Question 1

What does it mean that God is sought by those who did not ask for Him?

Accepted Answer

The opening line shows God taking the first step toward people who were not even looking for Him. “I am sought of them that asked not for me” points to those outside Israel, who had no history with God’s promises. They were not crying out for Him, yet He made Himself known and said, “Behold me, behold me.” It teaches that God’s grace begins with His own choice to reveal Himself. People come to seek Him because He has already reached out and stirred their hearts.

Question 2

Why does God call Israel a rebellious people in this passage?

Accepted Answer

God calls them rebellious because, instead of walking in His ways, they followed their own thoughts. They offered sacrifices in forbidden gardens, burned incense on man-made altars, consulted the dead among graves, and ate foods He had clearly called unclean. On top of that, they acted proud and said, “I am holier than thou,” while living in open disobedience. Their sin was not hidden or occasional. It was constant and “to my face,” which shows stubborn resistance to God’s clear commands.

Question 3

What are the strange practices among graves and eating swine’s flesh about?

Accepted Answer

The practices mentioned are examples of how far the people had turned from God’s law. Staying among graves and lodging in monuments points to seeking help from spirits of the dead or dealing with dark powers, which God had clearly forbidden. Eating swine’s flesh and broth of abominable things shows they ignored God’s clean and unclean food laws. These acts were not harmless customs. They showed a heart that preferred forbidden ways and idol worship over trust and simple obedience to the Lord.

Question 4

Why does God say He will not keep silence but will repay their iniquities?

Accepted Answer

God’s words about not keeping silence show that His patience with stubborn sin has a limit. He had stretched out His hands “all the day” through His prophets, calling them back, but they refused. They and their fathers burned incense on high places and mocked Him. Saying He will “recompense into their bosom” means they will feel the full result of their own choices. Sin will not be ignored forever. God’s justice means He will answer long-standing rebellion with fitting judgment.

Question 5

What is the meaning of the new wine found in the cluster image?

Accepted Answer

The picture of new wine in the cluster explains why God will not wipe everyone out. When a bunch of grapes is examined, someone may say, “Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it.” There is still good juice inside, so it is worth keeping. In the same way, even when many are corrupt, God sees His servants, those who truly belong to Him. For their sake He spares a remnant. This shows that in the middle of judgment, God remembers His faithful ones and keeps His promises to them.

Question 6

Who are the servants, the elect, and the seed out of Jacob and Judah?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, the servants and the elect are those who truly seek the Lord instead of idols. They are called a “seed out of Jacob” and “an inheritor of my mountains,” meaning God will raise up people from His ancient people who trust Him from the heart. They will inherit the restored land, with Sharon and the valley of Achor becoming peaceful places for flocks and herds. This shows God’s care for a believing remnant, even when the larger group has turned away from Him.

Question 7

Why does God threaten to number some people to the sword?

Accepted Answer

God threatens to number them to the sword because they had first “numbered” many false gods and laid out tables and drink offerings for them. While He called, they would not answer. While He spoke, they refused to listen and chose what He did not delight in. So His response matches their choices. Instead of safety, they will “bow down to the slaughter.” It is a sobering warning that ignoring God’s repeated calls and clinging to idols leads to real, painful consequences.

Question 8

What is meant by God’s servants eating and rejoicing while others are hungry and ashamed?

Accepted Answer

This contrast shows the different ends of those who serve God and those who forsake Him. God’s servants “shall eat,” “shall drink,” and “shall sing for joy of heart.” Even when outward life is hard, they have real comfort and satisfaction in Him. Those who turned from Him “shall be hungry,” “thirsty,” and “ashamed,” crying out in deep sorrow. The picture is one of spiritual fullness versus emptiness. It reminds us that true joy and lasting peace are found only in staying close to the Lord.

Question 9

What does it mean that God will call His servants by another name?

Accepted Answer

When God says He will slay the unfaithful and call His servants by another name, it points to a change in how His people are known. Those who forsook Him would leave their name for a curse, something others would not want to be linked with. God would instead give His true servants a new identity, marked by trust in the “God of truth.” This hints at a wider people of God, including those who were not part of Israel before, who now bless and swear by the Lord in sincerity.

Question 10

How can this passage shape the way I respond to God today?

Accepted Answer

This passage invites honest self-examination. It warns against empty religious pride that says, “I am holier than thou,” while ignoring God’s clear word. It shows the danger of chasing our own ideas and secret sins instead of listening when God calls. At the same time, it offers hope. God gladly reveals Himself to those who never sought Him before, and He keeps a place for His servants, giving them joy and a new name. The right response is to turn from idols of any kind and seek the God of truth with a humble heart.

Isaiah 65:1

I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.

Judgments and Promises

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Isaiah 65:1

I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.

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