Isaiah 57:6

As commonly explained, the verse refers to the worship of stone fetishes; but this is very doubtful. It is obvious, indeed, that by the smooth (ones) of the wadi some objects of worship are denoted, but is it necessary to suppose that they were smooth stones? The expression "smooth ones" (ḥalqê) is chosen for the sake of a play of words between it and "portion" (ḥçleq). If we take it literally it is of course natural to think of stones worn smooth by the winter torrents (cf. 1 Samuel 17:40), although even then there is force in Duhm's observation that such featureless objects were least of all likely to be chosen as fetishes. (See Tylor, Primitive Culture3, Vol. ii. p. 144 f.) But the word occurs in the metaphorical sense of "slippery," flattering, deceitful (Ezekiel 12:24; cf. Proverbs 7:5; Proverbs 7:21; Proverbs 29:5; Psalms 5:9, &c.); and such a term might readily be applied to false gods of any kind (cf. e.g. "lies" in Amos 2:4). We may therefore render (following Duhm), "In the deceivers of the wadi is thy portion"; although the special connexion of the deities with the wadi remains obscure.

thy portion As Jehovah is said to be the portion of His people (Deuteronomy 4:19; Jeremiah 10:16; Psalms 16:5; Psalms 142:6) so these deceitful beings are the portion of those who do homage to them in the manner described in the second half of the verse.

thou hast offered a meat-offering or, more generally, an oblation, as R.V. (see on ch. Isaiah 1:13).

should I receive comfort in these?] Better, as R.V., shall I be appeased for these things? i.e. "leave them unpunished." Cf. Jeremiah 5:9.

Note that from this verse onwards the female personification is employed, indicating that a definite community is addressed.