Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Isaiah 57 Devotional

The High God Lives Low

“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.”Isaiah 57:15 (BSB)

The chapter begins with righteous people dying unnoticed, though they have been spared from evil and have entered peace (57:1-2). Then God exposes a people chasing idols on the hills, even sacrificing their children, wearing themselves out yet never admitting it was hopeless (57:5-10). Because God has been silent, they no longer fear him (57:11).

Then comes one of the great descriptions of God in Isaiah. He is high and exalted, and his name is Holy. He dwells in a lofty, holy place, and also with the crushed and humble, to revive their spirits (57:15). He will not stay angry forever. He has seen their stubborn ways, yet he says he will heal them, guide them, and comfort them (57:16-18). He speaks peace to those far and near (57:19), words Paul applies to Christ bringing peace to Gentiles and Jews alike (Ephesians 2:17). The wicked find no rest (57:20-21). But a broken and humble heart is not a barrier to God. It is the very place he chooses to live.

To think about: What would it mean to come to God today with a humble heart rather than trying to look impressive?

About Isaiah 57: Idolatry Exposed and Comfort for the Contrite

The righteous die unnoticed, spared from evil, while the LORD exposes a people devoted to idols on the hills. The exalted Holy One promises to dwell with the humble and repentant, to heal the stubborn, and to give peace to the far and the near, but the wicked find no rest.

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