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Isaiah 59

21 verses

TL;DR

Isaiah 59 laments Israel's widespread sin and its alienation from God, condemning injustice while prophesying divine judgment and eventual restoration.

Summary

The chapter opens with the LORD’s power undiminished, yet humanity’s iniquities keep them apart from God. It describes the pervasive corruption of the people—defiled hands, false speech, and a culture of violence—leading to the absence of justice and truth. The lament continues with vivid imagery of people stumbling in darkness, yearning for judgment that never arrives. Despite this bleak picture, the text shifts to the LORD’s intent to bring salvation, describing His righteousness as armor and His intercession as the sole remedy. Isaiah proclaims that those who turn back to Him will receive enduring covenantal promises, and that His words will remain forever in the mouths of His people. The passage concludes with a declaration of God’s sovereignty and the assurance that His righteousness and judgment will prevail over all.

Outline
  1. Humanity’s sin separates them from God and erodes justice.
  2. Lament of the people's corrupt state and longing for judgment.
  3. God’s promise of righteousness, intercession, and lasting covenant.
Themes
Sin and alienation from GodJustice versus injusticeRedemption and covenantal faithfulness
Keywords
handearinniquityjusticetruthsorrowsalvationrighteousnesscovenantjudgmentintercessor
People
the LORD
Places
Zionthe westthe rising of the sun
Things
handearrighteousnessbreastplatehelmet of salvationgarments of vengeancecloak of zealstandardspiritcovenant
Key Verses
  • Isaiah 59:2: Highlights the root cause of separation: sin obscuring God's presence.
  • Isaiah 59:11: Expresses collective despair and the absence of judgment.
  • Isaiah 59:16: Marks the turning point where God intends to intervene.
  • Isaiah 59:21: Affirms the enduring covenant and the permanence of God's words.
Questions
  • How does Isaiah's depiction of sin in 59:1‑8 compare with earlier calls for repentance?
  • What role does the imagery of armor (breastplate, helmet) play in conveying God's protection?
  • In what ways does the promise of a covenantal presence in 59:21 influence Jewish and Christian understandings of God’s faithfulness?
  • How can believers today relate to the lament of seeking justice that is absent?
Sentiment

negative
The passage conveys sorrow and condemnation, yet contains a hopeful promise of redemption.