Isaiah 59:16

KJV

¶ And he saw that [there was] no man, and wondered that [there was] no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he saw {H7200} that there was no man {H376}, and wondered {H8074} that there was no intercessor {H6293}: therefore his arm {H2220} brought salvation {H3467} unto him; and his righteousness {H6666}, it sustained {H5564} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He saw that there was no one, was amazed that no one interceded. Therefore his own arm brought him salvation, and his own righteousness sustained him.

Berean Standard Bible

He saw that there was no man; He was amazed that there was no one to intercede. So His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him.

American Standard Version

And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his own arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it upheld him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 59:16 presents a profound divine lament over humanity's pervasive sinfulness and the utter absence of any righteous individual or intercessor capable of remedying the dire spiritual condition. In response to this universal failure and moral void, the verse reveals God's sovereign and self-initiated intervention, where His own divine strength and inherent righteousness become the sole instruments for bringing about salvation. This passage powerfully underscores humanity's helplessness and God's unwavering commitment to His holy character and to the deliverance of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 59 serves as a powerful indictment of Israel's widespread sin and unrighteousness, building upon the themes of judgment and spiritual decay introduced in [Isaiah 58](/isaiah/58 "Isaiah 58 - True Fasting and Justice"). The opening verses of [Isaiah 59:1-8](/isaiah/59-1-8 "Isaiah 59:1-8 - The Pervasiveness of Sin") meticulously detail the nation's moral corruption, describing their hands stained with blood, their lips speaking lies, and their feet rushing to do evil. This pervasive sin has created an impassable barrier between God and His people, as explicitly stated in [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God"). The people, acknowledging their desperate state, confess their transgressions in [Isaiah 59:12-15](/isaiah/59-12-15 "Isaiah 59:12-15 - Confession of Sins"), lamenting the absence of justice and truth. It is against this backdrop of total human failure and spiritual desolation that [Isaiah 59:16](/isaiah/59-16 "Isaiah 59:16 - God's Sole Intervention") emerges, portraying God's compassionate yet resolute response to a world utterly devoid of righteousness or intercession. The verses immediately following, [Isaiah 59:17-21](/isaiah/59-17-21 "Isaiah 59:17-21 - God's Vengeance and Covenant"), describe God arming Himself for battle against sin and establishing His covenant with a faithful remnant, highlighting the transition from human depravity to divine deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah spans a significant period of Israelite history, from the Assyrian threat in the 8th century BCE to the Babylonian exile and the promise of restoration. Chapter 59 likely reflects the profound moral and spiritual decline within Judah leading up to or during the exile, a time when covenant faithfulness had severely eroded. The concept of an "intercessor" was deeply embedded in ancient Israelite thought, often referring to prophetic figures like Moses ([Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")) or Samuel ([1 Samuel 7:5-9](/1_samuel/7-5-9 "1 Samuel 7:5-9 - Samuel's Prayer and Deliverance")), who stood between God and the people, pleading on their behalf. The absence of such a figure in [Isaiah 59:16](/isaiah/59-16 "Isaiah 59:16 - God's Sole Intervention") highlights a profound crisis not just of morality but of spiritual leadership and prophetic voice, indicating a complete societal breakdown. The imagery of God's "arm" bringing salvation would powerfully resonate with the Exodus narrative, where God's mighty arm delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage ([Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - God's Mighty Hand in the Exodus")), emphasizing His unique power to redeem.

* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 59](/isaiah/59 "Isaiah 59 - Sin, Judgment, and Redemption") profoundly develops several interconnected key themes. First, it emphasizes the **gravity and pervasiveness of sin**, demonstrating how human transgression creates an insurmountable barrier between humanity and a holy God, leading to spiritual darkness and societal decay. Second, it highlights **humanity's utter helplessness and inability to save itself** or produce genuine righteousness, underscoring the desperate need for divine intervention. Third, the chapter magnifies **God's perfect righteousness and justice**, which compel Him to act against sin, yet also to provide salvation in a manner consistent with His character. Finally, [Isaiah 59:16](/isaiah/59-16 "Isaiah 59:16 - God's Sole Intervention") serves as a pivotal turning point, transitioning from the description of human depravity to the **promise of God's sovereign and self-initiated salvation**, foreshadowing a future where God Himself would provide the ultimate solution to the problem of sin and the absence of a true mediator.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** This term (H376) refers to an individual human being, often a male person. In this context, its use emphasizes the complete absence of *any* person—any righteous individual, leader, or champion—who could stand in the gap, initiate justice, or bring about reconciliation. It highlights the universal failure of humanity to meet God's standard or to initiate a path toward redemption. The lack of an "ʼîysh" signifies a profound spiritual and moral void.
* **intercessor (Hebrew, _pâgaʻ'_):** The root (H6293) means "to impinge," "to meet," or "to entreat." When used reflexively or causatively, it implies making intercession or pleading on behalf of another. The absence of a "pâgaʻ" signifies that there was no one willing, able, or qualified to mediate, to plead effectively with God, or to intervene on behalf of the sinful people to avert divine judgment or bring about restoration. This points to a complete breakdown in the spiritual fabric of society.
* **arm (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** This word (H2220) literally refers to the physical arm, but it is consistently used figuratively in the Old Testament to denote strength, power, and active intervention, especially in relation to God. When God's "arm" is mentioned, it signifies His irresistible might, His sovereign action, and His capacity to deliver or execute judgment. Here, it underscores that salvation originates solely from God's own inherent power and initiative, not from any external source or human assistance. It is a symbol of divine omnipotence in action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he saw that [there was] no man,"**: This clause describes God's divine observation and assessment of the human condition. "He saw" (H7200, _râʼâh_) implies a thorough, discerning gaze across all humanity, a divine survey of the spiritual landscape. The finding of "no man" (H376, _ʼîysh_) signifies a complete lack of any individual who possessed the moral integrity, spiritual purity, or righteous authority necessary to address the pervasive sin and injustice described in the preceding verses of [Isaiah 59](/isaiah/59 "Isaiah 59 - Sin and Redemption"). It speaks to the universal spiritual bankruptcy and moral impotence of humanity.
* **"and wondered that [there was] no intercessor:"**: This phrase conveys God's profound astonishment, dismay, or even grief. The Hebrew word for "wondered" (H8074, _shâmêm_) can also carry connotations of being appalled or desolate. God is not merely surprised, but deeply grieved and shocked by the utter absence of anyone willing or able to stand in the gap, to mediate, or to plead on behalf of the sinful people. This highlights the depth of humanity's spiritual failure and the complete void of righteous leadership and compassionate advocacy.
* **"therefore his arm brought salvation unto him;"**: This pivotal clause introduces God's decisive and self-initiated response to the observed human failure. The "therefore" indicates a direct, logical consequence of the preceding observation. Lacking any human agent, God Himself takes action. "His arm" (H2220, _zᵉrôwaʻ_) is a powerful anthropomorphism, symbolizing God's sovereign power, strength, and active intervention. It emphasizes that salvation (H3467, _yâshaʻ_) is not achieved through human effort or merit but originates solely from God's own irresistible might and initiative. The "unto him" signifies that this salvation is for God's own purposes, to uphold His righteousness and fulfill His divine plan and glory.
* **"and his righteousness, it sustained him."**: This final clause reveals the foundational basis and empowering force behind God's saving act. It is not arbitrary power but His inherent "righteousness" (H6666, _tsᵉdâqâh_)—His perfect justice, moral integrity, and unwavering holiness—that both compelled and empowered Him to act. His righteousness "sustained" (H5564, _çâmak_) Him, meaning it upheld, supported, and established His resolve and capacity to bring about deliverance. God acts in perfect consistency with His holy character, demonstrating that His salvation is not a compromise of justice but a profound expression of it, ensuring that His character remains untainted even as He redeems.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 59:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Anthropomorphism** is central, as God is described with human characteristics: "He saw," "wondered," and His "arm" brings salvation. This makes the divine action relatable and emphasizes God's active, personal engagement with human affairs. The repeated negative construction "no man" and "no intercessor" functions as a form of **anaphora** (or parallel structure) and **hyperbole**, underscoring the absolute and universal lack of human capability or righteousness. This creates a stark **contrast** between humanity's utter failure and God's singular, decisive action. The "arm" of God functions as a powerful **metonymy** or **synecdoche**, representing God's entire being in His power and active will. Furthermore, the verse builds to a theological climax, moving from God's observation of human failure to His divine dismay, and finally to His self-initiated, righteous intervention, creating a sense of dramatic **resolution** and divine necessity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 59:16 is a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, humanity's radical incapacity, and God's sovereign character. It powerfully asserts that salvation is not a human achievement but a divine prerogative, initiated and accomplished by God alone. This verse highlights the absolute necessity of God's intervention when humanity is utterly lost in its sin and devoid of any means to redeem itself or provide a mediator. It underscores that God's actions are always consistent with His perfect righteousness and justice, even when delivering a sinful people. This passage sets the stage for understanding the full scope of God's redemptive plan, which culminates in the ultimate Intercessor, revealing that God's solution to human sin is always rooted in His own perfect character.

