Charles Ellicott Commentary Isaiah 57:17

"For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him; I hid [my face] and was wroth; and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart." — Isaiah 57:17 (ASV)

For the iniquity of his covetousness ... —Literally, of his gain. This was the root-evil from which all others sprang (Jeremiah 6:13; Ezekiel 33:31; 1 Timothy 6:10), and for this reason, a sharp chastisement was needed so that people might learn what their true wealth consisted in. The last clause may either state the guilt which caused the wrath, or depict the obstinacy that continued to do evil in spite of it.