Isaiah 57:1
“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.”
Isaiah 57:1-2 Meaning
Isaiah 57:1-2 speaks about the righteous individuals who often face persecution and suffering in this world. The verses bring comfort and assurance that although they might die prematurely, they will be at peace and protected in the presence of God. It reminds us that while life on earth may be filled with troubles, God’s ultimate plan is to provide eternal salvation and rest for His faithful followers.
Isaiah 57:1-2 Commentary and Explanation
Isaiah 57:1-2 contains a profound message that speaks to us about the righteous and the wicked, shedding light on God’s perspective and His ultimate plan for His people. Let’s delve into these verses together and explore their significance.
In the opening verse, Isaiah 57:1, we are confronted with a declaration that the righteous often pass away, and no one seems to take it to heart. It is as if the world continues on its course without recognizing the significance of the loss. This reminds us of the brevity of life, echoing the words of Psalm 90:12, which says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” We are encouraged here to reflect on the transient nature of our existence and seek wisdom in understanding its purpose.
The second verse, Isaiah 57:2, provides us with the contrasting fate of those who walk in righteousness. It states that those who live uprightly find peace and rest in death, entering into God’s presence. This concept resonates with the promise in Psalm 116:15, which says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.” It’s a comforting reminder that, for the righteous, death is not an end but a transition into a peaceful and eternal rest with the Lord.
These verses in Isaiah 57 remind us of the importance of living a life of righteousness and seeking God’s will. They encourage us to prioritize our relationship with Him and to find comfort in the assurance of eternal rest for the faithful. As we reflect on these verses, let’s remember the wisdom in Matthew 6:20-21, where Jesus instructs us to store up treasures in heaven, for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.
Isaiah 57:1-2 invites us to meditate on the transience of life and the eternal rewards of righteousness. It urges us to live with purpose, seeking to please God and finding our ultimate rest in Him. As we journey through life, may we be mindful of the choices we make, always striving to walk in the ways of the righteous and trust in God’s promises for our eternal well-being.
Context of Isaiah 57:1-2
The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah during a time when the nation of Israel was facing judgment from God due to their disobedience and idolatry. In this particular section, Isaiah was addressing the people’s tendency to follow false gods and engage in wicked practices. He was also providing hope and encouragement to those who remained faithful to God and suffered because of it.
Also Read: John 20:4 Meaning and Commentary
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Isaiah 57:1-2
“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart” – This highlights the often overlooked or disregarded suffering of the righteous.
“The righteous are taken away to be spared from the evil to come” – God’s sovereign plan to protect His faithful servants, either by allowing them to die early or by bringing them to eternal peace.
“They enter into peace” – The peaceful state and tranquility that the righteous experience in the presence of God.
“Those who walk in their uprightness rest in their beds” – The spiritual and physical rest that the righteous find in God’s presence.
Biblical Translations of Isaiah 57 1-2
Isaiah 57:1 King James Version (KJV)
“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. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.”
Isaiah 57:1 English Standard Version (ESV)
“The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness.”
Isaiah 57:1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“The righteous person perishes, and no one takes it to heart; and devout people are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous person is taken away from disaster; he enters into peace. They rest in their beds, each one who walked in his upright way.”
Isaiah 57:1 New King James Version (NKJV)
“The righteous perishes, and no man takes it to heart; merciful men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil. He shall enter into peace; they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.”
Isaiah 57:1 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
“The righteous person perishes, and no one takes it to heart; faithful men are swept away, with no one realizing that the righteous one is swept away from the presence of evil. He will enter into peace—they will rest on their beds—everyone who lives uprightly.”
Isaiah 57:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
“Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.”
Bible Study on Isaiah 57:1-2
Reflecting on these verses, we find comfort and encouragement as believers. It is common to see injustice in the world, where the righteous suffer while the wicked seem to prosper. This passage assures us that God sees and cares for His faithful ones, even if the world ignores their suffering. It reminds us that our present troubles are temporary, and eternal peace awaits us in the presence of God.
As Christians, we might face various forms of persecution or tribulations because of our faith. However, we can take solace in knowing that God is with us in every trial. We must remember that our hope is not in the things of this world but in the promise of eternal life and eternal rest in Him.
This passage also serves as a reminder of the importance of living righteously. When we walk in obedience to God’s Word and live with integrity, our ultimate reward is not in the recognition we receive from others, but in the peace and rest we find in God.
Final Thoughts
Isaiah 57:1-2 brings comfort, assurance, and hope to believers who may face trials and persecution in this world. It reminds us that, ultimately, our destiny lies in the presence of God, where we will experience eternal peace and safety.
While the righteous might face challenges in this life, we can be confident that God sees and cares for us, and He will bring us into everlasting rest. Let us press on, knowing that our temporary sufferings will be replaced by eternal joy in the presence of our Heavenly Father.