Condemnation of Idolaters

Isaiah 57:1–13
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

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.