Isaiah 57:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 57:9
9 And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 57 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, wisdom, discipleship. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 57:9
9 And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell.
Analysis
"Going to the king with ointment" likely refers to diplomatic missions seeking foreign alliances, particularly with Assyria or Egypt. The Hebrew melek can mean "king" or, with different vowel pointing, "Molech" (the god to whom children were sacrificed). Both interpretations fit the context: political alliances requiring religious compromise, or direct worship of pagan deities. "Increasing perfumes" suggests lavish gifts or the aromatics used in pagan worship. "Sending messengers far off" depicts desperate attempts to secure help from distant powers rather than trusting Yahweh. Most striking is "didst debase thyself even unto hell" (ad-sheol hishpalti)—you descended to Sheol itself. This hyperbolic language expresses the depths of degradation in abandoning God for false securities. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates humanity's natural trajectory apart from grace: descending ever lower in pursuit of autonomy, seeking salvation everywhere except from God. It parallels the prodigal son's descent (Luke 15:13-16) and foreshadows Christ's descent to the grave to redeem such wayward souls.
Historical Context
Judah's foreign policy during Isaiah's era was characterized by vacillating alliances with regional powers. Kings like Ahaz and Hezekiah (in moments of weakness) sought security from Assyria or Egypt rather than trusting Yahweh's protection (Isaiah 30:1-5, 31:1-3). These alliances typically required adopting the patron nation's religious symbols as signs of fealty (2 Kings 16:10-16). The language of descent to Sheol may also allude to necromancy and divination practices, consulting the dead for guidance—practices explicitly condemned in Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:11, Isaiah 8:19) but apparently practiced even by King Saul (1 Samuel 28).
Reflection
- Where do we seek security and significance apart from God's provision?
- How do political or social pressures tempt us to compromise biblical conviction?
- What does Christ's descent to the grave accomplish for those who have descended into sin?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Ezekiel 23:16, Colossians 2:18