Isaiah 57:21
"There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."
There is no peace
The phrase "There is no peace" is a profound declaration that echoes throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the absence of tranquility and rest for those who live in opposition to God's will. The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," encompasses not just the absence of conflict but a holistic sense of well-being, completeness, and harmony with God, others, and oneself. In the biblical context, peace is a divine gift, often associated with righteousness and obedience to God's commandments. The absence of peace for the wicked underscores the spiritual and moral disorder that results from sin and rebellion against God. Historically, Israel experienced periods of turmoil and distress when they turned away from God, illustrating this principle on a national scale.

says my God
The phrase "says my God" personalizes the message, indicating that this is not merely a prophetic observation but a divine pronouncement from the Almighty Himself. The use of "my God" reflects a personal relationship between the prophet and the Lord, emphasizing the authority and certainty of the message. In the Hebrew text, the word for God here is "Elohim," a plural form that denotes majesty and power, often used to convey the fullness of God's divine nature. This phrase assures the reader that the statement is not a human judgment but a divine truth, reinforcing the seriousness of the warning against wickedness.

for the wicked
The term "wicked" refers to those who are morally wrong, guilty, or hostile toward God. In Hebrew, the word is "rasha," which conveys a sense of restlessness and agitation, contrasting sharply with the peace promised to the righteous. The wicked are those who live in defiance of God's laws, pursuing their own desires rather than seeking His will. Throughout the Bible, the wicked are depicted as those who bring harm to themselves and others, often leading to their own destruction. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of aligning one's life with God's righteous standards. The historical context of Israel's repeated cycles of sin and repentance highlights the truth of this statement, as peace was often restored only when the people returned to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.

2. God
The sovereign Lord who speaks through Isaiah, declaring the spiritual state of the wicked.

3. The Wicked
Refers to those who live in rebellion against God, characterized by unrighteousness and disobedience.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, often the primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies, which included calls to repentance and warnings of judgment.

5. Peace
In Hebrew, "shalom," which encompasses not just the absence of conflict but also completeness, welfare, and harmony with God.
Teaching Points
The Nature of True Peace
True peace, or "shalom," is a gift from God and is found in a right relationship with Him. It is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness and harmony.

The Consequences of Wickedness
Living in rebellion against God leads to a lack of peace. The wicked are in a state of unrest and turmoil, both internally and externally.

The Call to Repentance
Isaiah's message serves as a call to repentance. Turning away from wickedness and towards God is the path to experiencing His peace.

The Role of Righteousness
Righteousness and peace are interconnected. Pursuing a life of righteousness through faith in Christ leads to peace with God and others.

The Importance of Discernment
Believers are called to discern the difference between worldly peace and the peace that comes from God, seeking the latter through a life aligned with His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "shalom" in Isaiah 57:21 deepen our understanding of what it means to have peace with God?

2. In what ways can we identify areas of "wickedness" in our own lives that may be hindering our peace?

3. How does the message of Isaiah 57:21 challenge us to live differently in a world that often promotes a false sense of peace?

4. What practical steps can we take to pursue righteousness and, consequently, experience God's peace in our daily lives?

5. How can we, as believers, become peacemakers in our communities, reflecting the peace of God to those around us?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 1
Contrasts the way of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the blessings of the righteous and the instability of the wicked.

Romans 3:17
Paul echoes the theme of Isaiah 57:21, stating that the way of peace is unknown to those who are unrighteous.

James 3:18
Discusses the fruit of righteousness being sown in peace by those who make peace, highlighting the contrast with the wicked who lack peace.

Matthew 5:9
Jesus' teaching on the blessedness of peacemakers, contrasting with the absence of peace for the wicked.
No Comfort for the WickedIsaiah 57:21
No Peace to the WickedBishop Pearce.Isaiah 57:21
No Peace to the WickedEssex Congregational RemembrancerIsaiah 57:21
No Peace to the WickedJ. Lambe.Isaiah 57:21
The Character and Misery of the WickedW. Linn, D. D.Isaiah 57:21
The Dismal Reflections of the Unbelieving MindT. Spurgeon.Isaiah 57:21
The Standard of Righteousness MaintainedJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 57:21
Wickedness an Obstruction to Social Peace and HappinessB. Calamy, D. D.Isaiah 57:21
A Royal ManifestoJ. R. Macduff, D. D.Isaiah 57:15-21
A Voice from Eternity to the Children of HimD. Thomas, D. D.Isaiah 57:15-21
EternalN. Smyth, D. D.Isaiah 57:15-21
EternityA. G. Brown.Isaiah 57:15-21
Eternity -- DefinitionsIsaiah 57:15-21
GodJ. Trapp.Isaiah 57:15-21
God in Heaven and in the HeartBritish WeeklyIsaiah 57:15-21
God's EternityD. Thomas, . D. D.Isaiah 57:15-21
Man's Greatness and God's GreatnessF. W. Robertson, M. A.Isaiah 57:15-21
The Character of JehovahE. Johnson Isaiah 57:15-21
The Contemplation of EternityF. W. Robertson, M. A.Isaiah 57:15-21
The Contrite SpiritJ. O. Dykes, . D. D.Isaiah 57:15-21
The Dignity and Condescension of GodAnon.Isaiah 57:15-21
The High and Lofty OneH. J. Gamble.Isaiah 57:15-21
The High and Lofty One Dwelling with the Contrite ManJ. Harris, D. D.Isaiah 57:15-21
The High Gracious to the LowlyD Rees.Isaiah 57:15-21
The Course of the SoulW. Clarkson Isaiah 57:17-21
The Unrest of the WickedR. Tuck Isaiah 57:20, 21
People
Isaiah, Melech, Molech
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Evil-doers, Peace, Says, Wicked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 57:21

