Isaiah 57:8

KJV

Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered [thyself to another] than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee [a covenant] with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Behind {H310} the doors {H1817} also and the posts {H4201} hast thou set up {H7760} thy remembrance {H2146}: for thou hast discovered {H1540} thyself to another than me, and art gone up {H5927}; thou hast enlarged {H7337} thy bed {H4904}, and made {H3772} thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst {H157} their bed {H4904} where {H3027} thou sawest {H2372} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Behind door and doorpost you set up your [lewd] memorial; then, far from me, you uncovered your bed, climbed up on it and opened it wide, made an agreement with some of them, whose bed you loved when you saw their hand beckoning.

Berean Standard Bible

Behind the door and doorpost you have set up your memorial. Forsaking Me, you uncovered your bed; you climbed up and opened it wide. And you have made a pact with those whose bed you have loved; you have gazed upon their nakedness.

American Standard Version

And behind the doors and the posts hast thou set up thy memorial: for thou hast uncovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them: thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 57:8 delivers a searing prophetic indictment against Judah's profound spiritual unfaithfulness and pervasive idolatry. Through vivid and often stark metaphorical language, the prophet Isaiah exposes the nation's betrayal of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, portraying their abandonment of God for pagan deities and practices as an act of spiritual harlotry. This verse encapsulates the depth of their apostasy, highlighting their eager pursuit of illicit spiritual alliances and their deliberate replacement of divine mandates with symbols of pagan devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Isaiah (chapters 56-59) that sharply contrasts God's righteous character and His promises of future salvation with the moral and spiritual decay prevalent in Judah. Following passages that offer comfort and speak of God's redemptive plans for His people, Isaiah pivots to expose the deep-seated sins that hinder true blessing and provoke divine judgment. Specifically, chapters 57 and 58 detail the hypocrisy and idolatry of the nation, setting the stage for God's ultimate intervention and restoration, which is contingent upon their repentance. The imagery of spiritual adultery in [Isaiah 57:3-10](/isaiah/57-3 "Isaiah 57:3-10 - Israel's Idolatry and Harlotry") forms a coherent unit, with verse 8 intensifying the accusation of deliberate and eager unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period reflected in Isaiah's prophecies often points to the spiritual decline preceding the Babylonian exile, though some scholars see layers of post-exilic application. Culturally, the practice of idolatry in ancient Israel frequently involved adopting the fertility cults and polytheistic worship of surrounding Canaanite and Mesopotamian nations. These practices often included ritual prostitution and syncretistic blending of Yahweh worship with pagan rites. The mention of "doors and posts" (v. 8) directly alludes to the Mosaic command in [Deuteronomy 6:9](/deuteronomy/6-9 "Deuteronomy 6:9 - Writing God's Law on Doorposts") and [Deuteronomy 11:20](/deuteronomy/11-20 "Deuteronomy 11:20 - Writing God's Law on Doorposts"), where God's laws were to be inscribed as a constant reminder of covenant allegiance. The inversion of this command—placing pagan "remembrance" on these sacred domestic spaces—underscores the profound and deliberate nature of Israel's apostasy, signifying a complete cultural and spiritual inversion of their covenant obligations.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is **Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry**, where Israel's unfaithfulness to God is depicted through the metaphor of a wife betraying her husband. This is vividly portrayed by phrases like "discovered thyself to another" and "enlarged thy bed," which powerfully convey the nation's abandonment of the one true God for pagan deities and practices, highlighting the profound spiritual prostitution that characterized their religious life. Closely related is the theme of **Broken Covenant**, as Israel's actions, particularly "making a covenant with them" (pagan nations/gods), constituted a direct violation of their sacred covenant relationship with Yahweh, established at Sinai (e.g., [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - The Covenant at Sinai")). This was not merely a lapse but a deliberate choice to align with forces hostile to God's exclusive claim. Finally, the verse underscores the **Eagerness in Sin**, as the concluding phrase "thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it" emphasizes the willing, even passionate, pursuit of idolatry, indicating a deep-seated spiritual corruption rather than a reluctant or coerced act.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remembrance (Hebrew, _zikrôwn'_):** From the root meaning "to remember," this term refers to a memento or a memorable thing, day, or writing. In the context of [Deuteronomy 6:9](/deuteronomy/6-9 "Deuteronomy 6:9 - Writing God's Law on Doorposts"), God commanded His people to write His laws on their doorposts as a "remembrance" of their covenant with Him. Here, Isaiah uses the term ironically, indicating that Israel has replaced God's divine "remembrance" with symbols or tokens of their pagan gods, effectively setting up a memorial to their idolatry in the very places meant for devotion to Yahweh.
