Isaiah 57
BSB1 The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are swept away, while no one considers that the righteous are guided from the presence of evil. 2 Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death. 3 “But come here, you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! 4 Whom are you mocking? At whom do you snarl and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, offspring of deceit, 5 who burn with lust among the oaks, under every luxuriant tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? 6 Your portion is among the smooth stones of the valley; indeed, they are your lot. Even to them you have poured out a drink offering and offered a grain offering. Should I relent because of these? 7 On a high and lofty hill you have made your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifices. 8 Behind the door and doorpost you have set up your memorial. Forsaking Me, you uncovered your bed; you climbed up and opened it wide. And you have made a pact with those whose bed you have loved; you have gazed upon their nakedness. 9 You went to Molech with oil and multiplied your perfumes. You have sent your envoys a great distance; you have descended even to Sheol itself. 10 You are wearied by your many journeys, but you did not say, “There is no hope!” You found renewal of your strength; therefore you did not grow weak. 11 Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me? 12 I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not profit you. 13 When you cry out, let your companies of idols deliver you! Yet the wind will carry off all of them, a breath will take them away. But he who seeks refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain." 14 And it will be said, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, take every obstacle out of the way of My people." 15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. 16 For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me, with the breath of those I have made. 17 I was enraged by his sinful greed, so I struck him and hid My face in anger; yet he kept turning back to the desires of his heart. 18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, 19 bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them." 20 But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck. 21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked."
Study Notes — Isaiah 57
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 57
- Themes from Isaiah 57
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 57
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah 57 begins by describing the death of the righteous, who are taken away from the evil to come, as seen in Isaiah 57:1-2. The chapter then denounces the idolatrous practices of the people, including their sacrifices to idols and their immoral behavior, as stated in Isaiah 57:3-10. In Isaiah 57:11-13, God rebukes the people for their lack of faith and trust in Him. The chapter concludes with a message of hope and redemption, as God promises to guide and restore those who seek Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:14-21.
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 57 is part of the larger section of Isaiah 56-66, which is often referred to as the 'Book of Comfort'. This section is addressed to the post-exilic community, who are struggling to rebuild their lives and their relationship with God after the Babylonian exile. The chapter's themes of judgment, redemption, and restoration are relevant to this context, as the people are seeking to understand God's plans for their future and how to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Isaiah 57, we are reminded of the importance of seeking refuge in God and trusting in His mercy. We are called to examine our own hearts and lives, repenting of any idolatry or immorality, and seeking to cultivate humility and contrition. As we do so, we can trust that God will guide and restore us, just as He promises in Isaiah 57:18-21.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 57 is a chapter that contrasts the fate of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous are taken away from the evil to come, while the wicked face judgment. The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking refuge in God and trusting in His mercy. As seen in Isaiah 57:15, God promises to guide and restore those who seek Him with a humble and contrite heart.
Voices from the Church
“The death of the righteous is not a punishment, but a precious privilege, for they are taken away from the evil to come, as seen in Isaiah 57:1-2.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The idolatry of the people is a manifestation of their unbelief and hardness of heart, as seen in Isaiah 57:3-10.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Death of the Righteous (Isaiah 57:1-2) — The righteous are taken away from the evil to come, and their death is not a punishment, but a precious privilege.
- The Idolatry of the People (Isaiah 57:3-10) — The people's idolatry is a manifestation of their unbelief and hardness of heart, and it will be judged by God.
- The Rebuke of God (Isaiah 57:11-13) — God rebukes the people for their lack of faith and trust in Him, and for their idolatrous practices.
- The Promise of Redemption (Isaiah 57:14-21) — God promises to guide and restore those who seek Him with a humble and contrite heart, and to revive the spirit of the lowly.
- The Conclusion (Isaiah 57:21) — The chapter concludes with a message of hope and redemption, promising that God will guide and restore those who seek Him.
Core Doctrines
- The Holiness of God
- Isaiah 57 emphasizes God's holiness and the importance of seeking refuge in Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:15.
- The Importance of Humility
- The chapter highlights the importance of humility and contrition in seeking God's presence and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 57:15.
- The Promise of Redemption
- The chapter concludes with a message of hope and redemption, promising that God will guide and restore those who seek Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:18-21.
- The Judgment of God
- The chapter emphasizes the judgment of God on idolatry and immorality, as seen in Isaiah 57:3-10.
