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Selected Verse: Isaiah 57:6 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Isa 57:6	Strong Concordance	Among the smooth [02511] stones of the stream [05158] is thy portion [02506]; they, they are thy lot [01486]: even to them hast thou poured [08210] a drink offering [05262], thou hast offered [05927] a meat offering [04503]. Should I receive comfort [05162] in these?
	King James	Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
The smooth stones, shaped as idols, are the gods chosen by thee as thy portion (Psa 16:5). meat offering--not a bloody sacrifice, but one of meal and flour mingled with oil. "Meat" in Old English meant food, not flesh, as it means now (Lev 14:10). Should I receive comfort--rather, "Shall I bear these things with patience?" [HORSLEY].

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

The smooth stones, shaped as idols, are the gods chosen by thee as thy portion (Psa 16:5).

meat offering--not a bloody sacrifice, but one of meal and flour mingled with oil. "Meat" in Old English meant food, not flesh, as it means now (Lev 14:10).

Should I receive comfort--rather, "Shall I bear these things with patience?" [HORSLEY].

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Among the smooth stones of the streams - In the original here, there is a paronomasia, which cannot be fully retained in our English version. There has been also considerable diversity of opinion in regard to the sense of the passage, from the ambiguity of the words in the original. Jerome (the Vulgate) renders it, In partibus torrentis pars tua - 'Thy portion is in the parts of the torrent.' The Septuagint translates it 'This is thy portion; this is thy lot. The word rendered in our version, 'smooth stones' (חלק chēleq), means properly smoothness, hence, barrenness or bare place; and supposes that the idea is, their lot was in the bare places of the valley, that is, in the open (not wooded) places where they worshipped idols - an interpretation not very consistent with the fact that groves were commonly selected as the place where they worshipped idols. It seems to me, therefore, that the idea of smoothness here, whether of the valley or of the stones, is not the idea intended. Indeed, in no place, it is believed, does the word mean 'smooth stones;' and it is difficult to conceive what was the exact idea which our translators intended to convey, or why they supposed that such worship was celebrated among the smooth or much-worn stones of the running stream. The true idea can probably be obtained by reverting to the primitive sense of the word as derived from the verb. The verb חלק châlaq means: 1. To smooth. 2. To divide, to distribute, to appropriate - as the dividing of spoil, etc. Hence, the noun also means dividing, or portion, as that which is divided - whether an inheritance, or whether the dividings of spoil after battle. Retaining this idea, the literal sense, as I conceive, would be this in which also something of the paronomasia will be retained: 'Among the dividings of the valley is thy dividing,' that is, thy portion In the places where the valley divides, is thy lot. Thy lot is there instead of the place which God appointed. There you worship; there you pour out your libations to the false gods; and there you must partake of the protection and favor which the gods whom you worship can give. You have chosen that as your inheritance, and by the results of that you must abide. Of the stream - The word rendered here 'stream' (נחל nachal), means either a stream, or a rivulet of water Num 34:5; Josh. 15:4-47; or it means a valley with a brook or torrent; a low place with water. Here it means evidently the latter - as it cannot be supposed they would worship in a stream, though they undoubtedly worshipped in a vale or low place where there was occasionally a rivulet of water. This entire description is strikingly applicable to the valley of Jehoshaphat - a low vale, broken by chasms and by projecting and overhanging rocks, and along the center of which flowed a small brook, much swelled occasionally by the waters that fell from the adjacent hills. At some seasons of the year, however, the valley was entirely dry. The idea here is, that they had chosen their portion in the dividings of that valley instead of the adjacent hills on which the worship of God was celebrated. That valley became afterward the emblem of punishment: and may it not be implied in this passage that they were to inherit whatever would descend on that valley; that is, that they were to participate in the punishment which would be the just expression of the divine displeasure? Even to them hast thou poured out - That is, to these idols erected in the valleys. A drink-offering - A libation, or drink-offering was usually poured out in the worship of pagan gods Jer 7:18. It was common also in the worship of the true God (see Gen 35:14). Among the Hebrews it consisted of wine and oil Exo 29:40; Num 15:5-7; Lev 23:13. Thou hast offered a meat-offering - On the word used here (מנחה minchāh) see the notes at Isa 1:13; Isa 43:23. The word 'meat' formerly denoted in the English language food in general, and was not confined as it is now to animal food. Hence, the word 'meat-offering' is so often used in the Scriptures when a sacrifice is intended which was not a bloody sacrifice. The mincha was in fact an offering of meal, fine flour, etc., mingled with oil Lev 14:10; Num 7:13, and was distinguished expressly from the bloody sacrifice. The word 'meal-offering' would much more appropriately express the sense of the original than 'meat-offering.' This was a common offering made to idols as well as to the true God, and was designed as an expression of thankfulness. Should I receive comfort in these? - It is implied that God could not behold them but with displeasure, and that for them he would punish them. The Vulgate and the Septuagint express it well as: 'On account of these things shall I not be enraged?'

