Isaiah - Chapter 57

Isaiah 57.1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. Isaiah 57.2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness. Isaiah 57.3 But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore. Isaiah 57.4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood. Isaiah 57.5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks? Isaiah 57.6 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? Isaiah 57.7 Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice. Isaiah 57.8 Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it. Isaiah 57.9 And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell. Isaiah 57.10 Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved. Isaiah 57.11 And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not? Isaiah 57.12 I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee. Isaiah 57.13 When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain; Isaiah 57.14 And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. Isaiah 57.15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57.16 For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. Isaiah 57.17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. Isaiah 57.18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. Isaiah 57.19 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. Isaiah 57.20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. Isaiah 57.21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

Isaiah : Chapter 57

Isaiah 57: The Contrast Between Idolatry and True Worship Isaiah 57 takes us on a profound journey of reflection on idolatry and the true worship God expects of His people. This insightful text sheds light on God's treatment of unfaithfulness, while offering a promise of healing and restoration to contrite hearts. The Futility of Idolatry Isaiah 57 clearly exposes the futility of idolatry, revealing God's heart for the humble and repentant. This chapter addresses essential themes such as divine judgment, repentance, and the peace that comes from God. Through these verses, we are invited to examine our own relationship with Him and seek an authentic connection.

Illuminating Bible Verses

Together, we will explore five biblical passages that illuminate the profound truths of this transformative chapter:

Mark 7:6-7

“Well did Isaiah prophesy concerning you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are nothing but rules taught by men.’” » » - Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13, highlighting the themes of religious hypocrisy present in Isaiah 57.

Ephesians 2:17

"He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. » - Paul refers to Isaiah 57:19, applying God's promise of peace to both Jews and Gentiles.

Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. » - This verse reflects the penetrating power of God's word, as mentioned in Isaiah 57:16-19.

James 4:6

"But he gives us more grace. Therefore the Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' » » - This passage echoes the theme of Isaiah 57:15, where God dwells with those who are contrite and humble of spirit.

Revelation 21:8

"But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the sexually immoral, the witches, the idolaters, and all liars—their place will be in the lake of fire burning with sulfur. This is the second death." » - This verse illustrates the judgment of the wicked mentioned in Isaiah 57:20-21.

Conclusion

As we meditate on these passages, it becomes clear that God calls each of us to true worship, rooted in humility and repentance. Isaiah chapter 57 reminds us that, despite our unfaithfulness, God's grace remains available to those who sincerely seek to return to Him.