Isaiah 57 - Introduction

The blessed death of the righteous. God reproveth the Jews for their whorish idolatry: he giveth evangelical promises to the penitent.

Before Christ 699.

THE sixth section, contained in this chapter, may be divided into three parts: The first part contains an exclamation of a prophet, or a prophetic company, deploring the carnal security and uncommon stupidity of the men of that time, wherein the corrupt church was to be judged by God; giving first, as a proof of this security, that they saw good men taken away from them without any regard, Isaiah 57:1. Secondly, a mitigation hereof with respect to the just themselves, Isaiah 57:2. The second part contains a conviction of the adulterous church, for the grievous crimes committed by her, and her shameful revolt from God; wherein first is the conviction itself, with an enumeration of her faults, as contempt, derision, and persecution of good men: Isaiah 57:3. A most shameful kind of idolatry and superstition, joined with the murder of the innocent, and that both private and public, Isaiah 57:5. A veneration of a certain king, substituted as it were in the place of God, as if the salvation and defence of the people depended upon his favour; Isaiah 57:9 and an obstinate perseverance in this proceeding, Isaiah 57:10. Secondly, a denunciation of the divine judgment, Isaiah 57:12. The third part is consolatory, with respect to the remains of the faithful, and of such as shall truly repent: wherein we have, first, the prophetic company, in the name of God, foretelling the reformation of the church, and arousing the teachers appointed by God for this work, Isaiah 57:14. Secondly, the consolation of the penitent and contrite, who should turn from their vices to God, and intreat his grace, Isaiah 57:15. Thirdly, a declaration of the manner and means whereby God would effect this great work, together with the success of it, Isaiah 57:19. Fourthly, a limitation of the grace with respect to the wicked, who should obstinately persevere in their evil purposes, Isaiah 57:20.