John Calvin 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 lust. Here he complains of the obstinate wickedness of the people, and shows that the Lord had very good reason for punishing them in this manner, so that there can be no complaint of His immoderate cruelty. בצעו (betzagno) is translated by some as lust, and by others as covetousness. If it is covetousness, it will then be a figurative mode of expression where a part is taken for the whole, for this is the source from which all evils arise (1 Timothy 6:10).

But we may take it generally for every kind of sinful desire, for it was on account of the various and numerous vices by which the Jews were polluted that the Lord was angry and inflicted severe punishments on them. But he expressly mentions lust to suggest that they were punished, not because they were openly wicked, but because they were sinful in the sight of God. For it is enough to condemn them that God is Judge of the hearts and punishes not only for outward crimes but also for wicked dispositions and lusts. At the same time, He reminds them that their punishment is just, so that, being conscious of guilt, they may humbly pray for pardon.

I struck him, I hid myself. He means that His favor was, in some respects, withdrawn and hidden for a time. Now, he speaks according to human perspective, because, as we have already said, we imagine that God is an enemy and is angry with us when He punishes us for our transgressions.

And it is necessary that we have these views and conceptions of Him, so that we may arrive at a true acknowledgment of our sins. For we would never acknowledge them sincerely, or be distressed by them, if we did not reflect within ourselves and know that we had provoked God’s wrath.

But, while it is desirable that we be led to repentance in this manner, we must beware, on the other hand, lest, by imagining that God is hostile and unwilling to be reconciled to us, we should be swallowed up by sorrow. The Prophet therefore restrains these immoderate terrors and forbids us to judge God according to our natural disposition. For although He chastises us, He does not cease to cherish a father’s love and affection towards those whom He has once embraced.

But he went away. This is the rebelliousness that the Prophet blames and rebukes: that the people were in no way made better, but persevered in their wickedness. He shows that they were desperate, because the violent remedies which the Lord had tried could not bring them back to the right way.