Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 57

This passage reflects on how common evil had become among God’s people. Many of them were greedy and wanted more and more for themselves (Isaiah 56:9–12). They treated righteous people with hatred and violence (Isaiah 57:1–2). They also worshiped idols instead of the true God (Isaiah 57:3–13).

This is a lament for the righteous who suffer in a wicked society.

• the presence of evil: Judgment that would come on the wicked nations.

• taken away: At times, God allows the godly to die in order to protect them from harsher times to come.

The wicked would not be able to rest in peace (57:21).

sons of a sorceress … offspring of adulterers and prostitutes: Baal religion, which flourished in Israel before the exile (see Isaiah 1:21–23), included immoral sexual practices.

mocking … stick out your tongue: The wicked oppressed the righteous by their insults (Isaiah 57:1–2; see also 28:9, 14).

• among the oaks, under every luxuriant tree: People often used groups of trees as places to worship false gods. These tree groves were common sites for pagan worship (see Isaiah 1:29–30).

• slaughter your children: Some people in Israel practiced the terrible act of child sacrifice. They offered their children to false gods. This happened at certain times in Israel’s history (see Psalm 106:37–38).

People believed that liquid offerings and grain offerings would meet the basic needs of their gods. They thought these gifts would please the gods and cause them to show favor.

uncovered your bed: This phrase refers to sexual sin connected with idol worship. The people of Israel were deeply committed to fertility religions. These religions included sexual acts as part of their worship ceremonies.

This behavior showed how far they had turned away from the Lord.

The people were living in fear of false gods instead of fearing the Lord (see Isaiah 8:12–13).

The Lord did not see the people's righteousness (Isaiah 59:16) as truly righteous.

• Your companies of idols … take them away: See study note on Isaiah 40:18.

• inherit the land: The Hebrew word translated land can also refer to the whole earth (see Psalms 25:13; 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34; Matthew 5:5).

• My holy mountain: God's servants will enjoy his presence in Zion (see Isaiah 2:2; 56:7).

The Lord promises to be with the humble, heal them, and give them peace. This promise is for all citizens of Zion, both Jews and non-Jews. The holy one offers salvation to the humble and deals fairly with the wicked.

God is high and lifted up, yet he promises to live with the humble.

but I will heal him: Salvation is by God’s grace (see Isaiah 19:22; 30:26; 53:5).

• praise to their lips: Those who experience God's redemption should respond with praise.

• those far and near: This includes both Gentiles and Jews (see Isaiah 56:3; John 10:16; Ephesians 2:17).

• storm-tossed sea … it cannot be still: People who constantly oppose God (see Psalms 46:3, 6; 93:3–4) do not find inner peace because they are not at peace with God (Isaiah 30:15; 32:17).

• churn up mire and muck: Their actions are often unproductive (see Psalm 40:2).

no peace: Compare Isaiah 57:2; see also 48:22.