Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
The verse pictures people speaking directly to God, telling Him to leave them alone and declaring that they want no knowledge of His ways. Their words reject His proclaimed message of mercy and reconciliation when it calls them to obey His law and to accept the conditions of eternal life. Their words express a growing hatred of His law even while He continues to offer mercy.
This rejection of God can be declared by word as well as by conduct and influence. The refusal means turning from God's ways to choose one's own way, and it is expressed when instruction from God is disregarded in favor of one's own plans. It is also expressed when duties taught by God are disregarded in favor of amusement in order to follow one's own way and wisdom.
The verse pictures people speaking directly to God, telling Him to leave them alone and declaring that they want no knowledge of His ways. Their words reject His proclaimed message of mercy and reconciliation when it calls them to obey His law and to accept the conditions of eternal life. Their words express a growing hatred of His law even while He continues to offer mercy.
This rejection of God can be declared by word as well as by conduct and influence. The refusal means turning from God's ways to choose one's own way, and it is expressed when instruction from God is disregarded in favor of one's own plans. It is also expressed when duties taught by God are disregarded in favor of amusement in order to follow one's own way and wisdom.