Isaiah 57: God Restores the Contrite – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary

✨ Executive Summary

Isaiah 57 unveils a stark contrast: the judgment awaiting the wicked and the restoration promised to the contrite. The prophet condemns Israel’s rampant idolatry, particularly their pagan worship practices and misplaced trust in idols, emphasizing the futility of seeking salvation outside of God. Yet, amidst this condemnation, a powerful message of hope emerges. God promises to dwell with the humble and contrite, reviving their spirit and offering healing. This chapter underscores the importance of repentance, humility, and genuine faith in receiving God’s grace and entering into His rest. Ultimately, Isaiah 57 speaks to the enduring tension between divine justice and divine mercy, reminding us that God’s judgment is tempered by His boundless compassion for those who turn to Him in sincerity and truth. Understanding this chapter offers profound insight into our own spiritual journeys and our need for a contrite heart before the Lord. This **restoration** is key to accessing divine grace.

Isaiah 57 is a powerful prophetic message delivered to a people steeped in idolatry and spiritual compromise. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we approach this chapter with the understanding that it speaks not only to the Israelites of old but also to us today. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, to discern the presence of idolatry in its many subtle forms, and to embrace the path of humility and repentance that leads to divine restoration. The passage highlights the critical need for **God Restores the Contrite**, offering a path to forgiveness and renewal. The Lord always seeks to draw near to those who are truly seeking Him.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Verse 1

Isaiah 57:1 (KJV): 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.

Isaiah 57:1 (NKJV): The righteous perishes, And no man lays it to heart; Merciful men are taken away, While no one considers That the righteous is taken away from evil.

This verse begins with a lament over the untimely death of the righteous. Their passing goes unnoticed and unappreciated by a society focused on its own wickedness. The Coptic Orthodox understanding of death is rooted in the belief that it is a consequence of sin, but also a gateway to eternal life with Christ for those who are faithful. The loss of righteous individuals is a sign of a society’s moral decay, a foreshadowing of impending judgment. Their departure shields them from the coming evil, demonstrating God’s providential care, even in death. This reminds us to value the presence of righteous individuals in our communities and to mourn their loss not only for ourselves but also for the spiritual well-being of society. We must always remember those who have gone before us. Pray for their **restoration** in paradise.

Spiritual Application: Consider the impact you have on those around you. Strive to live a righteous life, not for recognition, but to be a light to others and a blessing to your community. Are you one who notices and mourns the loss of righteousness in the world? Take steps to cultivate virtue in your own life and in your relationships.

Verse 2

Isaiah 57:2 (KJV): He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

Isaiah 57:2 (NKJV): He shall enter into peace; They shall rest in their beds, Each one walking in his uprightness.

This verse clarifies the destiny of the righteous: they enter into peace and rest. This “peace” (שָׁלוֹם, shalom in Hebrew) transcends mere absence of conflict; it signifies a state of wholeness, harmony, and divine communion. The “beds” can be understood both literally, referring to peaceful death, and figuratively, representing a state of repose and tranquility in God’s presence. Their uprightness (יָשָׁר, yashar in Hebrew) is the foundation for their blessed state. This verse aligns with the Coptic Orthodox belief in the intermediate state after death, where the souls of the righteous find rest and anticipation of the final resurrection. As St. Athanasius said, “ὁ γὰρ θάνατος τοῖς μὲν ἀσεβέσι χωρισμός ἐστι τοῦ Θεοῦ, τοῖς δὲ δικαίοις εἰσαγωγὴ εἰς τὴν ἀνάπαυσιν” (De Incarnatione, 21) – “For death is for the ungodly a separation from God, but for the righteous an entrance into rest.”

Spiritual Application: Strive for uprightness in all your actions and thoughts. Seek the peace that surpasses all understanding, which comes from a relationship with God. Meditate on the promise of eternal rest for those who live according to His will. A peaceful death is a testament to a life well-lived in faith and service to God.

Verses 3-6: Condemnation of Idolatry

Isaiah 57:3-6 (KJV): But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore. Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood, Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks? Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these? Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.

