Well, even if you don't claim to be a Bible scholar, I would love to hear your thoughts on this one.
Two questions:
1. If someone were to ask you the most solemn scripture in the NT, what would it be? The one scripture that stops you in your tracks, and makes you consider your ways, and perhaps change them?
Personally, in the NT, the scripture that always causes me to tremble, is the one where Jesus says... Depart from me, I never knew you. I never want to hear that from my Lord.
2. What is the most compelling solemn scripture in the OT?
This question/scripture below is the real premise for this post. I have never completely understood it, and would love to hear all points of view on this one.
The scripture I am referring to is actually the entire last chapter of Isaiah,
Isaiah 66. If you read the entire chapter, and the one before it to get context, it is helpful.
I will post the last part of it, and highlight the part that I don't understand.
Isaiah 66:16 For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.
17They 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.18For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.
19And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.
20And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD.
21And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD.
22For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.
23And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
24And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.
What is the significance of the phrase
"they that sanctify themselves and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abominations, and the mouse, shall be consumed together." ?
All thoughts, opinions, and scripture backed references welcomed. Thanks!
Threaded Mode
