This chapter is evidently closely connected in sense with Isaiah 56:9-12. In the closing part of the last chapter the prophet had said that the land of Israel would be invaded by foreign armies, represented under the image of ravening beasts come to devour. One of the causes of this he had also stated, namely, the general licentiousness, avarice, and intemperance of the rulers of the nation. The same general subject is pursued in this chapter, which has been very improperly separated from the preceding. In this the prophet states specifically the sins of the nation at large, evidently as a reason why the calamities of the foreign invasion were coming upon them. It is probable that the chapter has primary reference to the times of Manasseh. Of the characteristics of his cruel reign, see the Introduction, Section 3. It was a time of persecution and blood. The righteous were put to death; the public service of God was profaned and desecrated; and the evils of idolatry were seen and felt, under the royal patronage, throughout the land. Yet notwithstanding this, the nation was stupid and insensible. They were not affected as they should have been by the fact that the righteous were cut off by persecution, and that idolatry was patronized throughout the land. A few, like the prophets, felt, and deeply felt. Their hearts were desponding, and their spirits drooped. To encourage them, and to rebuke the mass of the stupid and guilty nation, was the design of this chapter.
It may be regarded as divided into three parts:
I. The fact that the righteous were put to death, and yet that the nation was sunk in deep and deplorable stupidity.
1. The proof of the insensibility of the nation, visible in the fact that the just were taken away, and that they were unmoved Isaiah 57:1.
2. A statement of the comparative happy condition of the righteous, though they suffered under persecution, and were put to a violent death (Isaiah 57:1, last part, Isaiah 57:2). So far as they were concerned it was well, for
(1) they were taken away from more fearful approaching evils.
(2) they entered into rest.
II. A solemn address of Yahweh, himself sitting as judge on the tribunal, and stating the crimes and demonstrating the guilt of the nation Isaiah 57:3-14.
1. The nation summoned before him as having been apostatized - under the image so common in the prophets of their being guilty of adultery Isaiah 57:3.
2. They were guilty of falsehood and unfaithfulness to him, and of deriding his government and laws Isaiah 57:4.
3. The statement of the prevalence of idolatry in all parts of the nation, under every green tree, in every valley, in the clefts of the rocks, upon every mountain, and in every secret place Isaiah 57:5-8.
4. They bad gone and sought alliance with foreign powers; under the image of a woman unfaithful to her marriage vow Isaiah 57:9.
5. They had not feared God in the prevalence of the evil and in the corruption of the nation Isaiah 57:10-11.
6. For all this God denounces heavy judgment Isaiah 57:12-14. Their works should not profit them Isaiah 57:12; nothing on which they relied could deliver them (Isaiah 57:13, first part); but the pious who confided in God should be protected (Isaiah 57:13, last part); and the stumbling-block should be taken up out of the way of his people Isaiah 57:14.
III. Consolation and assurances of pardon, protection, and peace to those who would repent and put their trust in God. Their state contrasted with that of the wicked Isaiah 57:15-21.
1. The righteous Isaiah 57:15-19.
(1) Though God was high and great and holy, yet he dwelt with the lowly and the penitent. They were, therefore, encouraged to returnIsaiah 57:15 Isaiah 57:15.
(2) Though he had entered into controversy with his people for their sins, yet he would not continue it forever. The feeble powers of man could not long endure the expressions of his displeasure, and he therefore would withdraw the tokens of his wrath Isaiah 57:16.
(3) He had indeed punished his people for their covetousness, but he would restore comfort to those who mourned over their sins Isaiah 57:17-18.
(4) He was the author of peace, and all who were afar off, and all who were near, who would return to him, should enjoy it Isaiah 57:19.
2. The wicked. Their condition was one strongly contrasted with that of the righteous Isaiah 57:20-21.
(1) They were like the troubled sea Isaiah 57:20.
(2) They had no peaceIsaiah 57:21 Isaiah 57:21.