Compassion of The Repentant
February 6, 2020
Commentary
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 (NET)
14 He says, “Build it! Build it! Clear a way! Remove all the obstacles out of the way of my people!”
15 For this is what the high and exalted one says, the one who rules forever, whose name is holy: “I dwell in an exalted and holy place, but also with the discouraged and humiliated, in order to cheer up the humiliated and to encourage the discouraged.
16 For I will not be hostile forever or perpetually angry, for then man’s spirit would grow faint before me, the life-giving breath I created.
17 I was angry because of their sinful greed; I attacked them and angrily rejected them, yet they remained disobedient and stubborn.
18 I have seen their behavior, but I will heal them. I will lead them, and I will provide comfort to them and those who mourn with them.
19 I am the one who gives them reason to celebrate. Complete prosperity is available both to those who are far away and those who are nearby,” says the Lord, “and I will heal them.
20 But the wicked are like a surging sea that is unable to be quiet; its waves toss up mud and sand.
21 There will be no prosperity,” says my God, “for the wicked.”