Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, 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 lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God, who is infinitely high and holy, declares that His dwelling isn't only in the heavenly realms. He also dwells "with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit," actively seeking out those who are broken over their sin to bring them life and hope.
The prophet Isaiah has been denouncing the sin and hypocrisy of Israel, particularly their idolatry and spiritual adultery. After detailing God's judgment and the people's unresponsiveness, this verse pivots to offer a profound promise of divine presence and revival. God declares that despite His infinite majesty, He also dwells with those who are broken and humbled by their sin, ready to restore their spirits.
We often imagine God as distant and unapproachable, living in a realm so far above us that He can't possibly notice our struggles. But what if His greatness actually fuels His desire to draw near?
Isaiah 57:15 presents a profound paradox of God's nature: He is 'high and lifted up,' inhabiting eternity, utterly holy and transcendent. Yet, this same God declares, 'I dwell... also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.'
The Exalted One
This isn't just poetic language; it's a declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and unique holiness. He is set apart from all creation, existing eternally, beyond our full comprehension. His name is 'Holy,' a truth that commands awe and reverence.
The Compassionate Dweller
But here's the astonishing part: this same infinite God chooses to 'dwell' not just in the 'high and holy place' of heaven, but also 'with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.' This means God's presence isn't limited by His majesty; in fact, His majesty empowers His grace. He doesn't distance Himself from us because of His holiness; rather, His holiness overflows into compassion for the brokenhearted.
When we feel drained, defeated, or spiritually parched, where do we turn? Isaiah reveals that God's presence itself is the source of renewal.
The ultimate purpose of God dwelling with the humble and contrite is stated clearly: 'to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.' This isn't just about offering comfort; it's about bringing life.
What Does 'Revive' Mean?
The Hebrew word used here implies bringing back to life, making alert, or restoring strength. When God 'dwells' with those who are broken by their sin and limitations, His presence acts like rain on dry ground or sunlight on a wilting plant.
The Source of Renewal
Understand the original words
qadosh · Hebrew Adjective
The characteristic of being utterly distinct, pure, and set apart from all that is common, sinful, or mundane. It is the fundamental attribute of God’s nature.
dakka' · Hebrew Adjective
A state of deep sorrow, repentance, and humble recognition of one's own sinfulness before a holy God. It is the condition of the heart that God accepts and restores.
shaphal · Hebrew Adjective
The quality of not being proud or arrogant; a posture of humility that recognizes one's dependence on God.
chayah · Hebrew Verb
To bring back to life, restore, or preserve the life of someone who is spiritually or physically exhausted. It implies the impartation of new spiritual vitality by God.
This psalm directly echoes Isaiah's sentiment, stating that though God is high, He 'regards the lowly,' highlighting His attentiveness to those with humble hearts.
Matthew 5:3Jesus' Beatitudes begin with 'Blessed are the poor in spirit,' a concept directly parallel to the 'contrite and lowly spirit' that God seeks to revive, showing this was a core teaching.
Luke 18:9-14The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector powerfully illustrates the contrast between self-righteous pride and humble contrition, with God justifying the latter, aligning perfectly with Isaiah's theme.
2 Corinthians 7:10This passage distinguishes between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, which leads to repentance and salvation, mirroring the 'contrite spirit' that God desires and revives.
Psalm 34:18This verse speaks of God being 'near to the brokenhearted' and saving 'those who are crushed in spirit,' resonating deeply with the revival Isaiah promises to the contrite.
barnesIsaiah 57:15: "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."
For thus saith - The design of this verse is, to furnish the assurance that the promise made to the people of God would certainly be accomplished. It was not to be presumed that he was so high and lofty, that he did not condes…
pulpitIsaiah 57:15: "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."
Verses 15-21. - A PROMISE OF SALVATION TO THE HUMBLE AND PENITENT, WITH A FURTHER THREAT AGAINST THE WICKED. The prophet, in this portion of his discourse, whereof "comfort" is the key-note (Isaiah 40:1), can never continue th…
God, who is infinitely high and holy, declares that His dwelling isn't only in the heavenly realms. He also dwells "with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit," actively seeking out those who are broken over their sin to bring them life and hope.
The prophet Isaiah has been denouncing the sin and hypocrisy of Israel, particularly their idolatry and spiritual adultery. After detailing God's judgment and the people's unresponsiveness, this verse pivots to offer a profound promise of divine presence and revival. God declares that despite His infinite majesty, He also dwells with those who are broken and humbled by their sin, ready to restore their spirits.
The prophet Isaiah has been denouncing the sin and hypocrisy of Israel, particularly their idolatry and spiritual adultery. After detailing God's judgment and the people's unresponsiveness, this verse pivots to offer a profound promise of divine presence and revival. God declares that despite His infinite majesty, He also dwells with those who are broken and humbled by their sin, ready to restore their spirits.
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This revival isn't earned through self-improvement but is a direct result of God drawing near to those who recognize their need for Him.
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, 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 lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the l…" — God, who is infinitely high and holy, declares that His dwelling isn't only in the heavenly realms. He also dwells "with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit," actively seeking out those who a…
