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Isaiah 57

21 verses

TL;DR

The chapter contrasts the fate of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing God's justice, mercy, and promise of peace for those who trust in Him.

Summary

The text opens with the lament that the righteous suffer and are overlooked, yet assures that those who remain upright will find peace. It then condemns the wicked—labeling them as children of transgression and idolaters—depicting their violence and moral corruption. The narrative turns to God's response: He declares His righteousness, promises deliverance for the humble, and affirms that trusting in Him leads to inheritance of His holy mountain. Despite His wrath against sin, He also promises healing and restoration for those who seek Him. The passage culminates in a stark contrast: the wicked are compared to a restless sea, while peace is assured to the humble and contrite. The chapter ultimately underscores divine justice, mercy, and the necessity of faith.

Outline
  1. 1. Suffering of the righteous and promise of peace for the upright
  2. 2. Condemnation of the wicked and their violent deeds
  3. 3. God's assurance of mercy, healing, and reward for those who trust
Themes
Divine justice vs mercyThe futility of idolatryHope in repentance and faith
Keywords
righteouswickedpeacehealingtrustidolatryjusticemercyrevelation
People
the LORDthe righteousthe wickedsons of the sorceressseed of the adulterer and the whore
Places
high mountainvalleysgreen treesstreamdoorposts
Things
offeringpeacehealingtrustcovenant
Key Verses
  • Isaiah 57:19: It delivers the promise of peace and healing to the humble.
  • Isaiah 57:13: It links trust in God with earthly inheritance and divine blessings.
  • Isaiah 57:21: It provides the decisive statement of judgment against the wicked.
Questions
  • Why does the text lament the failure to honor the righteous?
  • In what ways does the passage distinguish between the righteous and the wicked?
  • How does the concept of trust in God relate to receiving peace and inheritance?
  • What does the metaphor of the troubled sea convey about the state of the wicked?
  • What can believers learn about divine justice and mercy from this chapter?
Sentiment

mixed
contains lament, condemnation, but also promises of peace and mercy.