This chapter is closely connected in sense with the preceding, and is designed to illustrate the same general sentiment; that the reason why the religious services of the nation were not accepted, and the nation delivered from calamity, was their hypocrisy and their other sins. The previous chapter contained a bold and energetic reproof of their expectation of the divine favor, when they were observing only external rites without repentance, and even when they continued to practice oppression and cruelty. This beautiful chapter states more in detail their sins, and the consequences of their transgressions. The following arrangement of the parts of the chapter, will show its design and scope at a single view.
I. It was not because Yahweh was unable to save them that they were exposed to such judgments, and visited with such calamities Isaiah 59:1. They were, therefore, not to blame him. This general principle is stated, in order to prevent what commonly occurs when people suffer much - a disposition to throw the blame on God.
II. It was for their sins that they were exposed to these judgments Isaiah 59:2-8. The prophet proceeds to specify those sins in detail, with a view to bring them to conviction and to repentance.
1. The general principle is stated, that it was their sins alone which had separated between them and God Isaiah 59:2.
2. Their hands were defiled with blood (Isaiah 59:3, part first).
3. Their lips had spoken falsehood (Isaiah 59:3, last part).
4. There was no justice among them (Isaiah 59:4, part first).
5. Their plans were mischievous (Isaiah 59:4, second part).
6. Their actions were like the egg of the cockatrice, hateful and destructive as that egg when hatched Isaiah 59:5.
7. Their works were like the web of a spider, which could never be a covering of righteousness Isaiah 59:6.
8. Their feet run to evil (Isaiah 59:7, part first).
9. Their thoughts were evil (Isaiah 59:7, second part).
10. They were strangers to the way of peace Isaiah 59:8.
III. After this statement of the prevalent sins of the nation, the prophet introduces the people as making confession, that it was for these and similar sins that they were exposed to the divine displeasure. Identifying himself with the people, he enumerates the calamities to which they were exposed, as a consequence of the sins which prevailed Isaiah 59:9-14. They were in darkness; they waited in vain for light; they stumbled at noon-day; they vented their sorrows like the roaring of bears, or the plaintive cry of the dove, but all in vain.
IV. Yahweh is represented as seeing this state of deep guilt; a state where there was deep conviction of that guilt, and a readiness to make confession; and as wondering that there was no intercessor, and as himself interposing to bring deliverance and salvation Isaiah 59:15-18. The characteristics of him who should come to accomplish these purposes, were righteousness, salvation, vengeance, and zeal Isaiah 59:17, he would come to take recompence on his foes, and to reward the wicked according to their deeds Isaiah 59:18.
V. The effect of this would be that the name of Yahweh would be feared from the rising to the setting sun. Yahweh would erect a barrier against the enemy when he should come in like a flood; and the Redeemer would come to Zion to effect deliverance for those who should truly repent Isaiah 59:19-20.
VI. A covenant would be established between God and those who would turn away from transgressions Isaiah 59:21. The nature of that covenant was, that its blessings would be perpetual. The spirit which God would give, and the words which he would put into their mouths, would abide with them and their posterity forever.
‘As this chapter,’ says Lowth, ‘is remarkable for the beauty, strength, and variety of the images with which it abounds; so it is especially distinguished by the eloquence of the composition, and the exact construction of the sentences. From the first verse to the two last, it falls regularly into stanzas of four lines.’ This poetical form of the chapter must be apparent to the slightest observation of the reader; and there is perhaps no instance of more regular construction of the various members and parts of a composition in the writings of the Hebrews.
The chapter has evidently a primary reference to the character of the nation in the times of Isaiah. The deep depravity which is described, is such as existed in the times of Manasseh; and one object of the prophet was manifestly to bring them to conviction for their sins; and to show them why they were suffering, or about to suffer, from the expressions of the divine displeasure. But the chapter evidently also looks forward to future times, and the close of it refers so manifestly to the times of the Messiah, that it is impossible not to apply it to him.