Isaiah 57:3-6 (NKJV): “But come here, you sons of the sorceress, You offspring of the adulterer and the harlot! Whom do you ridicule? Against whom do you make a wide mouth And stick out the tongue? Are you not children of transgression, Offspring of falsehood, Inflaming yourselves with gods under every green tree, Slaying the children in the valleys, Under the clefts of the rocks? Among the smooth stones of the stream Is your portion; They, they are your lot! Even to them you have poured a drink offering, You have offered a grain offering. Should I receive comfort in these? On a lofty and high mountain You have set your bed; Even there you went up to offer sacrifice.

These verses launch a scathing indictment against Israel’s idolatrous practices. They are addressed as “sons of the sorceress” and “offspring of the adulterer,” highlighting their spiritual illegitimacy and unfaithfulness to God. The reference to “inflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree” points to the pagan custom of engaging in ritualistic sexual practices associated with fertility cults. The gruesome act of “slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks” refers to child sacrifice, a particularly abhorrent practice condemned throughout the Old Testament. The “smooth stones of the stream” represent idols, to whom they offer drink and grain offerings, seeking comfort and blessings from inanimate objects. This passage vividly illustrates the depth of Israel’s apostasy and the spiritual corruption that permeated their society. Such practices were expressly forbidden by God. This behavior is the antithesis of **God Restores the Contrite**.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on Isaiah, connects these idolatrous practices with the demonic influence that ensnares those who turn away from the true God. He emphasizes that idolatry is not merely a misguided religious practice but a deliberate act of rebellion against God and a surrender to the powers of darkness. He warns against spiritual compromise and the dangers of syncretism, urging believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to Christ. He says, “Ὅτι γὰρ δαίμονες εἰσὶν οἱ ἐν τοῖς εἰδώλοις προσκυνούμενοι, οὐδεὶς ἀγνοεῖ τῶν εὖ φρονούντων” (Commentary on Isaiah, PG 70, 996) – “For no one of sound mind is unaware that demons are those who are worshipped in idols.”

Spiritual Application: Examine your own life for subtle forms of idolatry. What idols do you place before God – possessions, ambitions, relationships? Are there any areas where you are compromising your faith to conform to worldly values? Repent of these idolatrous tendencies and commit to seeking God above all else. Remember that true worship involves offering your whole self to God, not engaging in empty rituals or seeking comfort in material things.

Verses 7-10: More Condemnation

Isaiah 57:7-10 (KJV): Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice. Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered 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. And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell. Thou art wearied in thy great journey; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved.

Isaiah 57:7-10 (NKJV): On a lofty and high mountain You have set your bed; Even there you went up to offer sacrifice. Also behind the doors and their posts You have set up your remembrance; For you have uncovered yourself to those other than Me, And have gone up to them; You have enlarged your bed And made a covenant with them; You loved their bed, Where you saw it. You went to the king with ointment, And increased your perfumes; You sent your messengers far off, And debased yourself even to Sheol. You are wearied in your length of way; Yet you did not say, ‘There is no hope.’ You have found the life of your hand; Therefore you were not grieved.

These verses continue the condemnation of Israel’s idolatrous and adulterous behavior. Setting up their “bed” on a high mountain signifies their participation in pagan worship at high places, which were often associated with fertility cults. Placing idols “behind the doors and the posts” indicates their pervasive idolatry, which infiltrated even their homes. The phrase “thou hast discovered thyself to another than me” emphasizes their unfaithfulness to God, likening their idolatry to spiritual adultery. Going to the “king with ointment” and sending messengers far off suggests their reliance on foreign alliances and pagan rulers for security and protection, instead of trusting in God. Their debasement “even unto hell” illustrates the depth of their spiritual depravity. They continued in their idolatry despite weariness, clinging to false hope and self-reliance.

Spiritual Application: Be mindful of the subtle ways idolatry can creep into your life, even in seemingly harmless activities. Avoid seeking security and validation from worldly sources, and instead, place your trust in God alone. Resist the temptation to compromise your faith for the sake of acceptance or advancement. Remember that true fulfillment and lasting peace come from a relationship with God, not from idols or worldly pleasures.

