Isaiah 59
BSB1 Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. 2 But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear. 3 For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice. 4 No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. 5 They hatch the eggs of vipers and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched. 6 Their cobwebs cannot be made into clothing, and they cannot cover themselves with their works. Their deeds are sinful deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands. 7 Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake. 8 The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks. They have turned them into crooked paths; no one who treads on them will know peace. 9 Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. 10 Like the blind, we feel our way along the wall, groping like those without eyes. We stumble at midday as in the twilight; among the vigorous we are like the dead. 11 We all growl like bears and moan like doves. We hope for justice, but find none, for salvation, but it is far from us. 12 For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us. Our transgressions are indeed with us, and we know our iniquities: 13 rebelling and denying the LORD, turning away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering lies from the heart. 14 So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. 15 Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice. 16 He saw that there was no man; He was amazed that there was no one to intercede. So His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him. 17 He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal. 18 So He will repay according to their deeds: fury to His enemies, retribution to His foes, and recompense to the islands. 19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD where the sun sets, and His glory where it rises. For He will come like a raging flood, driven by the breath of the LORD. 20 “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression, " declares the LORD. 21 “As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not depart from you, and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children and grandchildren, from now on and forevermore,” says the LORD.
Study Notes — Isaiah 59
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 59
- Themes from Isaiah 59
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 59
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah 59 begins by affirming that God's hand is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear, but the iniquities of the people have caused a separation between them and God (Isaiah 59:1-2). The chapter then describes the pervasive nature of sin, noting that no one calls for justice, and the people's feet run to evil (Isaiah 59:4, 7). Isaiah emphasizes the need for light in the midst of darkness, stating that those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 59:9-10, referencing Isaiah 40:31). The chapter concludes with a description of the Redeemer who will come to Zion and turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Isaiah 59:20-21), foreshadowing the coming of Christ. Throughout the chapter, Isaiah emphasizes the importance of recognizing the gravity of sin and seeking redemption through God.
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 59 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Isaiah, which prophesies the coming judgment and redemption of God's people. The chapter fits within the section of Isaiah that emphasizes the need for repentance and the promise of a future Messiah. This context is crucial for understanding the chapter's themes of sin, redemption, and the coming of a Savior. The book of Isaiah as a whole provides a broader understanding of God's plan for His people and the world, with Isaiah 59 playing a significant role in this narrative.
Heart Application
The chapter calls readers to acknowledge the gravity of sin and its consequences, then to seek redemption and restoration through God. This involves a personal recognition of sin and a turning away from it, towards God. As seen in Isaiah 59, this process of repentance and redemption is rooted in God's character and promise to provide a Savior.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 59 talks about how sin separates us from God, but God is powerful and can save us. The chapter emphasizes the need for repentance and the promise of a Redeemer who will come to save God's people. As seen in Isaiah 59:1-2, sin causes separation, but God's power to save is not limited. The chapter points to Christ as the ultimate Redeemer who will turn away ungodliness from Jacob, as mentioned in Isaiah 59:20-21.
Voices from the Church
“The Redeemer of Isaiah 59:20 is none other than Jesus Christ, who came to save His people from their sins, as seen in Matthew 1:21.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The separation caused by sin, as described in Isaiah 59:1-2, is a call to repentance and a reminder of humanity's need for a Savior.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: God's Power to Save (Isaiah 59:1-3) — Isaiah 59:1-3 establishes that God's power to save is not limited, but rather, it is humanity's sin that separates them from God.
- The Pervasiveness of Sin (Isaiah 59:4-8) — This section describes the widespread nature of sin and its consequences, emphasizing the need for redemption and the role of the Redeemer in turning away ungodliness.
- The Need for Light in Darkness (Isaiah 59:9-10) — Isaiah 59:9-10 highlights the need for light in the midst of darkness, stating that those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength, referencing Isaiah 40:31.
- The Promise of a Redeemer (Isaiah 59:20-21) — The chapter concludes with a description of the Redeemer who will come to Zion and turn away ungodliness from Jacob, foreshadowing the coming of Christ.
- Conclusion: Hope in Redemption (Isaiah 59:21) — Despite the dire circumstances, the chapter offers hope in the coming of a Redeemer who will save God's people, rooted in God's character and promise to provide a Savior.
Core Doctrines
- Total Depravity
- Isaiah 59:4-8 teaches that sin is pervasive and affects every aspect of human society, highlighting the doctrine of total depravity.
