Isaiah 59
Tyndale Open Study Notes 12 verses
Isaiah 59:1
59:1-20 The Lord alone can and will usher in his salvation. Like a warrior, he will break into the world to avenge himself on his enemies and to vindicate his holy people.59:1-8 The people complained that the Lord could not rescue them, but the real problem was that they had not repented (59:20) and were still living in sin.59:1 not too weak: The delay in their rescue could not be attributed to an inherent weakness in the Lord.
Isaiah 59:2
59:2 your sins . . . cut you off: The Israelites, like all people (Rom 3:15-17), had sinned, which resulted in alienation from God (he has turned away).
Isaiah 59:4
59:4 being fair and honest: Israel did not practice these qualities that are part of God’s nature and that he expects from people (1:21; see 25:1).
Isaiah 59:5
59:5-6 The images of deadly snakes and spiders’ webs represent plans designed to destroy others’ lives and relationships.
Isaiah 59:7
59:7-8 Paul quotes from these verses in his description of the depravity of all people (Rom 3:15-17). • Misery and destruction: The people lamented being victims of oppression (Isa 51:19), yet they were oppressors themselves.
Isaiah 59:9
59:9-15 Israel’s history of rebellion was well established. The prophet here confesses the nation’s sins and laments that they could not apprehend the light of God’s salvation.
Isaiah 59:10
59:10 people without eyes: See 6:10; Deut 28:29.
Isaiah 59:11
59:11-14 The people growl and moan with longing for redemption, finally coming to terms with their sinfulness.
Isaiah 59:15
59:15-17 The Lord goes out as a warrior intent on achieving victory against the wicked (cp. Eph 6:14).
Isaiah 59:18
59:18 repay his enemies: The Lord will dole out righteous retribution on the whole earth. His justice requires people to be judged for the evil they have done (see also 3:9-11; 13:9).
Isaiah 59:19
59:19 In the west . . . in the east: I.e., in all parts of the world.
Isaiah 59:21
59:21 The members of the new community have the Spirit, and they know and practice God’s word (see also Ezek 36:24-28). The Lord promises to regenerate the children by his Spirit and bring them into the covenant of obedience and love for the Lord (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:39).