Isaiah 57:12

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Isaiah 57:12 KJV

I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.

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Isaiah 57:12 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Isaiah 57:12

Isaiah 57:12 states:

"I will declare your righteousness, and your works; for they shall not profit you."

Introduction

This verse presents a pivotal assertion within the prophetic discourse of Isaiah, serving as a reminder of the futility of relying upon one’s own righteousness and works without true faith and divine authentication. In examining this verse, we draw insights from notable public domain commentaries by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke.

Exegesis of Isaiah 57:12

In this verse, God, through the prophet Isaiah, confronts the people with the reality of their spiritual condition, highlighting the stark difference between human righteousness and the righteousness that comes from God.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Henry emphasizes the futility of self-righteousness. He notes:

  • Righteousness Declared: God declares the righteousness of His people, yet this is layered with irony. The text asserts that their own works will not avail them before Him.
  • Divine Judgment: The declaration serves as a warning. It is not by works or the perceived righteousness of individuals that they will find favor, but through God's grace.
  • Self-Deception: Henry points out the danger of self-deception; people tend to cling to their own achievements, forgetting that God sees the heart.

Albert Barnes' Notes

Barnes further elaborates on the themes of righteousness and profit, offering insights such as:

  • Profitless Works: He elucidates that while the people of Israel may have believed their works could save them, the reality is that without a heart aligned with God, those works are empty and offer no actual benefit (profit).
  • God’s Assurance: Barnes highlights the certainty of God declaring their works. This serves both as acknowledgment of their actions and a reminder that such actions done apart from God are void of merit.
  • Judgment vs. Mercy: He stresses a dual message of judgment for the unrepentant and mercy for the faithful; those who rely on works without understanding God’s grace will face challenges in their walk with Him.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Clarke focuses on the interpretation of righteousness in the context of Israel’s disobedience:

  • True Righteousness: He suggests that the true righteousness which God values is rooted in faith and obedience, rather than ritual observance or legalistic adherence to the Law.
  • Human Portrayal of Works: Clarke raises the point that while people might evaluate their actions as being righteous, God’s standard goes beyond outward deeds. It includes an internal state of heart and alignment with His will.
  • Call to Repentance: His commentary brings a call to repentance, indicating that acknowledgment of one's lost state is essential for true restoration of relationship with God.

Theological Implications

This passage carries profound theological implications concerning human effort versus divine grace:

  • Human Effort: The verse underscores the inadequacy of human effort for reconciling with God. It serves as a critique of any notion that personal righteousness or good deeds can stand before divine judgment.
  • The Need for Genuine Faith: Genuine faith, in contrast to mere works, is what God seeks. The text showcases the necessity of faith that produces fruit in line with God’s character.
  • Assurance of Divine Justice: God’s declaration reflects His commitment to justice. He does not overlook sin, nor does He allow self-righteousness to substitute for true repentance and faith.

Practical Applications

For pastors, theologians, and students, this verse offers several practical points of application:

  • Preaching Grace: When delivering messages, stress the importance of God’s grace over human righteousness. Encourage congregations to rely on God’s mercy rather than their works.
  • Discerning True Righteousness: Teach the difference between outward compliance with religious duties and an inward relationship with Christ that genuinely transforms behavior.
  • Encouragement in Weakness: Remind believers that in recognizing their weaknesses and failures, they can find assurance in God’s sufficiency, leading them to desire a deeper reliance on Him.

Conclusion

Isaiah 57:12 serves as a powerful reminder of the essential truth that righteousness is not a mere transaction of works, but an active relationship with God characterized by faith, repentance, and grace. Through the insights of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we are called to reassess our motivations, shifting our reliance from self to God, acknowledging that only through Him can we find true righteousness and life.

Isaiah 57 (KJV) Verse Selection

Isaiah 57:1 Isaiah 57:2 Isaiah 57:3 Isaiah 57:4 Isaiah 57:5 Isaiah 57:6 Isaiah 57:7 Isaiah 57:8 Isaiah 57:9 Isaiah 57:10 Isaiah 57:11 Isaiah 57:12 Isaiah 57:13 Isaiah 57:14 Isaiah 57:15 Isaiah 57:16 Isaiah 57:17 Isaiah 57:18 Isaiah 57:19 Isaiah 57:20 Isaiah 57:21

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