Old Testament
Isaiah 2:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God expresses disappointment with His people, the house of Jacob (Israel), for turning away from Him.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Therefore, you, LORD, have abandoned your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled with influences from the east, and they are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they find satisfaction in the children of foreigners.
Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses disappointment with His people, the house of Jacob (Israel), for turning away from Him. They have adopted practices and beliefs from eastern cultures, including astrology and divination, similar to the Philistines, who were known for their pagan practices. This abandonment of their faith and reliance on foreign influences shows a lack of trust in God. Instead of seeking guidance from Him, they are drawn to the allure of foreign customs and the children of strangers, indicating a desire for worldly satisfaction over spiritual fidelity. This reflects a broader theme of spiritual unfaithfulness and the dangers of compromising one's beliefs for the sake of cultural acceptance or material gain. God’s forsaking of His people serves as a warning about the consequences of abandoning true faith for superficial pleasures and influences. Explore related idolatry.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 2:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for influences that may lead us away from our faith. We should be cautious of adopting practices or beliefs that conflict with our commitment to God. Staying rooted in our faith helps us resist the temptation of worldly distractions.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 2:6 mean?
Isaiah 2:6 expresses God's disappointment with Israel for adopting foreign practices and beliefs, particularly those related to astrology and divination. This abandonment of faith highlights their lack of trust in God and their desire for worldly satisfaction.
What is the significance of 'the house of Jacob' in Isaiah 2:6?
'The house of Jacob' refers to the people of Israel, symbolizing their identity as God's chosen people. In this verse, it emphasizes their spiritual unfaithfulness and the consequences of turning away from God.
What are the foreign influences mentioned in Isaiah 2:6?
The foreign influences in Isaiah 2:6 include practices from eastern cultures, such as soothsaying and astrology, which were contrary to Israel's faith in God. These influences led the people away from their spiritual roots.
How does Isaiah 2:6 relate to idolatry?
Isaiah 2:6 relates to idolatry by showing how the people of Israel sought satisfaction in foreign customs and practices instead of relying on God. This reflects a broader theme of spiritual unfaithfulness and the dangers of compromising one's beliefs.

The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
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