Isaiah 57:19
creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's truly beautiful here is that God doesn't just offer peace, He creates it, describing it as the "fruit of the lips." This means peace isn't just an absence of conflict, but a vibrant, life-giving reality that springs forth from a transformed heart, capable of reaching even those seemingly distant from Him.
This passage follows God's condemnation of the unfaithful people of Israel, highlighting their idol worship and rejection of His ways. After detailing their spiritual unfaithfulness and the resulting judgment, the prophet shifts to God's persistent mercy, showing His willingness to forgive and heal those who return to Him. This verse then presents the divine promise of peace and healing, not just for those within the covenant, but also for those who were once distant.
What does it mean to 'create the fruit of the lips'? This verse suggests it's not just something we produce on our own, but a divine gift.
The phrase "creating the fruit of the lips" points to praise and thanksgiving. It's not merely that God accepts our praise, but that He actively produces it within us.
A Divine Initiative
God's initiative is key here. He bestows mercies, grants forgiveness, and offers healing. In response to these divine actions, true praise and thanksgiving spring forth. It's a harvest reaped from the seeds God plants in our hearts and lives.
More Than Just Words
This isn't just about uttering words; it's about the internal reality that gives them life. When God acts to bring peace and healing, the 'fruit' produced is a genuine expression of gratitude and recognition of His power and goodness.
The promise of 'Peace, peace' isn't limited by geography or heritage. Who does this profound peace extend to?
The repetition of 'Peace, peace' emphasizes the completeness and certainty of God's offer. This isn't a conditional or limited peace, but a comprehensive wholeness and restoration.
Bridging Divides
God declares this peace is for those 'far off' and those 'near.' This speaks to inclusivity:
Understand the original words
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A profound concept of completeness, wholeness, prosperity, and relational harmony. It is the absence of conflict between God and humanity, achieved through His grace.
This promise of peace and healing comes as a message of hope during the Babylonian exile, offering reconciliation and restoration not just to Jews scattered far from their homeland, but also to Gentiles, looking forward to the ultimate peace brought by the Messiah.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Prophetic Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins prophesying during a time of political instability and religious compromise in Judah, facing threats from powerful empires.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimitic War
A coalition of Syria and northern Israel attacks Judah. Isaiah advises King Ahaz to trust in the Lord, not foreign alliances.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of many Israelites.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Under King Hezekiah, Judah resists the Assyrian Empire, led by Sennacherib. Jerusalem is besieged but miraculously spared.
c. 597 BC
This passage echoes the 'fruit of the lips' by explicitly stating, 'take with you words and return to the LORD; say to him,
Hebrews 13:15The New Testament directly connects the 'fruit of the lips' to the sacrifice of praise, clearly identifying what this spiritual fruit entails.
Ephesians 2:14-17Paul alludes to this promise of peace, applying it to Christ who made peace between Jews ('near') and Gentiles ('far off'), bringing a unified message of salvation.
Isaiah 26:3This verse highlights the nature of God's peace, emphasizing its steadfast and unfailing quality, which resonates with the 'peace, peace' promised in Isaiah 57:19.
Jeremiah 6:14This passage presents a sharp contrast by showing false prophets proclaiming 'Peace, peace' when there was no peace, underscoring the genuine, God-given nature of the peace Isaiah promises.
clarkeIsaiah 57:19: "I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him."
I create the fruit of the lips - "The sacrifice of praise," saith St. Paul, Hebrews 13:15 , "is the fruit of the lips." God creates this fruit of the lips, by giving new subject and cause of thanksgiving by his mercies conferred on those among his people, who acknowledge and bewail their transgressions, and return to him. The great subject of thanksg…
pulpitIsaiah 57:19: "I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him."
Verse 19. - I create the fruit of the lips; literally, creating the fruit of the lips. The clause is best attached to the preceding verse. By his tender treatment of the wanderers, God brings forth fruit from their lips in the shape of praise and thanksgiving. Peace, peace; or, perfect peace, as in Isaiah 26:3. Judah's prophets were apt to say to her…
What's truly beautiful here is that God doesn't just offer peace, He creates it, describing it as the "fruit of the lips." This means peace isn't just an absence of conflict, but a vibrant, life-giving reality that springs forth from a transformed heart, capable of reaching even those seemingly distant from Him.
This passage follows God's condemnation of the unfaithful people of Israel, highlighting their idol worship and rejection of His ways. After detailing their spiritual unfaithfulness and the resulting judgment, the prophet shifts to God's persistent mercy, showing His willingness to forgive and heal those who return to Him. This verse then presents the divine promise of peace and healing, not just for those within the covenant, but also for those who were once distant.
This passage follows God's condemnation of the unfaithful people of Israel, highlighting their idol worship and rejection of His ways. After detailing their spiritual unfaithfulness and the resulting judgment, the prophet shifts to God's persistent mercy, showing His willingness to forgive and heal those who return to Him. This verse then presents the divine promise of peace and healing, not just for those within the covenant, but also for those who were once distant.
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The Source of True Peace
This peace originates from the Lord Himself. It's not a peace brokered by human effort or found in worldly circumstances, but a divine gift that heals and restores.
Following the promises of praise and peace, the verse concludes with a powerful declaration of God's intent: 'and I will heal him.' What does this healing encompass?
The culmination of God's action – creating praise and offering peace – is healing. This isn't just about physical restoration, though it can include that. It speaks to a deeper, holistic restoration.
Holistic Restoration
God's healing addresses:
A Promise Rooted in Relationship
This healing is intrinsically linked to the peace God offers. Where God's peace resides, His healing presence follows, restoring individuals and communities to a right relationship with Him and with each other.
First Deportation to Babylon
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar deport King Jehoiachin and many Jewish leaders and artisans to Babylon.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
Babylon conquers Judah, destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, and exiles most of the remaining population.
c. 539 BC— this verse
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.
"creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal him." — What's truly beautiful here is that God doesn't just offer peace, He creates it, describing it as the "fruit of the lips." This means peace isn't just an absence of conflict, but a vibrant, life-…
