God and Israel in the Courthouse

Introduction

Our text takes the form of a legal case between two opposing parties. God and Israel both have their own accusations for one another, although we hear God’s side explicitly here.

Israel’s complaint: God’s punishment does not seem to be slowing down despite their faithfulness to the cultic cerimonial practices. God’s complaint: Israel’s lack of moral obedience. The witnesses: the ancient mountains. The desired outcome: reconciliation.

Israel’s Implied Complaint: “Why is God being unfair to us?”

If this is being prophecied in Jerusalem while the Assyrians are raging across the land on their way to Jerusalem, the feeling might be “why is God doing this?” This does not mean that they don’t know the cause of God’s punishment is their sin, but they appear to believe that they have changed enough to stop God’s wrath.

There is a misunderstanding of what it means to appease God. He is not a pagan god to be appeased with sacrifices and offerings, he is a God who desires righteousness and humble love from his people so they may reflect his nature.

Such accusation against God are always a result of misunderstanding or forgetting who God is and the nature of our relationship with him.

God’s Offensive Defense: “What have I done to you?”

God’s main response: how have I been unfair to you?

Israel’s Response: “We’ve upheld the sacrifices and worship practices of the law. What more can we give?”

God’s Response: He has told you what is good. A desire for reconciliation and obedience, not sacrifices

To do justice by walking in the moral requirements of the Word of God.

To pursue love according to the covenant.

To walk humbly with God.