What does "lofty and high mountain" symbolize in Isaiah 57:7? Setting the Scene in Isaiah 57 Isaiah 57 confronts Judah for turning from the LORD to idolatry. Verse 7 pinpoints where this betrayal takes place: “On a high and lofty mountain you have made your bed; you also went up there to offer sacrifice.” Literal Description, Spiritual Message • Literal setting: elevated hills outside Jerusalem where pagan altars were erected. • Spiritual symbolism: the phrase “lofty and high mountain” captures two intertwined ideas—idolatry and pride. Why Mountains? Old Testament Background • Common sites for pagan worship (1 Kings 14:23; 2 Kings 17:10). • Chosen to imitate the true meeting place of God (Sinai, Zion) yet divorced from His commands (Deuteronomy 12:2–5). • Public—idolatry flaunted in the open (Jeremiah 3:6; Hosea 4:13). What the Symbol Teaches 1. Idolatry’s Visibility – High places shout, “Everyone look at this alternative to Yahweh.” – Sin is not hidden; it’s celebrated. 2. Self-Exaltation – “Lofty” conveys human pride striving to ascend without God (Genesis 11:4; Obadiah 3–4). – Worship on the heights symbolizes elevating human desire above divine authority. 3. Counterfeit Worship – Mountains once marked genuine encounters with God (Exodus 19; Psalm 48:1–2). – In Isaiah 57:7 the same geography hosts unfaithfulness, emphasizing how true symbols can be twisted. Key Takeaways for Today • Any place—or pursuit—can become a “lofty and high mountain” when it rivals God for devotion. • Pride often partners with visible, socially approved sin. • True worship submits to God’s revealed way, not human invention (John 4:23-24). |
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