Study notes

Isaiah 57

Introducing IsaiahWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

54:1–66:24 Section

The last chapters in Isaiah described what would happen to people who did things God hated. God hated it when his people only acted as if they worshipped and obeyed him. But what they actually did was commit murder. They told lies and treated needy people badly. God hated it when people made evil plans and worshipped false gods. God longed for his people to stop sinning and to obey him. God described his longing like holding out his hands to welcome a stubborn nation.

God promised to bring judgement against his people for their sins. They would suffer and would be put to shame. He also invited them to change so that they could live. He described this like buying food and drink from him at a market. But God gave the food and drink for free. That showed how deeply God wanted them to turn back to him and be forgiven.

The last chapters in Isaiah also described what would happen to people who obeyed God. People who obeyed were humble, trusted God and wanted to be taught by him. They would be blessed and would be welcome in God’s house. That was another name for the temple. God promised to live with anyone who turns away from their sins. This promise applied to people from Jacob’s family line, to outsiders and to people from all nations. They would possess God’s holy mountain of Zion. This meant that they could live in the land where God ruled as King.

God described the light and brightness and new day of Jerusalem. He was talking about something more than the time when people returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. God described a completely new work that he would do. He would create new heavens and a new earth. In the new heavens and new earth, everyone would honour God. This was described as people from all over the world coming to Jerusalem. They would worship God there. This Jerusalem that God described would be full of joy. There would be no more crying. No one would cause harm or destroy anything or anyone. Everyone would do what was right and fair. God would do this new work when it was the right time.

Many years later Jesus said that God was starting that new work through him. Jesus used the words of Isaiah 61:1–2 to describe the work he was doing on earth (Luke 4:14–21). In Revelation, John also described the new heavens and new earth. The city where God ruled for ever as King was called the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1–5).

56:9–57:13

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).

57:1

  • 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.

57:1–2

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

57:2

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

57:3

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.

57:4

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

57:5

  • 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).

57:6

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.

57:8

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.

57:12

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

57:14–21

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.

57:15

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

57:20

  • 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).

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources