Study notes

Isaiah 59

Introducing IsaiahWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

54:1–66:24 Section

The last chapters in Isaiah described what would happen to people who did things God hated. God hated it when his people only acted as if they worshipped and obeyed him. But what they actually did was commit murder. They told lies and treated needy people badly. God hated it when people made evil plans and worshipped false gods. God longed for his people to stop sinning and to obey him. God described his longing like holding out his hands to welcome a stubborn nation.

God promised to bring judgement against his people for their sins. They would suffer and would be put to shame. He also invited them to change so that they could live. He described this like buying food and drink from him at a market. But God gave the food and drink for free. That showed how deeply God wanted them to turn back to him and be forgiven.

The last chapters in Isaiah also described what would happen to people who obeyed God. People who obeyed were humble, trusted God and wanted to be taught by him. They would be blessed and would be welcome in God’s house. That was another name for the temple. God promised to live with anyone who turns away from their sins. This promise applied to people from Jacob’s family line, to outsiders and to people from all nations. They would possess God’s holy mountain of Zion. This meant that they could live in the land where God ruled as King.

God described the light and brightness and new day of Jerusalem. He was talking about something more than the time when people returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. God described a completely new work that he would do. He would create new heavens and a new earth. In the new heavens and new earth, everyone would honour God. This was described as people from all over the world coming to Jerusalem. They would worship God there. This Jerusalem that God described would be full of joy. There would be no more crying. No one would cause harm or destroy anything or anyone. Everyone would do what was right and fair. God would do this new work when it was the right time.

Many years later Jesus said that God was starting that new work through him. Jesus used the words of Isaiah 61:1–2 to describe the work he was doing on earth (Luke 4:14–21). In Revelation, John also described the new heavens and new earth. The city where God ruled for ever as King was called the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1–5).

59:1

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

59:1–8

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.

59:1–20

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

59:2

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.

59:4

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).

59:5–6

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

59:7–8

  • 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.

59:9–15

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).

59:11–14

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

59:18

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).

59:19

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

59:21

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).

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources