Those who walk uprightlyThis phrase refers to individuals who live righteously and in accordance with God's commandments. In the context of Isaiah, the prophet often contrasts the righteous with the wicked, emphasizing the blessings that come to those who follow God's ways. The concept of walking uprightly is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in
Psalm 15:2, which describes the characteristics of those who may dwell in God's holy presence. The idea of walking suggests a continuous, habitual lifestyle of integrity and moral rectitude.
enter into peace;
The promise of peace is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with God's covenant blessings. In Isaiah, peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness and well-being that comes from a right relationship with God. This peace is a foretaste of the ultimate peace found in the Messianic kingdom, as prophesied inIsaiah 9:6-7. The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," encompasses completeness, safety, and welfare, indicating a holistic sense of tranquility.
they find rest,
Rest in the biblical sense often signifies relief from labor and struggle, as well as spiritual repose. This rest is reminiscent of the Sabbath rest commanded in the Law, which serves as a symbol of the eternal rest promised to God's people.Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a Sabbath rest for the people of God, linking it to faith and obedience. The rest mentioned here can also be seen as a type of the eternal rest believers will experience in the presence of God.
lying down in death.
This phrase acknowledges the reality of death but frames it in a context of hope and peace for the righteous. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, a peaceful death was considered a blessing, contrasting with the violent or untimely deaths of the wicked. The imagery of lying down suggests a gentle transition, akin to sleep, which is a common biblical metaphor for death (e.g.,John 11:11-13). This peaceful death is a precursor to the resurrection hope found in the New Testament, where believers are promised eternal life through Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.
2.
The RighteousThis refers to those who live according to God's commandments and walk uprightly, as mentioned in the verse.
3.
PeaceIn the Hebrew context, "peace" (shalom) encompasses completeness, welfare, and tranquility, not just the absence of conflict.
4.
RestThis implies a state of spiritual and eternal rest, often associated with the peace that comes after a life lived in righteousness.
5.
DeathIn this context, death is not seen as an end but as a transition into eternal peace for the righteous.
Teaching Points
The Promise of Peace for the RighteousThe verse assures believers that those who live uprightly will enter into peace, both in this life and the next. This peace is a divine promise that transcends earthly troubles.
Understanding Biblical RestRest in the biblical sense is not merely physical cessation from work but a spiritual state of being in harmony with God. It is a foretaste of eternal life with Him.
Death as a Transition, Not an EndFor believers, death is not to be feared but seen as a passage to eternal peace and rest. This perspective can bring comfort in times of loss.
Living Uprightly in a Fallen WorldThe call to walk uprightly is a challenge in a world that often opposes God's ways. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, knowing the promise of peace awaits them.
The Role of Faith in Achieving PeaceFaith is essential in walking uprightly and entering into God's peace. Trusting in God's promises enables believers to live righteously despite challenges.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 57:2?
2.How does Isaiah 57:2 describe the peace for the righteous after death?
3.What actions can we take to ensure we "enter into peace"?
4.How does Isaiah 57:2 connect with Jesus' promise of rest in Matthew 11:28?
5.In what ways can we comfort those grieving with Isaiah 57:2's message?
6.How can we live righteously to experience the peace mentioned in Isaiah 57:2?
7.What does Isaiah 57:2 mean by "peace" for the righteous?
8.How does Isaiah 57:2 relate to the concept of eternal rest?
9.Why does Isaiah 57:2 emphasize the righteous entering peace?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 57?
11.What are the symbols of the Holy Spirit?
12.Who finds true happiness in humility and righteousness?
13.Isaiah 57:1–2: How can the claim that righteous people are taken away to be spared from evil be reconciled with the historical suffering of the faithful throughout Israel’s history?
