Isaiah 57:4
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 57:4
4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,
Chapter Context
Isaiah 57 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, fellowship, hope. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 57:4
4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,
Analysis
The rhetorical questions expose the absurdity and arrogance of mocking God. The phrase "sport yourselves" translates the Hebrew titanagu, suggesting derisive laughter and contemptuous mockery. "Making a wide mouth" and "drawing out the tongue" describe gestures of scorn and defiance (Psalm 22:7). The interrogative "Against whom?" emphasizes that their mockery ultimately targets Yahweh Himself, not merely His prophets. The answer comes immediately: they are "children of transgression" (yalde-pesha) and "seed of falsehood" (zera shaqer). This language parallels Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees as children of the devil (John 8:44). Reformed theology recognizes that rebellion against God's truth constitutes the essence of depravity. Those who mock divine revelation demonstrate their spiritual lineage as offspring of deception rather than children of God.
Historical Context
The mockery described here likely refers to the scoffing response of Judah's leaders and people toward Isaiah's prophecies of judgment. Similar contemptuous responses to prophetic warnings appear throughout Israel's history (2 Chronicles 36:16, Jeremiah 20:7-8). In the ancient Near East, gestures of mockery—sticking out the tongue, opening the mouth wide—were recognized signs of contempt toward enemies. This passage reflects the hardening of hearts that occurs when people persistently reject divine truth, a pattern seen before both the Babylonian exile and throughout redemptive history.
Reflection
- In what ways do contemporary Christians subtly mock God's word through disobedience?
- How does persistent rejection of truth lead to spiritual hardening and self-deception?
- What distinguishes children of God from "children of transgression" according to Scripture?
Word Studies
- Transgression: פֶּשַׁע (Pesha) H6588 - Transgression, rebellion
Cross-References
- Sin: Isaiah 1:4
- Parallel theme: Exodus 9:17, Psalms 35:21, 2 Peter 2:13