Isaiah 57:12

"“Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lie, and have not remembered me, nor laid it to your heart? Haven’t I held my peace for a long time, and you don’t fear me?"

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 57:12, the prophet addresses the people of Israel, questioning why they resort to lying and neglecting God when His patience has been extended for a long time. The original audience would have understood that this was directed at those who had strayed from God's truth and were now engaging in deceitful practices, despite the prolonged period during which God had not shown immediate punishment or wrath. This context highlights the theme of divine patience contrasting with human disobedience and deceitfulness.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

I will declare thy righteousness -This is evidently spoken ironically. The sense is, ‘you have devoted yourselves to idols, and you have sought the aid of foreigners. I will now announce to you the true nature of the deliverance which they can bring to you.’ This is done in the following verse.

More from Isaiah 57

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