The prophet now enumerates the reasons that forced the Lord to turn aside from the Chosen People, and call in the Gentiles to occupy the place and perform the mission which they had despised and forfeited. Paul makes memorable reference to this passage. See Rom. 10:20, 21. Their gardens were scenes of debauchery; their altars were covered by polluting engravings; they practiced necromancy in the graveyards, and ate swine’s flesh, vs. 3, 4. Fortune and destiny were their chosen deities, v. 11, R.V. While professing greater holiness than others, the land was filled with abominations.

But the Lord ever discriminates between the righteous and the wicked. Did he not spare Noah and Lot and Caleb? There has always been a faithful remnant, and these become the seed germs of a new nation. Ponder vs. 8-10. Then ask that your life may be like the new young grapes of the vineyard, on which the blessing of God rests!