Lessons from Isaiah 57
- The Importance of Seeking Refuge in God — Isaiah 57 emphasizes the importance of seeking refuge in God and trusting in His mercy, as seen in Isaiah 57:15.
- The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and the judgment that will come upon those who practice it, as seen in Isaiah 57:3-10.
- The Power of Humility and Contrition — The chapter highlights the importance of humility and contrition in seeking God's presence and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 57:15.
- The Promise of Redemption — The chapter concludes with a message of hope and redemption, promising that God will guide and restore those who seek Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:18-21.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Mercy — Isaiah 57 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's mercy and seeking refuge in Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:15.
Themes from Isaiah 57
- Judgment and Redemption — The chapter presents a stark contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked, with the righteous being taken away from the evil to come and the wicked facing judgment.
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility and contrition in seeking God's presence and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 57:15.
- The Holiness of God — Isaiah 57 emphasizes God's holiness and the importance of seeking refuge in Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:15.
- The Promise of Redemption — The chapter concludes with a message of hope and redemption, promising that God will guide and restore those who seek Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:18-21.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Mercy — Isaiah 57 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's mercy and seeking refuge in Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:15.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked in Isaiah 57?
- What is the significance of humility and contrition in seeking God's presence and restoration?
- How does Isaiah 57 relate to the larger context of Isaiah 56-66?
- What is the promise of redemption in Isaiah 57, and how is it fulfilled in Christ?
- How can we apply the teachings of Isaiah 57 to our own lives and hearts?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Death of the Righteous (Isaiah 57:1-2)
| Isaiah 57:1 | The righteous are taken away from the evil to come, and their death is not a punishment, but a precious privilege. |
| Isaiah 57:2 | The righteous enter into peace, and rest in their beds, as seen in Isaiah 57:2. |
2. The Idolatry of the People (Isaiah 57:3-10)
| Isaiah 57:3 | The people's idolatry is a manifestation of their unbelief and hardness of heart, as seen in Isaiah 57:3. |
| Isaiah 57:4 | The people's sacrifices to idols are an abomination to God, as seen in Isaiah 57:4. |
| Isaiah 57:5 | The people's immoral behavior is a result of their idolatry, as seen in Isaiah 57:5. |
| Isaiah 57:6 | The people's idolatry will be judged by God, as seen in Isaiah 57:6. |
| Isaiah 57:7 | The people's idolatry is a manifestation of their rebellion against God, as seen in Isaiah 57:7. |
| Isaiah 57:8 | The people's idolatry will lead to their destruction, as seen in Isaiah 57:8. |
| Isaiah 57:9 | The people's idolatry is a result of their lack of faith and trust in God, as seen in Isaiah 57:9. |
| Isaiah 57:10 | The people's idolatry will be punished by God, as seen in Isaiah 57:10. |
3. The Rebuke of God (Isaiah 57:11-13)
| Isaiah 57:11 | God rebukes the people for their lack of faith and trust in Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:11. |
| Isaiah 57:12 | The people's idolatry is a manifestation of their unbelief and hardness of heart, as seen in Isaiah 57:12. |
| Isaiah 57:13 | The people's idolatry will be judged by God, as seen in Isaiah 57:13. |
4. The Promise of Redemption (Isaiah 57:14-21)
| Isaiah 57:14 | God promises to guide and restore those who seek Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:14. |
| Isaiah 57:15 | God dwells with the humble and contrite, and revives the spirit of the lowly, as seen in Isaiah 57:15. |
| Isaiah 57:16 | God will not always be angry, but will have compassion on those who seek Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:16. |
| Isaiah 57:17 | God will heal and restore those who seek Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:17. |
| Isaiah 57:18 | God will guide and restore those who seek Him, and will have mercy on them, as seen in Isaiah 57:18. |
| Isaiah 57:19 | God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and will have mercy on those who seek Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:19. |
| Isaiah 57:20 | The wicked will be punished by God, but the righteous will be saved, as seen in Isaiah 57:20. |
| Isaiah 57:21 | The chapter concludes with a message of hope and redemption, promising that God will guide and restore those who seek Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:21. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 57?
The main theme of Isaiah 57 is the contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked, with the righteous being taken away from the evil to come and the wicked facing judgment, as seen in Isaiah 57:1-2 and Isaiah 57:3-10.
What is the significance of humility and contrition in Isaiah 57?
