Isaiah 57:1

Commentary on Isaiah 57:1 (KJV)

Isaiah 57:1 delivers a profound and often misunderstood truth about the passing of righteous individuals. The prophet Isaiah laments the indifference of the people to the death of the godly, revealing a deeper, divine purpose behind such events.

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Isaiah (chapters 56-66) that mixes severe rebukes for Israel's spiritual failings with promises of future restoration and comfort. Chapter 57, in particular, condemns the rampant idolatry, spiritual adultery, and moral decay prevalent among the people. The "righteous" and "merciful men" mentioned here stand in stark contrast to the corrupt society described in the surrounding verses. Their removal from the scene is not a random occurrence but a specific act of God in light of the impending judgment and suffering that the nation is destined to face, such as the Babylonian exile.

Key Themes

• Societal Indifference: The phrase "no man layeth it to heart" highlights the spiritual apathy and lack of discernment among the people. They fail to recognize the significance of godly individuals being taken away, reflecting a deeper spiritual blindness to God's warnings and purposes.
• Divine Protection and Mercy: The central message is that the righteous are "taken away from the evil to come." This reveals God's mercy and protection. Their death is not a punishment but a gracious act to spare them from witnessing or enduring the severe trials, suffering, or divine judgment that awaits the unrighteous.
• Foreshadowing of Judgment: The removal of the righteous often serves as a subtle, yet potent, sign of impending calamity for those left behind. When the salt and light are taken, the spiritual darkness and corruption can fully manifest, leading to inevitable consequences.
• God's Sovereignty in Life and Death: This verse underscores God's ultimate control over life and death, demonstrating His sovereign hand in orchestrating events, even those as sorrowful as the passing of His faithful servants, for a greater, divine purpose.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "perisheth" (אֹבֵד - 'oved) can mean to be lost, to vanish, or to die. Here, it clearly refers to their demise, but within the context of being removed.
• "Merciful men" translates from the Hebrew אַנְשֵׁי חֶסֶד ('anshei chesed). The term chesed is rich, denoting steadfast love, loyalty, kindness, and covenant faithfulness. So, these are not just compassionate men, but men deeply committed to God and His covenant.
• "Taken away" (נֶאֱסָפִים - ne'esafim) implies being gathered or collected, often used in the context of being gathered to one's ancestors in death. The added phrase "from the evil to come" gives it a distinct protective nuance.

Significance and Application

Isaiah 57:1 offers profound comfort and a sobering warning simultaneously:

• Comfort for the Bereaved: For believers grieving the loss of a godly loved one, this verse provides solace. It suggests that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, may have called them home to spare them from future hardships, sorrows, or the escalating evil in the world. This aligns with the New Testament hope that for believers, death is gain and a release from earthly troubles.
• A Call to Discernment: The verse challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we recognize and value the presence of righteous individuals in our midst? Do we "lay it to heart" when they depart, understanding that their removal might be a sign of deeper spiritual issues or impending difficulties for society?
• Warning to the Unrighteous: For those who remain indifferent or are actively living in sin, the passing of the righteous serves as a silent harbinger. It suggests that a moral vacuum is being created, and the protective hedge of God's people may be thinning, leaving the unrighteous more exposed to the consequences of their actions and the "evil to come."

Ultimately, Isaiah 57:1 reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways, and even in death, His purposes are perfect, often involving both mercy for the righteous and a quiet warning for the world.