Isaiah 57

Isaiah compared in this chapter the weeds in the remnant with the faithful ones in the remnant. When the faithful righteous remnant member dies, no mention is made of him at all. Suddenly a faithful person dies and no one understands why. The death of the faithful is like entering into peace (v. 2a). Death is a sleep like sleeping in a bed (v. 2b). God then calls the wayward in the remnant to come for judgment “come here, you sons of a sorceress” (v. 3a). Faithful members started to follow secular superstitious ceremonies for the sake of business and because society expects them to do so. They became adulterous in their ways mixing true religion with false philosophies (v. 3b). Their daily habits mixed them with playing around with other gods like prostitutes even though they are part of the bride of God (v. 3b). They began to speak loose in their faithful gatherings “open wide your mouth and stick out your tongue” (v. 4a-c). They became children of rebellion which means joining forces with Satan (v. 4d). They lived double lives of deceit and talked that way as well (v. 4e). They had picnics with secular minded people under oaks and beautiful trees “inflame yourselves” (v. 5a). With abortion practices of those days, they slaughter their children in the ravines and clefts of the crags (v. 5c-d). We know it is abortion since the context is continuing about the loose life of a prostitute-like free sex habits. Among the smooth stones they had illicit relationships with the unfaithful (v. 6a). They then went to the faithful gatherings and “poured out a libation” for those who they did have extra-marital affairs with (v. 6c). God is asking whether He should keep quiet about these things (v. 6e). Free sex lifestyles were done “upon a high and lofty mountain you have made your bed” (v. 7). They went there to “offer sacrifice” having a barbeque and pray to the god of the unfaithful one they have relationship with (v. 7c). In Hotel rooms they put up the sign outside “behind the door and the doorpost you have put up your sign” saying “Do not disturb” (v. 8a-b). “Far removed from Me you have uncovered yourself” (v. 8c). The illicit sex partner who is supposed to be part of the remnant of God undressed to participate in actions that are far removed from God. They chose a double bed to serve their purpose better (v. 8d). Entering into union with the unfaithful and illicit “you have made an agreement for yourselves with them” (v. 8e). The so-called faithful person said to themselves that it is for business sake. The person “loved their bed”. The person “looked on their manhood” meaning that he/she admired their naked bodies (v. 8g). For the sake of business they journeyed a long distance to unfaithful rulers and kings with oil (v. 9a) and they increased their perfumes (v. 9b). This illicit sexual relationship business style made them to sent their “envoys a great distance” and the result, said God, is that “made go down to Sheol” (v. 9d). They travel afar but did not say “it is [spiritually] hopeless” (v. 10a-b). Inflamed in these illicit sexual settings “you found renewed strength therefore you did not faint” (v. 10c-d). The unfaithful member of the remnant lied and was fearful and worried and did not remember God Who kept silent and patient for a long time (v. 11a-d). This attitude of playing with God means the person did not fear God (v. 11e). God will count all his/her acts of righteousness and declare them one by one, not leaving out anything but in the scale of judgment his/her deeds “they will not profit you” (v. 12a-b). In trouble the person will cry out but God says that his/her idols can help, He will not help (v. 13a). The wind will carry him all up and a breath will take (v. 13b-c). So totally different is the case for the faithful. “He who takes refuge in Me shall inherit the land and shall possess My Holy mountain” (v. 13d-e). God shall give the command that there should be a building action for the road of the remnant and every obstacle should be removed out of their way “out of the way of My people” (v. 14b-c). The exalted high One Who is removed from humans also dwells with the lowly and contrite “to revive the heart of the contrite” (v. 15f). God will not contend always with sinful man because their spirit would grow faint and their breath also, a breath of life made by God (v. 16c-d). Humans experience stress when they are out of step with God and this makes them weak and faint and even sick. God was unhappy with this unfaithful’s actions and he/she just keep being unfaithful and turning away from God (v. 17c). The most surprising aspect is that even though he/she is like this, against God and sick because of it, God intends to heal him (v. 18a) and will lead him (v. 18b) and restore comfort to him and to his mourners (v. 18c). God will create praise in the lips of people, peace peace to him who is far and to him who is near (v. 19b). “And I will heal him” (v. 19c). This is the amazing grace of God who heals the sinner even the unthankful sinner. On the other hand, the wicked are like a tossing sea for it cannot be quiet. Its waters toss up refuse and mud (v. 20). For the unfaithful that has a contrite heart due to his sickness, healing follows but the wicked is the one who cannot be quiet and has no contrite heart. “There is no peace for the wicked” (v. 21).

Dear God

The contrite heart is touched by Your grace for healing even though the unfaithful remnant member sinned against You. May we not be carried away from You by our carnal desires but focus on Christ our Rock and Salvation.  Amen.

Koot van Wyk, (DLitt et Phil; ThD) Kyungpook National University, Department of Liberal Education, Sangju, South Korea; conjoint lecturer of Avondale College, Australia