- Redemption
- The chapter emphasizes the need for redemption and the promise of a Redeemer who will come to save God's people, as seen in Isaiah 59:20-21.
- Repentance
- Isaiah 59 calls readers to repentance, involving a turning away from sin and towards God, as implied in the chapter's call to acknowledge and turn from sin.
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter affirms God's sovereignty and power to save, despite humanity's sin, as seen in Isaiah 59:1-3.
Lessons from Isaiah 59
- The Importance of Repentance — Isaiah 59 emphasizes the need for repentance and turning away from sin, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and turning from sin in order to restore a right relationship with God.
- The Power of God to Save — The chapter affirms God's power to save, despite humanity's sin, underscoring the doctrine of the sovereignty of God.
- The Promise of a Redeemer — Isaiah 59:20-21 promises a Redeemer who will come to save God's people, foreshadowing the coming of Christ and highlighting the importance of redemption.
- The Need for Light in Darkness — The chapter highlights the need for light in the midst of darkness, stating that those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength, referencing Isaiah 40:31.
- The Hope of Redemption — Despite the dire circumstances, the chapter offers hope in the coming of a Redeemer who will save God's people, rooted in God's character and promise to provide a Savior.
Themes from Isaiah 59
- Sin and Separation — The chapter describes the consequences of sin and the separation it causes between God and humanity, emphasizing the need for repentance and redemption.
- Redemption and Restoration — Isaiah 59 emphasizes the promise of a Redeemer who will come to save God's people, highlighting the themes of redemption and restoration.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter affirms God's sovereignty and power to save, despite humanity's sin, underscoring the doctrine of the sovereignty of God.
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter calls readers to repentance, involving a turning away from sin and towards God, as implied in the chapter's call to acknowledge and turn from sin.
- Hope in Darkness — Despite the dire circumstances, the chapter offers hope in the coming of a Redeemer who will save God's people, rooted in God's character and promise to provide a Savior.
Questions for Meditation
- How does sin separate us from God, and what are the consequences of this separation?
- What is the role of the Redeemer in turning away ungodliness from Jacob, and how does this relate to Christ?
- How can we apply the call to repentance from Isaiah 59 to our personal lives?
- What hope does the chapter offer for those who are waiting for the Lord, and how can we renew our strength in Him?
- How does the doctrine of total depravity, as seen in Isaiah 59:4-8, affect our understanding of human nature and the need for redemption?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: God's Power to Save (Isaiah 59:1-3)
| 59:1 | Isaiah 59:1 establishes that God's power to save is not limited, but rather, it is humanity's sin that separates them from God. |
| 59:2 | Isaiah 59:2 explains that the iniquities of the people have caused a separation between them and God. |
2. The Pervasiveness of Sin (Isaiah 59:4-8)
| 59:4 | Isaiah 59:4 describes the widespread nature of sin, noting that no one calls for justice. |
| 59:5 | Isaiah 59:5-6 emphasizes the destructive nature of sin, comparing it to a snake's eggs and a spider's web. |
| 59:7 | Isaiah 59:7 states that the people's feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood. |
3. The Need for Light in Darkness (Isaiah 59:9-10)
| 59:9 | Isaiah 59:9 highlights the need for light in the midst of darkness, stating that justice is far from us. |
| 59:10 | Isaiah 59:10 states that those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength, referencing Isaiah 40:31. |
4. The Promise of a Redeemer (Isaiah 59:20-21)
| 59:20 | Isaiah 59:20 promises a Redeemer who will come to Zion and turn away ungodliness from Jacob. |
| 59:21 | Isaiah 59:21 states that the Redeemer will come as a covenant to the people, and the Spirit will be upon them. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 59?
The main theme of Isaiah 59 is the separation between God and humanity caused by sin, and the promise of a Redeemer who will come to save God's people, as seen in Isaiah 59:20-21.
How does sin affect our relationship with God?
Sin causes a separation between God and humanity, as described in Isaiah 59:1-2. However, God's power to save is not limited, and He promises to redeem His people through a Redeemer, as seen in Isaiah 59:20-21.
Who is the Redeemer mentioned in Isaiah 59:20-21?
