Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 59

The Lord alone will bring salvation. Like a warrior, he will enter the world to defeat his enemies and protect his holy people.

The people said the Lord could not rescue them, but the real issue was that they had not repented (Isaiah 59:20) and were still sinning.

not too short: The delay in their rescue was not due to any weakness in the Lord.

your sins have hidden His face from you: The Israelites, like all people (Romans 3:15–17), had sinned. This led to separation from God, who turned away.

calls for justice: Israel did not practice these qualities that are part of God’s nature and that he expects from people (Isaiah 1:21; see 25:1).

The images of deadly snakes and spiders’ webs represent plans designed to destroy others’ lives and relationships.

• Paul quotes these verses when he describes the sinfulness of all people. He shows that everyone has turned away from God and does what is wrong (Romans 3:15–17).

• ruin and destruction: The people complained that others were treating them unfairly (Isaiah 51:19). They said they were suffering under oppression.

  But they were also treating other people unfairly. They had become oppressors themselves.

Israel had a long history of turning away from God. The people often rebelled against him.

In this passage, the prophet speaks for the nation. He admits their sins and expresses deep sorrow. He says they could not grasp the light of God’s salvation (they could not understand or receive the rescue God offered).

the blind: See Isaiah 6:10; Deuteronomy 28:29.

The people growl and moan with longing for redemption, finally coming to terms with their sinfulness.

The Lord acts like a warrior, determined to win against evil (see Ephesians 6:14).

He will repay according to their deeds: The Lord will give fair punishment to the whole earth. His justice requires judging people for the wrongs they have done (see also Isaiah 3:9–11; 13:9).

where the sun sets … where it rise: That is, in all parts of the world.

The new community members have the Spirit and follow God's word (see also Ezekiel 36:24–28). The Lord promises to renew the children through his Spirit. He will bring them into a covenant of obedience and love for the Lord (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:39).