Reproofs of sin and wickedness. (Is. 59:1-8) Confession of sin, and lamentation for the
consequences. (Is. 59:9-15) Promises of deliverance. (Is. 59:16-21)
Is. 59:1-8 If our prayers are not answered, and the salvation we wait for is not wrought for us,
it is not because God is weary of hearing prayer, but because we are weary of praying. See here
sin in true colours, exceedingly sinful; and see sin in its consequences, exceedingly hurtful, separating
from God, and so separating us, not only from all good, but to all evil. Yet numbers feed, to their
own destruction, on infidel and wicked systems. Nor can their skill or craft, in devising schemes,
as the spider weaves its web, deliver or save them. No schemes of self-wrought salvation shall avail
those who despise the Redeemer's robe of righteousness. Every man who is destitute of the Spirit
of Christ, runs swiftly to evil of some sort; but those regardless of Divine truth and justice, are
strangers to peace.
Is. 59:9-15 If we shut our eyes against the light of Divine truth, it is just with God to hide from
our eyes the things that belong to our peace. The sins of those who profess themselves God's people,
are worse than the sins of others. And the sins of a nation bring public judgments, when not restrained
by public justice. Men may murmur under calamities, but nothing will truly profit while they reject
Christ and his gospel.
Is. 59:16-21 This passage is connected with the following chapters. It is generally thought to
describe the coming of the Messiah, as the Avenger and Deliverer of his church. There was none
to intercede with God to turn away his wrath; none to interpose for the support of justice and truth.
Yet He engaged his own strength and righteousness for his people. God will make his justice upon
the enemies of his church and people plainly appear. When the enemy threatens to bear down all
without control, then the Spirit of the Lord shall stop him, put him to flight. He that has delivered,
will still deliver. A far more glorious salvation is promised to be wrought out by the Messiah in
the fulness of time, which all the prophets had in view. The Son of God shall come to us to be our
Redeemer; the Spirit of God shall come to be our Sanctifier: thus the Comforter shall abide with
the church for ever, John 14:16. The word of Christ will always continue in the mouths of the
faithful; and whatever is pretended to be the mind of the Spirit, must be tried by the Scriptures. We
must lament the progress of infidelity and impiety. But the cause of the Redeemer shall gain a
complete victory even on earth, and the believer will be more than conqueror when the Lord receives
him to his glory in heaven.
Chapter 60
The glories of the church of God, when the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in. (Is. 60:1-8)
and the Jews shall be converted and gathered from their dispersions. (Is. 60:9-14) and the kingdoms
of this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. (Is. 60:15-22)