Some of the Israelites had gone mystical, and sinful. I’m sure they had donned themselves with special robes and jewely and looked the part. Here’s the Bible’s description (v. 3-5):

• These people continually provoke me to My face
• Sacrificing in gardens
• Burning incense on bricks
• Sitting among the graves
• Spending nights in secret places
• Eating the meat of pigs
• Putting polluted broth in their bowls
• Saying, “Keep to yourself, don’t come near me, for I am too holy for you!”

When people set themselves up as mystics, people seem to be attracted to them or give them reverence and space. Recently I’ve been reading about the abduction of Elizabeth Smart and while that guy was normalish in his early days, he declared himself a prophet, played the part, abducted 14 year old Elizabeth and raped her daily. She says in her book that everywhere they went because they were dressed different, people treated them vastly different.

God was not impressed. He saw it was a part of their sinfulness. Yet he called to them anyway.

“I spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people who walk in the wrong path, following their own thoughts. These people continue to provoke me to My face (v. 2-3a).

After awhile God said enough. He will not keep silent. They will get what their deeds deserve. You can dress in all the robes you want, declare yourself holy, burn incense and do weird things, but these do not make you holy or righteous. Sin is sin. And He will bring punishment.

Yet he won’t completely destroy Israel as there is still some good in it. He will restore those who follow him and they will be blessed.