Isaiah 57:2

KJV

He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, [each one] walking [in] his uprightness.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall enter {H935} into peace {H7965}: they shall rest {H5117} in their beds {H4904}, each one walking {H1980} in his uprightness {H5228}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, those who live uprightly will have peace as they rest on their couches.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death.

American Standard Version

He entereth into peace; they rest in their beds, each one that walketh in his uprightness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 57:2 delivers a profound and comforting declaration concerning the ultimate destiny of the righteous, assuring them of a peaceful transition from earthly life into a state of profound and eternal rest. This verse stands in stark contrast to the turmoil and unrest promised to the wicked elsewhere in the chapter, underscoring God's sovereign care for His faithful servants and the blessed outcome of a life lived in alignment with His divine ways.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Isaiah 57:1](/isaiah/57-1 "Isaiah 57:1 - The Righteous Perish"), which laments, "The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come." [Isaiah 57:2](/isaiah/57-2 "Isaiah 57:2 - Peace for the Upright") then provides the divine explanation and consequence of this departure, revealing that their "perishing" is not a tragedy but a purposeful entry into peace and rest. The broader context of [Isaiah 57](/isaiah/57 "Isaiah 57 - Israel's Idolatry and God's Mercy") meticulously details Israel's pervasive idolatry, spiritual infidelity, and the resulting divine judgment, yet it consistently interweaves promises of comfort and restoration for those who remain faithful. Thus, this verse offers a striking contrast to the restless state of the wicked, for whom "there is no peace" ([Isaiah 57:21](/isaiah/57-21 "Isaiah 57:21 - No Peace for the Wicked")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a period of significant spiritual decline in Judah, characterized by widespread syncretism and a profound departure from the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The "evil to come" referenced in [Isaiah 57:1](/isaiah/57-1 "Isaiah 57:1 - The Righteous Taken from Evil") likely alludes to impending national calamities, such as the destructive Assyrian invasions or the looming Babylonian exile. In this turbulent and morally compromised environment, the promise of "peace" (shalom) and "rest" for the righteous would have resonated deeply as a source of profound comfort and hope. While death was often viewed as a "going down to Sheol," for the righteous, it was understood as a repose, a cessation of earthly toil and suffering. The imagery of "beds" culturally refers to burial places, emphasizing a peaceful interment and the quietude of the grave, free from worldly anxieties and the impending judgment.
* **Key Themes:** A primary theme is **Divine Providence in Death**, highlighting that the death of the righteous is not random or arbitrary but a purposeful act of God, leading them into a state of blessed peace and rest, often serving as a protective measure from impending evil. This underscores God's active care and sovereign control over the lives and deaths of His faithful, ensuring their ultimate well-being. Another significant theme is the **Ultimate Peace and Rest for the Upright**, which stands in stark opposition to the turmoil faced by the wicked. The promise of "rest in their beds" serves as a beautiful euphemism for a tranquil death and burial, free from the world's troubles, directly contrasting with the divine declaration that "there is no peace" for the wicked in [Isaiah 57:21](/isaiah/57-21 "Isaiah 57:21 - The Wicked Have No Peace"). Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the **Reward of Righteousness**, asserting that a life characterized by "uprightness" and unwavering integrity before God leads to profound spiritual benefits, culminating in eternal peace and rest. This reinforces the biblical principle that a life of devotion and obedience to God is ultimately vindicated with divine blessing, both in this life and the next, as seen in passages like [Psalm 23:6](/psalms/23-6 "Psalm 23:6 - Dwelling in the House of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm_):** From H7965. This term signifies far more than merely the absence of conflict; it encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and harmony. For the righteous, entering into _shalom_ means entering into a state of perfect well-being, reconciliation, and flourishing, particularly in their relationship with God and in their final state. It denotes a profound sense of security and contentment that is comprehensive and enduring.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _nûwach_):** From H5117. This primitive root means to settle down, repose, or be quiet. In this context, it emphasizes a cessation from earthly toil, tribulation, and the anxieties of life. It speaks to a deep, undisturbed repose, a quietude that transcends the disturbances of the world. It is the ultimate relief from suffering, struggle, and the burdens of existence.
* **Uprightness (Hebrew, _nâkôach_):** From H5228. This word denotes straightforwardness, equity, correctness, and integrity. It describes a life lived with moral rectitude, honesty, and consistent adherence to God's standards. It highlights the defining character of those who receive this blessed end, emphasizing that their peaceful destiny is directly linked to their righteous conduct and sincere devotion to Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall enter into peace:"** This clause speaks of a significant transition, a movement from one state of being to another. The "he" refers to the righteous individual mentioned in the preceding verse. "Entering into peace" suggests not merely experiencing peace passively, but being fully immersed in it, as if peace were a realm or a dwelling place. It signifies a profound, complete, and active state of well-being and tranquility that commences at the point of death.
* **"they shall rest in their beds,"** This phrase employs a gentle euphemism for death and burial. "Beds" here refers to graves or tombs, serving as places of final repose. The "rest" signifies a cessation from all earthly labor, suffering, and conflict. It portrays a profound quietude, a peaceful slumber, indicating that their earthly struggles are definitively over and they have found ultimate repose. The shift from singular ("He") to plural ("they") indicates that this promise applies universally to all who are righteous.
* **"[each one] walking [in] his uprightness."** This final clause describes the defining characteristic of those who receive this blessed end. Their "uprightness" refers to their moral integrity, their righteous conduct, and their consistent walk with God throughout their lives. The phrase "walking in his uprightness" emphasizes a continuous, consistent lifestyle of moral rectitude and faithfulness, asserting that their virtuous life, marked by integrity and obedience, is the path that leads them to this promised peace and rest.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 57:2 skillfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its comforting message. **Euphemism** is prominently featured in the phrase "rest in their beds," which serves as a gentle and comforting way to refer to death and burial, softening the harsh reality of physical demise with an image of peaceful repose. This choice of language highlights the tranquil nature of the righteous person's end. **Parallelism** is also present, though not strictly synonymous, as "enter into peace" and "rest in their beds" both describe the blessed state of the righteous after death, reinforcing the same ultimate outcome through different but complementary imagery of tranquility and cessation of struggle. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast**, building on the broader context of [Isaiah 57](/isaiah/57 "Isaiah 57 - Contrast of Righteous and Wicked"), where the profound peace of the righteous is set against the turmoil and unrest of the wicked ([Isaiah 57:20-21](/isaiah/57-20-21 "Isaiah 57:20-21 - The Wicked and Their Restlessness")), thereby amplifying the blessedness of the righteous's destiny. Finally, there is a subtle **Metonymy** where "beds" stands in for graves, symbolizing the place of final rest and quietude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 57:2 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God honors those who walk in integrity, granting them a blessed end that transcends earthly suffering. This verse speaks to the divine justice that ensures a distinct destiny for the righteous compared to the wicked, a theme woven throughout scripture from Genesis to Revelation. It offers a powerful counter-narrative to the apparent triumph of evil, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty over life and death and His unwavering commitment to His faithful covenant people. The "peace" promised is not merely the absence of trouble but the fullness of God's _shalom_, encompassing spiritual wholeness, well-being, and eternal communion. This passage reassures believers that death for the righteous is not an arbitrary or tragic end but a divinely appointed transition into a state of perfect repose and intimate presence with God.