The Redeemer mentioned in Isaiah 59:20-21 is Jesus Christ, who came to save His people from their sins, as seen in Matthew 1:21 and referenced in John 1:1.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 59:1 → Psalm 107:20 | Both Isaiah 59:1 and Psalm 107:20 emphasize God's power to save and redeem His people. |
| 2 | Isaiah 59:20 → Romans 11:26 | Isaiah 59:20 and Romans 11:26 both reference the coming of a Redeemer who will save God's people, with Romans 11:26 quoting Isaiah 59:20-21. |
| 3 | Isaiah 59:9 → Isaiah 40:31 | Isaiah 59:9 and Isaiah 40:31 both describe the need for light in darkness and the promise of renewed strength for those who wait on the Lord. |
| 4 | Isaiah 59:2 → Habakkuk 1:13 | Isaiah 59:2 and Habakkuk 1:13 both describe the separation between God and humanity caused by sin. |
| 5 | Isaiah 59:21 → Hebrews 13:20-21 | Isaiah 59:21 and Hebrews 13:20-21 both reference the covenant of peace and the promise of God's presence with His people. |
| 6 | Isaiah 59:1 → John 1:1 | Isaiah 59:1 and John 1:1 both emphasize God's power and presence, with John 1:1 introducing Jesus Christ as the Word of God. |
| 7 | Isaiah 59:20 → Matthew 1:21 | Isaiah 59:20 and Matthew 1:21 both reference the coming of a Savior who will save His people from their sins. |
| 8 | Isaiah 59:9 → Psalm 119:105 | Isaiah 59:9 and Psalm 119:105 both describe the need for light in darkness and the importance of God's Word in guiding us. |
| 9 | Isaiah 59:2 → Romans 3:23 | Isaiah 59:2 and Romans 3:23 both describe the universal nature of sin and its consequences. |
| 10 | Isaiah 59:21 → 2 Corinthians 1:20 | Isaiah 59:21 and 2 Corinthians 1:20 both reference the promise of God's presence and peace with His people. |
Sermons on Isaiah 59
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Intercession - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher discusses four important aspects of Jesus' sacrifice. Firstly, Jesus poured out his soul unto death by shedding every drop of his blood, as the scriptu |
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Strengthen Me Just Once by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts by talking about the distractions and temptations of the world, comparing them to different varieties of ice cream and donuts. He then refers to |
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"America Rejecting the Light" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the concept of God's potential withdrawal of protection from a nation that has been abundantly blessed but has turned away from Him. It explores the idea th |
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(Godly Home) Part 1 - the Holy Art of Training Children by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a green thumb and the art of polishing stones. He compares these skills to the art of preaching and teaching the wor |
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Sin in the Camp by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing both the goodness and severity of God. He points out that while the goodness of God is often preached and celeb |
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The Redeemer Is Coming to Zion by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly knowing Jesus and not just using His name. He warns against the deception of prosperity gospel and the focus on mate |
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God Seeks a Man of Prayer by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of justice and salvation in the world, drawing parallels to historical events such as the Vietnam War, the tragedy of the boat peop |
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Satan's Final War Plan Exposed by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be vigilant against the devil's schemes. It highlights the strategy of the enemy to target |
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Puritan Evangelism by Al Martin | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing his personal journey into ministry and the importance of preaching the word of God. He then quotes J.I. Packer and Thomas Manton to em |
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Hatching Snake Eggs by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of putting off seeking deliverance from sin and turning back to God. He calls on those who have been injured or run away from God t |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 59
Matthew Henry's commentary on Isaiah 59 emphasizes the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance. He notes that the chapter describes the pervasive nature of sin and its effects on individuals and society. However, Henry also highlights the promise of a Redeemer who will come to save God's people, referencing Isaiah 59:20-21. He encourages readers to seek redemption and restoration through God, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and turning from sin. Ultimately, Henry's commentary on Isaiah 59 offers a message of hope and redemption, rooted in God's character and promise to provide a Savior. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pervasiveness of Sin
The chapter highlights how deeply ingrained sin is in society, with no one calling for justice and feet running to evil (Isaiah 59:4, 7). This observation underscores the need for redemption and the role of the Redeemer in turning away ungodliness.
Consequences of Sin
Isaiah 59 emphasizes the consequences of sin, including darkness, fear, and separation from God (Isaiah 59:9-10). These consequences serve as a call to repentance and a reminder of the need for a Savior.
Hope in Redemption
Despite the dire circumstances, the chapter offers hope in the coming of a Redeemer who will save God's people (Isaiah 59:20-21). This hope is rooted in God's character and His promise to provide a Savior.