Verses 11-13: Judgement

Isaiah 57:11-13 (KJV): And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not? I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee. When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but they all shall be carried away with the wind; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;

Isaiah 57:11-13 (NKJV): And of whom have you been afraid, or feared, That you have lied, And have not remembered Me, Nor taken it to your heart? Is it not because I have held My peace even for a long time, That you do not fear Me? I will declare your righteousness And your works, For they will not profit you. When you cry out, Let your collected idols deliver you. But the wind will carry them all away, A breath will take them. But he who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, And shall inherit My holy mountain.”

God questions the fear or motivation that led Israel to idolatry. He points out that His silence (holding His peace) was misinterpreted as indifference, leading to a lack of fear and reverence. He declares that their so-called “righteousness” and “works” will be of no avail in the face of His judgment. Their idols, the “companies” they relied on, will be powerless to deliver them; they will be carried away by the wind, signifying their utter futility. In contrast, those who trust in God will inherit the land and His holy mountain, representing His blessings and His presence. This highlights the contrast between false security found in idols and true security found in God. The promise of possessing the land is particularly meaningful, recalling God’s covenant with Abraham and the inheritance of the Promised Land by those who remain faithful.

Spiritual Application: Examine your own motivations for your actions. Do you fear God above all else, or are you driven by fear of worldly consequences? Remember that God is not indifferent to sin, and His silence does not mean He approves of your choices. Place your trust in Him alone, and He will never fail you. Trust in His **restoration**.

Verses 14-15: Promise of Restoration for the Contrite

Isaiah 57:14-15 (KJV): And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isaiah 57:14-15 (NKJV): And one shall say, “Heap it up, heap it up! Prepare the way, Take the stumbling block out of the way of My people.” For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

These verses mark a turning point in the chapter, shifting from condemnation to promise. The call to “prepare the way” and remove the “stumblingblock” suggests a path of repentance and restoration for God’s people. God, the “High and Lofty One” who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, declares that He dwells not only in the high and holy place but also with those who are “of a contrite and humble spirit.” This is a profound revelation of God’s accessibility and His desire to be near to those who acknowledge their need for Him. The promise to “revive the spirit of the humble” and “revive the heart of the contrite ones” signifies God’s healing and restorative power. This passage emphasizes the importance of humility and repentance as prerequisites for experiencing God’s presence and receiving His grace. This is the very essence of **God Restores the Contrite**.

Patristic Insight: St. Isaac the Syrian, a beloved figure in the Eastern Christian tradition, often spoke of the transformative power of humility. He said, “Humility is the garment of divinity; he who is clothed with it participates in the divine nature.” (Ascetical Homilies). His words resonate with the message of Isaiah 57:15, highlighting that humility is not merely a virtue but a pathway to divine union.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a spirit of humility and contrition in your heart. Recognize your own sinfulness and your need for God’s grace. Approach Him with a broken and repentant heart, and He will meet you with His healing and restoring love. Seek to remove any “stumblingblocks” in your life that hinder your relationship with God. He is always ready to welcome you back with open arms.

Verses 16-19: God’s Healing and Peace

Isaiah 57:16-19 (KJV): For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.

Isaiah 57:16-19 (NKJV): For I will not contend forever, Nor will I always be angry; For the spirit would fail before Me, And the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry and struck him; I hid Myself and was angry, And he went on backsliding in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, And restore comforts to him And to his mourners. “I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” Says the Lord, “And I will heal him.”

God declares that His anger is not eternal. He recognizes the frailty of human nature and the limitations of the spirit He has created. His wrath was provoked by their “covetousness,” but He promises to heal them and lead them. Even after striking them and hiding Himself in anger, He sees their ways and offers restoration. He will “restore comforts” to both the individual and their mourners. He creates “the fruit of the lips,” proclaiming “peace, peace” to those both near and far. This promise of healing and peace underscores God’s compassion and His desire for reconciliation with His people. The proclamation of peace to those “far off” suggests God’s offer of salvation extends beyond the nation of Israel, encompassing all who turn to Him in faith.

