Question 1

What does it mean to cast up and prepare the way in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The call to “cast up, cast up, prepare the way” pictures building a raised road and clearing it. God is telling people to remove whatever gets in the way of His people returning to Him. “Take up the stumblingblock” means taking away sins, false worship, and other barriers that trip people up. In the original setting, it points to God making a way for His people to come back from exile and worship Him rightly. Spiritually, it shows God’s heart to clear the path so His people can walk with Him without hindrance.

Question 2

What is a contrite and humble spirit, and why does God dwell with such people?

Accepted Answer

A contrite and humble spirit is a heart that knows it has sinned, feels its need, and does not pretend to be strong or righteous on its own. It is not proud or self-confident, but broken and honest before God. God says He lives “in the high and holy place” and also “with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” This shows that the God who is far above everything chooses to be close to those who admit their weakness and guilt. He dwells with them to revive, comfort, and strengthen them.

Question 3

Why does God say He will not contend or be angry forever?

Accepted Answer

God explains that He will not keep on arguing with or punishing His people without end, because they are weak creatures whose spirit would fail under endless pressure. He remembers that they are the souls He has made. His anger is real and right, especially because of sins like greed and stubborn hearts, but it has a purpose. He disciplines so that people will turn back, not to crush them. This shows that His mercy limits His judgment, and His goal is restoration, not constant conflict.

Question 4

What does it mean when God says, I have seen his ways and will heal him?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “I have seen his ways,” He is saying that He fully knows the person’s behavior, including their stubbornness and sin. Yet He chooses to respond with grace: “and will heal him.” Healing here points to spiritual restoration, not just relief from trouble. God promises to lead this person, to give back comfort, and to comfort those who mourn over sin and its results. It shows that God’s response to confessed failure is not rejection but guidance, healing, and renewed encouragement for both the sinner and those who grieve.

Question 5

What does peace, peace to him that is far off and to him that is near mean?

Accepted Answer

“Peace, peace” is a strong way of saying full peace, both with God and in the heart. “To him that is far off and to him that is near” shows that this peace is offered widely, not just to one small group. It includes those far away in place or in spiritual distance, such as people scattered or long estranged, as well as those already nearby. God is the one who “creates the fruit of the lips,” meaning He gives His messengers the message of peace and He Himself brings healing to those who receive it in humility.

Question 6

Why are the wicked compared to the troubled sea that cannot rest?

Accepted Answer

The picture of the troubled sea shows what life is like for the wicked. Just as the sea is always churning and throwing up mud and dirt, their hearts are restless and stirred up with sin. There is no settled calm inside, even if things look fine on the outside. Their thoughts and actions keep producing what is unclean. When God says, “There is no peace to the wicked,” He means that those who refuse to turn from their own way will not know the deep, steady peace that He gives to the humble and repentant.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s character toward sinners?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows both God’s holiness and His kindness. He is “high and lofty” and His name is “Holy,” so He does not ignore sin. He becomes angry at things like greed and stubbornness, and He hides His face for a time. Yet He also remembers that people are weak, and He does not stay angry forever. He sees sinful ways clearly, but still promises to heal, lead, and comfort those who are broken over their sin. He offers real peace to those who come, while plainly warning that those who stay wicked will not have peace.

Question 8

How can someone today apply the message of no peace to the wicked?

Accepted Answer

This warning is meant to make a person think about their own heart. If someone keeps holding on to sin, refusing to turn to God, they should not expect inner rest, no matter what they chase in life. The restless sea shows what a guilty or stubborn heart feels like. The way to respond is not by trying to create your own peace, but by becoming humble and contrite, admitting sin to God, and seeking the peace He freely offers. The same God who warns also promises healing and peace to all who turn to Him.

Isaiah 57:14

And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.

Healing for the Repentant

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Isaiah 57:14

And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.

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Healing for the Repentant

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