Isaiah 59:16
Isaiah 59:16 in Multiple Translations
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.
¶ 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.
And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his own arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it upheld him.
And he saw that there was no man, and was surprised that there was no one to take up their cause: so his arm gave salvation, and he made righteousness his support.
He looked around, and he was appalled to find there was no one who would do anything about it, so he intervened himself, and his sense of what was right kept him going.
And when he sawe that there was no man, hee wondered that none woulde offer him selfe. Therefore his arme did saue it, and his righteousnes it selfe did sustaine it.
And He seeth that there is no man, And is astonished that there is no intercessor, And His own arm giveth salvation to Him, And His righteousness — it sustained Him.
He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor. Therefore his own arm brought salvation to him; and his righteousness sustained him.
And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation to him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.
And he saw that there is not a man: and he stood astonished, because there is none to oppose himself: and his own arm brought salvation to him, and his own justice supported him.
He was disgusted when he saw that no one tried to help those who were being treated cruelly. So he used his own power [MTY] to rescue them; it is because he is always righteous that he did that [PRS].
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 59:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 59:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּרְא֙
כִּֽי
אֵ֣ין
אִ֔ישׁ
וַ/יִּשְׁתּוֹמֵ֖ם
כִּ֣י
אֵ֣ין
מַפְגִּ֑יעַ
וַ/תּ֤וֹשַֽׁע
ל/וֹ֙
זְרֹע֔/וֹ
וְ/צִדְקָת֖/וֹ
הִ֥יא
סְמָכָֽתְ/הוּ
וַ/יַּרְא֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וַ/יִּשְׁתּוֹמֵ֖ם
shâmêm
H8074
be desolate
Conj | V-r-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
מַפְגִּ֑יעַ
pâgaʻ
H6293
to fall on
V-Hiphil
וַ/תּ֤וֹשַֽׁע
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
ל/וֹ֙
Prep | Suff
זְרֹע֔/וֹ
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
arm
N-cs | Suff
וְ/צִדְקָת֖/וֹ
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Conj | N-fs | Suff
הִ֥יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
סְמָכָֽתְ/הוּ
çâmak
H5564
to support
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 59:16
וַ/יַּרְא֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וַ/יִּשְׁתּוֹמֵ֖ם
shâmêm
H8074
"be desolate"
Conj | V-r-ConsecImperf-3ms
The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מַפְגִּ֑יעַ
pâgaʻ
H6293
"to fall on"
V-Hiphil
To meet or encounter, either by chance or intention, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:1-17. It can also mean to make a request or intercede on behalf of someone. In Exodus 32:1-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, light upon, join 1a2) to meet (of kindness) 1a3) to encounter, fall upon (of hostility) 1a4) to encounter, entreat (of request) 1a5) to strike, touch (of boundary) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to light upon 1b2) to cause to entreat 1b3) to make entreaty, interpose 1b4) to make attack 1b5) to reach the mark
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run. See also: Genesis 23:8; 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 47:3.
וַ/תּ֤וֹשַֽׁע
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
ל/וֹ֙
""
Prep | Suff
זְרֹע֔/וֹ
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
"arm"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
וְ/צִדְקָת֖/וֹ
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
הִ֥יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
סְמָכָֽתְ/הוּ
çâmak
H5564
"to support"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
To support or lean on something, like a person or object, as seen in the Bible where God upholds his people. It means to hold something up or stand firm. This concept appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to lean, lay, rest, support, put, uphold, lean upon 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lean or lay upon, rest upon, lean against 1a2) to support, uphold, sustain 1b) (Niphal) to support or brace oneself 1c) (Piel) to sustain, refresh, revive
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: bear up, establish, (up-) hold, lay, lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay (self), sustain. See also: Genesis 27:37; Judges 16:29; Psalms 3:6.
Study Notes — Isaiah 59:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 59:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 59:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 59:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 59:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 59:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 59:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 59:16
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 59:16
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 59:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 59:16
- Sermons on Isaiah 59:16
Context — Sin Separates Us from God
14So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter.
15Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.
16He 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.
