Isaiah 57:14-21

[14] And shall say, Cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. [15] For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. [16] For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. [17] For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, frowardly in the way of his heart. [18] I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. [19] I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. [20] But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. [21] There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

What is the context of Isaiah 57:14-21?

What does Isaiah 57:14-21 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

This pericope concludes the section begun at Isaiah 56:1 dealing with the need for humility and holiness in the redeemed people of God. Isaiah explained that the basis of God"s acceptance and blessing of His redeemed people was righteousness ( Isaiah 56:1-8). Then he showed that Israel lacked that righteousness ( Isaiah 56:9 to Isaiah 57:13). Her leadership was wicked ( Isaiah 56:9 to Isaiah 57:2) and her populace was apostate ( Isaiah 57:3-13). Now he explained that the solution to Israel"s predicament was Yahweh"s enablement (grace). The only way she could be what she should be was with the Lord"s help. This section explains how the promise that ended Isaiah 57:13 could possibly come to pass.

The structure of this section is the opposite of the former one. There, threatening ended with a brief promise, but here, promise ends with a short threat.