* [Psalm 98:1](/psalm/98-1 "Psalm 98:1 - God's Holy Arm Brings Salvation")
* [Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "Ezekiel 22:30 - Seeking an Intercessor")
* [Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23-26 "Romans 3:23-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 59:16 serves as a sobering mirror, reflecting humanity's inherent inability to bridge the chasm of sin that separates us from a holy God. It strips away any illusion of self-sufficiency or the capacity for self-salvation, revealing our desperate need for a divine rescuer. For believers, this truth cultivates profound humility and gratitude, reminding us that our salvation is entirely a gift of God's grace, not a reward for our efforts. It compels us to lean fully on His power and righteousness, rather than our own fleeting strength or flawed attempts at goodness. Furthermore, understanding God's "wonder" or dismay at the absence of an intercessor should stir within us a renewed commitment to prayer and standing in the gap for others, even as we acknowledge that ultimate reconciliation rests solely on Christ's perfect mediation. This verse calls us to recognize the depth of our spiritual need and to celebrate the boundless grace of the God who, when no one else could, stepped in to save, demonstrating His faithfulness even when humanity is faithless.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be subtly relying on your own strength or "goodness" rather than God's saving arm?**
* **How does the idea of God "wondering" at the absence of an intercessor impact your understanding of His heart for humanity and His holiness?**
* **Knowing that God's righteousness sustained His act of salvation, how does this deepen your trust in His character and His unfailing promises?**
* **How can this verse inspire you to be more intentional in intercessory prayer for your community and the world, recognizing the ultimate intercessor?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that God "wondered" there was no intercessor?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "wondered" (H8074, _shâmêm_) carries a stronger sense than mere surprise; it implies astonishment, dismay, or even being appalled and desolate. It suggests God's profound grief and disappointment at the utter moral and spiritual desolation among humanity. It's not that God was ignorant of the situation, but rather that His holy character was deeply affected by the complete absence of anyone righteous enough or willing to stand in the gap, to mediate, or to plead on behalf of the sinful people. This expresses the depth of human failure and the spiritual void that necessitated His direct, personal intervention. This divine "wonder" is a reflection of His perfect holiness encountering profound unholiness and the lack of a bridge.

**How does God's "arm" bringing salvation relate to His "righteousness" sustaining Him?**

Answer: God's "arm" (H2220, _zᵉrôwaʻ_) is a powerful biblical metaphor representing His strength, power, and active intervention (e.g., [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Outstretched Arm")). When it says His arm brought salvation, it means that deliverance came solely from His own irresistible might and initiative, not from any human effort or merit. His "righteousness" (H6666, _tsᵉdâqâh_), on the other hand, refers to His perfect justice, moral integrity, and unwavering holiness. This righteousness "sustained" (H5564, _çâmak_) Him, meaning it upheld, empowered, and compelled His saving act. God's salvation is not an arbitrary display of power but is rooted in and consistent with His holy character. He saves because He is righteous and cannot tolerate sin, yet His righteousness also provides the means for reconciliation, demonstrating that His justice and mercy are not contradictory but complementary facets of His divine nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 59:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The verse laments the absence of "no man" and "no intercessor," a void that perfectly describes humanity's desperate state, utterly incapable of saving itself or bridging the chasm of sin. It is into this very void that God's "arm," symbolizing His divine power and sovereign initiative, steps in. This powerfully foreshadows the incarnation, where God Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, became the perfect "man" who was without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")) and thus uniquely qualified. Jesus uniquely fulfills the role of the divine "intercessor," not merely pleading on behalf of others but actively mediating and reconciling humanity to God through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - The One Mediator Between God and Man")). His "arm" brought salvation through His victorious death and resurrection, demonstrating God's irresistible power over sin, death, and the grave ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:25 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Moreover, it was God's "righteousness" that sustained Him, compelling Him to send His Son as a propitiation for our sins, thereby demonstrating His justice while simultaneously justifying those who believe in Jesus ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed Through Christ")). Thus, what God saw lacking in humanity, He perfectly provided in Christ, who is our righteousness, our salvation, and our perpetual intercessor before the Father, forever living to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Perpetual Intercession")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 22:30

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

Isaiah 64:7

And [there is] none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.

Psalms 98:1

¶ A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

Isaiah 41:28

For I beheld, and [there was] no man; even among them, and [there was] no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word.

Psalms 106:23

Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].

Isaiah 63:3

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people [there was] none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.

Isaiah 63:5

And I looked, and [there was] none to help; and I wondered that [there was] none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.