What does Isaiah 57:8 mean?
"Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it." - Isaiah 57:8
Isaiah 57:8 (KJV) says, "Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou loved their bed where thou sawest it."
This verse comes from the book of Isaiah, which is a part of the Old Testament and is attributed to the prophet Isaiah. The book of Isaiah is known for its prophecies and messages of both judgment and hope for the people of Israel. In this particular verse, Isaiah is speaking to the Israelites, condemning them for their idolatry and unfaithfulness to God.
The verse begins with the image of someone setting up their remembrance behind doors and posts. This likely symbolizes the Israelites creating memorials and idols to remember and worship false gods. The act of setting up a remembrance behind closed doors also suggests a sense of secrecy and shame in their idolatrous practices.
The verse continues by accusing the Israelites of uncovering themselves to another, indicating their infidelity to God. They have chosen to reveal and dedicate themselves to false gods, instead of remaining loyal to the one true God. The Israelites have forsaken the Lord and turned to other deities, which is seen as a betrayal and a violation of the covenant relationship they had with God.
The imagery of enlarging their bed and making a covenant with other gods further emphasizes the unfaithfulness of the Israelites. In ancient times, the act of enlarging a bed was associated with preparing for adultery or promiscuity. By seeking out and making covenants with other gods, the Israelites have essentially committed spiritual adultery, breaking their covenant with the Lord.
The final part of the verse speaks of the Israelites loving the bed of the false gods, where they have seen and sought after it. This symbolizes their deep affection and devotion to these idols, forsaking the love and worship that should be directed towards God alone.
Overall, this verse serves as a powerful and poignant indictment of the Israelites' unfaithfulness and idolatry. It illustrates the gravity of their sin and the extent of their betrayal of God. The themes of faithfulness, loyalty, and the consequences of infidelity are central to this verse, as it highlights the destructive nature of turning away from the one true God.
In the larger context of the book of Isaiah, this verse is situated within a larger collection of prophecies and warnings to the people of Israel. Throughout the book, Isaiah repeatedly calls the Israelites to repentance and warns them of the consequences of their disobedience. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and the dire consequences of turning away from Him.
Furthermore, the verse can also be seen as a poignant commentary on the nature of idolatry and the human tendency to place our affections and devotion on things other than God. It serves as a timeless reminder of the dangers of giving our hearts and worship to anything other than the Lord.
In conclusion, Isaiah 57:8 (KJV) is a powerful and convicting verse that conveys a profound message about faithfulness, idolatry, and the consequences of turning away from God. Its themes and imagery serve as a timeless reminder of the importance of remaining loyal to the one true God and the destructive nature of spiritual unfaithfulness.
Have questions about Isaiah 57:8?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Isaiah 57:8 Artwork
Isaiah 57:8 - "Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it."
"Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it." - Isaiah 57:8
Isaiah 57:1-2
Isaiah 57:21 - "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."
Isaiah 57:12 - "I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee."
Isaiah 57:3 - "¶ But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore."
Isaiah 57:20 - "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."
"There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." - Isaiah 57:21
Isaiah 57:2 - "He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness."
Isaiah 57:5 - "Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?"
Psalms 57:8 - "Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early."
Isaiah 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."
Isaiah 57:14 - "And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people."
Isaiah 57:17 - "For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart."
Isaiah 57:7 - "Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice."
John 8:57 - "Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?"
Isaiah 57:20-21 - "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked."
Isaiah 57:16 - "For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made."
Isaiah 57:1 - "The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come."
Isaiah 57:18 - "I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners."
Isaiah 57:9 - "And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell."
Isaiah 57:10 - "Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved."
1 Kings 8:57 - "The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:"
Isaiah 57:4 - "Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,"
"I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee." - Isaiah 57:12
"¶ But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore." - Isaiah 57:3
Isaiah 57:11 - "And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?"
Isaiah 57:6 - "Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?"
Isaiah 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."
Isaiah 57:1-2 - "The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous are taken away from calamity, they enter into peace; those who walk uprightly will rest on their beds."