Isaiah 57:7

7 "On a lofty and high mountain You have set your bed; Even there you went up To offer sacrifice.

Isaiah 57:7 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 57:7

Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed
Temples and altars, which are usually built on high places, where they commit spiritual adultery; that is, idolatry, in imitation of the Heathens, who had their temples and altars on high places; and the idolatry of the church of Rome, in this context, is all along expressed in language agreeable to the Heathen idolatry, and in allusion to it. Some think this phrase denotes impudence in their idolatrous worship; for not content to worship under trees, in valleys, and under clifts of rocks, and such dark places; now, as not blushing at, or being ashamed of their actions, erect their altars in the most public places. Perhaps some reference may be had to the city of Rome itself, built on seven mountains, the seat of antichrist, and where the principal bed for idolatry is set up. The Targum is,

``on a high and lofty mountain thou hast the place of the house of thy dwelling;''
which agrees very well with the great city, the seat of the beast. Even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice;
the sacrifice of the mass, to do which the idolaters go to their high places, their temples, and to their high altars, and especially in the great city.

Isaiah 57:7 In-Context

5 Inflaming yourselves with gods under every green tree, Slaying the children in the valleys, Under the clefts of the rocks?
6 Among the smooth stones of the stream Is your portion; They, they, are your lot! Even to them you have poured a drink offering, You have offered a grain offering. Should I receive comfort in these?
7 "On a lofty and high mountain You have set your bed; Even there you went up To offer sacrifice.
8 Also behind the doors and their posts You have set up your remembrance; For you have uncovered yourself to those other than Me, And have gone up to them; You have enlarged your bed And made a covenant with them; You have loved their bed, Where you saw their nudity.
9 You went to the king with ointment, And increased your perfumes; You sent your messengers far off, And even descended to Sheol.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.