17He 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. 18So He will repay according to their deeds: fury to His enemies, retribution to His foes, and recompense to the islands.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 22:30 | I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one. |
| 2 | Psalms 106:23 | So He said He would destroy them— had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them. |
| 3 | Isaiah 64:7 | No one calls on Your name or strives to take hold of You. For You have hidden Your face from us and delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. |
| 4 | Psalms 98:1 | Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done wonders; His right hand and holy arm have gained Him the victory. |
| 5 | Isaiah 41:28 | When I look, there is no one; there is no counselor among them; when I ask them, they have nothing to say. |
| 6 | Isaiah 63:3–5 | “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. For the day of vengeance was in My heart, and the year of My redemption had come. I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one assisted. So My arm brought Me salvation, and My own wrath upheld Me. |
| 7 | Mark 6:6 | And He was amazed at their unbelief. And He went around from village to village, teaching the people. |
| 8 | Genesis 18:23–32 | Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous ones who are there? Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.” Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes— suppose the fifty righteous ones lack five. Will You destroy the whole city for the lack of five?” He replied, “If I find forty-five there, I will not destroy it.” Once again Abraham spoke to the LORD, “Suppose forty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the forty, I will not do it.” Then Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak further. Suppose thirty are found there?” He replied, “If I find thirty there, I will not do it.” And Abraham said, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord, suppose twenty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the twenty, I will not destroy it.” Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 52:10 | The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. |
| 10 | Isaiah 50:2 | Why was no one there when I arrived? Why did no one answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem you? Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. |
Isaiah 59:16 Summary
This verse means that God looked for someone to pray for the people and bring them back to Him, but He didn't find anyone, so He decided to save them Himself. He used His own power to bring salvation, and His righteousness guided Him in all that He did, as seen in Psalm 89:14. This is similar to how God worked through Jesus Christ to save us, as seen in John 3:16. God wants us to trust in His power to save us and to reflect His righteousness in our own lives, as we see in Matthew 5:48.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God saw that there was no man to intercede?
This means that God looked for someone to stand in the gap and pray for the people, but He found no one, so He took matters into His own hands, as seen in Isaiah 59:16, similar to how He worked through Moses in Exodus 32:11-14.
Why was God amazed that there was no one to intercede?
God was amazed because He expects His people to be a voice for justice and righteousness, as seen in Isaiah 1:17, and to pray for those who are lost, as taught in Luke 18:1-8.
What does it mean that God's own arm brought salvation?
This means that God Himself brought salvation to His people, using His own power and strength, as seen in Isaiah 59:16, similar to how He delivered Israel from Egypt in Exodus 15:6.
How does God's righteousness sustain Him?
God's righteousness is the foundation of His character, and it sustains Him in all that He does, as seen in Psalm 92:15, and it is what motivates Him to bring salvation to His people, as seen in Isaiah 59:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can intercede for others in prayer, as God expects His people to do?
- How can I be a voice for justice and righteousness in my community, as God calls us to do in Isaiah 1:17?
- What does it mean for God to be my salvation, and how can I trust in His power to deliver me from sin and its consequences?
- How can I reflect God's righteousness in my own life, and what are some ways that I can grow in righteousness?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 59:16
And he saw that there was no man,.... Whose works are good, as the Targum adds; no good man, or faithful and righteous one, that had any regard to truth and justice; that was an advocate for truth,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 59:16
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 59:16
No man, viz. to intercede, which is supplied from the following words; or no man to help in such a case, to show himself and appear in such a corrupt state in the behalf of equity, as ; the like circumstances we have ,30; or none fit to intercede. Wondered, Heb. iistomen, was amazed, astonished, as it were, not knowing what to do. This notes both God’ s solicitousness about their condition, and their hypocrisy, as if God took no notice of them, together with their dulness and blockishness, in not concerning themselves about it, especially considering they had been a people so well instructed, and yet under the guilt of such gross sins should be no more solicitous about pardon, which God would readily have granted, if any such could have been found, . Therefore; or, yet, as it is used, 51:21. His arm brought salvation unto him: this may relate, 1. To the parties thus oppressed. Or, 2. To God, as that either, 1. He would do his work without help from any other, . Or, 2.
