Isaiah 29:15-16
What is written? (ESV)
Ah, you who hide deep from the Lord your counsel, whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, Who sees us? Who knows us? You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, He did not make me; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, He has no understanding?
What does it say?
Oh you who hide your understanding and actions from God and think that He doesn’t see! You have it all wrong. The potter isn’t the clay. The thing that is made does not deny its maker or say that he is not wise.
What is its immediate context?
God, through the prophet Isaiah, is speaking of the judgement that is coming against Judah for their disobedience. Their stubbornness and pride has led God to close the eyes of the prophets/seers (vs 10) – like giving a book to someone that cannot read and asking them to read it (vs 11). Verse 13 is quoted by Jesus (Matthew 15:7-9), applying it to the Pharisees’ heardness of heart and verse 14 is qutoed by Paul (1 Corinthians 1:18-19) applying it to the reaction of the so-called “wise” to the gospel message.
How Isaiah 29:15-16 is applied across Bible answers
Is it possible to hide from God?
The created cannot dictate (or hide from) the creator.