     6702   peace, destruction

Isaiah 57:14-21

     5801   brokenness

Isaiah 57:18-21

     1620   beatitudes, the

Isaiah 57:20-21

     5057   rest, physical

Library
Thirteenth Day. Holiness and Humility.
Thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the High and Holy place, with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.'--Isa. lvii. 15. Very wonderful is the revelation we have in Isaiah of God, the Holy One, as the Redeemer and the Saviour of His people. In the midst of the people whom He created and formed for Himself, He will as the Holy One dwell, showing forth
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Man's Greatness and God's Greatness.
Preached June 20, 1852. MAN'S GREATNESS AND GOD'S GREATNESS. "For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth Eternity, whose Name is Holy. I dwell in the high and holy place--with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit."--Isaiah lvii. 15. The origin of this announcement seems to have been the state of contempt in which religion found itself in the days of Isaiah. One of the most profligate monarchs that ever disgraced the page of sacred history, sat upon the throne of Judah. His
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

The Loftiness of God
ISAIAH lvii. 15. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. This is a grand text; one of the grandest in the whole Old Testament; one of those the nearest to the spirit of the New. It is full of Gospel--of good news: but it is not the whole Gospel. It does not tell us the whole character
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Of the Joy of a Good Conscience
The testimony of a good conscience is the glory of a good man. Have a good conscience and thou shalt ever have joy. A good conscience is able to bear exceeding much, and is exceeding joyful in the midst of adversities; an evil conscience is ever fearful and unquiet. Thou shalt rest sweetly if thy heart condemn thee not. Never rejoice unless when thou hast done well. The wicked have never true joy, nor feel internal peace, for there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.(1) And if they say
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Holy Raiment of One's Own Weaving.
"I dwell in the high and holy places." --Isa. lvii. 15. Holiness inheres in man's being. There is external holiness, e.g., that of the Levitical order, effected by washing or sprinkling with sacrificial blood; or official holiness, denoting separation for divine service, in which sense the prophets and apostles are called holy, and church-members are called holy and beloved. But these have nothing to do with the sanctification now under discussion. Sanctification as a gift of grace refers to a man's
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
Having already presented to your view the dark side of the text, I shall now show you the light side, They shall be comforted'. Where observe: 1 Mourning goes before comfort as the lancing of a wound precedes the cure. The Antinomian talks of comfort, but cries down mourning for sin. He is like a foolish patient who, having a pill prescribed him, licks the sugar but throws away the pill. The libertine is all for joy and comfort. He licks the sugar but throws away the bitter pill of repentance. If
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

What the Ruler's Discrimination Should be Between Correction and Connivance, Between Fervour and Gentleness.
It should be known too that the vices of subjects ought sometimes to be prudently connived at, but indicated in that they are connived at; that things, even though openly known, ought sometimes to be seasonably tolerated, but sometimes, though hidden, be closely investigated; that they ought sometimes to be gently reproved, but sometimes vehemently censured. For, indeed, some things, as we have said, ought to be prudently connived at, but indicated in that they are connived at, so that, when the
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Of the Presence of God
Of the Presence of God The soul that is faithful in the exercise of love and adherence to God above described, is astonished to feel Him gradually taking possession of their whole being: it now enjoys a continual sense of that Presence, which is become as it were natural to it; and this, as well as prayer, is the result of habit. The soul feels an unusual serenity gradually being diffused throughout all its faculties; and silence now wholly constitutes its prayer; whilst God communicates an intuitive
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Higher Degree of Prayer, which is that of the Simple Presence of God, or Active Contemplation.
The soul, faithfully exercising itself in the affection and love of its God, is astonished to find Him taking complete possession of it. His presence becomes so natural, that it would be impossible not to have it: it becomes habitual to the soul, which is also conscious of a great calm spreading over it. Its prayer is all silence, and God imparts to it an intrinsic love, which is the commencement of ineffable happiness. Oh, if I could describe the infinite degrees which follow! But I must stop here,
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

