Isa 59:9 | NETfull | STEP | For this reason deliverance is far from us and salvation does not reach us. We wait for light, but see only darkness; we wait for a bright light, but live in deep darkness.

Isaiah 59:9

Israel Confesses its Sin

9 For this reason deliverance ^{▼▼ מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat), which refers to “justice” in the earlier verses, here refers to “justice from God,” or “vindication.” Because the people are unjust, God refuses to vindicate them before their enemies. See v. 11.} is far from us ^{▼▼ The prophet speaks on behalf of the sinful nation and confesses its sins.}
and salvation does not reach us.
We wait for light, ^{▼▼ Light here symbolizes prosperity and blessing.} but see only darkness; ^{▼▼ Heb “but, look, darkness”; NIV “but all is darkness.”}
we wait for ^{▼▼ The words “we wait for” are supplied in the translation; the verb is understood by ellipsis (note the preceding line).} a bright light, ^{▼▼ The plural noun form may indicate degree here.} but live ^{▼▼ Or “walk about”; NCV “all we have is darkness.”} in deep darkness. ^{▼▼ The plural noun form may indicate degree here.}