* **discovered (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This primitive root means "to denude," "to uncover," or "to reveal," often with implications of disgrace or exposure, particularly in a sexual context. In this verse, it vividly portrays Israel's spiritual harlotry, implying that they have shamelessly "uncovered" or "exposed" themselves to foreign gods, revealing their spiritual nakedness and disloyalty to Yahweh. It emphasizes the public and scandalous nature of their infidelity.
* **bed (Hebrew, _mishkâb'_):** This word literally refers to a bed or couch, but euphemistically it signifies carnal intercourse. In Isaiah 57:8, it is used metaphorically to represent illicit sexual relations, symbolizing Israel's spiritual adultery with pagan deities and nations. The actions of "enlarging thy bed" and "lovedst their bed" powerfully convey the nation's eager and extensive involvement in idolatrous practices, likening it to a promiscuous pursuit of multiple lovers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance:":** This clause immediately establishes the depth of Israel's apostasy. The "doors and posts" were sacred domestic spaces where God's commands were to be inscribed as a constant reminder of His covenant ([Deuteronomy 6:9](/deuteronomy/6-9 "Deuteronomy 6:9 - Writing God's Law on Doorposts")). Instead, Israel has placed symbols or tokens ("remembrance") of their pagan gods there, indicating a complete and deliberate inversion of their spiritual allegiance. Their idolatry was not hidden but proudly displayed in the heart of their homes.
* **"for thou hast discovered [thyself to another] than me, and art gone up;":** This part reveals the nature of their betrayal. The phrase "discovered thyself" (Hebrew _gâlâh_) carries the strong connotation of uncovering or exposing oneself, particularly in a sexual context, powerfully depicting Israel's spiritual harlotry. They have shamelessly revealed their spiritual nakedness and disloyalty to "another" (foreign gods or nations) instead of Yahweh, their divine husband. "And art gone up" suggests an ascent to high places, often associated with pagan worship sites.
* **"thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee [a covenant] with them;":** The metaphor of the "bed" continues, symbolizing illicit spiritual relations. "Enlarged thy bed" implies a promiscuous and extensive engagement in idolatry, taking on multiple "lovers" (pagan gods or alliances). The act of "made thee a covenant with them" signifies a deliberate and formal breaking of their covenant with Yahweh, forging alliances with pagan entities, whether through religious syncretism or political treaties that compromised their devotion to God.
* **"thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest [it].":** This concluding phrase underscores the willing and passionate nature of Israel's idolatry. It was not a reluctant or coerced act, but one born of desire and eager pursuit. The nation actively sought out and delighted in these illicit spiritual relationships, highlighting the profound depth of their spiritual corruption and their preference for pagan practices over faithfulness to the one true God.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 57:8 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily employing the imagery of spiritual adultery and harlotry to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The nation is personified as an unfaithful wife who "discovers herself to another," "enlarges her bed," and "loves their bed," vividly portraying their illicit spiritual relationships with pagan deities. This extends the common biblical motif of God as Israel's husband (e.g., [Hosea 2:16-20](/hosea/2-16 "Hosea 2:16-20 - God as Israel's Husband")). There is also profound **Irony** in the mention of "doors and posts." These were prescribed places for the remembrance of God's law ([Deuteronomy 6:9](/deuteronomy/6-9 "Deuteronomy 6:9 - Writing God's Law on Doorposts")), yet Israel has set up "remembrance" of their idols there, turning symbols of divine allegiance into monuments of apostasy. The language also contains elements of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of Israel's promiscuity ("enlarged thy bed") to emphasize the pervasive and unbridled nature of their idolatry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 57:8 profoundly articulates the gravity of idolatry as spiritual adultery, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament that underscores God's exclusive claim on His people's worship and affection. It reveals that Israel's unfaithfulness was not merely a lapse in obedience but a deliberate and passionate turning away from the one true God, breaking the sacred covenant that defined their identity. This spiritual harlotry, depicted through vivid sexual metaphors, highlights the intimate nature of the relationship God desired with His people and the deep offense caused by their pursuit of other gods. The verse serves as a stark reminder that true worship demands undivided devotion, and any deviation constitutes a betrayal of divine love and trust.