The Geometry of Prayer
"Lord, teach us to pray."--Luke xi. 1. "The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity."--Is. lvii. 15. I HAVE had no little difficulty in finding a fit text, and a fit title, for my present discourse. The subject of my present discourse has been running in my mind, and has been occupying and exercising my heart, for many years; or all my life indeed. And even yet, I feel quite unable to put the truth that is in my mind at all properly before you. My subject this morning is what I may call, in one
Alexander Whyte—Lord Teach Us To Pray

Book iii. The Ascent: from the River Jordan to the Mount of Transfiguration.
{hebrew} In every passage of Scripture where thou findest the Majesty of God, thou also findest close by His Condescension (Humility). So it is written down in the Law [Deut. x. 17, followed by verse 18], repeated in the Prophets [Is. lvii. 15], and reiterated in the Hagiographa [Ps. lxviii. 4, followed by verse 5].' - Megill 31 a.
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Drachm, the Lost Son.
A SIMPLE perusal of the three Parables, grouped together in the fifteenth chapter of St. Luke's Gospel, will convince us of their connection. Although they treat of repentance,' we can scarcely call them The Parables of Repentance;' for, except in the last of them, the aspect of repentance is subordinate to that of restoration, which is the moral effect of repentance. They are rather peculiarly Gospel-Parables of the recovery of the lost:' in the first instance, through the unwearied labour; in the
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ's Kingly Office
Q-26: HOW DOES CHRIST EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF A KING? A: In subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. Let us consider now Christ's regal office. And he has on his vesture, and on his thigh, a name written, "King of kings, and Lord of lords", Rev 19:16. Jesus Christ is of mighty renown, he is a king; (1.) he has a kingly title. High and Lofty.' Isa 57:15. (2.) He has his insignia regalia, his ensigns of royalty; corona est insigne
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

We are Drawing Near the End, and to the Highest Conclusions of True Human Wisdom...
We are drawing near the end, and to the highest conclusions of true human wisdom; and full of deepest interest it is to mark the character of these conclusions. Reason speaks; that faculty that is rightly termed divine, for its possession marks those who are "the offspring of God." He is the Father of spirits, and it is in the spirit that Reason has her seat; whilst in our Preacher she is enthroned, and now with authority utters forth her counsels. Here we may listen to just how far she can
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Coming Revival
"Wilt Thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?"--PS. lxxxv. 6. "O Lord, revive Thy work in the midst of the years."--HAB. iii. 2. "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me: Thy right hand shall save me."--PS. cxxxviii. 7. "I dwell with him that is of a humble and contrite heart, to revive the heart of the contrite ones."--ISA. lvii. 15. "Come, and let us return to the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal us. He will revive us."--HOS. vi. 1, 2. The Coming
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

"Nunc Dimittis"
We shall note, this morning, first, that every believer may be assured of departing in peace; but that, secondly, some believers feel a special readiness to depart now: "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace;" and, thirdly, that there are words of encouragement to produce in us the like readiness: "according to thy word." There are words of Holy Writ which afford richest consolation in prospect of departure. I. First, then, let us start with the great general principle, which is full of comfort;
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

What are Consequences of Backsliding in Heart.
The text says, that "the backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways." 1. He shall be filled with his own works. But these are dead works, they are not works of faith and love, which are acceptable to God, but are the filthy rags of his own righteousness. If they are performed as religious services, they are but loathsome hypocrisy, and an abomination to God; there is no heart in them. To such a person God says: "Who hath required this at your hand?" (Isaiah 1:12). "Ye are they which justify
Charles G. Finney—The Backslider in Heart

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Another Shorter Evening Prayer.
O eternal God and heavenly Father, if I were not taught and assured by the promises of thy gospel, and the examples of Peter, Mary Magdalene, the publican, the prodigal child, and many other penitent sinners, that thou art so full of compassion, and so ready to forgive the greatest sinners, who are heaviest laden with sin, at what time soever they return unto thee with penitent hearts, lamenting their sins, and imploring thy grace, I should despair for mine own sins, and be utterly discouraged from
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ Teaching Humility
During the earthly life of our blessed Saviour, we see how everything connected with it teaches the lesson of humility. This is pointed out in the beautiful collect in The Book of Common Prayer for the first Sunday in Advent. Here we are taught to say:--"Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in--great humility." If Jesus had come into our world as an
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

Characters and Names of Messiah
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. S uch was the triumphant exultation of the Old Testament Church! Their noblest hopes were founded upon the promise of MESSIAH; their most sublime songs were derived from the prospect of His Advent. By faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, they considered the gracious declarations
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

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