Isaiah 59

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 59

As the former chapter declares the hypocrisy and formality of professors of religion; this expresses the errors and heresies, immorality and profaneness, which shall prevail before the spiritual reign of Christ, or the latter day glory begins; which is so fully described in the next chapter. Reasons are given of God's withdrawing his presence from a professing people, which were not want of power and readiness in him, but their own sins and transgressions, Isaiah 59:1 which are enumerated, such as murder, rapine, lies, &c.; Isaiah 59:3 for which the judgments of God were upon them, darkness, distress, and misery, of which they were sensible, Isaiah 59:9 and confess their sins and transgressions, Isaiah 59:12 and lament their wretched state and condition, which was displeasing to God, Isaiah 59:14 who is represented as appearing for their salvation; moved to it by their want of help, and the oppression of their enemies, in which he shows his power, justice, zeal, grace, and goodness, Isaiah 59:16 the consequence of which shall be the conversion and salvation of many, owing to the efficacy of the divine Spirit, and to the spiritual coming of the Redeemer, Isaiah 59:19 , and the chapter is closed with a promise of the continuance of the Spirit of God, and the Gospel of Christ in his church, unto the end of the world, Isaiah 59:21 .