Isaiah 59:15

Context of Isaiah 59:15

Isaiah 59 paints a stark picture of moral and spiritual decay within ancient Israel. The chapter begins by clarifying that God's arm is not too short to save, nor His ear too heavy to hear, but rather it is the people's sins that have separated them from Him. The preceding verses detail a society rife with injustice, violence, and deceit. Lies are commonplace, and righteousness is absent. In this specific verse, the prophet laments the utter breakdown of societal norms and the perilous position of anyone attempting to live righteously amidst such corruption. It sets the stage for God's powerful response to this widespread sin.

Meaning of Isaiah 59:15

This verse vividly describes a society in deep moral crisis. The phrase "truth faileth" (Hebrew: נֶעְדֶּרֶת, ne'ederet, meaning 'is lacking' or 'has disappeared') signifies a complete absence of honesty, integrity, and faithfulness to God's standards. It's a world where truth is not merely ignored but is utterly absent. Consequently, "he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey." In such a corrupt environment, those who choose to live righteously, to turn away from the prevailing wickedness, become vulnerable targets. They are mocked, persecuted, or even exploited for their integrity, making it dangerous to pursue goodness. This grim reality did not escape God's notice: "the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment." God's observation of this moral anarchy and the suffering of the righteous deeply grieved Him. His displeasure stemmed from the lack of justice and accountability, both from human authorities and the apparent delay of divine intervention. The absence of proper judgment allowed evil to flourish unchecked, intensifying His sorrow.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "faileth" (נֶעְדֶּרֶת, ne'ederet) in "truth faileth" carries the sense of something being utterly absent or withdrawn, emphasizing the complete disappearance of truth rather than just its occasional lapse.
• "Maketh himself a prey" is translated from a phrase that can also imply 'makes himself a fool' or 'is plundered'. The KJV rendering effectively captures the vulnerability and disadvantage of the righteous in a wicked society.
• "Displeased him" (וַיֵּרַע, vayyera) literally means 'it was evil in His eyes' or 'it grieved Him'. This highlights God's strong emotional reaction, His deep sorrow and indignation at the pervasive injustice and the suffering of those who sought to do good. This echoes sentiments found in other passages where God is grieved by human sin, such as when He repented that He had made man on the earth.

Related Scriptures

The moral decay described here is a consistent theme in prophetic literature. For instance, the prophet laments a similar lack of justice in Isaiah 59:4, where "none calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth". The depth of human depravity and the resulting suffering of the righteous are also echoed in passages like Psalm 12:1-2. God's profound displeasure at the absence of judgment and justice sets the stage for His direct intervention, as described immediately in Isaiah 59:16, where He sees that there is "no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor", prompting Him to act.

Practical Application

Isaiah 59:15 remains powerfully relevant today. In societies where truth is devalued, integrity is rare, and moral relativism prevails, those who uphold biblical values may indeed find themselves marginalized or even attacked for their convictions. This verse serves as both a warning and an encouragement: it warns against the societal breakdown that occurs when truth and justice are abandoned, and it encourages believers that God sees and is displeased by injustice. Even when human systems fail and the righteous suffer, God's awareness and ultimate commitment to justice are unwavering. It reminds us that our call to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God is vital, even when it comes at a cost, because the Lord Himself takes notice and will ultimately bring forth true judgment and redemption.