Isaiah 57:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 57:17
17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 57 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, mercy, obedience. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 57:17
17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.
Analysis
God explains the reason for His wrath: "For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him." The Hebrew betsa (covetousness/unjust gain) represents the root sin driving idolatry and injustice—greed and selfish ambition. This connects to the tenth commandment (Exodus 20:17) and Paul's identification of covetousness as idolatry (Colossians 3:5, Ephesians 5:5). God's response was judicial: "I hid me, and was wroth." Divine hiding (astar) represents covenant curse—the removal of God's presence and blessing (Deuteronomy 31:17-18, Isaiah 54:8). Yet despite discipline, "he went on frowardly in the way of his heart." The Hebrew showbab (frowardly/backsliding) describes stubborn rebellion despite correction. This illustrates the doctrine of total depravity—natural man persists in sin even under divine discipline until God grants repentance. The phrase "the way of his heart" shows that sin flows from the heart's corruption (Mark 7:21-23, Jeremiah 17:9).
Historical Context
This describes Judah's pattern during the monarchy: God disciplined them through military defeats, famines, and prophetic warnings (Deuteronomy 28:15-68), yet they persisted in idolatry and injustice. Even Josiah's reforms were shallow and temporary (2 Kings 22-23, Jeremiah 3:10). The covetousness manifested in exploiting the poor (Isaiah 3:14-15, 5:8, Jeremiah 22:13-17) and trusting in wealth rather than God (Isaiah 2:7, Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Reflection
- How does covetousness function as the root of idolatry in our hearts?
- What does it reveal about our hearts when we persist in sin despite God's discipline?
- How does God break through our stubborn hearts to bring genuine repentance?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: עָוֹן (Avon) H5771 - Iniquity, guilt, punishment
Cross-References
- Sin: 2 Peter 2:14
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 56:11, Jeremiah 6:13, Colossians 3:5