The First Commandment The Power of God The Iranian Conquest Barzillai Purposes of God. The Unchangeableness of God The Shepherd of Our Souls. Isaiah Links Isaiah 46:12 NIVIsaiah 46:12 NLT Isaiah 46:12 ESV Isaiah 46:12 NASB Isaiah 46:12 KJV Isaiah 46:12 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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