Isaiah 57:15

"He will say, “Build up, build up, prepare the way! Remove the stumbling-block out of the way of my people.”"

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 57:15, the prophet envisions a scenario where God commands his messengers to prepare and welcome his people back into favor after they had strayed. The phrase “build up, build up” (בִּדְרֹשׁוּבִדְרֹשׁוּ; bidroshubidroshu) conveys a sense of restoring and strengthening the way for God’s people. By removing “the stumbling-block out of the way” (מַעֲקֶתְךָנִגְלְשׁוּ; ma'aketekhāniglēshu), God is promising to clear obstacles and barriers that have hindered their relationship, ensuring a smooth path for their return. This passage reflects the historical context of Israel’s need for restoration after periods of rebellion and exile, highlighting the divine initiative in reestablishing covenantal fidelity and intimacy.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

For thus saith -The design of this verse is, to furnish the assurance that the promise made to the people of God would certainly be accomplished. It was not to be presumed that he was so high and lofty, that he did not condescend to notice the affairs of people; but though he, in fact, dwelt in eternity, yet he also had his abode in the human heart. Many of the ancient pagans supposed that God was so lofty that be did not condescend to notice human affairs. This was the view of the Epicureans (see the notes atActs 17:18); and the belief extensively prevailed in the Oriental world, that God had committed the management of the affairs of people to inferior beings which he had created.

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