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

Among the smooth stones of the streams - In the original here, there is a paronomasia, which cannot be fully retained in our English version. There has been also considerable diversity of opinion in regard to the sense of the passage, from the ambiguity of the words in the original. Jerome (the Vulgate) renders it, In partibus torrentis pars tua - 'Thy portion is in the parts of the torrent.' The Septuagint translates it 'This is thy portion; this is thy lot. The word rendered in our version, 'smooth stones' (חלק chēleq), means properly smoothness, hence, barrenness or bare place; and supposes that the idea is, their lot was in the bare places of the valley, that is, in the open (not wooded) places where they worshipped idols - an interpretation not very consistent with the fact that groves were commonly selected as the place where they worshipped idols. It seems to me, therefore, that the idea of smoothness here, whether of the valley or of the stones, is not the idea intended. Indeed, in no place, it is believed, does the word mean 'smooth stones;' and it is difficult to conceive what was the exact idea which our translators intended to convey, or why they supposed that such worship was celebrated among the smooth or much-worn stones of the running stream. The true idea can probably be obtained by reverting to the primitive sense of the word as derived from the verb. The verb חלק châlaq means:

1. To smooth.

2. To divide, to distribute, to appropriate - as the dividing of spoil, etc.

Hence, the noun also means dividing, or portion, as that which is divided - whether an inheritance, or whether the dividings of spoil after battle. Retaining this idea, the literal sense, as I conceive, would be this in which also something of the paronomasia will be retained: 'Among the dividings of the valley is thy dividing,' that is, thy portion In the places where the valley divides, is thy lot. Thy lot is there instead of the place which God appointed. There you worship; there you pour out your libations to the false gods; and there you must partake of the protection and favor which the gods whom you worship can give. You have chosen that as your inheritance, and by the results of that you must abide.

Of the stream - The word rendered here 'stream' (נחל nachal), means either a stream, or a rivulet of water Num 34:5; Josh. 15:4-47; or it means a valley with a brook or torrent; a low place with water. Here it means evidently the latter - as it cannot be supposed they would worship in a stream, though they undoubtedly worshipped in a vale or low place where there was occasionally a rivulet of water. This entire description is strikingly applicable to the valley of Jehoshaphat - a low vale, broken by chasms and by projecting and overhanging rocks, and along the center of which flowed a small brook, much swelled occasionally by the waters that fell from the adjacent hills. At some seasons of the year, however, the valley was entirely dry. The idea here is, that they had chosen their portion in the dividings of that valley instead of the adjacent hills on which the worship of God was celebrated. That valley became afterward the emblem of punishment: and may it not be implied in this passage that they were to inherit whatever would descend on that valley; that is, that they were to participate in the punishment which would be the just expression of the divine displeasure?

Even to them hast thou poured out - That is, to these idols erected in the valleys.

A drink-offering - A libation, or drink-offering was usually poured out in the worship of pagan gods Jer 7:18. It was common also in the worship of the true God (see Gen 35:14). Among the Hebrews it consisted of wine and oil Exo 29:40; Num 15:5-7; Lev 23:13.

Thou hast offered a meat-offering - On the word used here (מנחה minchāh) see the notes at Isa 1:13; Isa 43:23. The word 'meat' formerly denoted in the English language food in general, and was not confined as it is now to animal food. Hence, the word 'meat-offering' is so often used in the Scriptures when a sacrifice is intended which was not a bloody sacrifice. The mincha was in fact an offering of meal, fine flour, etc., mingled with oil Lev 14:10; Num 7:13, and was distinguished expressly from the bloody sacrifice. The word 'meal-offering' would much more appropriately express the sense of the original than 'meat-offering.' This was a common offering made to idols as well as to the true God, and was designed as an expression of thankfulness.

Should I receive comfort in these? - It is implied that God could not behold them but with displeasure, and that for them he would punish them. The Vulgate and the Septuagint express it well as: 'On account of these things shall I not be enraged?'

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Portion - Thou hast chosen for thy portion those idols, which were worshipped by the sides of brooks or rivers where such smooth stones commonly lie. They - Thou hast forsaken me and chosen idols. Offered - For the devil is God's ape, and idolaters used the same rites and offerings in the worship of idols which God had prescribed in his own. Comfort - Should I be pleased with such a people and such actions?