* [Revelation 14:13](/revelation/14-13 "Blessed are the Dead Who Die in the Lord")
* [Psalm 116:15](/psalms/116-15 "Precious in the Sight of the Lord")
* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Jesus' Invitation to Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 57:2 offers immense comfort and profound encouragement to believers in every generation, particularly when confronted with the reality of death and loss. For those grieving the loss of a loved one who lived a life of authentic faith and integrity, this verse provides a powerful reassurance that their passing is not a tragic or meaningless end but a divinely orchestrated transition into ultimate peace and eternal rest. It reminds us that God's redemptive plan for His children extends far beyond this temporal life, culminating in a glorious and tranquil eternity in His presence. Furthermore, this verse serves as a powerful call to live a life characterized by "uprightness"—a life of unwavering integrity, moral rectitude, and faithful obedience to God's revealed will. It underscores the profound truth that while the path of righteousness may involve earthly challenges, suffering, and even persecution, its ultimate destination is one of incomparable peace and profound rest, a legacy that endures far beyond the grave. Embracing this truth can fundamentally transform our perspective on both life and death, fostering a deeper trust in God's sovereign goodness and His unfailing promises for those who walk in His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaiah 57:2 challenge or affirm your current understanding of death for a believer, particularly in light of suffering or loss?**
* **What does "walking in his uprightness" practically entail in your daily life, and how might cultivating such a life lead to a deeper sense of peace and security now?**
* **In what specific ways can the promise of "peace" and "rest" in this verse bring comfort and hope amidst personal trials, anxieties, or the profound grief of losing loved ones?**

