Isaiah 57, 14 through 21.

And it shall be said, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people's way.

For thus says the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity,

whose name is holy.

I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who 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 forever, nor will I always be angry,

for from me proceeds the spirit and I have made the breath of life.

Because of the iniquity of his covetiousness, I was angry.

I smote him.

I hid my face and was angry.

But he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart.

I have seen his ways, but I will heal him.

I will lead him and requit him with comfort, creating for his mourners the fruit of the lips, peace.

Peace to the far and to the nears, says the Lord.

And I will heal him.

But the wicked are like the tossing sea, for it cannot rest, and his waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.

I'd like us to see this text against its preceding context. If you would like to look at it with me, you can turn back to chapter 56, verse 9, where a longer section begins in which the Prophet describes the corruption of this people Israel.

In verses 9 through 12, for example, in chapter 56,

there's this awful description of the leadership in Israel and how they have gone bad and failed

to care for the people.

Take verse 11 as an example.

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