Isaiah 57:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 57:14
14 And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 57 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, prayer, love. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 57:14
14 And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.
Analysis
The tone shifts dramatically to gospel promise: "Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, remove the stumblingblock out of the way of my people." This highway preparation imagery appears elsewhere in Isaiah (40:3-4, 62:10), prophesying the removal of obstacles preventing God's people from returning to Him. The repetition "cast up, cast up" emphasizes urgency and certainty. The "stumblingblock" (mikshol) represents whatever hinders relationship with God—whether sin, false teaching, or spiritual blindness. This verse is quoted in connection with John the Baptist's ministry (Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4-6, John 1:23), preparing for Messiah's coming. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates God's sovereign grace in salvation: God Himself removes the obstacles preventing His people's return. Human effort doesn't clear the way; divine grace does. This is the doctrine of effectual calling—God not only invites but removes every hindrance and draws His elect irresistibly to salvation (John 6:44, Philippians 1:6).
Historical Context
This prophecy had partial fulfillment in the return from Babylonian exile, when God stirred Cyrus to release the captives and they rebuilt Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4). However, its ultimate fulfillment is in Christ's coming to remove the barrier of sin and make a way of salvation (Hebrews 9:8-12, 10:19-20). The New Testament sees John the Baptist as fulfilling this preparatory role, calling for repentance to prepare hearts for Christ (Matthew 3:1-3).
Reflection
- What obstacles in our hearts and minds prevent us from fully trusting and following Christ?
- How does God's sovereign grace remove the stumblingblocks that we cannot remove ourselves?
- In what ways are we called to prepare the way for others to hear the gospel?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 35:8, 40:3, 62:10, Jeremiah 18:15, Romans 14:13, 1 Corinthians 1:23