Isaiahchapter 57

21 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 359 cross-references outward and receives 448 — heaviest partner: Isaiah.

Chapter summary

The righteous man perishes and no one lays it to heart; he enters into peace, taken away from the evil to come (vv. 1-2). Jehovah then summons the "sons of the sorceress" for indictment: idolatry under every green tree, children slain in the valleys, drink-offerings poured to smooth stones, beds of adultery set on high mountains, envoys sent with oil "even unto Sheol" (vv. 3-10). Wind will carry off their gathered idols, but whoever takes refuge in Jehovah inherits the holy mountain (v. 13). The high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, dwells also with the contrite and humble to revive them (v. 15); he has seen the backslider's ways and will heal him, declaring "Peace, peace, to him that is far off and to him that is near" (v. 19), while the wicked are like the troubled sea — no peace (vv. 20-21).

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Prophecy · Isaiah — see the Isaiah overview for the book's full setting.

1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.

2 He entereth into peace; they rest in their beds, each one that walketh in his uprightness.

3 But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the harlot.

4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and put out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,

5 ye that inflame yourselves among the oaks, under every green tree; that slay the children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?

6 Among the smooth stones of the valley is thy portion; they, they are thy lot; even to them hast thou poured a drink-offering, thou hast offered an oblation. Shall I be appeased for these things?

7 Upon a high and lofty mountain hast thou set thy bed; thither also wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.

8 And behind the doors and the posts hast thou set up thy memorial: for thou hast uncovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them: thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it.

9 And thou wentest to the king with oil, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thine ambassadors far off, and didst debase thyself even unto Sheol.