If We Worship Anything Other Than the Lord Himself and Live Wicked Lives, Our Souls Will Become Weary, Weighed Down with A Sense of Emptiness and Hopelessness.
Thus, The Lord Has Prepared the Way to Salvation and Removed All the Obstacles.
The Only Hope for Us as Idolaters and Those Who Engage in Sorcery Then,
Is to Trust the Lord and Travel the Road of Salvation He Has Prepared.
Are You on The Road to Salvation?
The Lord Spoke Forcefully and Directly to Idolaters and
Those Who Practiced Sorcery, Black Magic, and Other Forms of Witchcraft.
Through the centuries, most Israelites had been deeply influenced by their unbelieving neighbors, and eventually, the nation became steeped in sorcery and the world of the occult (see—2 K. 21:1–18). As a result, idolatry and every kind of occult practice flourished throughout the nation of Judah, including within Jerusalem itself. Thus, God charged the people with being addicted to idolatry and sorcery—a grave indictment. Having turned away from the Lord to idols, they were committing spiritual adultery and prostitution (Je. 3:8–11; Eze. 23:37). Note that God issued a summons for the idolaters and sorcerers to approach Him. He had an extraordinary message for them:
The Message to
Idolaters & Those Addicted to The Occult:
You Are Adulterers
& Prostitutes
3But
you—come here, you witches' sons, you offspring of adulterers and harlots! 4Who
is it you mock, making faces and sticking out your tongues? You children of
sinners and liars! 5You worship your idols with great zeal beneath
the shade of every tree and slay your children as human sacrifices down in the
valleys, under overhanging rocks. 6Your gods are the smooth stones
in the valleys. You worship them, and they, not I, are your inheritance. Does
all this make me happy? 7-8You have committed adultery on the tops
of the mountains, for you worship idols there, deserting me. Behind closed
doors, you set your idols up and worship someone other than me. This is
adultery, for you are giving these idols your love instead of loving me. 9You
have taken pleasant incense and perfume to Molech as your gift. You have
traveled far, even to hell itself, to find new gods to love. 10You
grew weary in your search, but you never gave up. You strengthened yourself and
went on. 11Why were you more afraid of them than of me? How is it
that you gave not even a second thought to me? Is it because I've been too gentle
that you have no fear of me?
12And then there is your "righteousness" and your "good works"—none of which will save you. 13Let's see if the whole collection of your idols can help you when you cry to them to save you! They are so weak that the wind can carry them off! A breath can puff them away. But he who trusts in me shall possess the land and inherit my holy mountain. 14I will say, Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones. Prepare a glorious highway for my people's return from captivity.[1] (Isaiah 57:3–14)
A. People Addicted to Idolatry and Sorcery Are Guilty of a Most Terrible Evil, That of Mocking and Ridiculing the Righteous (V. 4).
Being the majority, they feel spiritually superior, looking down on, insulting, and persecuting true believers. But in reality, they are rebelling against the Lord, for He alone is the true and living God. By worshipping idols and engaging in occult practices, they make themselves liars and hypocrites, for while they profess to know the Lord, they are following false gods.
B. People Addicted to Idolatry and Sorcery Are Guilty of Gross False Worship (Vv. 5–11).
In Isaiah's day, altars and worship centers had been built everywhere in Judah. Considering that people traveled by foot, a multitude of worship sites was necessary for the convenience of the people. They could be found on practically every street corner in the cities and on every available site in the countryside (De. 12:2–3; 2 K. 17:9–12; Eze. 6:13–14). Note how Scripture stresses the corruption and depravity of the people's false worship at these altars:
1) The people worshipped fertility gods, claiming that they blessed the earth with growth, fruitfulness, and production (v. 5a). This included the fruitfulness of the plant world as well as the reproduction of people and animals. The basic belief of the fertility religion was that the sexual experience pleased the gods of fertility. Because of the emphasis on fertility and the fact that sex is the means of human and animal reproduction, sexual pleasure became a way to seek the favor of these gods. Through the sexual experience, the priests and priestesses "helped" people secure the favor of their so-called gods so they would give them whatever fruitfulness they were requesting.
In fact, the priests and priestesses were nothing more than socially accepted prostitutes. As this verse says, the people became "inflamed with lust" in worshipping their idols. And because there was an altar on practically every corner and every beautiful spot in the countryside, people were engaging in sexual pleasure as often as they liked. Illicit passion was running wild throughout the nation. The people completely ignored God's commandment against adultery and fornication (sex outside of marriage).
V "Ye have heard that it was said by them
of old time, "Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, that
whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her
already in his heart. And if thy right eye offends thee, pluck it out, and cast
it from thee: for it is profitable
for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand
offends thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee
that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell" (Mt. 5:27–30).
