Isaiah 57

1. The righteous perisheth. While the unfaithful “watchmen” are thus rioting in self-indulgence, the good and true pass away unnoticed.

merciful. Rather, “godly,” as R.V. marg.

the evil [to come]. The removal of the righteous from impending calamities is at once a mercy to themselves and a warning to the ungodly.

2. Each one walking. That is, each one “who walks.” This peaceful rest is the end of all who live uprightly. “Their beds” are their graves.

5 with idols. Rather, “among the terebinths” (or, “oaks,” as R.V.).

slaying the children. See notes on Lev. xx. 2; 2 Kings xvi. 3.

6. Among the smooth [stones]. The reference is probably to anointed stones, such as were set up by the patriarchs for memorials (see Gen. xxviii. 18; xxxv. 14), and by the heathen as objects of worship. Such idols were the chosen “portion” and “lot” of the idolatrous Jews.

Should I receive comfort in these? Or, “Shall I be appeased for these things?” See i. 24.

7. Upon a lofty and high mountain. Vers. 7, 8 show the extent, publicity, and grossness of Jewish idolatry. They had crowned their hills and filled their houses with memorials of it; and felt no shame on account of their sins.

9 thou wentest to the king. “The king” probably denotes the foreign monarchs with whom the Israelites were seeking forbidden alliances (see xxx. 2; Hos. v. 13; xii. 1).

even unto hell (Sheol). That is, the lowest degree of debasement.

10 the greatness of thy way. “The length of thy journey.” It cost her great sacrifices to purchase the favour of her heathen rulers. Yet she persisted.

Thou hast found the life of thine hand. That is, “thou hast found a quickening of thy strength” (R.V.).

11 of whom hast thou been afraid? Why have you reverenced other gods whilst you falsely professed to be My people, encouraging yourselves in your hypocrisy by My forbearance? I will show what your professed righteousness is by your works, and they shall not avail you (ver. 12).

13 thy companies. The hosts either of idols or of allies, or of both, on which the Israelites relied.

14. And shall say, Or, “And one shall say,” etc. “Another of those mysterious voices which fill the air round about the prophet” (Cheyne). Every obstacle shall be removed from the path of those who put their trust in God: see note on xl. 3.

16. For the spirit should fail before me. The frailty of man is adduced as a reason for the exercise of Divine mercy: comp. Psa. ciii. 14.

17 covetousness. “Eagerness after worldly possessions, selfishness, worldly-mindedness in general” (Delitzsch). This was one of the prevailing sins of the Jewish people, which drew down upon them Divine vengeance.

19. I create the fruit of the lips. “The fruit of the lips” is used in Heb. xiii. 15, in the sense of thanksgiving. God is the author of praise by bestowing as the theme of it “peace on him that is far off, and to him that is near,” i.e., on Gentile and on Jew.

20 when it cannot rest. Or, “for it cannot rest” (R.V.). Their own passions, the accusations of conscience, and the anger of God, make it impossible for the wicked to enjoy “rest”—real, satisfying peace: see note on xlviii. 22.