Humility and contrition are emphasized as key characteristics of those who seek God's presence and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 57:15.
How does Isaiah 57 relate to the larger context of Isaiah 56-66?
Isaiah 57 is part of the larger section of Isaiah 56-66, which is often referred to as the 'Book of Comfort', and is addressed to the post-exilic community, who are struggling to rebuild their lives and their relationship with God after the Babylonian exile.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 57:1 → Psalm 37:37 | The righteous are taken away from the evil to come, and their death is not a punishment, but a precious privilege, as seen in Psalm 37:37. |
| 2 | Isaiah 57:3-10 → Deuteronomy 12:31 | The people's idolatry is a manifestation of their unbelief and hardness of heart, and is condemned by God, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:31. |
| 3 | Isaiah 57:11-13 → Matthew 23:27-28 | The people's lack of faith and trust in God is a result of their hardness of heart, as seen in Matthew 23:27-28. |
| 4 | Isaiah 57:14-21 → John 14:23 | God dwells with the humble and contrite, and revives the spirit of the lowly, as seen in John 14:23. |
| 5 | Isaiah 57:15 → Psalm 51:17 | God dwells with the humble and contrite, and revives the spirit of the lowly, as seen in Psalm 51:17. |
| 6 | Isaiah 57:16 → Micah 7:18-20 | God will not always be angry, but will have compassion on those who seek Him, as seen in Micah 7:18-20. |
| 7 | Isaiah 57:17 → Hosea 6:1-3 | God will heal and restore those who seek Him, as seen in Hosea 6:1-3. |
| 8 | Isaiah 57:18 → Isaiah 61:1-3 | God will guide and restore those who seek Him, and will have mercy on them, as seen in Isaiah 61:1-3. |
| 9 | Isaiah 57:19 → 2 Peter 3:13 | God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and will have mercy on those who seek Him, as seen in 2 Peter 3:13. |
| 10 | Isaiah 57:21 → Revelation 21:1-4 | The chapter concludes with a message of hope and redemption, promising that God will guide and restore those who seek Him, as seen in Revelation 21:1-4. |
Sermons on Isaiah 57
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ii Timothy - Part 1 - Continue in the Gospel by John Stott | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the word of God and not being influenced by the world. He reminds Timothy of his past and present loyalty |
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Humility vs Pride by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive nature of pride in a person's life. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and repenting of pride, as it hinders one's r |
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God's Neibourhood by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting our minds, hearts, and affections on eternal things where God dwells. They highlight the contrast between the value |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Eternity of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God in our lives. He mentions that God has been present since before the existence of communism, fascism, and modern inven |
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(John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 1 Preparatory Work by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a change in our approach to faith. He compares the current state of religious practices to the time of John the Baptist, where |
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Perils and Sorrows of a Contrite Heart by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob finds himself in a difficult situation with two wives who are arguing and accusing each other. He is |
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(John - Part 47): Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having faith in God rather than relying on worldly things. He emphasizes that while material possessions and achievements m |
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The Awakening of 1727 Onward by J. Edwin Orr | This sermon delves into the historical context of the Evangelical Revival in Great Britain and the Great Awakening in America during the 18th century, highlighting the societal dep |
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Echoes of Eternity by John Ridley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the concept of eternity. He shares the story of Stephen Grellet, an evangelist who recognized |
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The Awakening of 1858 in America by J. Edwin Orr | This sermon delves into the historical context of the 1857-1858 revival in the United States, highlighting the significant impact it had on various aspects of society, including ch |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 57
Isaiah 57 presents a stark contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked, with the righteous being taken away from the evil to come and the wicked facing judgment. The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking refuge in God and trusting in His mercy, and highlights the dangers of idolatry and the judgment that will come upon those who practice it. The chapter concludes with a message of hope and redemption, promising that God will guide and restore those who seek Him with a humble and contrite heart. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The righteous are taken away from the evil to come, that they may not see the evil, nor share in the evil, that is coming upon the world.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked
The chapter presents a stark contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked, with the righteous being taken away from the evil to come and the wicked facing judgment, as seen in Isaiah 57:1-2 and Isaiah 57:3-10.
The Importance of Humility
The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility and contrition in seeking God's presence and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 57:15.
The Promise of Redemption
The chapter concludes with a message of hope and redemption, promising that God will guide and restore those who seek Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:18-21.