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More Isaiah commentaries
Isaiah 54:1-17
Blessing of the Restored Nation
Isaiah 55:1-13
Blessings of the Nations
Isaiah 56:1-12
Inclusion of the Gentiles
Isaiah 57:1-13
Condemnation of Idolaters
Isaiah 57:14-21
Compassion of the Repentant
Isaiah 58:1-14
Restoration of True Worship
Isaiah 59:1-15
Confession of Israel
Isaiah 59:16-21
God Rescuing the Nation
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Compassion of the Repentant
Isaiah 57:14–21
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
Not too many years ago newspapers carried the story of Al Johnson, a Kansas man who came to faith in Jesus Christ. What made his story remarkable was not his conversion, but the fact that as a result of his newfound faith in Christ, he confessed to a bank robbery he had par … More
This passage tells how God relates to those who are humble and repentant (vv. 14-21). Even though the Lord is majestic, eternal, and holy, He fellowships with those who are contrite and lowly in spirit. His accusations and anger do not last forever, because of His grace. In the past He had to be harsh with His people because of their greed and independence. But when they repent He forgives them, giving healing, guidance, and comfort (v. 14). In the future someone would give an order to prepare the way so the Israelites could return to their land and to their God (Isa 62:10).
The reason for this proclamation is that God is who He is. He is the utterly transcendent God in relation to space (high and lifted up (Isa 52:13), time (lives forever), and character (holy) (v. 15). Yet He is also immanent, dwelling among repentant and humble people. God will not always be angry with sinners. His anger will come to an end because He has made provision for human sin through the Servant (v. 16). The Lord had been angry with the proud Israelite because of his desire for unjust gain, namely, for more and more for himself (v. 17).
In spite of Israel’s response, God would heal, lead, and strengthen the nation’s inhabitants who mourned over their sinfulness (v. 18). The result would be that those delivered would praise the Lord (v. 19). The wicked contrast with the humble who take advantage of God’s provision of grace (vv. 20-21). Far from being at peace, their existence is as tumultuous as the tossing sea, which is incapable of being at rest.
Application
This high and holy God came down to my level to save me because it is impossible for me to go up to His level to save myself (II Chron. 6:18).
Isaiah 57:14-21 (English Standard Version)
And it shall be said, "Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people's way." For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before me, and the breath of life that I made. Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart. I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near," says the LORD, "and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."
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