Rampant apostasy 57:3-13Isaiah identified another mark of Israel, which boasted in its election by God and viewed righteousness in terms of correct worship ritual. This was the widespread departure of the nation from God (apostasy). She had forsaken God and had pursued idols. read more
The basis of rejection and cursing 56:9-57:13Whereas heartfelt love for and trust in the Lord make anyone acceptable to Him, reliance on one’s position or ability for acceptance will not. read more
Yahweh asked the Israelites a question. Who had terrified them that they betrayed the truth (cf. Proverbs 30:6), their covenant partner, and their concern for Him (cf. Isaiah 57:1)? Obviously it was not a great threat that had made them unfaithful, but neglect of Him. Perhaps if He had been more active in judging their sins they would have remembered Him. But, graciously, He had been silent about their sins, and so they had not paid attention to Him."Possibly we have here an example of Isaiah’s... read more
2. The peace of the grave is better than the condition of unrest under their rulers (Isaiah 57:1).Shall enter.. shall rest] RV ’entereth.. rest.’3, 5. Sons, etc.] i.e. descendants, perpetuating the character of their ancestors. Seed, etc.] i.e. through your idolatry violating the mystical union between Jehovah and His people: cp. Ezekiel 16:44.4. Sport yourselves] implying that they find delight in the misfortune of the servants of Jehovah. 5. Enflaming] The word describes the excitement... read more
The Idolatries of IsraelIt is difficult to determine the date of this section with certainty. Many scholars assign it, with the rest of Isaiah 40-66, to the period of the exile, or to a date after the return; but some give it a pre-exilic date, on the following grounds: (a) The picture that is drawn of the self-indulgent and infatuated leaders of the nation (Isaiah 56:10-12) would, it is thought, apply more accurately to the period preceding the exile, than to the exile. (b) The idolatrous... read more
(11) And of whom hast thou been afraid . . .?—The question implies that Judah had been led by the fear of man to forsake the fear of Jehovah, and this had led her to what was, in the fullest sense of the word, the false step of an alliance with Assyria, which was an acted lie.Have I not held my peace . . .?—The words suggest, half-pityingly, the cause of the people’s little faith. From “of old,” i.e., during the period that preceded the captivity, or perhaps in the dark time of Manasseh,... read more
Wearied in the Greatness of the Way Isaiah 57:10 Weariness spiritual weariness that is our subject tonight. It seems that in this chapter, as so often, the language of the Prophet is suggested by the incidents of national history. The memorable journey of Israel through the wilderness, in the passage from Egypt to Canaan, was fraught with many lessons concerning human infirmity and concerning Divine righteousness and grace. In this passage, where Isaiah laments the sinful defections of the... read more
CHAPTER XXIIITHE REKINDLING OF THE CIVIC CONSCIENCEIsaiah 56:9-12; Isaiah 57:1-21; Isaiah 58:1-14; Isaiah 59:1-21IT was inevitable, as soon as their city was again fairly in sight, that there should re-awaken in the exiles the civic conscience; that recollections of those besetting sins of their public life, for which their city and their independence were destroyed, should throng back upon them; that in prospect of their again becoming responsible for the discharge of justice and other... read more
Chapters 56:9-57:14 must be read continuously. CHAPTERS 56:9-57:21 The Condition of the Apostate Nation and the two Classes 1. The condition of the shepherds of Israel (Isaiah 56:9-12 ) 2. Apostate Israel (Isaiah 57:1-14 ) 3. The two classes (Isaiah 57:15-21 ) The final chapter of this second section corresponds to the last chapter of the first section (chapter 48). The sad condition of the people Israel is pictured. This is their national apostasy throughout this age, while strangers... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 57:11
11. Israel wished not to seem altogether to have denied God. Therefore they "lied" to Him. God asks, Why dost thou do so? "Whom dost thou fear? Certainly not Me; for thou hast not remembered Me." Translate, "seeing that thou hast not remembered Me." laid it to . . . heart—rather, "nor hast Me at heart"; hast no regard for Me; and that, because I have been long silent and have not punished thee. Literally, "Have I not held My peace, and that for long? and so thou fearest Me not" (Psalms 50:21;... read more