Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. hand. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. not shortened. Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 11:23 ). Compare Isaiah 50:2 . The phrase occurs nowhere else in the O.T. read more
Kelley stated that this chapter "can be best understood when it is seen in its post-exilic setting!"[1] For once we wholly agree with the critical community that the prophecies of the chapter belong completely to the post-exilic community of the Jewish nation, a long, long time post-exilic, even to the times of the Son of God, the great intercessor mentioned in the closing part of this chapter standing for Jesus Christ our Lord, and impossible of any intelligent identification with anyone else.... read more
Isaiah 59:1-2. Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened— The prophet here teaches, that the reason why God does not exert his power for the avenging of his people, is not because his hand is shortened, but because he doth not hear their prayers; that he does not hear, not because his ear is grown heavy, but because an intermediate cloud, namely, of their sins, hinders his face from being seen by them in favour, or their prayers from being heard or regarded by him: as much as to say, "The reason... read more
1. hand . . . shortened—(See on Isaiah 59:5). ear heavy— (Isaiah 59:5- :). read more
The people were complaining that God was not answering their prayers (cf. Isaiah 58:1-3). Isaiah assured them that His silence was not due to His inability to help them (a shortened hand) or to His disinterest in them (an insensitive ear). read more
Isaiah’s evidence 59:1-8"This passage describes the appalling moral breakdown of Jewish society-which perfectly accords with what we know of the degeneracy of Manasseh’s reign." [Note: Archer, p. 650.] The prophet resumed his accusations against God’s people (cf. Isaiah 58:1-5). read more
What Israel did 59:1-15aAs mentioned above, this second segment of the section dealing with the relationship of righteousness and ritual (chs. 58-59) deals with the inability of God’s redeemed people to produce righteous behavior in their own strength. Chapter 57 dealt with their inability to break with idolatry in their own strength."In chapter 57 he [Isaiah] condemned adulterous paganism, in chapter 58 hypocritical fasting, while here it is chiefly injustice that calls forth his condemnation.... read more
1, 2. An answer to the implied objection that the promises of restoration have not yet been fulfilled. 3. Cp. 1:15.4. RV ’None sueth in righteousness.. in truth.’ The allusion is to unjust prosecutions. 5. Cockatrice]RM ’adder.’ He that eateth, etc.] i.e. the man who falls in with their plans is ruined thereby, and he who opposes them is confronted with a still greater danger. 6. Their schemes cannot even benefit themselves. 9. The prophet and the people confess their sins. Light] i.e.... read more
LIX.(1) Behold, the Lord’s hand . . .—The declaration is an implied answer to the complaint, like that of Isaiah 58:3, that the glorious promises had not as yet been fulfilled. The murmurera are told that the hindrance is on their side. read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 59:1-21
Society incapable of reform (59:1-21)Ungodly society is heading for destruction. The reason for this is not that God is powerless to save people, but that people’s sins have cut them off from God, the only one who can save them. They have filled the land with violence, lies and treachery (59:1-3).Because of the corruption of the courts, there is no justice in society (4). Wickedness multiplies as evil people spread their poison and trap the innocent in their plots. They try to cover their sin... read more