Isaiah 59-61

Isaiah 59

“The LORD’s hand is not shortened” : it is not God’s ability 

“Your iniquities have made a separation”: but it is our sin 

Description of sin

• Violence
• Lies
• Injustice
• Corruption

Imagery:

• Spider webs
• Snake eggs
  • Reminds me of John the Baptist calling religious leaders brood of vipers 

Effects of Sin 

• Justice far away, no righteousness
• Darkness – stumbling at noon
• Groaning like bears, moaning like doves

Confession of Sin

• “Our transgressions are multiplied”
• Truth has stumbled in the public square
• When we depart from God we lose justice and truth fails

Redemption

• “He saw that there was no man”
  • No intercessor
• His own arm brought salvation

God puts on (preview of armor of God!) 

• Righteousness as breastplate
• Helmet of salvation

The Redeemer (גֹּאֵל ) comes to Zion 

• Spirit + Word remain
• covenant

Isaiah 60

Arise, shine” – after thick darkness of sin 

• Glory of the LORD rises
• Nations drawn to light
• Darkness over earth vs light over Zion

Treasures 

• Sons and daughters return
• Nations bring gold and frankincense
• Ships of Tarshish

Former Enemies Submit

• Foreigners rebuild walls
• Kings serve Zion
• Those who oppressed bow down

 Peace 

• No more violence
• No more destruction
• Walls called Salvation

 The LORD as Everlasting Light

• No need for sun or moon
• God Himself is light
• People all righteous
• Branch planted by God

Isaiah 61

Servant speaks again

• Often called the “Spirit-anointed proclamation”
• Luke 4 

The anointing

• “Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me”
• Anointed to bring good news

Mission includes:

• Heal brokenhearted
• Proclaim liberty
• Release captives

“Year of the LORD’s favor” vs “Day of vengeance”

Great reversal

• Ashes → beauty
• Mourning → joy
• Faint spirit → praise

People become:

• “Oaks of righteousness”

Ancient ruins rebuilt

Double portion instead of shame

• Everlasting joy

 Covenant Faithfulness

• God loves justice
• Makes everlasting covenant
• Offspring recognized among nations

Joyful Praise

• Garments of salvation
• Robe of righteousness
• Like bride adorned

Application

Isaiah 59 shows us that it is sin that separates us from God, not God’s inability. Chapter 60 calls us to the light, even after a period of darkness and sin. God will make Zion restored again, and He will be our Everlasting Light. Lastly, chapter 61 gives us The Servant reminding us of His covenant faithfulness.