He would avenge himself, his own honour; thus the word is used ; and this may and seems to be the meaning of the next clause. Or, 3. He had made provision for the maintaining his own righteous cause and people’ s interest: this sense, that phrase, so like this, favours, , Salvation unto me. His righteousness, viz. his justice: q.d. Seeing there could be no justice found among them, he would avenge the innocent himself, which agrees with , and is justified by , where speaking of the destruction of the Idumeans, you have the same words, only the word fury changed for righteousness. The literal meaning is, God’ s taking vengeance on the Chaldeans for the people’ s sake; the mystical is, Christ’ s making use of his own righteousness for the redemption of lest man, being destitute of all other.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 59:16
Isaiah 59:16 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.Ver. 16. And wondered.] The Vulgate hath it, Aporiatus est. That there was no intercessor.] No interposer that would stickle for truth and right, as did Nehemiah, Athanasius, Luther, &c. Therefore his arm brought salvation … and his righteousness,] i.e., Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God Jun.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 59:16
(16) He saw that there was no man . . .—If the words mean no “righteous man,” we have a parallel in Jeremiah 5:1, and the “intercessor” points to action like that of Aaron (Numbers 16:48) or Phinehas (Numbers 25:7). On the interpretation here adopted, “no man” is equivalent to “no champion.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 59:16
Verse 16. And wondered that there was no intercessor] This and the following verses some of the most eminent rabbins understand as spoken of the Messiah. Kimchi says that Rabbi Joshua ben Levi proposes this objection: "It is written, 'Behold, he will come in the clouds of heaven as the son of man,' Daniel 7:13; and elsewhere it is written, 'He cometh lowly, and riding upon an ass,' Zechariah 9:9. How can these texts be reconciled? Thus: If the Jews have merit, he will come unto them in the clouds of heaven; but if they be destitute of merit, he will come unto them riding upon an ass." Now out of their own mouth they may be condemned. They were truly destitute of all merit when Jesus Christ came into Jerusalem riding upon an ass, according to the letter of the above prophecy; and they neither acknowledged nor received him. And that they were destitute of merit their destruction by the Romans, which shortly followed their rejection of him, sufficiently proves.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 59:16
16. Comp. the closely parallel passage, ch. Isaiah 63:5. there was no man] See on ch. Isaiah 50:2. no intercessor] Better none to interpose, i.e. on behalf of truth and right (cf. Ezekiel 22:30). Duhm finds in these expressions an allusion to the absence of any human hero to play the rôle assigned to Cyrus in the earlier part of the book. This is perhaps to strain the prophet’s language unduly; but see on Isaiah 63:5. therefore his arm &c.] Jehovah’s only allies in this conflict with wickedness are His own attributes. brought salvation unto him] “wrought deliverance for Him.” Cf. Judges 7:2. That the whole description refers to a future event can hardly be questioned. The perfects in this verse and the next are those of prophetic certainty.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 59:16
And he saw that there was no man - That is, no wise and prudent man qualified to govern the affairs of the people.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 59:16
15-17. The Lord saw it — Dramatic for the statement that he accepts the confession as he promised. Isaiah 58:8-14. It displeased — Literally, It was evil in his eyes.
Sermons on Isaiah 59:16
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Isaiah 64 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of studying Acts 26 and Isaiah 40 in order to understand the role of a preacher and the concept of God. He encourages preache |
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The Compassion of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that it is not enough for Christians to simply appear good or have a Sunday face. He argues that true transformation comes when God's nature |
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The Power of Gentle Hands by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Isaiah chapter 40 verse 10, which describes the coming of the Lord with a strong hand and His arm ruling for Him. The speaker highlights the |
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Carry His Burden by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden for the world that is without God. He encourages the audience to bear the burden and care for others, belie |
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The Ark of the Covenant: Crossing Jordan Part Ii by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the Israelites as they finally reach the promised land after 40 years of discipline. However, they face a great obstacle in t |
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The Impact One Life Can Have, Part Two by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to break free from the sins and distractions that hinder their relationship with God. He challenges the audience to co |
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Blessed Are the Pure in Heart by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the poor quality of the recording but expresses hope that the message will still be a blessing. The speaker then reads from Psal |