Isaiah 57:18
I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.
Original Language Analysis
דְּרָכָ֥יו
his ways
H1870
דְּרָכָ֥יו
his ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
1 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
רָאִ֖יתִי
I have seen
H7200
רָאִ֖יתִי
I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 8
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְאֶרְפָּאֵ֑הוּ
and will heal
H7495
וְאֶרְפָּאֵ֑הוּ
and will heal
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
וְאַנְחֵ֕הוּ
him I will lead
H5148
וְאַנְחֵ֕הוּ
him I will lead
Strong's:
H5148
Word #:
4 of 8
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
וַאֲשַׁלֵּ֧ם
him also and restore
H7999
וַאֲשַׁלֵּ֧ם
him also and restore
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
5 of 8
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
Cross References
Jeremiah 33:6Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.Revelation 7:17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.Jeremiah 3:22Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.Jeremiah 31:3The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.Isaiah 30:26Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.Isaiah 49:10They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.Psalms 23:2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.Jeremiah 13:17But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.
Historical Context
This prophesies the restoration from Babylonian exile, when God graciously brought His people back despite their sins. However, the ultimate fulfillment is in Christ's ministry to heal spiritual brokenness (Luke 4:18, Matthew 11:28-30) and the new covenant's promise of heart transformation (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:26-27). The post-exilic community did return and rebuild, though they continued to need God's grace as they awaited Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's determination to heal despite our rebellion demonstrate His sovereign grace?
- What does spiritual healing involve, and how is it accomplished through Christ?
- Who are the 'mourners' that receive comfort, and how does godly sorrow lead to restoration?
Analysis & Commentary
The verse begins with divine knowledge: "I have seen his ways." God's omniscience penetrates all pretense—He fully knows the extent of sin and rebellion. Yet astonishingly, this leads not to final judgment but to grace: "and will heal him." The Hebrew rapa (heal) is comprehensive, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:3, Jeremiah 3:22). "I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners" promises divine guidance and consolation. The "mourners" (avelim) are those who repent and grieve over sin (Isaiah 61:2-3, Matthew 5:4). This is pure sovereign grace—God does the healing, leading, and comforting despite persistent rebellion. Reformed theology sees this as unconditional election and irresistible grace: God chooses to save not because of foreseen faith or repentance but despite foreseen rebellion. He Himself produces the repentance and faith necessary for salvation (Acts 5:31, 2 Timothy 2:25, Philippians 1:29).