“High and Lifted Up” in Isaiah (3)—God’s Dwelling Place - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
Isaiah 57:15 ESV

“High and Lifted Up” in Isaiah (3)—God’s Dwelling Place
Our text today is the third and final mention of the statement that the Lord is “high and lifted up.” The triple use of this remarkable expression in the Book of Isaiah is full of interest and instruction for the believer. In Isaiah 6:1 He is “high and lifted up” as we view a stable throne in heaven, unmoved by the upheavals upon the earth; it is the Lord Jesus Christ and His glory which is revealed. In Isaiah 52:13 we see Messiah “high and lifted up” after He accomplished His sufferings on the cross; He has sat down on the right hand of the “greatness on High.”

Here, in Isaiah 57:15, we see One who is “high and lifted up,” who inhabits eternity. The emphasis here is the dwelling place of Jehovah. In fact, it is revealed that He has two dwelling places. First, He is the Eternal, which is the essential meaning of Jehovah. “From eternity to eternity Thou art God” (Ps. 90:2 jnd). He inhabits or dwells in eternity, which for our finite minds, is impossible to fathom or comprehend.

Secondly, He dwells with those who are “of a contrite and lowly spirit.” It is amazing to consider God’s condescending grace in dwelling with the lowly. This was marvelously displayed at the incarnation of Christ; He identified with those who were poor and lowly. The heavens are not too great for Him, neither is the human heart too small. The apostle’s prayer is “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Eph. 3:17). And He is with “two or three” meeting in His name (Mt. 18:20). These thoughts should cause us to pause and consider the “condescending gentleness” of our God (Ps. 18:35 jnd).

-- Brian Reynolds