Isaiah 57:11

Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me?

Study Bible

Whom have you so dreaded and feared
This phrase challenges the Israelites to consider the object of their fear. The Hebrew root for "dreaded" (פָּחַד, pachad) and "feared" (יָרֵא, yare) often conveys a sense of terror or reverence. Historically, Israel often turned to other nations or gods for security, forgetting the Lord's power and protection. This rhetorical question highlights the misplaced fear that led them away from God, urging believers to reflect on their own lives and consider whether they fear worldly powers more than God.

that you have lied
The act of lying here is not merely about falsehoods but represents a deeper spiritual unfaithfulness. The Hebrew word for "lied" (כָּזַב, kazab) implies deceit and betrayal. In the context of Israel, this refers to their covenant unfaithfulness, as they turned to idols and false gods. For contemporary believers, it serves as a reminder to remain truthful and faithful to God, avoiding the deceit of sin and idolatry in any form.

and failed to remember Me
Forgetting God is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often leading to Israel's downfall. The Hebrew root for "remember" (זָכַר, zakar) is not just about mental recall but involves active commemoration and acknowledgment. This phrase calls believers to actively remember God's past faithfulness and mighty works, ensuring that His presence and commandments remain central in their lives.

nor taken it to heart
This phrase suggests a failure to internalize God's words and commands. The Hebrew concept of "heart" (לֵב, lev) encompasses the mind, will, and emotions. To not take something to heart means to ignore or dismiss its importance. This serves as a warning to believers to not only hear God's word but to let it transform their innermost being, guiding their actions and decisions.

Is it not because I have long been silent
God's silence is often a test of faith. The Hebrew word for "silent" (חָשָׁה, chashah) can imply a pause or withholding of immediate judgment. Historically, God's patience was meant to lead Israel to repentance, but instead, they misinterpreted it as indifference. This phrase encourages believers to trust in God's timing and remain faithful, even when He seems silent.

that you do not fear Me?
The lack of fear or reverence for God is a critical issue. The Hebrew root for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) in this context implies a deep respect and awe. The rhetorical question underscores the consequence of misunderstanding God's patience as weakness. For believers, it is a call to cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, recognizing His sovereignty and holiness, which should lead to obedience and worship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry was primarily to the Kingdom of Judah. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, often the focus of Isaiah's prophecies, which included calls to repentance and warnings of impending judgment due to idolatry and unfaithfulness.

3. God
The central figure in this passage, expressing His disappointment with His people's lack of faithfulness and reverence.

4. Idolatry
The context of Isaiah 57 involves the people of Judah turning to idols and other gods, which is a recurring theme in the prophetic books.

5. Silence of God
The perceived silence of God is mentioned as a reason for the people's lack of fear and reverence, highlighting a period where God did not actively intervene or speak through prophets.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Forgetfulness
Forgetting God leads to spiritual decay and idolatry. We must actively remember and honor God in our daily lives.

Misinterpreting God's Silence
God's silence is not an indication of His absence or approval of sin. We should seek Him earnestly, even when He seems silent.

Reverence and Fear of the Lord
A healthy fear of the Lord is foundational to faithfulness. We should cultivate a deep respect and awe for God.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to a broken relationship with God. We must identify and remove modern-day idols from our lives.

The Call to Repentance
God’s call to repentance is a recurring theme. We should regularly examine our hearts and turn back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "idols" that might distract us from being true to God, and how can we identify them in our lives?

2. How can we cultivate a habit of remembering and honoring God daily, especially in a world full of distractions?

3. In what ways might we misinterpret God's silence, and how can we maintain our faith during such times?

4. How does the fear of the Lord influence our daily decisions and actions, and what steps can we take to deepen this reverence?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What actions did you take to restore your relationship with Him, and how can Isaiah 57:11 guide you in future situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 6:12
This verse warns the Israelites not to forget the Lord who brought them out of Egypt, similar to Isaiah 57:11's theme of forgetfulness and lack of reverence.

Psalm 50:21
This passage speaks of God's silence being misunderstood as approval, paralleling the misunderstanding in Isaiah 57:11.

Romans 1:21
Paul discusses how people knew God but did not honor Him, which aligns with the themes of forgetfulness and lack of reverence in Isaiah 57:11.