Question 1

What does it mean that Israel had not called upon God but was weary of him?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “Thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel,” he is saying that the people had stopped truly seeking him. Prayer and worship had become a burden instead of a joy. They either neglected their duties or did them half‑heartedly. Being “weary” of God means they were tired of his ways and ordinances, so they pulled back from real fellowship with him. Outwardly they might still be religious at times, but inwardly they did not want him or trust him as they should.

Question 2

Why does God complain about the offerings and sweet cane in this passage?

Accepted Answer

God mentions small cattle for burnt offerings, the fat of sacrifices, and sweet cane, which was a spice used in incense and ointment. By saying they had not brought these, he shows that they had not honored him with the worship he asked for, or they did it without faith and love. They would not spend on what pleased God, yet they freely spent themselves on sin. The problem is not just missing rituals, but hearts that are unwilling to give God their best and treat him as worthy.

Question 3

What does it mean that God is made to serve with sins and wearied with iniquities?

Accepted Answer

The line, “thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities,” pictures sin as a burden laid on God. Instead of serving God, the people’s behavior presses on his patience. Their constant disobedience and stubbornness grieve him. It does not mean God is weak, but that their sins bring him to act in judgment and also to provide a way of atonement. The language shows how serious sin is and how deeply it affects our relationship with God.

Question 4

What does it mean that God blots out transgressions for his own sake?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake,” he is saying that forgiveness starts with him, not with us. To “blot out” is like wiping ink off a page so the record is gone. He chooses to do this because of his own character, mercy, and purposes, not because his people have earned it. Their worship has been poor and their sins many, yet he promises to erase their guilt and not remember their sins, showing that grace rests on who he is.

Question 5

What is meant by “Put me in remembrance; let us plead together”?

Accepted Answer

“Put me in remembrance; let us plead together; declare thou, that thou mayest be justified” is God’s way of inviting his people into a kind of courtroom scene. He tells them to recall anything that might clear them, to speak up if they think they are right. This exposes that they have no real ground to claim innocence. It strips away self‑righteousness and points them back to mercy as their only hope. The invitation is both searching and gracious, calling them to honest confession, not excuses.

Question 6

Who is the “first father” who sinned and the teachers who transgressed?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me,” he is reminding them that sin runs back through their history. “First father” can point to early ancestors or key founders in their story. The teachers are the priests and prophets who should have led well but did wrong. The point is that they cannot lean on their family line or leaders for righteousness. Both the people and their guides have failed, showing that all alike need God’s grace and forgiveness.

Question 7

Why does God say he profaned the princes of the sanctuary and gave Jacob to the curse?

Accepted Answer

God’s words about profaning “the princes of the sanctuary” and giving Jacob “to the curse” and Israel “to reproaches” explain why shame and hardship have fallen on them. The leaders of worship, who should have been holy examples, were treated as common and brought low because of sin. The people as a whole experienced curse and scorn among the nations. This is not random trouble, but God’s just response to long‑standing disobedience. It shows that ignoring God in worship and life leads to real consequences.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about God’s character toward sinners?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows both God’s anger at sin and his deep mercy. He notices when people grow tired of him, skip true worship, and pile up iniquities. He does not brush that aside, and judgment, shame, and loss of honor can follow. Yet right in the middle of his complaint, he says he himself will blot out their sins and not remember them, for his own sake. So God is just and does not overlook evil, but he is also gracious, choosing to forgive and restore people who do not deserve it.

Question 9

How can this passage about Israel’s worship and sin apply to me today?

Accepted Answer

This passage invites you to ask whether you have grown weary of God or treat worship as a bare duty. It challenges empty habits, like saying prayers or going to gatherings without heart, and warns that sin burdens the relationship with God. At the same time, it offers hope. Even when your record is poor and your past and influences are flawed, God is willing to blot out your sins for his own sake. The right response is honest confession, turning from shallow religion, and trusting his mercy.

Isaiah 43:22

¶ But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.

Israel’s Unfaithfulness

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Isaiah 43:22

¶ But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.

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Israel’s Unfaithfulness

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