Isaiah 57

God’s Faithful People Suffer

1 God’s faithful people

are dragged off and killed,

and no one even cares.

Evil sweeps them away,

2 but in death they find peace

for obeying God.*57.1,2 Evil … God: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

The Lord Condemns Idolatry

3 You people are unfaithful!

You go to fortunetellers,

and you worship idols.

Now pay close attention!

4 Who are you making fun of?

Who are you sneering at?

Look how your sins

have made fools of you.

5 All you think about is sex

under those green trees

where idols are worshiped.

You sacrifice your children

on altars built in valleys

under rocky slopes.

6 You have chosen to worship

idols made of stone;*57.6 You have … stone: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

you have given them offerings

of wine and grain.

Should I be pleased?

7 You have spread out your beds

on the tops of high mountains,

where you sacrifice to idols.

8 Even in your homes

you have placed pagan symbols

all around your huge beds.

Yes, you have rejected me,

sold yourselves to your lovers,

and gone to bed with them.*57.8 them: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 8.

9 You smear on olive oil

and all kinds of perfume

to worship the god Molech.*57.9 the god Molech: Or "the king." In Hebrew "Molech" and "king" sound alike.

You even seek advice

from spirits of the dead.

10 Though you tired yourself out

by running after idols,

you refused to stop.

Your desires were so strong

that they kept you going.

11 Did you forget about me

and become unfaithful

because you were more afraid

of someone else?

Have I been silent so long*57.11 so long: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

that you no longer fear me?

12 You think you’re so good,

but I’ll point out the truth.

13 Ask your idols to save you

when you are in trouble.

Be careful though—

it takes only a faint breath

to blow them over.

But if you come to me

for protection,

this land and my holy mountain

will always belong to you.

The Lord Helps the Helpless

14 The Lord says,

"Clear the road!

Get it ready for my people."

15 *3 Macc 2.2; 2.15. Our holy God lives forever

in the highest heavens,

and this is what he says:

Though I live high above

in the holy place,

I am here to help those

who are humble

and depend only on me.

16 My people, I won’t stay angry

and keep on accusing you.

After all, I am your Creator.

I don’t want you to give up

in complete despair.

17 Your greed made me furious.

That’s why I punished you

and refused to be found,

while you kept returning

to your old sinful ways.

18 I know what you are like!

But I will heal you, lead you,

and give you comfort,

until those who are mourning

19 *Eph 2.17. start singing my praises.*57.18,19 until … praises: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

No matter where you are,

I, the Lord, will heal you*57.19 heal you: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

and give you peace.

20 The wicked are a restless sea

tossing up mud.

21 *Is 48.22. But I, the Lord, have promised

that none who are evil

will live in peace.