Isaiah 5 12

Isaiah 5:12 kjv

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

Isaiah 5:12 nkjv

The harp and the strings, The tambourine and flute, And wine are in their feasts; But they do not regard the work of the LORD, Nor consider the operation of His hands.

Isaiah 5:12 niv

They have harps and lyres at their banquets, pipes and timbrels and wine, but they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD, no respect for the work of his hands.

Isaiah 5:12 esv

They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts, but they do not regard the deeds of the LORD, or see the work of his hands.

Isaiah 5:12 nlt

They furnish wine and lovely music at their grand parties ?
lyre and harp, tambourine and flute ?
but they never think about the LORD
or notice what he is doing.

Isaiah 5 verses

Isaiah 5 12 Meaning

Isaiah 5:12 describes the spiritual state of Judah's wealthy elite: they indulge in elaborate feasts filled with music (harp, lute, tambourine, flute) and wine. Despite this outwardly joyous and prosperous lifestyle, their hearts are far from God. They utterly fail to recognize, acknowledge, or consider the significant works of the Lord, both in creation and in His providential and historical interventions in their lives and the world. Their revelry is marked by a profound spiritual blindness and indifference to divine truth and judgment.

Isaiah 5 12 Context

Isaiah 5:12 falls within the prophet Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard" (Isa 5:1-7) and the subsequent series of "Woe" oracles (Isa 5:8-25) directed against the southern kingdom of Judah. This chapter critiques the nation's spiritual degradation, social injustice, and moral decay, which led to their eventual downfall. Historically, Judah in the 8th century BC, especially during the reign of Uzziah, experienced periods of great economic prosperity and national security. This affluence, however, led to complacency, self-indulgence, and a profound neglect of the covenant relationship with God. The immediate verse highlights the luxurious and carefree lifestyle of the ruling and wealthy class, contrasting their outward merriment with their inward spiritual indifference to God's presence, past interventions, and current dealings with His people. It points out that even amidst what could be legitimate celebrations, their hearts had completely abandoned God's rightful place.

Isaiah 5 12 Word analysis

• And the harp (כִּנּוֹר - kinnowr): A stringed instrument, often associated with joyful praise and celebration in the Temple (e.g., Ps 33:2, 1 Chron 15:16). Here, it is co-opted for self-indulgent revelry rather than divine worship or true joy.
• and the lute (וָנֶבֶל - wa-nebel): Another stringed instrument, possibly a psaltery or lyre, similar to the harp in its role in music. Like kinnowr, its presence here indicates a setting of elaborate festivity.
• the tambourine (תֹּף - tōp̄): A percussive instrument, often played by women during times of celebration (e.g., Exod 15:20, Judg 11:34). It denotes lively, perhaps boisterous, entertainment.
• and the flute (וְחָלִיל - w-ḥalîl): A wind instrument, often used in festive or solemn processions. Its inclusion completes the picture of a full musical ensemble dedicated to sensory pleasure.
• and wine (וָיַיִן - wa-yayin): Alcoholic beverage, often consumed at feasts. While wine itself is not inherently evil in the Bible (Ps 104:15, Judg 9:13), its prominent presence in such contexts often signals excessive consumption and loss of control, leading to a neglect of spiritual responsibilities.
• are in their feasts (מִשְׁתֵּיהֶם - mish'teyhem): This refers to their elaborate, perhaps luxurious, drinking parties or banquets. It implies a lifestyle focused on leisure, enjoyment, and indulgence. The possessive "their" indicates a focus on personal gratification rather than communal worship or responsible living.
• but they regard not (וְאֵת פֹּעַל יְהוָה לֹא יַבִּיטוּ - w-et po‘al YHVH lo' yabbiṭu): This phrase highlights their profound spiritual neglect. "Regard not" (lo' yabbiṭu) is stronger than simply ignoring; it means they do not look or perceive intentionally. This is a deliberate blindness, a refusal to acknowledge. "The work of the Lord" (po‘al YHVH) refers to God's actions in history, His creative power, His acts of deliverance, and His sovereign governance of the world, including sending prophets and signs. They are willfully oblivious to God's hand in all these things.
• neither consider (וּמַעֲשֵׂה יָדָיו לֹא הִשְׁכִּילוּ - u-ma‘aseh yadaw lo' hiskilu): This provides a strong parallelism and amplification. "Consider" (lo' hiskilu) signifies a lack of insight, wisdom, or intelligent understanding. They not only fail to see, but also fail to comprehend or discern the implications. "The operation of his hands" (ma‘aseh yadaw) powerfully reinforces "the work of the Lord," emphasizing the direct, active, and personal involvement of God. The dual negation emphasizes a comprehensive failure in both perception and understanding concerning divine action.

• Music, food, and drink as distraction: The collection of musical instruments and wine highlights a sensual, pleasure-seeking lifestyle. These elements, though neutral or even good when used in a balanced way (e.g., in worship, for righteous celebration), become destructive when they become ends in themselves, replacing attention to God. Their lavishness points to significant wealth and comfort.
• Spiritual blindness and lack of discernment: The double negative phrase "regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands" powerfully conveys total spiritual apathy. They are impervious to God's evident presence and active dealings in the world and their lives, demonstrating a profound lack of fear, reverence, or spiritual intelligence. This blindness is not involuntary but rather a consequence of their choices and self-indulgence.

Isaiah 5 12 Bonus section

This verse implies a prophetic lament against "Israel's folly" – a theme prevalent throughout the prophetic books. The instruments mentioned – the kinnowr, nebel, tōp̄, and ḥalîl – were typically associated with joyous occasions, worship, and even prophecy. Their presence here signifies how even culturally revered practices can be perverted and turned towards ungodly ends when God is excluded. The deep irony is that while God’s "work" (po‘al) and "operation of His hands" (ma‘aseh yadaw) reveal His character and power (as seen in creation, Exodus, etc.), the people remain willfully oblivious. This "spiritual deaf-mutism" (Isa 6:9-10) is presented not as a natural state but as a culpable condition brought on by persistent sin and self-indulgence, ultimately leading to divine judgment. The emphasis is on their conscious choice not to perceive what is otherwise clearly visible.

Isaiah 5 12 Commentary

Isaiah 5:12 unveils a critical diagnosis of spiritual apathy among God's people. It's not the mere presence of music or wine that draws divine censure, but their context: used in unbridled revelry that wholly supplants any awareness of God's active presence and sovereignty. This self-absorption represents a deliberate rejection of discerning God's hand in history, His providential care, or His impending judgment. Their lavish feasts, symbols of earthly success and pleasure, serve as a veil, blinding them to the ultimate reality of divine works and their own spiritual responsibilities. Such neglect is portrayed as the essence of folly, inevitably inviting divine reckoning upon those who despise the wisdom that stems from fearing the Lord and understanding His ways. It underscores that true joy and security come not from worldly abundance but from a living relationship with God and attention to His works.