Isaiah 57:15

Context

The verse belongs to chapters 56–66 of Isaiah. The immediately preceding passage, 57:3–13, rebukes a people who worshiped idols on the mountains. Verse 14 commands, "Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way," and calls for the stumblingblock to be taken out of the way of the people. In verse 15, God introduces himself as "the high and lofty One" (that is, one so exalted that none is above him) "whose name is Holy."

In the verses that follow (16–19), God declares that he will not contend forever and promises peace "to him that is far off, and to him that is near." The passage closes in verses 20–21 with the words "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." Some interpreters see a contrast between the idolaters who set their bed "upon a lofty and high mountain" (v. 7) and the true high place where God dwells.

Views differ on when this section was written. Critical scholars commonly regard chapters 56–66 as addressed to the community that returned from the Babylonian exile (the so-called Third Isaiah, or Trito-Isaiah). Conservative scholars regard them as the words of the prophet Isaiah of the eighth century BC, speaking prophetically of things to come.

Interpretation

• Transcendence and immanence: The text is read as holding together in one verse the truth that God is above all things (transcendence) and at the same time near to the lowly (immanence). This reading is widely accepted across denominations.
• Repentance and grace: The Hebrew word translated "contrite" carries the sense of "crushed" or "broken." Because God revives the broken heart, this reading understands the verse as a promise of grace to those who have repented. It is often read alongside Psalm 51:16–17.
• Temple and presence: The theme that God dwells with the humble rather than in a building reappears in Isaiah 66:1–2. Some interpreters read this as a movement beyond a faith centered on the Temple in Jerusalem.

Questions of Application

The verse is seldom a matter of significant controversy between denominations. Nevertheless, several questions have been raised.

• Translation: The Hebrew phrase rendered "that inhabiteth eternity" can be translated either as "who lives forever" or as "who dwells in eternity." Korean Bible versions also differ: the New Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Gaejeong) renders the older Korean expression for "high and lofty" with a phrase meaning "most exalted," and replaces the older word for "revive" with a more contemporary equivalent.
• Condition or character: Contrition and humility may be read as conditions for obtaining God's presence, or as words revealing the character of a God who comes to those who have been brought low. Interpreters differ in their emphasis.
• Quotation out of context: Some have pointed out that quoting the words of comfort in isolation omits both the preceding rebuke of idolatry and the warning of verse 21.

Related Passages

• Isaiah 66:2
• Psalm 51:16–17
• Psalm 34:18
• Ephesians 2:14–17 (connected to the expressions "him that is far off" and "him that is near" in Isaiah 57:19)