Uncircumcised Ears Reject the Ancient Paths

Gleaning, uncircumcised ears, and slight healing mark refusal

They shall throughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine. To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. From the least even unto the greatest every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

Uncircumcised ears describe refusal to hear, not a slight against Jewish circumcision. Shameless peace-talk is named because the hurt is real. The rebuke does not condemn every message of peace; claims require testing.

Old paths and watchmen are refused, and rest is declined

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush. Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

Ancient-path language does not validate nostalgia, reactionary politics, or any tradition that perpetuates abuse or injustice. The good way is the way that is good, not whatever is oldest. Refusing watchmen is the people's word, not a proof that every alarmist is a prophet.