Isaiah 59

2 your sins have hid His face. Heb., “the Face.”

4. None calleth for justice, etc. Rather, as R.V., “None sueth in righteousness, and none pleadeth in truth.” All transactions between man and man are tainted by insincerity and hypocrisy.

5. They hatch cockatrice’ (or adders’) eggs. Their purposes are mischievous; they hurt others, and they do no good to themselves (6).

9. Therefore is judgement far from us. Being opposed to all peace and justice (8), they lose the benefits of God’s salvation (11).

10 in desolate places. Or, “in dark places”: comp. Lam. iii. 6.

11 like bears . . . like doves. The more violent and the more gentle expressions of grief.

12 our transgressions, etc. The language of the people now takes the tone of penitence.

14 truth is fallen in the street. For a similar impressive personification, see Psa. lv. 9-11. So entirely were truth and honesty banished from all public and private transactions, that every one who would not conform to the wicked practices of the multitude exposed himself to ruin (15).

16 no intercessor. Rather, “none interposing.” Just when the wickedness and the misery of the people have reached a most alarming height, and evidently cannot be arrested by any human power, God interposes.

brought salvation unto Him. He for Himself (or by Himself—all alone) wrought salvation.

17. He put on righteousness, etc. The figure of a warrior arming himself for battle, here carried out into striking detail. But there are no offensive weapons: He wars and conquers by His Spirit alone.

19. When the enemy shall come in like a flood. Or, “For He shall come as a rushing stream, which the breath of the Lord driveth” (R.V.).

20 the Redeemer. “A redeemer,” R.V.; i.e., He shall come to Zion as a redeemer (Goei).

that turn from transgression in Jacob. The promise is not for the literal, but the spiritual Israel: see Rom. xi. 26.

21 upon thee. Words addressed to the true Israel, the witness and messenger of Divine truth to all generations.