Isaiah 57:14

And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.

And shall say {H559}, Cast ye up {H5549}, cast ye up {H5549}, prepare {H6437} the way {H1870}, take up {H7311} the stumblingblock {H4383} out of the way {H1870} of my people {H5971}.

Then he will say, "Keep building! Keep building! Clear the way! Remove everything blocking my people's path!"

And it will be said, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, take every obstacle out of the way of My people.”

And he will say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling-block out of the way of my people.

Isaiah 57:14 is a powerful call to action, emphasizing the removal of obstacles for God's people. This verse, situated within Isaiah's prophetic messages of judgment and comfort, speaks to both a literal return from exile and a spiritual restoration.

Context of Isaiah 57:14

Chapter 57 contrasts the righteous who find peace with the wicked who are restless and without peace. Following strong indictments against idolatry and unfaithfulness, verses 14-21 offer a glimmer of hope and a promise of divine intervention for the humble and contrite in spirit. The imagery of "preparing the way" is common in prophetic literature, often referring to a grand procession or the return of exiles, with God Himself making a path for His people. It suggests a divine initiative to clear the path for their spiritual and physical journey back.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Command for Preparation: The repeated imperative, "Cast ye up, cast ye up," signifies an urgent and diligent command to clear a path. This task, likely given to God's messengers or the people themselves, involves active participation in making ready for God's work.
  • Removal of Obstacles: The core message is to "take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people." A stumblingblock (Hebrew: mikshol) is anything that causes one to trip, fall, or be led astray, whether it be idolatry, sin, societal corruption, or any hindrance to spiritual progress and a right relationship with God.
  • Restoration and Return: This preparation is ultimately for the benefit of "my people," implying their return to God's favor and presence, echoing themes of the return from Babylonian captivity and spiritual renewal. It highlights God's desire for His people to walk unimpeded in His ways.
  • Messianic Foreshadowing: The concept of "preparing the way" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus Christ, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Cast ye up, cast ye up" comes from the Hebrew solu solu (סֹלּוּ סֹלּוּ), an emphatic repetition of the imperative verb meaning "to raise up," "to build a highway," or "to prepare a road." This double command underscores the urgency and importance of the task. The term "stumblingblock" (מִכְשׁוֹל, mikshol) refers to anything that causes one to stumble or fall, morally or spiritually. It encapsulates all forms of sin, idolatry, or societal structures that hinder a person's walk with God.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 57:14 serves as a powerful reminder to actively identify and remove "stumblingblocks" in their own lives and in the paths of others. This might involve:

  • Personal Repentance: Acknowledging and turning away from sins or habits that hinder one's spiritual growth and relationship with God.
  • Removing Hindrances to Others: Being mindful not to place obstacles or cause others to stumble in their faith, as emphasized in Romans 14:13.
  • Clearing the Path for the Gospel: Working to remove cultural, social, or spiritual barriers that prevent people from encountering the truth of God's Word and experiencing His salvation.

This verse encourages a proactive approach to spiritual purity and mission, ensuring that the way to God is clear for all who seek Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 62:10

    ¶ Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.

  • Isaiah 40:3

    ¶ The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

  • Isaiah 35:8

    And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein].

  • Luke 3:5

    Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways [shall be] made smooth;

  • Luke 3:6

    And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

  • Jeremiah 18:15

    Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways [from] the ancient paths, to walk in paths, [in] a way not cast up;

  • 1 Corinthians 8:13

    Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back