Isaiah 66:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 66:17
17 They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 66 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of wisdom, love, creation. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 66:17
17 They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.
Analysis
Specific sins are condemned: "They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD." The Hebrew describes syncretistic worship—self-sanctification rituals (mitqadshim umittaharim) in gardens (pagan sacred groves), following cultic leaders ("behind one tree/in the midst"), eating unclean foods (swine, mouse, abominable things). These practices mixed Yahwism with pagan fertility cults. The judgment: "consumed together" (yachad yasu'fu)—corporate destruction, not individual. "Saith the LORD" confirms certainty. From a Reformed perspective, this condemns religious syncretism and self-sanctification—attempting to make oneself holy through rituals rather than trusting God's provision. Self-sanctification always incorporates falsehood because unregenerate humans can't make themselves acceptable to God. True sanctification comes from God through Christ's work applied by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:30, 6:11, Hebrews 10:10, 14). Syncretism—mixing true worship with false religion—remains spiritually deadly, warranting divine judgment.
Historical Context
These practices plagued Israel throughout their history—Canaanite fertility cult elements infiltrating worship (Judges 2:11-13, 1 Kings 14:23, 2 Kings 17:10, Jeremiah 2:20, Ezekiel 6:13). Despite reforms, syncretism persisted into the post-exilic period (Ezra 9:1-2, Nehemiah 13:23-27). The early church faced similar dangers—Judaizers adding law to grace (Galatians), Gnostics mixing Greek philosophy with Christianity (Colossians). The danger continues—cultural Christianity mixing biblical truth with worldly philosophy, prosperity gospel mixing mammon with God, nominalism mixing religious form with secular living. All syncretism faces divine judgment.
Reflection
- What forms of religious syncretism threaten contemporary Christianity?
- How does self-sanctification (through rituals, works, disciplines) differ from Spirit-wrought sanctification?
- Why is God so severe in judging syncretistic worship?
Word Studies
- Sanctify: קָדַשׁ (Qadash) H6942 - To set apart, make holy