Spiritual Application: Take comfort in God’s promise of healing and peace. Even when you have strayed from His path, He is ready to forgive and restore you. Do not despair in the face of your failures, but turn to Him with humility and repentance. Seek His healing touch in every area of your life – physical, emotional, and spiritual. Share His message of peace with those around you, both near and far.

Verses 20-21: The Wicked Have No Peace

Isaiah 57:20-21 (KJV): But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

Isaiah 57:20-21 (NKJV): But the wicked are like the troubled sea, When it cannot rest, Whose waters cast up mire and dirt. “There is no peace,” Says my God, “for the wicked.”

In stark contrast to the peace offered to the contrite, these verses depict the restless state of the wicked. They are likened to a “troubled sea” that cannot rest, whose waters constantly churn up “mire and dirt.” This imagery represents the inner turmoil and spiritual pollution that characterizes the lives of those who reject God. The declaration that “there is no peace…for the wicked” serves as a solemn warning and a reminder that true peace can only be found in a relationship with God. This lack of peace is not merely a circumstantial condition but an inherent consequence of their wickedness. It’s a state of constant unease and dissatisfaction, driven by their rejection of God’s will.

Spiritual Application: Examine your own heart and life. Are there areas where you are experiencing inner turmoil and restlessness? Consider whether these feelings are a result of unconfessed sin or a lack of reliance on God. Turn away from wickedness and embrace the path of righteousness that leads to true peace. Remember that true peace is not found in worldly pleasures or material possessions, but in a relationship with God. True rest is impossible without repentance and submission to God’s will.

❓ FAQ ❓

• Q: What is the main theme of Isaiah 57?

  A: The primary theme is the contrast between the judgment awaiting the unrepentant and the restoration offered to the contrite. It emphasizes the futility of idolatry and the importance of humility and repentance in receiving God’s grace.

• Q: What does it mean to have a “contrite and humble spirit”?

  A: A contrite and humble spirit involves acknowledging one’s sinfulness before God, feeling genuine remorse for wrongdoing, and approaching Him with a teachable and submissive attitude. It’s about recognizing our dependence on God’s grace and turning away from pride and self-reliance. This is how **God Restores the Contrite**.

• Q: How can I apply the lessons of Isaiah 57 to my own life today?

  A: You can apply these lessons by examining your own heart for subtle forms of idolatry, cultivating a spirit of humility and repentance, and seeking God’s healing and restoring power in every area of your life. Place your trust in Him alone and share His message of peace with those around you.

• Q: How does this chapter connect to Coptic Orthodox theology?

  A: The chapter reinforces the importance of repentance, the intermediate state after death, and the necessity of a personal relationship with God. It aligns with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of salvation as a process of transformation and the need for constant vigilance against the allure of worldly idols. The promise of **restoration** reflects the core of Coptic belief in God’s unending mercy.

🕊️ Conclusion

Isaiah 57 is a powerful call to self-reflection and spiritual renewal. It reminds us that God is both just and merciful, and that His judgment is tempered by His boundless compassion for those who turn to Him in sincerity and truth. The chapter unveils the stark contrast between the chaotic and restless state of the wicked and the peace and rest offered to the contrite. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, to discern the presence of idolatry in its many subtle forms, and to embrace the path of humility and repentance that leads to divine restoration. Above all, Isaiah 57 underscores the fundamental truth that **God Restores the Contrite**, offering hope, healing, and eternal life to all who seek Him with a broken and repentant heart. Let us strive to cultivate a contrite and humble spirit, that we may experience the fullness of His grace and enter into His everlasting peace. Remember to support organizations like DoHost that help spread the word of God.

🏷️ Tags

Idolatry, Repentance, Contrition, Humility, Restoration, Peace, Judgment, Coptic Orthodox, Isaiah, Prophecy

Meta Description

Explore Isaiah 57’s profound message: **God Restores the Contrite**. A verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary on idolatry, repentance, and divine restoration. Discover hope and healing!