Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me? Whom have you dreaded and feared,This phrase addresses the misplaced fear and reverence of the Israelites. Historically, Israel often feared surrounding nations and their gods, leading to idolatry. This reflects a common biblical theme where God's people are warned against fearing man over God (Isaiah 8:12-13). The fear of man can lead to compromise and sin, as seen in the Israelites' alliances with pagan nations. Pro 29:25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD… so that you lied The lying here refers to Israel's unfaithfulness and deceit in their covenant relationship with God. In biblical terms, lying often symbolizes spiritual adultery or idolatry (Hosea 4:1-2). The Israelites professed loyalty to God but acted contrary to His commands, similar to the hypocrisy condemned by Jesus in the Pharisees (Matthew 23:27-28). Psa 78:36-37 But they deceived Him with their mouths,… and failed to remember Me Forgetting God is a recurring issue in Israel's history, often leading to idolatry and judgment (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). This forgetfulness is not merely cognitive but involves neglecting God's commandments and His past acts of deliverance. The call to remember is central to maintaining faithfulness, as seen in the institution of Passover (Exodus 12:14). Deu 8:11-14 Be careful not to forget the LORD your God… or take this to heart? Taking something to heart implies internalizing and acting upon it. The Israelites' failure to internalize God's laws and warnings led to their spiritual downfall. This phrase echoes the Shema, where Israel is commanded to love God with all their heart (Deuteronomy 6:4-6), emphasizing the importance of heartfelt devotion. Deu 32:46 “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared… Is it not because I have long been silent God's silence can be a test of faith, as seen in the intertestamental period and in the life of Job. The silence here may refer to a period without prophetic revelation or immediate judgment, leading Israel to complacency. This silence is not abandonment but a call to trust and seek God earnestly (Psalm 28:1). Psa 50:21 You have done these things, and I kept silent;… that you do not fear Me? The lack of fear of God is a root cause of Israel's sin. The fear of the Lord is foundational to wisdom and obedience (Proverbs 9:10). This rhetorical question highlights the danger of presuming upon God's patience and mistaking His silence for indifference. It serves as a warning to return to a reverent relationship with God, recognizing His sovereignty and holiness. Jer 5:22 Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD…… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry was primarily to the Kingdom of Judah. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, often the focus of Isaiah's prophecies, which included calls to repentance and warnings of impending judgment due to idolatry and unfaithfulness. 3. God The central figure in this passage, expressing His disappointment with His people's lack of faithfulness and reverence. 4. Idolatry The context of Isaiah 57 involves the people of Judah turning to idols and other gods, which is a recurring theme in the prophetic books. 5. Silence of God The perceived silence of God is mentioned as a reason for the people's lack of fear and reverence, highlighting a period where God did not actively intervene or speak through prophets. Teaching Points The Danger of ForgetfulnessForgetting God leads to spiritual decay and idolatry. We must actively remember and honor God in our daily lives. Misinterpreting God's Silence God's silence is not an indication of His absence or approval of sin. We should seek Him earnestly, even when He seems silent. Reverence and Fear of the Lord A healthy fear of the Lord is foundational to faithfulness. We should cultivate a deep respect and awe for God. The Consequences of Idolatry Idolatry leads to a broken relationship with God. We must identify and remove modern-day idols from our lives. The Call to Repentance God’s call to repentance is a recurring theme. We should regularly examine our hearts and turn back to God. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "idols" that might distract us from being true to God, and how can we identify them in our lives?2. How can we cultivate a habit of remembering and honoring God daily, especially in a world full of distractions? 3. In what ways might we misinterpret God's silence, and how can we maintain our faith during such times? 4. How does the fear of the Lord influence our daily decisions and actions, and what steps can we take to deepen this reverence? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What actions did you take to restore your relationship with Him, and how can Isaiah 57:11 guide you in future situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 6:12This verse warns the Israelites not to forget the Lord who brought them out of Egypt, similar to Isaiah 57:11's theme of forgetfulness and lack of reverence. Psalm 50:21 This passage speaks of God's silence being misunderstood as approval, paralleling the misunderstanding in Isaiah 57:11. Romans 1:21 Paul discusses how people knew God but did not honor Him, which aligns with the themes of forgetfulness and lack of reverence in Isaiah 57:11.
People Isaiah, Melech, MolechPlaces JerusalemTopics FALSE, Dread, Fail, Fear, Feared, Fearest, Fearful, Hast, Haven't, Heart, Hearts, Held, Keeping, Laid, Lie, Lied, Liest, Mind, Myself, Peace, Pondered, Quiet, Remember, Remembered, Secret, Silent, Worried, WouldestDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 57:11 5017 heart, renewal Library Thirteenth Day. Holiness and Humility. Thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the High and Holy place, with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.'--Isa. lvii. 15. Very wonderful is the revelation we have in Isaiah of God, the Holy One, as the Redeemer and the Saviour of His people. In the midst of the people whom He created and formed for Himself, He will as the Holy One dwell, showing forth … Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Man's Greatness and God's Greatness. The Loftiness of God Of the Joy of a Good Conscience Holy Raiment of One's Own Weaving. The Comforts Belonging to Mourners What the Ruler's Discrimination Should be Between Correction and Connivance, Between Fervour and Gentleness. Of the Presence of God Higher Degree of Prayer, which is that of the Simple Presence of God, or Active Contemplation. The Geometry of Prayer Book iii. The Ascent: from the River Jordan to the Mount of Transfiguration. The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Drachm, the Lost Son. Christ's Kingly Office We are Drawing Near the End, and to the Highest Conclusions of True Human Wisdom... The Acceptable Sacrifice; I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also- The Coming Revival "Nunc Dimittis" What are Consequences of Backsliding in Heart. The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History Another Shorter Evening Prayer. Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament Christ Teaching Humility Characters and Names of Messiah Links Isaiah 57:11 NIVIsaiah 57:11 NLT Isaiah 57:11 ESV Isaiah 57:11 NASB Isaiah 57:11 KJV Isaiah 57:11 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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