Isaiah 57

Comfort for the Contrite (57:14–21)

14–16 In this section, it is no longer the wicked who are being addressed but rather the contrite. For the contrite, the Lord will prepare the road and remove the obstacles (verse 14).

The “contrite” are the humble, the meek, the lowly in spirit (see Matthew 5:3,5). The contrite are those who are repentant, who mourn for their sins (Matthew 5:4); they are the mourners mentioned in verse 19. The high and lofty God of Israel stoops down to be with the lowly, those who are crushed and brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18; Proverbs 29:23); He will revive the heart of the contrite (verse 15). He will not accuse the contrite forever (verse 16); He will not break them completely (Isaiah 42:3). Instead, He will give them rest (Matthew 11:28–30).

17–21 However, as long as a person is unrepentant and keeps on in his willful ways, God will remain angry with him (verse 17). But as soon as he begins to show contrition, God will heal (forgive) him, guide him, and restore comfort to him (verse 18). Thus God will cause the mourners (the contrite) to praise Him (verse 19). The Lord will offer peace (reconciliation) to all His people far and near who turn to Him with contrite hearts.²¹³

However, for the wicked, for the unrepentant, there will be no peace. One can choose either the “peace” of verse 19 or the “no peace” of verse 21; the choice is up to us.