Removing Obstructions (Isaiah 56-57)
Today, we’re going to look at a passage from Isaiah that deals with the consequences of failed leadership and misplaced devotion. We live in a world where leadership and trust are under constant scrutiny. People are looking for leaders who are faithful, reliable, and genuine—but far too often, we find examples of those who fail to live up to their calling. This isn’t just a problem in politics or the workplace; it’s something that impacts our communities, our churches, and even our families. And the truth is, this isn’t a new problem. It’s an old one, a problem God’s people have faced for centuries. But we’re not just here to point fingers at ancient Israel. We’re here to see what God’s word has to say about our own lives—about how we lead, what we trust in, and where we need to turn to find true peace and restoration. This message is both a warning and a hope. It calls us to self-reflection, to take a good, hard look at our hearts, and to consider where God is calling us to change.
So let’s dive in, listen closely, and see what God has to say to us through His word.
The Failure of Israel’s Leaders (Isaiah 56:9-12)
Isaiah 56:9–12 (ESV) — 9 All you beasts of the field, come to devour— all you beasts in the forest. 10 His watchmen are blind; they are all without knowledge; they are all silent dogs; they cannot bark, dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. 11 The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough. But they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all. 12 “Come,” they say, “let me get wine; let us fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure.”
In Isaiah 56:9-12, the Lord brings a harsh and scathing rebuke against the leaders of Israel, those who were supposed to be the watchmen over His people. These verses use striking imagery, calling the leaders “blind” and “without knowledge.” They are likened to “silent dogs” that cannot bark, animals that should warn of approaching danger but remain asleep, oblivious to the threats around them. This metaphor portrays a spiritual negligence—leaders entrusted with the care of the people have become indifferent to their role.
The text paints a vivid picture of their greed and selfishness. Instead of shepherding the people, they are consumed by their own desires, filling themselves with indulgence. “Come,” they say, “let me get wine; let us fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure” (v. 12). There is no urgency, no concern for the spiritual health of the nation—just an unrelenting pursuit of personal satisfaction.
The leaders, whose job it was to guide the people in God’s ways, have instead led them into complacency and spiritual ruin. They are blind to the needs of the people and oblivious to the coming judgment that looms over the nation. Their failure to act as true shepherds is a profound indictment, and it is no small matter. The watchmen, meant to be the first line of defense, have failed catastrophically, leaving the people vulnerable.
This section reveals a pattern of leadership that is not just flawed but completely disconnected from the reality of their responsibility before God. Their blindness and indifference are directly linked to the spiritual decay of the people under their care, setting the stage for the larger issue of idolatry that follows in the next section of the text. As we move into Isaiah 57:1-13, the focus shifts from the failure of the leaders to the spiritual corruption of the people.
The Rampant Idolatry and Spiritual Deception (Isaiah 57:1-13)
Isaiah 57:1–2 (ESV) — 1 The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; 2 he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness.
Verses 1 and 2 begin with a striking observation: “The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands.” Here, God points out that the righteous are dying, being removed from the scene, but the people are so spiritually blind that they fail to recognize what is happening. They don’t see that these righteous individuals are being spared from the judgment to come. It is as though God is silently removing the few faithful ones to protect them from the impending disaster. This is exactly what happened in the Babylonian captivity. God pulled out the faithful to save them from the siege and destruction that was coming. They weren’t suffering for their evil. They were suffering a little to avoid massive suffering.
Isaiah 57:3–4 (ESV) — 3 But you, draw near, sons of the sorceress, offspring of the adulterer and the loose woman. 4 Whom are you mocking? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, the offspring of deceit,
From verse 3 onward, the text takes a much darker turn, describing in vivid detail the idolatry and immorality that have consumed the people. The idolatry in Israel has become so entrenched that the people are compared to children of sorcery, offspring of the adulterer and the prostitute (v. 3). This is not just a casual unfaithfulness—it is deep-rooted spiritual adultery. The people have completely abandoned their covenant relationship with God, turning instead to false gods and wicked practices.
Isaiah 57:5 (ESV) — 5 you who burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?
The text doesn’t shy away from confronting the grotesque nature of their idolatry. In verse 5, we see the chilling reality: “You who burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks.” Child sacrifice, one of the most abominable practices in ancient Near Eastern idolatry, has become a part of Israel’s religious landscape. The people, desperate to appease these false gods, have gone to unimaginable lengths, even sacrificing their own children in the valleys. It’s a scene of utter spiritual degradation.