14.Did Jesus come to bring peace or division? (Luke 2:14 vs. Matthew 10:34)What Does Isaiah 57:2 Mean
Those who walk uprightlyIsaiah is describing people whose daily conduct lines up with God’s standards. Scripture consistently links “walking” with lifestyle choices: “He who walks with integrity walks securely” (Proverbs 10:9); “The one who lives blamelessly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart” (Psalm 15:2). These verses underscore that uprightness is not perfection but steady faithfulness—choosing honesty when it costs, resisting compromise, loving neighbor because God commands it (Micah 6:8). Such walking is possible only by trusting the Lord and relying on His Spirit, not on personal effort alone (Galatians 5:16).
enter into peaceGod promises that those who live this way “enter into peace.” The phrase carries immediate and ultimate layers:
• In life—God “will keep in perfect peace the steadfast mind” (Isaiah 26:3). Because their consciences are clear before Him, the upright enjoy inner calm that circumstances cannot erase (Philippians 4:6-7).
• In death—“Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). This settled peace means no fear of judgment (1 John 4:17). Jesus assures, “Peace I leave with you… Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:27).
they find restThe word “rest” expands the promise. Rest in Scripture is a gift from God to His covenant people: “Come to Me… and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). It anticipates the believer’s ultimate Sabbath: “There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). Death for the righteous is not dread but release: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… they will rest from their labors” (Revelation 14:13). The weariness of battle against sin, injustice, and sorrow is exchanged for complete refreshment in God’s presence.
lying down in deathIsaiah finishes with a tender picture—like sheep folding legs beneath them at night. Death is described, not as annihilation, but as a gentle lying down under God’s care. Other passages echo the same comfort: “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15). Paul reminds believers that to be “absent from the body” is to be “present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). We “do not grieve like the rest, who have no hope,” because “God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Jesus Himself frames death as only temporary sleep before resurrection life (John 11:25).
summaryIsaiah 57:2 assures God’s faithful people that their upright walk ends, not in dread, but in threefold blessing: immediate peace with God, eternal rest from every struggle, and a gentle, hope-filled passage through death into His welcoming presence. Confidence in Christ transforms both life and death, urging us to persevere in integrity today while looking forward to perfect peace tomorrow.
(2)
He shall enter into peace . . .--Notice- able as presenting the brighter side of the dim thoughts of Israel as to the life behind the veil, and so far contrasted with Hezekiah's shrinking fear. (Comp.
Job 3:17.) For the righteous there was peace in death as in life. For the wicked there was peace in neither (
Isaiah 57:21).
They shall rest in their beds.--The "bed" is obviously the grave, the thought following naturally on that of death being as the sleep "after life's fitful fever." (Ezekiel 32:25.)
Each one walking in his uprightness.--Better,every one who has walked straight before him--has taken, i.e., the straight path of duty (Isaiah 30:21.)
Verse 2. - He shall enter into peace. Not merely into "stillness" or "silence" (
Psalm 115:17), but into "peace," or, as the word might be rendered (Cheyne), "a state of peace." There is, no doubt, primarily, "
a contrast to the awful troubles which the survivors will have to encounter" (Hengstenberg); but perhaps this contrast is not all that is meant. The "peace" is positive rather than negative, or it would scarcely be a consolation to any one. They shall rest in their beds; or,
upon their beds. This expression seems to imply a consciousness of rest, and so a certain enjoyment of it. Each one walking in his uprightness; rather,
whosoever hath walked uprightly, or
in a straight path (see
Proverbs 4:25-27). The phrase is an equivalent for "the righteous" of ver. 1, and refers to the life on earth of those who have gone down into silence, not to their life after they have reached the silent shore. Of that life the evangelical prophet is not commissioned to give us any information.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Those who walkהֹלֵ֖ךְ(hō·lêḵ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkuprightlyנְכֹחֽוֹ׃(nə·ḵō·ḥōw)Adjective - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5228:Straightforward, equitable, correct, integrityenterיָב֣וֹא(yā·ḇō·w)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gointo peace;שָׁל֔וֹם(šā·lō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965:Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peacethey find rest,יָנ֖וּחוּ(yā·nū·ḥū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5117:To rest, settle downlying down in death.מִשְׁכְּבוֹתָ֑ם(miš·kə·ḇō·w·ṯām)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4904:Place of lying, a couch, act of lying
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 57:2 He enters into peace (Isa Isi Is)