In this chapter, Isaiah describes difficult times in the history of God’s people. The wicked have the upper hand and are consumed in their iniquities. Judgment is coming and the righteous who die are blessed in that they are removed from the evil to come. Yet, the righteous will some day possess the land and know the peace of God. The humble will experience the presence of the Lord. God and His people will triumph in the end.

What Does It Say?

1. The Israelites were _____________ themselves with idols under every _________ tree.
2. In their spiritual adulteries, the Israelites had ___________ their bed and made a ____________ with them.
3. The Lord condemns them: “thou…didst debase thyself even unto _______.”
4. But he that puts his _______ in the Lord shall __________ the land.
5. But the wicked are like the troubled ______, when it cannot ________.

What Does It Mean?

1. Verse 4 speaks of those who make “a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue” against others. Carefully consider this description. What do you think the verse is describing? Try making your mouth wide and drawing out your tongue. What do you think was happening in this verse?
2. Verse 10 states, “Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope.” Greatness here refers to large and difficult. These people were living wickedly. God had made their way great, or difficult. But they refused to say, There is not hope. What do you think is going on in the hearts of those Isaiah is describing in this verse?
3. God is described as “the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy” (v.15). What does it mean that God inhabits (that is, dwells in) eternity? How is that different from the condition of man? What is the relationship of God to time?

What Does It Mean to Me?

1. The righteous person dies and no man considers that God may be taking this person away from the evil to come (v.1). Isaiah refers here to judgment on the land of Israel. However, this verse has other applications. Sometimes, a godly person meets an untimely or early death. People always ask why this happens. However, God may be protecting them from some future trial because of His love for them. Who do you know that lived for God but died early? What might God have been protecting them from? Why would God allow a young child to die?
2. God states that He dwells with him “that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” What does it mean to be contrite (use an English dictionary)? How do the following verses apply? Psalm 34:18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
   See All...; Psalm 51:17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
   See All...; Isaiah 66:1-2 [1] Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? [2] For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
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Suggested Memory Verses

Isaiah 57:1The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
See All..., Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
See All..., Isaiah 57:20-21 [20] But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. [21] There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
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