Chapter 57 marks a dramatic shift in tone from the previous chapters, centering on a harsh rebuke for the sin of idolatry. It describes widespread idol worship throughout the land: “In heat with the false gods under every leafy tree” (57:5), as well as idolatry involving child sacrifice: “Slaughtering children in rivers and under the crags of the rocks” (ibid.). Notice the painful symbolism: In the previous chapter, we spoke about a person’s continuity through their offspring or other means if they had no children. Now, in our chapter, we see idol worshippers who do not hesitate to take their own children and sacrifice them.

Our chapter employs the very words and motifs of the prophecies of consolation to sharpen the criticism against the people. For instance, the phrase “Upon the high and lofty mountains” – what does it remind us of? Perhaps “Ascend the high mountain, you who bear tidings to Zion” (40:9)? Not here. The context is entirely different: “Upon the high and lofty mountains you laid down your bed; there too you went up to make your offerings” (57:7). The term “hand,” which in the previous chapter symbolized the continuation of one’s name, now refers to a place of sin: “You have loved to lie with them, loved every hand you saw” (57:8).

Yet, even this harsh depiction of sin serves as a bridge to the end of the chapter: God’s anger is temporary. Similar to what we saw in Chapter 54 — “For one small moment I left you; with infinite care shall I gather you back” (54:7) — and God’s oath that He will not continue to be angry with and rebuke the people, so too in our chapter. Even the most severe rebuke for idolatry, as presented in this chapter, is ultimately temporary: “I have raged at the sin behind their profits, have struck them, have hidden My face and raged as they went wayward on the path their hearts beat out” (57:17). The closing verses of the chapter promise healing. God will heal and comfort the afflicted sinners: “I have seen their ways and will heal them. I will lead them, will reward them in comfort, them and their mourners” (57:18). Ultimately, peace is assured for all — except for the wicked: “Peace, peace to those far away and near – so the Lord speaks – I will heal them” (57:19).