What does Isaiah 57:17 mean?
"For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart." - Isaiah 57:17
Isaiah 57:17 (KJV) states, "For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart." This verse from the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament contains deep theological and moral implications that can provide insight into the human condition and the nature of sin.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its meaning. In the preceding verses, the prophet Isaiah condemns the people of Israel for their idolatry and injustice. He accuses them of forsaking the Lord and engaging in practices that are contrary to His will. In verse 17, the Lord expresses His displeasure with the people's covetousness and sends punishment upon them for their iniquity. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and the righteous anger of God.
The theme of justice and judgment is prominent in this verse. The Lord is depicted as a just and righteous God who is angered by the sinful actions of His people. The term "covetousness" refers to an intense desire for wealth or possessions, often at the expense of others. This form of greed goes against the principles of love, generosity, and contentment that are central to the teachings of the Bible. The Lord's reaction to this sin is one of wrath and punishment, highlighting the seriousness of covetousness in His eyes.
Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the stubbornness of the people in their wrongdoing. The phrase "he went on frowardly in the way of his heart" suggests that the people continued to pursue their sinful desires despite the warnings and interventions of the Lord. This speaks to the human tendency to persist in disobedience and rebellion, even in the face of divine retribution. The verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of obstinacy and the importance of repentance and obedience.
Symbolism is also evident in this verse, particularly in the portrayal of God's actions. The language of being "wroth" and "smiting" conveys the image of a powerful and just ruler who takes action against wrongdoing. This imagery serves to underscore the authority and sovereignty of God, as well as His commitment to upholding righteousness. Additionally, the "hiding" of the Lord suggests a withdrawal of His favor and protection, leaving the people vulnerable to the consequences of their sin.
Overall, Isaiah 57:17 (KJV) provides a profound commentary on the nature of sin, justice, and divine punishment. It serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive nature of covetousness and the importance of heeding the warnings of God. The verse is a call to examine our own hearts and actions, seeking repentance and obedience in the face of God's righteous judgment. Its timeless message continues to resonate with believers, offering guidance and admonition in the pursuit of a life pleasing to the Lord.
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Isaiah 57:17 - "For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart."
"For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart." - Isaiah 57:17
Isaiah 57:1-2
Isaiah 57:21 - "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."
Isaiah 57:12 - "I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee."
Isaiah 57:3 - "¶ But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore."
Isaiah 57:20 - "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."
"There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." - Isaiah 57:21
Isaiah 57:2 - "He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness."
Isaiah 57:5 - "Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?"
Isaiah 57:19 - "I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him."
Isaiah 57:14 - "And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people."
Isaiah 57:7 - "Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice."
Isaiah 57:20-21 - "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked."
Isaiah 57:16 - "For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made."
Isaiah 57:1 - "The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come."
Isaiah 57:18 - "I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners."
Isaiah 57:9 - "And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell."
Isaiah 57:10 - "Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved."
1 Samuel 17:57 - "And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand."
Isaiah 57:4 - "Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,"
"I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee." - Isaiah 57:12
"¶ But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore." - Isaiah 57:3
Isaiah 57:11 - "And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?"
Isaiah 57:6 - "Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?"
Isaiah 57:15 - "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."
Isaiah 57:1-2 - "The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous are taken away from calamity, they enter into peace; those who walk uprightly will rest on their beds."
Isaiah 57:18-19 - "I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the LORD. “And I will heal them.”"
"He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness." - Isaiah 57:2
Isaiah 57:8 - "Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it."