Isaiah 59:20

And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.

And the Redeemer {H1350} shall come {H935} to Zion {H6726}, and unto them that turn {H7725} from transgression {H6588} in Jacob {H3290}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

"Then a Redeemer will come to Tziyon, to those in Ya'akov who turn from rebellion." So says ADONAI.

“The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD.

And a Redeemer will come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith Jehovah.

Isaiah 59:20 is a pivotal prophetic declaration, offering a beacon of hope amidst a chapter largely detailing Israel's profound sin and separation from God. It proclaims the certain arrival of a divine deliverer, the "Redeemer," to Zion, specifically for those within the house of Jacob who turn away from their transgressions.

Context

This verse comes at the climax of Isaiah 59, where the prophet graphically describes the nation's moral decay, injustice, and spiritual blindness (Isaiah 59:1-15). God observes this widespread sin and the absence of anyone to intercede or provide true justice (Isaiah 59:16). In response to humanity's failure, God Himself steps in, putting on righteousness as a breastplate and salvation as a helmet (Isaiah 59:17). Thus, Isaiah 59:20 marks a divine initiative, shifting from judgment and lament to a promise of salvation and covenant renewal, setting the stage for the glorious future depicted in Isaiah 60.

Key Themes

  • Divine Redemption: The central promise is the coming of the "Redeemer." This signifies God's active, personal intervention to rescue His people from the bondage and consequences of sin. It underscores that salvation originates entirely with God, not human effort.
  • Conditional Repentance: While the Redeemer's coming is certain, the promise is specifically "unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob." This highlights the necessity of genuine repentance—a change of heart and action—as a prerequisite for receiving God's promised salvation.
  • Messianic Hope: This verse is profoundly messianic. Paul elaborates on this promise, quoting it in Romans 11:26, linking it to the ultimate salvation of Israel in the New Testament era and identifying Jesus Christ as the ultimate Redeemer who comes out of Zion.
  • Covenant Fidelity: Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains true to His covenant promises to His people, providing a way for restoration and renewal.

Linguistic Insights

  • Redeemer (Go'el): The Hebrew term Go'el refers to a kinsman-redeemer, someone who has the right and responsibility to restore lost property, avenge a wrong, or free a relative from bondage. It emphasizes God's intimate relationship with Israel and His commitment to delivering them from their enslaved state due to sin. The identity of this Redeemer is further illuminated throughout Isaiah, particularly in the Suffering Servant passages, such as Isaiah 53:5, which describes His atoning work.
  • Zion: While geographically referring to Jerusalem, "Zion" often carries a deeper theological meaning, representing God's holy dwelling place, His spiritual kingdom, and ultimately, His faithful people.
  • Turn from Transgression: This phrase emphasizes a decisive moral and spiritual turning away from sinful practices and attitudes, aligning with God's will.

Practical Application

Isaiah 59:20 offers enduring hope for all generations. It reminds us that no matter how deep the sin or how widespread the unrighteousness, God's redemptive power is greater. The promise of the Redeemer, fully realized in Jesus Christ, means that forgiveness and new life are available to anyone who genuinely repents and turns to Him. It's a call to acknowledge our sin and embrace the saving grace offered by God, who always makes a way for those who seek Him.

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.

  • Romans 11:26

    And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

  • Romans 11:27

    For this [is] my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

  • Titus 2:11

    ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

  • Titus 2:14

    Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

  • Ezekiel 18:30

    ¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

  • Ezekiel 18:31

    Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

  • Acts 3:19

    Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

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