V "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Ex. 20:14).
V "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall
not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor
idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with
mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor
extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.… Flee fornication. Every sin
that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication
sinneth against his own body" (1
Co. 6:9–10, 18).
V "But fornication, and all uncleanness,
or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints" (Ep. 5:3).
V "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified" (1 Th. 4:3–6).
2) The people also followed religions that worshipped cruel gods and promoted violence (v. 5b). Shockingly, some people practiced human sacrifice. They even sacrificed children as they sought to please their false gods (today we call this abortion, but in reality, it is infanticide). This was a common practice in the worship of demons and of the false God Molech (2 K. 23:10; Je. 7:31; 19:5; 32:35; Eze. 20:31; 23:39).
3) The people worshipped the so-called gods of nature, making them their most valuable possession (Vv. 6–7). Idols and altars were built in the valleys (v. 6) and on the hills and mountains (v. 7). By worshipping these gods and giving them their offerings, loyalty, and devotion, the people were misplacing their trust. They were dooming themselves, for in time of need; their false gods were utterly powerless to help them. No matter how highly prized an idol may be, it represents a false god that is nothing more than an idea in the idolater's mind or an object made by man himself.
Again, note the reference to the immorality of the people. Setting up beds at the worship sites, they engaged in sexual immorality to gain the favor of the fertility gods (v. 7). In light of this behavior, God asked if He should relent or change His mind about judging their sinful behavior. No response was given, but the answer is obvious. The hand of God's judgment will fall on all people who are addicted to adultery and sorcery and against all who commit wickedness and break His holy commandments.
4) The people worshipped family gods or idols that they kept in their homes (v. 8). Apparently, this is a reference to those people who professed to worship the Lord but instead worshipped idols behind the closed doors of their homes. Hypocrisy was the central character of their lives. They professed the Lord, but they secretly worshipped idols or engaged in sorcery. For a third time, the people's sexual immorality is emphasized. Behind the closed doors of their homes, they sought the so-called gods of fertility by "uncovering their beds" and engaging in sexual pleasure. Taking delight in their nakedness—their indecent exposure—they hoped to be blessed with a good harvest, an increase of livestock, a child, or some other gift.
5) The people trusted worldly, idolatrous kings instead of God (v. 9). This is a reference to seeking political alliances for protection instead of turning to the Lord for deliverance. Sending envoys to seek the help of idolatrous kings was the same as seeking the help of their idols or false gods. Why? Because idolatrous kings trust in and depend upon their false gods. Therefore, trusting an unbelieving king and his army was the same as trusting the false gods they worshipped (30:1–7; 31:1–3).2 Seeking the help of unbelieving kings and their gods instead of the Lord was the same as seeking the help of hell (Sheol) itself.
C. People Addicted to Idolatry and Sorcery Will Face God's Judgment. Sadly, They Will Suffer Four Consequences When God's Hand of Justice Strikes Them.
1) They will become weary, and their souls will be burdened with a sense of emptiness and hopelessness. Rushing here and there and seeking help from others will prove fruitless, for no one will have the wisdom or power to help them in their time of crisis. Seeking help from someone other than the Lord will prove utterly futile, pointless, and useless. Remember that Isaiah was predicting what would happen to the Jews who had become addicted to idolatry and sorcery. But his message is applicable to every human being down through the centuries. Only the Lord can meet people's needs when they face the crises of life. If they worship anything other than the Lord Himself and live wicked lives, their souls will become weary and weighed down with a sense of emptiness and hopelessness. As Scripture suggests in this verse, people may find a temporary renewal of their strength by seeking the help of others, even their false gods. But the renewal of strength is momentary. It will not last. It will crumble, and those who so desperately need help in facing the crisis or hardship will suffer grief.
V "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye
shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Mt. 11:28–30).
V "Wherefore is light given to him that is
in misery, and life unto the bitter in
soul; Which long for death, but it cometh
not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures; Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the
grave?" (Jb. 3:20–22).
V "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle
and are spent without hope" (Jb.
7:6).
V "So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life" (Jb. 7:15).
V "When I say, my bed shall comfort me, my
couch shall ease my complaint; Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest
me through visions: So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life. I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity" (Jb. 7:13–16).
V "My soul is weary of my life; I will
leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul"
(Jb. 10:1).
V "And where is now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?" (Jb. 17:15).
V "O my God, my soul is cast down within
me" (Ps. 42:6).
V "But as for me, my feet were almost
gone; my steps had well-nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked"
(Ps. 73:2–3).
V "Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly,
as far as light excelleth darkness. The wise man's eyes are in his head, but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself
perceived also that one event happeneth to them all. Then said I in my heart, as
it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then wiser?
