Isaiah 57
Isaiah 57 focuses on the contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked. It begins by highlighting the passing of the righteous and how they find peace, while the wicked engage in idolatrous practices and face God's judgment. The chapter emphasizes God’s mercy and readiness to forgive those who are humble and contrite, contrasting this with His anger toward the wicked who persist in rebellion. Ultimately, it concludes with the promise of peace for the righteous but no peace for the wicked.
Isaiah 57:1-2 (NKJV)
1 The righteous perishes, and no man takes it to heart; merciful men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil.
2 He shall enter into peace; they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.
The righteous are often overlooked when they pass, but God sees their removal as a form of mercy, sparing them from future evil. Their death leads to peace, and they are given rest, having lived uprightly. This contrasts with the world’s lack of concern for such individuals, but God honors them with eternal peace.
Isaiah 57:3-4 (NKJV)
3 “But come here, you sons of the sorceress, you offspring of the adulterer and the harlot!
4 Whom do you ridicule? Against whom do you make a wide mouth and stick out the tongue? Are you not children of transgression, offspring of falsehood,
God turns His attention to the wicked, rebuking those who engage in sinful practices like sorcery and adultery. These people mock others, displaying rebellious attitudes, but God exposes them as the offspring of falsehood and wickedness. Their behavior is contrasted with the righteousness of those who find peace in God.
Isaiah 57:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Inflaming yourselves with gods under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?
6 Among the smooth stones of the stream is your portion; they, they are your lot! Even to them you have poured a drink offering, you have offered a grain offering. Should I receive comfort in these?
The wicked engage in idolatrous practices, including child sacrifices, under the cover of trees and hidden places. They have chosen idols as their portion and given offerings to them, thinking they will gain favor. But God asks if He should be comforted by such actions, implying that these practices are offensive to Him.
Isaiah 57:7-8 (NKJV)
7 “On a lofty and high mountain you have set your bed; even there you went up to offer sacrifice.
8 Also behind the doors and their posts you have set up your remembrance; for you have uncovered yourself to those other than Me, and have gone up to them; you have enlarged your bed and made a covenant with them; you have loved their bed, where you saw their nudity.
God describes the height of their idolatry, where they shamelessly worship false gods and make pacts with them. The imagery of adultery is used to symbolize their unfaithfulness to God. They have committed spiritual adultery by abandoning God and seeking fulfillment in false gods, betraying the covenant relationship they should have had with Him.
Isaiah 57:9-10 (NKJV)
9 You went to the king with ointment, and increased your perfumes; you sent your messengers far off, and even descended to Sheol.
10 You are wearied in the length of your way; yet you did not say, ‘There is no hope.’ You have found the life of your hand; therefore you were not grieved.
The people of Israel sought alliances with foreign powers ("the king") rather than trusting in God, going to great lengths to secure their survival. They engaged in diplomatic and idolatrous rituals, exhausting themselves in the process. Despite their weariness, they refused to give up their rebellious ways, believing they could still find life and security through their own efforts.
Isaiah 57:11-13 (NKJV)
11 “And of whom have you been afraid, or feared, that you have lied and not remembered Me, nor taken it to your heart? Is it not because I have held My peace from of old that you do not fear Me?
12 I will declare your righteousness and your works, for they will not profit you.
13 When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you. But the wind will carry them all away, a breath will take them. But he who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, and shall inherit My holy mountain.”
God confronts the people for their fear and lies, noting that their lack of reverence for Him comes from His long patience. They have relied on their own righteousness and idols, but God declares that these will not save them. In their time of need, their idols will be blown away like the wind, while those who trust in God will inherit the land and His promises.
Isaiah 57:14-15 (NKJV)
14 And one shall say, “Heap it up! Heap it up! Prepare the way, take the stumbling block out of the way of My people.”
15 For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
God promises to remove the obstacles from the path of His people, calling for the way to be prepared for them. He, the eternal and holy God, dwells with those who are humble and contrite, offering them revival and restoration. While He is high and exalted, He is near to those who seek Him with a humble heart, offering mercy and life to the broken.
Isaiah 57:16-19 (NKJV)
16 For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would fail before Me, and the souls which I have made.
17 For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry and struck him; I hid and was angry, and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart.
18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners.
19 “I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” says the Lord, “And I will heal him.”
God reveals His merciful character. Although He is angry with the people's sin, He will not remain angry forever, for His intention is to heal and restore. He acknowledges their backsliding but promises to lead them to healing and comfort. He extends peace not only to those near but also to those far off, showing His desire to bring all to reconciliation with Him.
Isaiah 57:20-21 (NKJV)
20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
In contrast to the promise of peace for the humble and contrite, the wicked are compared to a restless, troubled sea. Their lives are filled with turmoil, constantly stirring up sin and corruption. God makes it clear that for the wicked, there is no peace, showing the stark difference in the outcomes for those who reject His ways.