How does Isaiah 57:21 describe the state of the wicked? Setting the Scene Isaiah 57 exposes the difference between those who trust the LORD and those who stubbornly rebel. Verse 20 paints the picture of a restless sea, churning up “mire and mud.” Then comes the blunt verdict in verse 21. Key Verse “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 57:21) What “Peace” Means • Hebrew shalom speaks of wholeness—rest, health, harmony, safety, prosperity, and settled wellbeing. • It is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of everything good God intends for His people (Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 29:11). Why the Wicked Lack Peace • Separated from God – “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God” (Isaiah 59:2). – Without reconciliation, the soul cannot rest (Romans 5:1). • Inner Turmoil – “The wicked flee when no one pursues” (Proverbs 28:1). – Conscience bears witness, producing fear and guilt (Romans 2:15). • Constant Restlessness – Like the tossing sea (Isaiah 57:20), their desires and fears never settle (Ecclesiastes 2:11). • Futile Pursuits – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). – Earthly pleasures promise relief but leave emptiness (Jeremiah 2:13). Contrast: The Peace God Gives • Promised to the righteous: “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast mind, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). • Secured through Christ: “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). • Guarding the heart: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Personal Takeaways • Peace is impossible while persisting in wickedness; true shalom is inseparable from a right relationship with God. • The absence of peace is a loving warning light on the dashboard of the soul, urging repentance and faith. • God stands ready to replace turmoil with His own perfect peace for all who turn to Him (Isaiah 55:6-7). |
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