Isaiah 57:6–9 (ESV) — 6 Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they, are your lot; to them you have poured out a drink offering, you have brought a grain offering. Shall I relent for these things? 7 On a high and lofty mountain you have set your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifice. 8 Behind the door and the doorpost you have set up your memorial; for, deserting me, you have uncovered your bed, you have gone up to it, you have made it wide; and you have made a covenant for yourself with them, you have loved their bed, you have looked on nakedness. 9 You journeyed to the king with oil and multiplied your perfumes; you sent your envoys far off, and sent down even to Sheol.
Verse 6 describes how they have taken the stones of the valleys and offered them up as their inheritance. Instead of trusting in the inheritance that God had given them—His promises and blessings—they have turned to the worship of idols, thinking that these stones will provide them security and favor. This misguided devotion reveals the depth of their spiritual deception. They are clinging to worthless idols that cannot save them, all while rejecting the living God. The text continues to describe their idolatry in graphic terms, likening it to unfaithfulness in a marriage. In verse 8, they “uncovered their bed,” eagerly embracing foreign gods and abandoning their loyalty to the Lord. The people are chasing after false hope, even sending envoys to distant lands, trying to secure protection and alliances that will ultimately fail (v. 9).
Isaiah 57:10–13 (ESV) — 10 You were wearied with the length of your way, but you did not say, “It is hopeless”; you found new life for your strength, and so you were not faint. 11 Whom did you dread and fear, so that you lied, and did not remember me, did not lay it to heart? Have I not held my peace, even for a long time, and you do not fear me? 12 I will declare your righteousness and your deeds, but they will not profit you. 13 When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them all off, a breath will take them away. But he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land and shall inherit my holy mountain.
In this section, he points out that the people were stubborn and relentless. No matter how badly things were going in their sins, they pressed on. Fear drove them to the point of complete foolishness. God says, “I will declare your righteousness and your deeds, but they will not profit you.” The heart of their problem is that they are relying on themselves. They think they can save themselves, but they cannot. By verse 13, God lays bare the futility of their actions: “When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them all off, a breath will take them away.” The idols in which they have placed their trust will prove utterly powerless when judgment comes. In the end, they will be swept away like dust in the wind. The people’s idolatry has led them into spiritual deception, causing them to trust in things that cannot save.
This section paints a bleak picture of Israel’s spiritual condition. Their idolatry is not just a failure of religious practice—it’s a complete abandonment of their relationship with God. They have replaced their Creator with lifeless objects, and in doing so, have sealed their fate. The Lord, however, has not abandoned His promise, and as we will see in the following verses, there is still hope for those who humble themselves before Him.
The Promise of Restoration for the Humble (Isaiah 57:14-21)
Isaiah 57:14–16 (ESV) — 14 And it shall be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way.” 15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. 16 For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before me, and the breath of life that I made.
After the grim description of Israel’s idolatry and spiritual corruption, Isaiah turns to a message of hope and restoration for the humble in Isaiah 57:14-21. This section begins with a call to prepare the way: “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way” (v. 14). Here, God is announcing a path forward, a clearing of the debris that has blocked the people’s return to Him. The language reflects God’s desire to restore, to make it possible for His people to come back to Him. Despite the rebellion and idolatry, God is still reaching out, making the way open for reconciliation.
Verse 15 reveals the heart of God’s message: “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” This is a profound statement of God’s character. Though He is exalted and transcendent—dwelling in the high and holy place, far above the affairs of the world—He is also near to the brokenhearted. He promises to be present with those who are humble and contrite, to revive and restore them.
This divine promise of revival is offered not to the proud or rebellious but to the humble, to those who recognize their sin and are broken over it. God is drawn to the lowly, to those who, in their desperation, seek His mercy. It’s a radical contrast to the pride and self-reliance of Israel’s leaders and idolaters. While the wicked will face judgment, the humble will find healing and restoration in God’s presence.
In verse 16, God explains that His anger will not last forever: “For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before me, and the breath of life that I made.” God’s anger is real, and it is justified, but it is not unending. He knows our frailty, our inability to stand under His wrath indefinitely. His goal is not to destroy but to heal, to restore His people from their rebellion.