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Among the smooth stones of the stream "Among the smooth stones of the valley" - The Jews were extremely addicted to the practice of many superstitious and idolatrous rites, which the prophet here inveighs against with great vehemence. Of the worship of rude stones consecrated, there are many testimonials of the ancients. They were called βαιτυλοι and βαιτυλια· probably from the stone which Jacob erected at Beth-el, pouring oil upon the top of it. This practice was very common in different ages and places. Arnobius, lib. i., gives an account of his own practice in this respect before he became a Christian: Si quando conspexeram lubricatum lapidem, et ex olivi unguine sordidatum; tanquam inesset vis praesens, adulabar, affabar, et beneficia poscebam nihil sentiente de trunco. "When I have met with a smooth stone, smeared with oil, supposing a spiritual power to be connected with it, I worshipped it, paid my addresses to it, and requested blessings," etc. Clemens Alex., Strom. lib. vii., speaks of a worshipper of every smooth stone in a proverbial way, to denote one given up to superstition. And accordingly Theophrastus has marked this as one strong feature in the character of the superstitious man: Και των λιπαρων λιθων των εν ταις τριοδοις παριων, εκ της ληκυθου ελαιου καταχειν, και επι γονατα πεσων και προσκυνησας απαλλαττεσθαι. "Passing by the anointed stones in the streets, he takes out his phial of oil, and pours it on them; and having fallen on his knees, and made his adorations, he departs. "Kimchi says: "When they found a beautiful polished stone in a brook or river, they paid Divine adoration to it." This idolatry is still prevalent among the Hindoos. The stone which is the object of their adoration is called salgram. They are found about eighty miles from the source of the river Sown, in the viceroyalty of Bahar, on the coast of Bengal. Ayeen Akbery vol. 2 p. 29.

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¹⁰ And on the eighth [08066] day [03117] he shall take [03947] two [08147] he lambs [03532] without blemish [08549], and one [0259] ewe lamb [03535] of the first [01323] year [08141] without blemish [08549], and three [07969] tenth deals [06241] of fine flour [05560] for a meat offering [04503], mingled [01101] with oil [08081], and one [0259] log [03849] of oil [08081].

⁵ The LORD [03068] is the portion [04490] of mine inheritance [02506] and of my cup [03563]: thou maintainest [08551] my lot [01486].

¹³ And his offering [07133] was one [0259] silver [03701] charger [07086], the weight [04948] thereof was an hundred [03967] and thirty [07970] shekels, one [0259] silver [03701] bowl [04219] of seventy [07657] shekels [08255], after the shekel [08255] of the sanctuary [06944]; both [08147] of them were full [04392] of fine flour [05560] mingled [01101] with oil [08081] for a meat offering [04503]:

²³ Thou hast not brought [0935] me the small cattle [07716] of thy burnt offerings [05930]; neither hast thou honoured [03513] me with thy sacrifices [02077]. I have not caused thee to serve [05647] with an offering [04503], nor wearied [03021] thee with incense [03828].

¹³ Bring [0935] no more [03254] vain [07723] oblations [04503]; incense [07004] is an abomination [08441] unto me; the new moons [02320] and sabbaths [07676], the calling [07121] of assemblies [04744], I cannot away with [03201]; it is iniquity [0205], even the solemn meeting [06116].

¹³ And the meat offering [04503] thereof shall be two [08147] tenth deals [06241] of fine flour [05560] mingled [01101] with oil [08081], an offering made by fire [0801] unto the LORD [03068] for a sweet [05207] savour [07381]: and the drink offering [05262] thereof shall be of wine [03196], the fourth [07243] part of an hin [01969].

⁵ And the fourth [07243] part of an hin [01969] of wine [03196] for a drink offering [05262] shalt thou prepare [06213] with the burnt offering [05930] or sacrifice [02077], for one [0259] lamb [03532].
⁶ Or for a ram [0352], thou shalt prepare [06213] for a meat offering [04503] two [08147] tenth deals [06241] of flour [05560] mingled [01101] with the third [07992] part of an hin [01969] of oil [08081].
⁷ And for a drink offering [05262] thou shalt offer [07126] the third [07992] part of an hin [01969] of wine [03196], for a sweet [05207] savour [07381] unto the LORD [03068].

⁴⁰ And with the one [0259] lamb [03532] a tenth [06241] deal of flour [05560] mingled [01101] with the fourth part [07253] of an hin [01969] of beaten [03795] oil [08081]; and the fourth part [07243] of an hin [01969] of wine [03196] for a drink offering [05262].

¹⁴ And Jacob [03290] set up [05324] a pillar [04676] in the place [04725] where he talked [01696] with him, even a pillar [04678] of stone [068]: and he poured [05258] a drink offering [05262] thereon, and he poured [03332] oil [08081] thereon.

¹⁸ The children [01121] gather [03950] wood [06086], and the fathers [01] kindle [01197] the fire [0784], and the women [0802] knead [03888] their dough [01217], to make [06213] cakes [03561] to the queen [04446] of heaven [08064], and to pour out [05258] drink offerings [05262] unto other [0312] gods [0430], that they may provoke me to anger [03707].

⁵ And the border [01366] shall fetch a compass [05437] from Azmon [06111] unto the river [05158] of Egypt [04714], and the goings out [08444] of it shall be at the sea [03220].