Isaiah 59:9 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.

Therefore is judgment far from us - retribution in kind, because, they had shown "no judgment in their goings" (Isaiah 59:8). 'The vindication of our just rights by God is withheld by Him from us.'

Us. In Isaiah 59:8, and previous verses, it was "they," the third person; here "us ... we," the first person. The nation here speaks, God thus making them out of their own mouth condemn themselves, just as He by His prophet had condemned them before. Isaiah includes himself with his people, and speaks in their name.

Neither doth justice overtake us - God's justice, bringing salvation (Isaiah 46:13).

We wait for light - the dawn of returning prosperity.

But behold obscurity - adversity (Jeremiah 8:15).

Isaiah 59:9

9 Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.