Isaiah 57:15 - Exposition

For . The ground of the promise of salvation in Isaiah 57:15 is God's combined might and mercy, which are now set forth. The high and lofty One (comp. Isaiah 6:1 , where the same words are translated "high and lifted up"). In God's loftiness are included at once his exalted majesty and his almighty power. He is "high" in himself, transcending thought, and "lofty" or "lifted up" in that he is absolute Lord of his creatures, and therefore high above them. That inhabiteth eternity . So the LXX ; κατοικῶν τὸν αἰῶνα But the Hebrew is less abstract, and would perhaps be best translated "that liveth eternally." I dwell in the high and holy place . Solomon's "heaven of heavens" ( 1 Kings 8:27 ), which, however, "cannot contain him;" St. Paul's "light which no man can approach unto" ( 1 Timothy 6:16 ); Zechariah's "holy habitation" ( Zechariah 2:13 ). With him also that is of a contrite—literally, crushed— and humble spirit. "Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly "( Psalms 138:6 ); "He humbleth himself to consider the things that are in heaven and earth" ( Psalms 113:6 ). He is not an Epicurean Deity, too far exalted above man to have any regard for him, or concern himself with man's welfare (see Job 22:12 , Job 22:13 ). On the contrary, he condescends to "dwell with" man, only let man have a "humble" and "crushed," or "bruised," spirit. To revive the spirit of the humble . When God condescends to visit the contrite and humble spirit, the immediate effect is to comfort, console, revive. His presence is a well of life. springing up within the soul to everlasting life ( John 4:14 ).