Build it up, build it up
The repetition emphasizes urgency and importance. In the context of Isaiah, this likely refers to the restoration of the people and the rebuilding of their spiritual and communal life. Historically, this can be connected to the return from Babylonian exile, where physical and spiritual rebuilding was necessary. Theologically, it points to the preparation for the coming of the Messiah, who would establish a new covenant.

Prepare the way
This phrase is reminiscent of Isaiah 40:3, which speaks of preparing the way for the Lord. It suggests making ready for God's presence and action. In the New Testament, John the Baptist uses similar language to announce the coming of Jesus, indicating a fulfillment of this prophetic call. The preparation involves repentance and turning back to God.

Take every obstacle out of the way
This directive calls for the removal of anything that hinders the relationship between God and His people. In a historical context, this could refer to the removal of idolatry and injustice that plagued Israel. Spiritually, it speaks to the need for personal and communal purification. Theologically, it foreshadows the work of Christ, who removes the ultimate obstacle of sin through His sacrifice.

of My people
This phrase underscores God's covenant relationship with Israel. Despite their failures, they remain His chosen people. This reflects the consistent biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His promises. In a broader sense, it points to the inclusion of all believers as God's people through faith in Christ, as seen in the New Testament expansion of the covenant community.

• The phrase announces a fresh word from the Lord—an unchangeable decree that follows a long description of Israel’s idolatry and exile (Isaiah 57:3–13).

• God Himself initiates the call; He is not waiting for His people to fix themselves. Cf. Isaiah 40:1-2, where comfort also begins with a divine statement.

• The wording anticipates a future moment when restoration becomes public and unmistakable, echoing Isaiah 52:7, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.”

• Repetition signals urgency: the highway for God’s people must be raised without delay.

• “Build” evokes the imagery of constructing a raised roadway or causeway:

– Isaiah 35:8 speaks of a “highway of holiness.”

– Isaiah 62:10 commands, “Build up the highway, clear the stones.”

• Spiritually, the call is to edify—strengthen faith, doctrine, and community (Ephesians 2:20-22).

• Historically, the words pointed to the return from Babylon; prophetically, they look to the coming kingdom where Jerusalem is safely established (Zechariah 14:9-11).

• Isaiah’s language links directly to 40:3, “Prepare the way for the LORD,” which the New Testament applies to John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-3; Luke 3:4-6).

• Preparing the way means:

– Clearing confusion with clear teaching of truth (2 Timothy 4:2).

– Calling people to repentance so hearts are ready for the King (Mark 1:2-4).

– Organizing practical help for returning exiles or, today, for believers approaching God together (Acts 2:44-47).

• The ultimate “way” is Christ Himself (John 14:6); every act of preparation points to Him.

• Obstacles include anything that causes stumbling—sin, false worship, injustice, or discouragement (Hebrews 12:1; Romans 14:13).

• God commands their removal because He intends unhindered fellowship with His own (Ezekiel 11:19-20).

• For leaders and believers alike, this means:

– Confronting and forsaking personal sin (1 John 1:9).

– Addressing corporate wrongs—legalism, partiality, false teaching (Titus 1:10-11).

– Providing tangible assistance so none are left behind (James 2:15-17).

• The promise anticipates the day when every stumbling block is gone and “nothing impure will ever enter” the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:27).

Isaiah 57:14 proclaims God’s decisive move to restore His people. He issues an urgent, repeated command to build a clear, elevated highway, prepares hearts for His arrival, and insists that every hindrance be removed. Historically it encouraged exiles returning to Judah; spiritually it calls believers to cooperate with God’s redemptive work—edifying one another, heralding the coming King, and clearing away sin and stumbling blocks so that His people may walk unimpeded in holiness and joy.