Isaiah 59:17

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

For he put on {H3847} righteousness {H6666} as a breastplate {H8302}, and an helmet {H3553} of salvation {H3444} upon his head {H7218}; and he put on {H3847} the garments {H899} of vengeance {H5359} for clothing {H8516}, and was clad {H5844} with zeal {H7068} as a cloke {H4598}.

He put on righteousness as his breastplate, salvation as a helmet on his head; he clothed himself with garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in a mantle of zeal.

He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.

And he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a mantle.

Isaiah 59:17 presents a powerful and vivid image of God arraying Himself as a divine warrior, stepping forth to bring justice and salvation when humanity has failed. This verse is part of a larger passage (Isaiah 59:15b-21) where the prophet laments the widespread sin and injustice among God's people. God observes this spiritual desolation, and because "there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor" (Isaiah 59:16), He determines to act Himself.

Context

The chapter begins by clarifying that God's hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear; rather, the sins of the people have separated them from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). The description of widespread societal breakdown, injustice, and moral corruption sets the stage for God's direct intervention. Seeing the absence of human righteousness or anyone to mediate, the Lord Himself takes on the task of executing justice and delivering His people. This portrays God not merely as a passive observer, but as an active, righteous avenger and deliverer.

Key Themes

  • God as the Divine Warrior: This verse depicts God literally "putting on" His attributes as if they were armor. He is not merely exercising these qualities; He is embodying them for decisive action. This imagery highlights God's active role in confronting evil and establishing righteousness.
  • Divine Attributes as Armor:
    • Righteousness as a Breastplate: God's inherent justice and moral integrity are His defense and the core of His being, protecting Him as He moves to judge and save.
    • Helmet of Salvation: God's power and determination to deliver and bring deliverance are His protection and strategic thought. It signifies His ultimate victory and saving purpose.
    • Garments of Vengeance: This speaks to God's righteous indignation and His resolve to execute judgment against sin and injustice. It is not personal spite but a holy response to evil.
    • Zeal as a Cloak: God's fervent passion and intense determination to fulfill His purposes, especially concerning justice and salvation, envelop Him entirely. This zeal drives His actions.
  • God's Solo Intervention: The passage emphasizes that God acts alone because no human could or would intervene effectively. This underscores His sovereignty and unique capacity to bring about true justice and salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's translation of "breastplate," "helmet," "garments," and "cloke" vividly uses military and regal imagery to convey God's preparation for battle. The Hebrew word for "zeal" (qin'ah) carries the sense of intense jealousy or passion, often used in scripture to describe God's fervent commitment to His covenant people and His intolerance for injustice or idolatry. This powerful imagery of God arming Himself prefigures the spiritual armor later described in the New Testament for believers, notably in Ephesians 6:14-17 where Paul describes the full armor of God.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 59:17 offers profound assurance and a call to reflection:

  • Trust in God's Justice: When we observe injustice and evil in the world, this verse reminds us that God is not indifferent. He is actively armed with righteousness and vengeance, and He will ultimately intervene.
  • Hope in God's Salvation: The "helmet of salvation" signifies God's unwavering commitment to deliver His people. Our hope for salvation rests entirely on His power and purpose.
  • Inspiration for Action: While God acts perfectly, His zeal for justice should inspire His followers to also pursue righteousness and stand against injustice, albeit in human capacities and according to His will. This verse is a powerful reminder that God is a God of action, not passive observation, especially when it comes to the spiritual battle against sin and evil.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 6:17

    And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

  • Ephesians 6:14

    Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:8

    But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

  • Romans 13:12

    The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

  • Romans 13:14

    But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

  • Isaiah 11:5

    And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

  • Isaiah 51:9

    ¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. [Art] thou not it that hath cut Rahab, [and] wounded the dragon?

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