Matthew Henry Commentary Isaiah 57:13-21

"When thou criest, let them that thou hast gathered deliver thee; but the wind shall take them, a breath shall carry them all away: but he that taketh refuge in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain. And he will say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling-block out of the way of my people. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite. For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls that I have made. 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. I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to him that is far off and to him that is near, saith Jehovah; and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." — Isaiah 57:13-21 (ASV)

The idols and their worshippers will come to nothing; but those who trust in God's grace will be brought to the joys of heaven. With the Lord there is neither beginning of days, nor end of life, nor change of time. His name is holy, and all must know Him as a holy God.

He will have tender regard for those who consider their condition and dread His wrath. He will make His dwelling with those whose hearts He has thus humbled, in order to revive and comfort them. When troubles last long, even good people are tempted to entertain hard thoughts of God. Therefore He will not contend forever, for He will not forsake the work of His own hands, nor defeat the purchase of His Son's blood.

Covetousness is a sin that particularly subjects people to Divine displeasure. See the sinfulness of sin. See also that troubles cannot reform people unless God's grace works in them. Peace will be published, perfect peace. It is the fruit of preaching lips, and praying lips.

Christ came and preached peace to Gentiles, as well as to the Jews; to later ages, who were far off in time, as well as to those of that age. But the wicked would not be healed by God's grace, therefore would not be healed by His comforts. Their ungoverned lusts and passions made them like the troubled sea.

Also, the terrors of conscience disturbed their enjoyments. God has said it, and all the world cannot unsay it, That there is no peace for those who allow themselves in any sin. If we are recovered from such an awful state, it is only by the grace of God. And the influences of the Holy Spirit, and that new heart, from which comes grateful praise, the fruit of our lips, are His gift.

Salvation, with all its fruits, hopes, and comforts, is His work, and to Him belongs all the glory. There is no peace for the wicked person; but let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, and he will abundantly pardon.