### FAQ
**Is "peace" in Isaiah 57:2 only about the afterlife, or does it have implications for this life too?**

Answer: While the primary context of "entering into peace" and "resting in their beds" in [Isaiah 57:2](/isaiah/57-2 "Isaiah 57:2 - Peace for the Upright") refers to the blessed state of the righteous after death, the Hebrew word for "peace" (_shalom_) is much broader than just the absence of conflict or an afterlife state. _Shalom_ encompasses wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and harmony in all aspects of life—physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational. Therefore, while the ultimate and complete fulfillment of this peace is found in eternal rest, a life lived in "uprightness" (integrity and righteousness) can indeed bring a significant measure of peace and contentment in this present life, even amidst trials and tribulations. The peace described here is the culmination of a life lived in right relationship with God, a peace that begins now and is perfected in eternity.

**How does "walking in his uprightness" lead to "resting in their beds"? Is it a reward for good deeds?**

Answer: The phrase "walking in his uprightness" describes the character and consistent lifestyle of the righteous. It's not merely about performing good deeds as a transactional means to earn salvation or a peaceful death, but rather about living a life of integrity, moral rectitude, and faithfulness that flows organically from a genuine relationship with God. This "uprightness" is the evidence of a heart devoted to God and a life lived in covenant faithfulness. The "rest in their beds" is not a transactional reward for perfect performance, but rather a divinely appointed outcome and a gracious gift for those who have lived in alignment with God's will. It underscores the biblical principle that a life lived in devotion to God ultimately leads to blessing and security, contrasting sharply with the restless turmoil of the wicked ([Isaiah 57:20-21](/isaiah/57-20-21 "Isaiah 57:20-21 - No Peace for the Wicked")). It highlights God's faithfulness to those who are faithful to Him, demonstrating His just and loving care for His own.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 57:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament righteous entered into a measure of peace and rest, Christ is the very embodiment and divine source of true _shalom_. He is the one who perfectly walked in "uprightness," living a life of absolute integrity and moral rectitude, utterly without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus has definitively conquered death itself, removing its sting and opening the way for all who believe in Him to truly "enter into peace" ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). He offers a profound peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Promise of Peace")), a peace that fundamentally reconciles humanity to God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). For believers, death is not an end but a blessed transition into the very presence of Christ, where they "rest from their labors" ([Revelation 14:13](/revelation/14-13 "Revelation 14:13 - Blessed are the Dead in the Lord")) and fully experience the eternal peace secured by His finished work. He is the ultimate "bed" of rest, the one in whom all true rest for the weary soul is found ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). In Christ, the promise of peace and rest for those walking in uprightness is not merely a hope based on human effort, but a guaranteed reality, as His perfect righteousness is imputed to all who believe in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 14:13

¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

2 Corinthians 5:1

¶ For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Luke 2:29

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

Job 3:17

There the wicked cease [from] troubling; and there the weary be at rest.

Ecclesiastes 12:7

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

Matthew 25:21

His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

2 Chronicles 16:14

And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds [of spices] prepared by the apothecaries' art: and they made a very great burning for him.