Then I said in my heart, that this also is
vanity. For there is no remembrance
of the wise more than of the fool forever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be
forgotten. And how dieth the wise man?
as the fool. Therefore, I hated life; because the work that is wrought under
the sun is grievous unto me: for all is
vanity and vexation of spirit" (Ecc. 2:13–17).
V "So, I returned and considered all the
oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no
comforter, and on the side of their oppressors there was power, but they had no comforter. Wherefore I praised the
dead which are already dead more than the living which is yet alive" (Ecc. 4:1–2).
V "But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken
me, and my Lord hath forgotten me" (Is. 49:14).
V "Surely he hath borne our griefs and
carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and
afflicted" (Is. 53:4).
V "They have heard that I sigh: there is none to comfort me: all mine
enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done it: thou wilt bring the day that thou hast called, and they shall be
like unto me" (La. 1:21).
V "And I said, my strength and my hope perish from the Lord" (La. 3:18).
2) They will suffer deception. When people worship idols or engage in some form of sorcery, they soon forget the Lord and that He judges sin (v. 11). By placing their trust in idols, they reveal that they do not fear the Lord. And it never crosses their minds that God's judgment has not yet fallen because He is longsuffering and not willing that any should perish. So they are deceived, misled by their false worship.
V "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into
the apostles of Christ" (2
Co. 11:13).
V "But evil men and seducers shall wax
worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived" (2 Ti. 3:13).
V "For there are many unruly and vain
talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must
be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for
filthy lucre's sake" (Tit.
1:10–11).
V "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist" (2 Jn. 1:7).
3) They will suffer the exposure of their false righteousness and works (v. 12). People may feel confident because they are faithful in their false worship. By keeping their religion's rules, ceremonies, and rituals, they feel they have attained the righteousness demanded. A sense of securing the favor of their so-called God gives them confidence. So, they continue in their false worship, seeking to accumulate more righteousness and become more and more acceptable to the God they picture in their minds. But the Lord is evident: He will expose their false righteousness and works. As Scripture says elsewhere, the righteousness and works in which they have clothed themselves will prove to be nothing more than "filthy rags" (64:6).3
V "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade
as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away" (Is. 64:6).
V "Therefore, by the deeds of the law
there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Ro. 3:20; also see vv. 20–27).
V "Therefore, we conclude that a man is
justified by faith without the deeds of the law" (Ro. 3:28).
V "Knowing that a man is not justified by
the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed
in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by
the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified"
(Ga. 2:16).
V "For as many as are of the works of the
law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in
the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the
sight of God, it is evident: for, '"The
just shall live by faith"' (Ga.
3:10–11).
V "For by grace are ye saved through
faith; and that not of yourselves: it is
the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ep. 2:8–9).
V "If I justify myself, mine own mouth
shall condemn me: if I say, I am
perfect, it shall also prove me perverse" (Jb. 9:20).
V "There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness" (Pr. 30:12).
4) They will not be helped when they face a crisis or hardship (v. 13a). Their idols are helpless, lifeless, and possess no ability or power to think, move, or do anything else. Idols and false gods are nothing more than an idea in a person's mind or inanimate objects made from wood, metal, stone, plastic, or other substances. Being lifeless, an idol cannot help in times of desperation or need. Note what God says: the day is coming when His hand of judgment will fall, and the idols will be blown away by the breath of His mighty power.
V "For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in
unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them;
for God hath showed it unto them. For
the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without
excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their
imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be
wise, they became fools and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an
image made like corruptible man, and to birds, four-footed beasts, and creeping
things.… And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do
those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness,
fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder,
debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful,
proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without
understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable,
unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things
are worthy of death, not only do the same but have pleasure in them that do
them" (Ro. 1:18–23, 28–32).
V "As concerning, therefore, the eating of
those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one. For
though there be that are called gods, whether in Heaven or in earth, (as there
be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there
is but one God, the Father, of whom are
all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him" (1 Co. 8:4–6).
V "And there ye shall serve gods, the work
of men's hands, wood, and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor
smell" (De. 4:28).
V "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but
they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear
not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not:
feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
They that make them are like unto them; so
is everyone that trusteth in them" (Ps. 115:4–8).
V "Assemble yourselves and come; draw near
together, ye that are escaped of the
nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image and prays
unto a god that cannot save" (Is. 45:20).
V "They are upright as the palm tree but speak not: they must needs be borne because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good" (Je. 10:5).
D. Despite The Terrible Evil Being Committed by People Who Are Addicted to Idolatry and Sorcery, There Is Still Great Hope for Them.
