Isaiah 57:14 – “And it will be said: ‘Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.’”
Isaiah 57:14 is a message of hope and restoration. God speaks of preparing a way for His people, clearing obstacles so they can return to Him. It’s a call to remove anything that hinders a relationship with God and to make way for His salvation.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse speaks of a divine call to action: “Build up, build up, prepare the road!” The imagery is of creating a smooth and accessible path, removing barriers that stand between God’s people and His presence. It reflects God’s desire to restore His relationship with His people, making it possible for them to return to Him without hindrance.
The “obstacles” could represent sin, idolatry, or anything else that separates people from God. The command to remove them shows God’s active role in making a way for His people, but it also implies a responsibility for the people to respond and participate in this restoration process.
Historical Context
Isaiah delivered this prophecy during a time when Israel was struggling with sin, idolatry, and the consequences of their rebellion against God. The people were in exile, physically and spiritually distant from God. This verse would have reminded them of God’s faithfulness and His plan to bring them back to Himself.
The imagery of preparing a road was familiar in the ancient world, where roads were often repaired or cleared in advance of a king’s arrival. Here, the road symbolizes the way back to God, reflecting both His initiative in reaching out to His people and their need to repent and return to Him.
Theological Implications
Isaiah 57:14 highlights God’s desire to remove barriers between Him and His people. It shows His mercy and grace, as He takes the initiative to call His people back and clear the way for their restoration.
The verse also emphasizes the importance of repentance and preparation. While God is the one who saves, His people are called to participate by turning away from sin and aligning their lives with His will.
Literary Analysis
The repetition of “Build up, build up” adds urgency and emphasis to the command. The phrase “prepare the road” evokes the imagery of a journey, symbolizing the spiritual process of returning to God. The call to “remove the obstacles” is both practical and symbolic, pointing to the need for action to clear anything that hinders a relationship with God.
The structure of the verse is forward-looking and hopeful, focusing on restoration and renewal rather than judgment.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 40:3-4: “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low.’”
- Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.”
- Luke 3:4-6: “As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”’”
These passages echo the theme of preparing a way for God and removing anything that obstructs His work in our lives.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Isaiah 57:14 is a call to examine their lives and remove anything that hinders their relationship with God. It’s an encouragement to actively participate in the process of repentance and spiritual growth, trusting that God is working to draw them closer to Him.
The verse also serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His desire to restore and renew His people. No matter how far someone has strayed, God is ready to clear the path for their return.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in a powerful way. His desire to remove obstacles and prepare the way for His people shows His deep commitment to restoring a broken relationship. God doesn’t leave us to figure out the way back on our own; He actively makes a way, demonstrating His mercy and grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Isaiah 57:14 ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who is the way to God. Jesus fulfills the promise of this verse by removing the greatest obstacle—sin—that separates humanity from God. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for everyone to return to God and experience His salvation.
- John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
- Hebrews 10:19-20: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.”
Through Jesus, the path to God is no longer blocked. He is the fulfillment of God’s promise to prepare the way for His people.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some obstacles in your life that might be hindering your relationship with God?
- How can you actively participate in preparing the way for God’s work in your life?
- In what ways have you experienced God clearing obstacles and making a way for you to return to Him?
- How does this verse challenge you to trust in God’s ability to restore and renew?
- How does Jesus’ role as “the way” impact your understanding of this verse?
Isaiah 57:14 is a message of hope and restoration, reminding us that God is faithful to remove barriers and prepare the way for us to return to Him. It points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of this promise, who makes it possible for us to enter into a restored relationship with God.