Isaiah 57:19 – “Creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the Lord. “And I will heal them.”
Isaiah 57:19 is a message of hope, reconciliation, and healing. It speaks of God’s power to restore broken relationships, bring peace to His people, and create praise from hearts that have been transformed.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, God declares His ability to create praise on the lips of His people. This is not something they muster up on their own; it is a result of His work in their hearts. When God restores and heals, the natural response is worship and gratitude.
The phrase “Peace, peace, to those far and near” highlights God’s desire to bring reconciliation and wholeness to all His people, whether they are physically or spiritually distant from Him. This peace is not just the absence of conflict but a deep, lasting sense of well-being and restoration in God’s presence.
Finally, God’s promise to “heal them” reinforces His commitment to mend the brokenness caused by sin, both in individual lives and in the community of His people.
Historical Context
Isaiah spoke to a people who had experienced the devastating consequences of their rebellion against God. The nation had been divided and exiled, and many felt far from God, both physically and spiritually. This verse would have been a powerful reminder that God had not abandoned them.
The promise of peace for “those far and near” reflects God’s heart for all His people, whether they were scattered in exile or still in the land. It also foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation, as His peace extends beyond Israel to all nations.
Theological Implications
Isaiah 57:19 highlights God’s sovereignty in bringing peace and healing. It shows that true reconciliation and restoration come from Him, not through human effort. This verse also emphasizes God’s inclusive nature—His peace is available to everyone who seeks Him, regardless of their background or distance from Him.
The promise of healing underscores God’s redemptive work in the world. He is not content to leave His people in their brokenness but actively works to restore and renew them.
Literary Analysis
The repetition of “peace, peace” emphasizes the completeness and abundance of God’s gift. It’s not a fleeting or superficial peace but a deep, lasting wholeness. The imagery of “creating praise on their lips” conveys the transformation that occurs when God works in the lives of His people.
The structure of the verse moves from God’s action (“creating praise”) to His declaration of peace and promise of healing, reflecting His proactive role in restoring His people.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Ephesians 2:17: “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.”
- Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Psalm 147:3: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
These verses affirm God’s role as the source of peace and healing, extending His grace to all who come to Him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Isaiah 57:19 is a reminder that God’s peace and healing are available to everyone. Whether you feel near to God or far away, His promise is the same: He will restore, reconcile, and bring wholeness to those who seek Him.
The verse also challenges believers to respond to God’s work in their lives with praise. When we experience His peace and healing, our natural response should be gratitude and worship, proclaiming His goodness to others.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse beautifully reflects God’s love. His desire to bring peace and healing shows His care for His people and His commitment to their well-being. God doesn’t wait for us to fix ourselves—He takes the initiative to restore and transform us, creating praise on our lips as we experience His goodness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Isaiah 57:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to have peace with God, breaking down the barriers of sin and bringing healing to our brokenness.
- Colossians 1:20: “And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
- John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus’ ministry was marked by healing and reconciliation, and He continues to bring God’s peace to all who trust in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what areas of your life do you need to experience God’s peace and healing?
- How can you respond with praise for the ways God has already worked in your life?
- What does it mean to you that God’s peace is available to those “far and near”?
- How does Jesus’ role as the Prince of Peace bring this verse to life?
- How can you share God’s peace and healing with others in your community?
Isaiah 57:19 is a powerful reminder of God’s ability to restore and reconcile. It points us to Jesus Christ, who fulfills God’s promise of peace and healing, and invites us to live in the joy of His transforming presence. Through this verse, we are encouraged to trust in God’s goodness and share His peace with the world.