Yes, God was offended. Some translations even say he was appalled. And it’s not from what you think.
So again the Israelites are angry at God and complaining that He is not answering their prayers or helping them. God tells them plainly:
2 But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.
3 For your hands are stained with blood,
your fingers with guilt.
Your lips have spoken falsely,
and your tongue mutters wicked things.
4 No one calls for justice;
no one pleads a case with integrity.
They rely on empty arguments, they utter lies;
they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.
Their evil has brought separation. Just as much as a wayward wife or a straying husband who secretly chases after others brings separation to the marriage. And then the wayward one wonders where is the warmth?
The Israelites have killed, most often sacrificing their children, they have spoken lies, they have not upheld justice, their works are sinful and their feet rush to crush the innocent.
Justice is far from the people.
“truth has stumbled in the public square” (v. 14).
Wowza. Isn’t that a statement for today. Each person things the “other” group is the ones who have stumbled the most.
“Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil is plundered” (v. 15). Again, so true. If someone stands up for righteousness in these days and times, expect them to be raided by officials, and I’m not just talking about the people in high standing being raided.
So God’s offense is two-fold:
- “The LORD saw that there was no justice, and He was offended” (v. 15).
- “He was amazed [some translations use the word “appalled”], that there was no one interceding.
This was the offense of God. Lack of integrity, justice and righteousness was at pandemic proportions. And that was offensive. But what was even more offense was that there was no one interceding. No on seeking God on their knees, or standing strong to say ‘no more.’
God was shocked.
But that didn’t stop him. It says, “so His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness supported Him” (v. 16).
But God intends us to stand up for righteousness and justice. And that is NOT political party specific (or country specific). In short, don’t politicize this Scripture for your own political party. Or national interests.
Love justice. Don’t excuse your people because the “other” people are worse. Do what is right and just no matter the person in front of you. Take care of those in need. Intercede on your knees and with your feet.