* [Jeremiah 3:6-9](/jeremiah/3-6 "Jeremiah 3:6-9 - Israel's Unfaithfulness as Harlotry")
* [Ezekiel 16:26-30](/ekiel/16-26 "Ezekiel 16:26-30 - Jerusalem's Harlotry")
* [Hosea 4:12](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12 - Israel's Spiritual Prostitution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 57:8 stands as a timeless and potent warning against spiritual compromise and idolatry in all its forms. While modern idolatry may not involve physical statues, its essence remains the same: anything that takes precedence over God in our lives—be it career ambition, material possessions, relationships, personal comfort, or even self-image—can become an idol. This verse challenges believers to critically examine their allegiances: are we truly faithful to God alone, or have we "enlarged our bed" with distractions and desires that subtly, or overtly, pull our devotion away from Him? It calls for a radical self-assessment of our priorities and affections, prompting us to identify and dismantle any "remembrance" of false gods we might have set up in our hearts or homes. True spiritual health demands undivided devotion and a relentless pursuit of God's kingdom first, recognizing that genuine fulfillment and peace flow only from an exclusive and covenantal relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "remembrances" or symbols, other than God's truth, might I be setting up in my life or home that reflect misplaced allegiances?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "enlarging my bed," allowing other desires or pursuits to compete with my devotion to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more exclusive love for God that guards against the subtle temptations of modern idolatry?**

### FAQ
**What does "Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful indictment using **irony** and **contrast**. In [Deuteronomy 6:9](/deuteronomy/6-9 "Deuteronomy 6:9 - Writing God's Law on Doorposts"), God commanded Israel to write His laws on their doorposts and gates as a constant reminder of their covenant with Him and His divine authority. This was meant to be a "remembrance" of Yahweh. However, Isaiah accuses them of replacing God's commands with symbols or tokens ("thy remembrance") of their pagan gods and idolatrous practices. It means they were openly displaying their apostasy and devotion to false gods even in their homes, in the very places meant for the worship and remembrance of Yahweh. This signifies a complete and deliberate inversion of their covenant obligations and a public declaration of their spiritual unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 57:8, with its stark depiction of Israel's spiritual harlotry and covenant unfaithfulness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament consistently portrays Israel's inability to maintain fidelity to God's covenant, repeatedly "enlarging their bed" with idols and breaking their sacred vows. This persistent failure underscores humanity's inherent spiritual brokenness and desperate need for a perfect covenant-keeper. Jesus, as the true Israel and the perfect Son, perfectly fulfilled the Law and maintained unwavering fidelity to God, never "discovering Himself to another" but always doing the Father's will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). Moreover, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ bore the judgment for humanity's spiritual adultery and idolatry, making a new and better covenant possible ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), cleansing us from the harlotry of our hearts and uniting us to Himself in a spiritual marriage that is unbreakable ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church as His Bride")). In Christ, believers are no longer driven to "love their bed where they saw it" but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to love God with undivided devotion, living in the faithfulness that was impossible under the old covenant.

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

Ezekiel 16:25

Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms.

Ezekiel 16:28

Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, because thou wast unsatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied.

Ezekiel 8:8

Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door.

Ezekiel 8:12

Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.

Ezekiel 16:32

[But as] a wife that committeth adultery, [which] taketh strangers instead of her husband!

Ezekiel 23:2

Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother:

Ezekiel 23:20

For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh [is as] the flesh of asses, and whose issue [is like] the issue of horses.