Isaiah 57: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 57 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The righteous perish, and no one takes notice, while merciful men are removed, entering peace (vv. 1-2). Yahweh condemns the idolatry of the people, calling them 'sons of a sorceress' and 'children of disobedience' (vv.

Key verse

“But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it can’t rest, and its waters cast up mire and mud.”
Isaiah 57:20 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 57:1–2 The Righteous Are Taken Away
Isaiah 57:3–8 Condemnation of Idolatry
Isaiah 57:9–10 Destructive Pursuits
Isaiah 57:11–13 God's Anger and Judgment
Isaiah 57:14–19 A Call to Repentance
Isaiah 57:20–21 The Fate of the Wicked

Discussion questions

What does God call the people in v3 when He says, 'you sons of a sorceress'?
In v13, what does God say will happen to those whom they have gathered?
In v10, why does God say, 'you didn’t say, 'It is in vain' when discussing their ways?
In v19, what does God mean by creating 'the fruit of the lips'?
When have you found yourself 'weary' from trying to pursue something that did not satisfy you?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 57: Psalm 34, Matthew 5, Isaiah 61.

Before next time: read Isaiah 58.