Isaiah 57:17–19 (ESV) — 17 Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart. 18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, 19 creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal him.
Verses 17-18 continue this theme, as God recounts how He was angry at their sin and rebellion, how He struck them and hid His face from them. Yet, despite their continued waywardness, He declares, “I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners.” This is the mercy of God on full display. Even though His people have persistently chosen sin, He remains committed to their restoration. God’s love and mercy are stronger than His anger. He sees their sin, but He also sees their brokenness and is moved to heal.
Finally, in verses 19-21, God promises peace: “Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal him.” This peace is offered to all who would return to Him in humility, whether they are near or far. It’s a universal invitation to find healing and reconciliation in God. But the text ends with a sobering contrast: “But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” The peace of God is real, but it is not for those who persist in rebellion. For the wicked, there is no rest, only turmoil and chaos.
This final section shows us the heart of God’s mercy. Though He is a God of judgment, He is also a God of restoration. His desire is not to punish but to bring healing and peace to those who humble themselves before Him. For those who remain proud and rebellious, however, there is no peace—only the restless chaos of sin.
With this, we see the promise of healing and restoration for the contrite, while the wicked remain without peace. This contrast sets the stage for understanding the fulfillment of this promise in the person of Jesus Christ.
The Fulfillment in Jesus Christ
Isaiah 56:9-57:21 reveals a stark reality of failure, rebellion, and idolatry. Yet, it also offers hope—the promise of restoration for the humble. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Where Israel’s leaders failed, Jesus succeeds. He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), vigilant and self-sacrificial, never abandoning His flock. Unlike the blind and selfish watchmen, Jesus guards and protects His people, even at the cost of His life. He steps in to fulfill what the leaders could not.
In rejecting idolatry, Jesus shows the faithfulness Israel lacked. During His temptation, He refused to worship anything but God (Matthew 4:8-10). His life and ministry call us away from idols—whether they be wealth, status, or power—leading us back to the one true God.
When Isaiah speaks of healing for the humble, Jesus brings this promise to life. He offers peace to the weary, healing to the broken, and reconciliation with God (Matthew 11:28-30). He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14), the one who breaks down the barriers that separate us from God.
In every way, Jesus fulfills the failures and promises of this text. He is the Good Shepherd, the healer, and the peace for those who come to Him in humility.
Application: A Call to Humble Restoration
We’ve seen how Israel’s leaders failed, how the people were lost in idolatry, and how God extended His hand of mercy to the humble. This brings us to one crucial question: where do we stand before God today?
Leadership matters. Whether in the home, the church, or the workplace, we are all called to be vigilant and selfless, just as Christ is the Good Shepherd. The challenge is to reject the blind complacency we saw in Israel’s leaders and instead lead with the same sacrificial love that Jesus modeled.
Idolatry is still a danger. It may look different today, but the temptations of wealth, success, and self-reliance continue to pull us away from God. We need to tear down the idols in our lives and return to full-hearted devotion to the One who can truly save.
Restoration comes through humility. God’s promise of healing and peace is offered to the contrite and broken. Jesus is our peace—He has removed every barrier between us and God. The only thing left is for us to humble ourselves before Him, acknowledge our need, and receive the restoration He freely offers.
In the end, the takeaway is simple yet profound: True peace and restoration are found only in Christ. Let go of pride, reject the idols, and come to Jesus for the healing and peace your soul longs for.
Conclusion
As we bring this message to a close, we return to where we started: a world desperate for faithful leadership, true devotion, and peace. The failures of Israel’s leaders and the rampant idolatry in the hearts of God’s people remind us of the dangers we face when we lose sight of who we’re called to be. But the beauty of this passage is that it doesn’t leave us in despair. It offers hope—hope for those who humble themselves and turn back to God.
Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, the one who leads perfectly where all others fail. He is the one who frees us from our idols, who clears the path for us to come back to God. And He is the one who offers healing and peace for those who are willing to bow their hearts before Him.
So as we leave here today, let’s not forget the message God has given us. Let’s take an honest look at where we are—how we’re leading, what we’re trusting in, and where we need restoration. Because in the end, the peace and healing we seek are found only in Christ. He’s cleared the way; now it’s up to us to walk it.
Let this be the moment we stop looking to ourselves or the idols of this world, and start looking to Him—our peace, our healer, our Savior.