Isaiah 57:15-21 For thus said the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place… I. THIS VOICE REVEALS AN EXISTENCE THAT STANDS IN SUBLIME CONTRAST WITH ALL THAT IS HUMAN. II. THIS VOICE REVEALS A PRIVILEGE OF IMMENSE VALUE TO THE GOOD. 1. This VOICE reveals God's special regard for a good man's experience. This High and Lofty One condescends to regard with special interest those of a "contrite " and "humble" spirit. 2. This voice reveals God's special contact with a good man's existence. He not only dwells in the "high and holy place," but "with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit." "Dwelling" implies a close intimacy. He is, by the influences of His love, nearer to the good than He is to others; near to guide, to succour, to strengthen. Dwelling implies not only a close intimacy, but a permanent one. He does not come and go as an occasional sojourner; He continues as a settled resident in the soul. He is always with His people, in sorrow and joy, in life and death. 3. This VOICE reveals God's special quickening of a good man's spirit. "To revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." God comes down to the spirit, not to crush it, but to revive it, to give it a new life, to bring out by the sunshine of His presence all its dormant germs, and to make it fruitful in all good works. He gives it a life, over which circumstances, time, and death, have no power. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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 ones. |
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