Book of Isaiah - Chapter 65 - Verse 3

In this verse from the book of Isaiah, the prophet is conveying the message that God is displeased with the actions of the people he is addressing. The people are continuously provoking God to anger through their disobedience and lack of reverence. The act of sacrificing in gardens and burning incense upon altars of brick was considered unacceptable in the eyes of God, as it showed a disregard for his commandments and a lack of respect for proper worship practices. By engaging in these practices, the people were not only disobeying God but also showing a lack of faith and trust in Him. This verse serves as a warning to the people about the consequences of their actions and a reminder to stay faithful and obedient to God's will.

Within this verse, there are several significant theological patterns and word studies worth exploring. The phrase "provoketh me to anger continually to my face" highlights the disobedience and disrespect that the people showed towards God. This suggests a consistent defiance and lack of reverence for His authority. The mention of "sacrificeth in gardens" and "burneth incense upon altars of brick" refers to the pagan practices and rituals that the people engaged in. These actions occurred in locations outside of the designated temple, demonstrating the people's disregard for the proper ways to worship God. The word "sacrificeth" emphasizes the act of offering sacrifices, while "burneth incense" indicates a form of worship through smoke and fragrance. Additionally, the use of "altars of brick" contrasts with the usual altars made of stone, symbolizing a man-made construct that does not align with God's prescribed methods. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of genuine, heartfelt worship.