The High and Holy One Revives the Contrite
The Holy One revives the humble; the wicked have no peace.
Isaiah 57:14-21 (BSB)
14 And it will be said, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, take every obstacle out of the way of My people.”
15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.
16 For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me—the breath of life I have made.
17 I was enraged by his sinful greed, so I struck him and hid My face in anger; yet he kept turning back to the desires of his heart.
18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him and his mourners,
19 bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them.”
20 But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck.
21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
What is the big idea of Isaiah 57:14-21?
The Holy One revives the humble; the wicked have no peace.
How does Isaiah 57:14-21 point to Christ?
Isaiah 57:14-21 reveals that the holy and exalted God revives the humble and grants peace, while the unrepentant remain restless. The gospel proclaims that through Christ God heals, restores, and gives true peace to the contrite.
Authorial Intent
To proclaim both restoration for the contrite and unrest for the wicked, revealing the LORD’s holy and healing character.
Historical Context
Following widespread idolatry and rebellion, the people are called to repentance and offered restoration, while the unrepentant remain under judgment.
Chapter: Isaiah 57
The High and Lofty One Revives the Contrite but Gives No Peace to the Wicked
The holy and exalted LORD exposes idolatrous rebellion, revives the contrite, heals the repentant, and declares that the wicked can never possess peace.