Isa 59 | MHM | STEP | The Prevalence and Effects of Sin. In this passage, the prophet Isaiah explains why the people's prayers for help have not been answered. Some thought God was not able or willing to save them, but Isaiah shows that the real problem is their own sin. God is powerful and ready to save, but sin has created a barrier between the people and God. v. 1 : Isaiah assures the people that God is not weak or deaf. Behold, the Lord 's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear . God is just as strong and willing to help as ever. If their prayers are not answered, it is not because God cannot hear or act.

‏ Isaiah 59

The Prevalence and Effects of Sin.

In this passage, the prophet Isaiah explains why the people's prayers for help have not been answered. Some thought God was not able or willing to save them, but Isaiah shows that the real problem is their own sin. God is powerful and ready to save, but sin has created a barrier between the people and God.

v. 1: Isaiah assures the people that God is not weak or deaf. Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear . God is just as strong and willing to help as ever. If their prayers are not answered, it is not because God cannot hear or act.

v. 2: The real problem is sin. Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear . Sin acts like a wall between people and God. It blocks his blessings and stops him from hearing their prayers. Sin not only removes them from God’s help, but it also brings trouble and curses instead (Jeremiah 5:25 ^a).

v. 3–8: Isaiah lists the many ways people have sinned. Their hands are stained with blood, their lips speak lies, and their hearts plan evil (Isaiah 59:3 ^b). They are violent, dishonest, and show no concern for justice. They think evil thoughts, plan wickedness, and carry out destructive actions. They are quick to do harm and spread trouble wherever they go (Isaiah 59:4–7 ^c). No one stands up for what is right or seeks the truth. Instead, they trust in empty promises and chase after worthless things. Their ways are crooked, and anyone who follows them will never find peace (Isaiah 59:8 ^d). Sin not only offends God but also ruins lives and communities.

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The Prevalence and Effects of Sin.

This section continues to show how serious and damaging sin is. The people now recognize and admit that their troubles are the result of their own wrongdoing. They confess that God has been just in letting them suffer, because their own sins have separated them from his help and blessings. The passage highlights both the effects of sin on the nation and the people’s need to admit their guilt.

v. 9–11: The people admit that God has allowed them to suffer because of their sins. They say, Judgment is far from us, neither does justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity (Isaiah 59:9 ^e). They expected help and deliverance, but instead they found more trouble and darkness. They are lost and confused, like blind people groping for a wall (Isaiah 59:10 ^f). Their sadness is deep, and they feel hopeless—some are loud in their grief, like roaring bears, while others mourn quietly, like doves (Isaiah 59:11 ^g). They admit that they are as good as dead, with no hope left.

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v. 12–13: The people confess their many sins. Our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us (Isaiah 59:12 ^h). They realize their sins cannot be hidden from God and that their wrong actions have made things worse. They admit to lying against the Lord, breaking their promises to him, and turning away from following him (Isaiah 59:13 ⁱ). Their words and actions have been false and unfaithful.

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v. 14–15: The people see that justice and truth are missing from their society. Judgment is turned away backward, and justice stands afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter (Isaiah 59:14 ^j). People ignore what is right, and those who want to do good are treated badly. If anyone tries to avoid evil, he becomes a target. The people admit that all of this displeases God, who sees everything. God is not happy that there is no justice or repentance among his people. Their lack of truth and justice brings even more trouble upon them.

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The LORD Brings Salvation with His Own Arm

This section shows how God sees the deep sin and injustice among His people. No one stands up for what is right, so God Himself decides to save them. He acts with His own power and brings justice and salvation. God promises to defeat His enemies and make a covenant with His people, filling them with His Spirit and His word forever.

v. 16: God was amazed that there was no one to intervene. So, “His own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him”. When no one else could help, God decided to act Himself to save His people.

v. 17: God put on righteousness like armor and salvation like a helmet. He dressed Himself with garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in zeal like a cloak . This shows God is serious about dealing with evil and bringing justice.

v. 18: God will repay His enemies for their actions. Those who oppose Him will receive what they deserve, both near and far, because of what they have done .

v. 19: People from the west to the east will fear the name of the Lord. “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him”. God will protect His people from danger and evil.

v. 20: God promises, “A Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression”. God will send someone to save His people who are sorry for their sins.

v. 21: God makes a covenant, saying, “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth... from this time forth and forevermore”(Isaiah 59:21 ^k). God promises that His Spirit and His word will always be with His people.