Isaiah 57:11 meaning

In this verse, the Lord addresses the Israelites, querying why they have forsaken Him out of fear of others. Their fear seems to stem not from the threats they face but rather from a neglect of acknowledging God's past deliverance. During a period when they persisted in sin, they believed His silence implied indifference, thus leading them astray. This situation reflects the broader theme in Isaiah, which illustrates how people often substitute their fear of man for a reverent fear of God.

The implications are significant: when God's people forget His past faithfulness, they diminish their capacity to trust Him fully. It reveals a troubling tendency to prioritize earthly security over divine reliance. This poignant reminder in Isaiah 57:11 invites introspection about where our fears lie and how they affect our relationship with God. As such, the necessity for self-examination arises, prompting us to consider if we turn to God as our refuge, particularly when faced with life's challenges.

In the NASB95, the verse reads, "Of whom were you afraid or fearful when you lied, and did not remember me nor give me a thought?" (Isaiah 57:11).