Isaiah 59: The Problems of Sin

Introduction: Isaiah 59 outlines the consequences of sin and the hope for redemption through God’s intervention. The chapter highlights the separation between God and His people due to their iniquities and emphasizes the need for repentance. However, it also assures believers of God’s willingness to save and restore those who turn to Him. As we delve into this chapter, let’s be inspired by the promise of salvation and the call to live righteously.

I. Isaiah 59:1-2: The Problem of Sin
In these verses, the prophet Isaiah addresses the issue of sin and its impact on the relationship between God and His people. The Lord’s arm is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear, but the people’s iniquities have separated them from God, and their sins have hidden His face from them. This concept of separation due to sin is echoed in Jeremiah 5:25, where the prophet declares that the people’s sins have withheld good from them. In Romans 3:23, Paul reiterates that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, emphasizing the universal nature of sin and its consequences.

II. Isaiah 59:3-8: The Depth of Iniquity
The prophet clearly describes the wickedness of the people, from hands stained with blood to feet swift to shed innocent blood. They have become entangled in a web of lies and deceit, resulting in a society filled with violence and injustice. This portrayal of sinfulness is reminiscent of Proverbs 6:16-19, which lists actions that are detestable to the Lord, including hands that shed innocent blood and feet that are quick to rush into evil. In Romans 1:29-31, Paul provides a similar list of sinful behaviors that characterize a godless society.

III. Isaiah 59:9-15: The Confession of Sins
The people acknowledge that they are living in darkness and that justice and righteousness are far from them. They confess their transgressions and realize that their sins testify against them. This act of confession aligns with 1 John 1:9, which assures us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us. In Psalm 32:5, David also speaks of the relief that comes with confessing sins and receiving God’s forgiveness.

IV. Isaiah 59:16-20: The Divine Intervention
Seeing the absence of justice and righteousness, God Himself decides to intervene. He puts on righteousness as armor and salvation as a helmet, reminiscent of Ephesians 6:14-17, where believers are urged to put on the full armor of God, including the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation. God promises to repay His enemies and bring salvation to those who repent, as stated in Romans 12:19, which advises leaving vengeance to God, for He will repay.

V. Isaiah 59:21: The Covenant Promise
God establishes a covenant with His people, promising that His Spirit and His words will not depart from them or their descendants. This echoes the promise in Jeremiah 31:33, where God declares He will write His law on the people’s hearts and be their God. In Hebrews 8:10, this new covenant is reiterated, highlighting the intimate relationship between God and His followers.

Conclusion: Isaiah 59 is a sobering reflection on the gravity of sin and the hope for redemption. It urges us to acknowledge our transgressions and turn to God for salvation. The chapter assures us that despite the darkness of sin, God’s light can still shine through, and His covenant promise remains steadfast. Let us be inspired to live righteously and embrace the salvation that comes through God’s divine intervention.