Condemnation of Idolaters
July 28, 2022
Commentary
The society was so bad that the righteous people in Israel had to die in order to find peace (vv. 1-2). They could do nothing to turn the nation back to the Lord. The rest of the Israelites were engaged in false religious practices picked up from the pagans around them, including sorcery and religious prostitution (vv. 3-4). They were supposedly identifying with gods and goddesses to help guarantee fertility in crops, animals, and families. Such people in Israel were mocking the righteous while they were involved in shameful deeds. By such actions they were rebels against God. Worship centers were set up on hillsides, probably so that the people could imagine themselves closer to their gods (vv. 5-8). Sometimes the people were also involved in child sacrifice in attempts to appease the wrath of various gods (Ez. 20:31; Hosea 13:2).
Marriage is an exclusive relationship where a man and a woman become one. Adultery breaks this beautiful bond of unity. When the people turned from God and gave their love to idols, God said they were committing adultery, breaking their exclusive commitment to Him (vv. 7-8). The worship of Molech, an Ammonite god sometimes resulted in death (vv. 9-10) Yet in the face of these difficulties the people still refused to give up their sinful ways. Most of the Israelites had forgotten the true God, apparently because He had seemingly been silent (vv. 11-13). God said that He will expose their righteousness and works for what they really were, pretending to do good things (v. 12). Isaiah warned these people that their righteousness and works would not save them any more than their weak, worthless idols.
Application
Salvation is a gift from God, received only through faith in Christ, not good works (Eph. 2:8-9). I want to be sharing this good news with as many as I can in the days that God allows me on this earth.
Isaiah 57:1– 13 (NET)
1 The godly perish, but no one cares. Honest people disappear, when no one minds that the godly disappear because of evil.
2 Those who live uprightly enter a place of peace; they rest on their beds.
3 “But approach, you sons of omen readers, you offspring of adulteresses and prostitutes!
4 At whom are you laughing? At whom are you opening your mouth and sticking out your tongue? You are the children of rebels, the offspring of liars,
5 you who inflame your lusts among the oaks and under every green tree, who slaughter children near the streams under the rocky overhangs.
6 Among the smooth stones of the stream are the idols you love; they, they are the object of your devotion. You pour out liquid offerings to them, you make an offering. Because of these things how can I relent from judgment?
7 On every high, elevated hill you prepare your bed; you go up there to offer sacrifices.
8 Behind the door and doorpost you put your symbols. Indeed, you depart from me and go up and invite them into bed with you. You purchase favors from them; you love their bed, and gaze longingly on their naked bodies.
9 You take olive oil as tribute to your king, along with many perfumes. You send your messengers to a distant place; you go all the way to Sheol.
10 Because of the long distance you must travel, you get tired, but you do not say, ‘I give up.’ You get renewed energy, so you don’t collapse.
11 Whom are you worried about? Whom do you fear, that you would act so deceitfully and not remember me or think about me? Because I have been silent for so long, you are not afraid of me.
12 I will denounce your so-called righteousness and your deeds, but they will not help you.
13 When you cry out for help, let your idols help you! The wind blows them all away, a breeze carries them away. But the one who looks to me for help will inherit the land and will have access to my holy mountain.”