1 Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.
3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.
4 None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
5 They hatch cockatrice’ eggs, and weave the spider’s web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.
6 Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works [are] works of iniquity, and the act of violence [is] in their hands.
7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction [are] in their paths.
8 The way of peace they know not; and [there is] no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.
9 Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, [but] we walk in darkness.
10 We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if [we had] no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; [we are] in desolate places as dead [men].
11 We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but [there is] none; for salvation, [but] it is far off from us.
12 For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions [are] with us; and [as for] our iniquities, we know them;
13 In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.
14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.
15 Yea, truth faileth; and he [that] departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw [it], and it displeased him that [there was] no judgment.
16 And he saw that [there was] no man, and wondered that [there was] no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.
17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.
18 According to [their] deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.
19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.
21 As for me, this [is] my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that [is] upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 59
Isaiah 59 is a significant chapter in the Book of Isaiah that addresses the themes of sin, separation from God, and the promise of redemption. It highlights the consequences of Israel’s iniquities and the need for divine intervention.
Key Themes
- Separation from God: The chapter opens with a declaration that God’s hand is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear, but it is the iniquities of the people that have created a barrier between them and God.
- Recognition of Sin: The people are called to recognize their sins, which include lies, violence, and injustice. The acknowledgment of these wrongdoings is crucial for understanding their current state.
- Divine Justice: God’s response to the sinfulness of the people is one of justice. The chapter emphasizes that God will not remain passive in the face of injustice and wrongdoing.
- Promise of Redemption: Despite the dire situation, there is a promise of hope and redemption. God will raise a standard against the enemy and bring salvation to those who turn back to Him.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-2: The Divine Dilemma
The chapter begins with a stark statement about God’s ability to save and hear prayers. It asserts that the problem lies not with God but with the people’s sins that have caused a separation. This sets the tone for the entire chapter, emphasizing the need for self-examination and repentance.
Verses 3-8: The Nature of Sin
These verses provide a vivid description of the sins prevalent among the people:
- Injustice: The people are depicted as engaging in deceitful practices, speaking lies, and committing acts of violence.
- Corruption: The imagery used illustrates a society that has turned away from righteousness, leading to a breakdown of moral and ethical standards.
- Despair: The consequences of their actions result in a pervasive sense of despair and hopelessness, as they are unable to find peace or justice.
Verses 9-15: The Result of Sin
Here, the effects of sin on the community are elaborated. The people lament their lack of justice and righteousness, expressing a sense of confusion and darkness. The absence of truth leads to a society filled with oppression and fear.
Verses 16-19: God’s Response
In these verses, God is portrayed as observing the plight of His people. His response is one of active involvement. He sees that there is no one to intercede and thus takes it upon Himself to bring salvation. This section emphasizes God’s commitment to justice and His readiness to act on behalf of the oppressed.
Verses 20-21: The Redeemer
The chapter concludes with a promise of a Redeemer who will come to Zion. This Redeemer is essential for the restoration of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The emphasis here is on the transformative power of repentance and the assurance that God will put His Spirit upon His people.
Conclusion
Isaiah 59 serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the hope of redemption. It calls for introspection and a return to righteousness while affirming God’s unwavering commitment to justice and salvation. The chapter encapsulates the tension between human failure and divine grace, making it a pivotal point in understanding the broader narrative of the Book of Isaiah.
