Isaiah 59:14

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 59:9-15

The scope of this paragraph is the same with that of the last, to show that sin is the great mischief-maker; as it is that which keeps good things from us, so it is that which brings evil things upon us. But as there it is spoken by the prophet, in God's name, to the people, for their conviction and humiliation, and that God might be justified when he speaks and clear when he judges, so here it seems to be spoken by the people to God, as an acknowledgment of that which was there told them and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 59:14

And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off ,.... Jarchi interprets this of the vengeance of God, and his righteousness in his judgments, not immediately executed; but it is to be understood of the want of judgment and justice being done among men; and therefore are represented as persons turned back, and standing afar off, rejected, neglected, and discouraged. The Targum renders it, "they that do judgment are turned back, and they that do justice stand afar off;' ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 59:14

Justice standeth afar off - צדקה tsedakah , righteousness, put here, says Kimchi, for alms to the poor. This casts some light on Matthew 6:1 ; : "Take heed that you do not your alms," ελεημοσυνην . But the best copies have δικαιοσυνην , righteousness; the former having been inserted in the text at first merely as the explanation of the genuine and original word. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 59:1-15

The separation of the soul from God. Why in the hour of need is there no deliverance? Why are prayers for aid unanswered? A theory might obtain, or an objection might be raised, that Divine power was not sufficient, that the Divine sensibility was dulled. And yet this cannot be. The simplest knowledge of what God is must contradict an assumption so foolish. There must be another explanation; and that, the conscience says, is to be found on the human side of the relation. I. THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 59:9-15

ISRAEL HUMBLY CONFESSES ITS SIN 'S TO GOD . Isaiah, anxious to bring the people to confession and amendment, makes humble confession in their name, joining himself with them, as if he had been a participator in their iniquities. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 59:14

Judgment is turned away backward . In conclusion, the crying sin of perversion of justice is admitted with much amplification. (1) Right judgment is exactly inverted—the innocent are condemned, the guilty acquitted. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 59:14-15

Truth the foundation of morality. Surprise is sometimes expressed at there being no distinct prohibition of all lying in the ten commandments. "False witness" alone is forbidden. But the reason may be that truth is assumed as too fundamentally necessary for any one to suppose that it could possibly be dispensed with. Similarly, piety is assumed as a duty in the commandments, where men are not bidden to worship God, but warned against worshipping more than one God, and against worshipping him... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 59:14

And judgment is turned away backward - The word ‘judgment’ is not used, as in Isaiah 59:9, to denote the divine interposition to avenge and deliver them, but it is used in the sense of justice, or lust decisions between man and man. The verse contains a further confession of the evil of their course of life; and, among other things, they acknowledged that they had been unjust in their legal decisions. They had been influenced by partiality and by bribes; they had condemned the innocent, they... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 59:14-15

Isaiah 59:14-15. And judgment is turned away backward He speaks here of the sentences in courts of judicature, which were contrary to right and justice; as if he had said, God denies you justice, as you have denied it to others. And justice standeth afar off Justice and judges are at a great distance from each other; for truth is fallen Truth is cast to the ground, and justice trampled under foot; in the street Even in public. And equity cannot enter No such thing will be admitted... read more

Donald C. Fleming

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

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