What is the context?
The way is to be prepared and obstacles removed for God’s people. The One who is high, holy and eternal then declares that He also dwells with the oppressed and humble in spirit. His purpose is to restore and revive them.
He will not keep accusing or remain angry forever, because the people He made would faint under unrelenting judgment. Their sinful greed brought His anger, yet they continued following their own hearts.
The promise of healing comes with His knowledge of those ways. He will lead, restore comfort and bring praise to their lips. Peace is announced to those far away and those near.
The closing contrast prevents the promise from becoming approval of persistent wickedness. The wicked are like a sea that cannot settle and keeps churning up mud. They do not share the peace the Lord gives.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry and Wesley emphasize God’s mercy toward the humbled and His power to restore people whom judgment alone has not changed. His greatness does not keep Him distant from the lowly.
Both connect peace for the far and near with God’s welcome reaching Gentiles as well as Jews. They understand the restless sea as a picture of life governed by wicked desires, rather than a description of the settled peace God gives.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Ephesians 2:13–22 takes up the announcement of peace to those far away and those near. Christ brings Gentiles near through His blood and reconciles Jewish and Gentile believers to God in one body through the cross.
The result is shared access to the Father by one Spirit and membership in one household. Paul then describes that people as a dwelling place for God in His Spirit. Isaiah’s promise of peace thus connects with Christ gathering people and bringing them into God’s presence.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.