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Isaiah 57:11 meaning

In this verse, the Lord addresses the Israelites, querying why they have forsaken Him out of fear of others. Their fear seems to stem not from the threats they face but rather from a neglect of acknowledging God's past deliverance. During a period when they persisted in sin, they believed His silence implied indifference, thus leading them astray. This situation reflects the broader theme in Isaiah, which illustrates how people often substitute their fear of man for a reverent fear of God.

The implications are significant: when God's people forget His past faithfulness, they diminish their capacity to trust Him fully. It reveals a troubling tendency to prioritize earthly security over divine reliance. This poignant reminder in Isaiah 57:11 invites introspection about where our fears lie and how they affect our relationship with God. As such, the necessity for self—examination arises, prompting us to consider if we turn to God as our refuge, particularly when faced with life's challenges.

In the NASB95, the verse reads, "Of whom were you afraid or fearful when you lied, and did not remember me nor give me a thought?" (Isaiah 57:11).

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • Isaiah 53:11 meaning. Isaiah predicts that the Messiah’s suffering and death will produce good results that He will live to see. This will include justifying many and removing the stain of sin from Israel. This is one of the ways the Messiah will serve the LORD. This Messianic prophecy is commonly known as the Suffering Servant prophecy.
  • Isaiah 53:1-3 meaning. Isaiah continues an unusual prophecy about the Messiah that He began in Isaiah 52:13. He predicts that the neither He nor the Messiah will be believed. The Messiah will be unrecognized, unremarkable, unattractive, despised and forsaken of men, full of grief and sorrows, and misunderstood. This Messianic prophecy is commonly known as the Suffering Servant prophecy.
  • Isaiah 53:8b-9 meaning. Isaiah predicts that no one will complain when the Messiah is killed. He also predicts that even though the Messiah is innocent, He will be regarded as a wicked man. But even though He will be perceived as a criminal, the Messiah will be buried as if He were a rich man. This Messianic prophecy is commonly known as the Suffering Servant prophecy.