Verse 9
9. They know well enough that the favor of an earthly governor cannot be secured in this way; let them now see if Jehovah is pleased with such things.
Beseech God Literally, the face of God (compare Zechariah 7:2). Not a call to repentance, but an ironical challenge to supplicate Jehovah with gifts and prayers. In other great crises he heard intercessory prayer (Genesis 18:22 ff.; Exodus 32:11).
This hath been by your means Literally, from your hands was this; that is, the offering of unclean animals. These words interrupt the thought; the question following is the real continuation of the ironical exhortation; therefore many commentators omit them as a later gloss. As they stand now, they can serve only to emphasize the illegitimacy and hypocrisy of their conduct.
What can they expect under these circumstances?
Will he regard your persons? R.V., “accept any of your persons?” margin, “accept any because of you?” The Hebrew is ambiguous, but in view of the exhortation, which seems to imply intercessory prayer, the marginal translation is to be preferred. The priests were mediators between Jehovah and the people, they offered sacrifice as servants of Jehovah and of the people, to secure the divine favor for the latter; but since they have proved faithless their service is no longer acceptable, they can no longer secure the favor of Jehovah for the people.
Jehovah of hosts See on Hosea 12:5.
Be the first to react on this!