God is very patient and longsuffering, and He wants every human being to be saved from the terrifying judgment that is coming. Therefore, there is still hope for idolaters and those who participate in sorcery. Those who will put their trust in God and seek refuge in Him will inherit the promised land (a symbol of Heaven). But there is no other way for people to be saved and receive Heaven's inheritance. As this verse says, the Lord has prepared the way to salvation and removed all the obstacles. (v. 14). The only hope for idolaters and those who engage in sorcery is to trust the Lord and travel the road of salvation He has prepared (11:16; 35:8–10; 40:3–5; 62:10–12).
V "Even as Abraham believed God, and it
was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are
of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing
that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel
unto Abraham, saying, "In thee
shall all nations be blessed. So, then they which be of faith are blessed with
faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the
curse: for it is written, cursed is everyone
that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to
do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live
by faith. And the law is not of faith: but the man that doeth them shall live
in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse
for us: for it is written, Cursed is every
one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the
Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit
through faith" (Ga. 3:6–14).
V "Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and
verily thou shalt be fed" (Ps.
37:3).
V "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust
also in him, and he shall bring it to
pass" (Ps. 37:5).
V "It
is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man" (Ps. 118:8).
V "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart
and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and
he shall direct thy paths" (Pr.
3:5–6).
V "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose
mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever:
for in the Lord Jehovah is
everlasting strength" (Is.
26:3–4).
V "And a highway shall be there, and a
way, and it shall be called "The way of holiness;" the unclean shall
not pass over it; but it shall be for
those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein" (Is.
35:8).
V "Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highways; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, say ye to the daughter of Zion, "Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him." And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord" (Is. 62:10–12).[2]
Our Prayer: Because of the Message to Idolaters & Those Addicted to the Occult: You Are Adulterers & Prostitutes
Father God, we thank you that you have forgiven
us, as sons and daughters of sinful humans, the opportunity to repent of our
sin. Yes, we are the offspring of murderers, adulterers, liars, and those who
have mocked your chosen people, Israel. We pray that you will forgive us for
our hate, anger, and wicked ways toward your people. Father, God, you know us;
you have created us and know how weak we are. Thus, Lord, we know that you know
just how foolish we are and how quick we are to go astray. Father God, you know
how easy it is for us to fall to deception by the wicked one. Father, we know
that you have created all things for a purpose, even the evil in this world.
Therefore, we ask you, God, please forgive us of our evil, wicked, sinful lives
of willful rebellion. We have no excuse for our behavior, so Father God, help
us walk in your light and ways repenting our sin.
Father God, help us deny our sinful flesh
that longs to worship you the true and living God, but we repeatedly succumb to
the gods of this world through the deception of our minds and hearts. We need
you, Lord, to protect our minds and heart from the deceptions of enticements in
this life. We know our sin displeases you and even anger you to the point that we
deserve judgment and eternal separation from you in the flames of hell. But we
also know Father God, that you delight in forgiving us, that you delight in
compassion toward us because you are our true Father, and as every parent loves
their child, you love us and wish only good for us.
Father God, we repent in our hearts and minds
and look to fulfill that repentance in our bodies of sinful acts that hurt others
and ourselves. Please help us to live lives pleasing to you. Father God, help
us to fear you more than man. Please help us to recognize that idols in this
life cannot help us. Help us to realize that only you can save us from all our
trials in this life, and it is in our calling to you that you desire to help
us.
Father God, we beg you to constrict the
sinful desires of our heart, mind, and flesh so that we can pursue you in all
we do. We ask you, Father God, to help us focus on what you desire for us so
that we will not even have time to think of the things we shouldn't. Father
God, in your love, grace, and mercy poured out upon our lives, we do look
forward to the day when we will walk with you in Heaven free from the bondage
of sin and death. May that day come sooner rather than later. Until then,
Father God, please help us to walk in obedience to you and your will through
the study of your Word.
In Jesus' Name, we pray, Amen.
Only the Lord Can Meet People's Needs When They Face Crises in Life.
If They Worship Anything Other Than the Lord Himself and Live Wicked Lives,
Their Souls Will Become Weary, Weighed Down with A Sense of Emptiness and Hopelessness. Thus, The Lord Has Prepared the Way to Salvation and Removed All the Obstacles.
The Only Hope for Idolaters and Those Who Engage in Sorcery Then, Is to Trust the Lord
and Travel the Road of Salvation He Has Prepared.
Are You on The Road to Salvation?
[1] Taylor, Kenneth Nathaniel. 1997. The Living Bible,
Paraphrased. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House.
2 Warren W. Wiersbe. Be Comforted, pp. 150–151.
3 H.C. Leupold. Exposition of Isaiah, Vol. 1, p. 278.
[2] Leadership Ministries Worldwide. 2005. Isaiah: Chapters 36–66. Vol. II. The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible. Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide.
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