Isaiah 57:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 57:17-21

The body of the people of Israel, in this account of God's dealings with them, is spoken of as a particular person (Isa. 57:17, 18), but divided into two sorts, differently dealt with?some who were sons of peace, to whom peace is spoken (Isa. 57:19), and others who were not, who have nothing to do with peace, Isa. 57:20, 21. Observe here, I. The just rebukes which that people were brought under for their sin: For the iniquity of his covetousness I was wroth, and smote him. Covetousness was a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 57:20

But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest ,.... Disturbed by winds, storms, and hurricanes, when its waves rise, rage, and tumble about, and beat against the shore and sand, threatening to pass the bounds fixed for it. In such like agitations will the minds of wicked men be, through the terrors of conscience for their sins; or through the malice and envy in them at the happiness and prosperity of the righteous, now enjoyed, upon the downfall of antichrist; and through the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 57:15-21

A PROMISE OF SALVATION TO THE HUMBLE AND PENITENT , WITH A FURTHER THREAT AGAINST THE WICKED . The prophet, in this portion of his discourse, whereof "comfort" is the key-note ( Isaiah 40:1 ), can never continue threatening long without relapsing into a tone of tenderness and pity. He now sets against his long denunciation (in Isaiah 57:3-12 ) an ample promise ( Isaiah 57:15-19 ), and against his brief encouragement (in Isaiah 57:13 , Isaiah 57:14 ) a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 57:15-21

The character of Jehovah I. HIS EXALTATION . "High and holy:" high because holy, exalted far above the meanness of human thoughts and the impurity of human ways. Far above creatures of all species and all ranks, it is needless further to designate him. He is the Incomparable One. He dwells in eternity (cf. Isaiah 9:6 ). His Name is "the Holy One" ( Isaiah 1:4 ; Isaiah 30:11 ; Isaiah 40:25 ; Isaiah 41:14 ; Isaiah 43:3 , Isaiah 43:8 ; Isaiah 47:4 ); his place the high and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 57:17-21

The course of the soul. These words of Isaiah indicate the course which the human spirit often takes in its downward and upward path. We have— I. THE ESSENCE OF INIQUITY — THIS IS SELFISHNESS . "The iniquity of his selfishness," as it may be rendered. Whether it takes the specific form of rapacity, of unholy ambition, of self-indulgence or of any other special sin, you may trace iniquity home to the evil spirit of selfishness—the withholding from God, for self, of that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 57:20

The wicked are like the troubled sea . A striking metaphor, but one which occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament, and once only in the New ( Jude 1:13 ). The sea's restless action well expresses the unquiet of the wicked; and the mud and mire that it casts up resembles their evil thoughts and evil deeds. "There is no peace" for such persons, either bodily or spiritual, either in this world or the world to come. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 57:20-21

The unrest of the wicked. "But the wicked are like the sea that is tossed up, for it cannot rest, and its waters toss up mire and mud" (Cheyne). Comp. Jud Isaiah 1:13 for the figure. It is curious to note the marked contrast between our ideas and sentiments concerning the sea, and those of ancient times and Eastern lands. To us it is the beautiful shining sea, and many of us feel that we must see it at least once a year. To us it is the most soothing and calming of Nature's influences, and... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 57:20

But the wicked - All who are transgressors of the law and who remain unpardoned. The design of this is to contrast their condition with that of those who should enjoy peace. The proposition is, therefore, of the most general character. All the wicked are like the troubled sea. Whether prosperous or otherwise; rich or poor; bond or free; old or young; whether in Christian, in civilized, or in barbarous lands; whether living in palaces, in caves, or in tents; whether in the splendor of cities, or... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 57:19-21

Isaiah 57:19-21. I create I will, by my almighty power, in a wonderful manner produce; the fruit of the lips Praise and thanksgiving, termed the fruit of the lips, Hosea 14:2; Hebrews 13:15. God creates this fruit of the lips, by giving new subjects and causes of thanksgiving, by his mercies conferred on those among his people, who acknowledge and bewail their transgressions, and return to him. Peace, peace, &c. Here we have the great subject of thanksgiving, reconciliation with... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 57:1-21

Corruption and idolatry (56:9-57:21)The Assyrian captivity of the northerners and the Babylonian captivity of the southerners did not include the whole populations. Those who were of no use to the conquerors were left behind, along with scattered country people who escaped the enemy. These and their descendants soon followed the old religious practices of the Canaanite people. They worshipped idols, offered human sacrifices to the god Molech, and practised fertility rites with religious... read more

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