Isaiah 59:1

The LORD Sets His People Free

1 People of Israel, the LORD's arm is not too weak to save you. His ears aren't too deaf to hear your cry for help.

Isaiah 59:1 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 59:1

Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot
save
It is not for want of power in the Lord, that he has not as yet destroyed the enemies of his people, antichrist, and the antichristian states, and saved them out of their hands, and made them to triumph over them; or brought on the glorious state of the church, and fulfilled the promises of good things, suggested in the latter part of the preceding chapter. His hand is as long as ever, and as able to reach his and their enemies in the greatest height of power, or at the greatest distance, and to do every good thing for them; his power is as great as ever, and not in the least abridged or curtailed. Neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
the prayers of his people, their cries unto him on their fast days, of which he seemed to take no notice, complained of ( Isaiah 58:3 ) , this is not owing to any want of attention in him, or of readiness to hear prayer made unto him; for he is a God hearing and answering prayer, and is ready to help his people in every time of need, who apply to him in a proper and suitable manner; his eyes are upon them, and his ears are open to their cries. And this is introduced with a "behold", as requiring attention, and deserving the notice and consideration of his people. The Targum is,

``behold, not through defect of hand (or power) from the Lord ye are not saved; nor because it is heavy to him to hear, that your prayer is not received.''

Isaiah 59:1 In-Context

1 People of Israel, the LORD's arm is not too weak to save you. His ears aren't too deaf to hear your cry for help.

2 But your sins have separated you from your God. They have caused him to turn his face away from you. So he won't listen to you.

3 Your hands and fingers are stained with blood. You are guilty of committing murder. Your mouth has told lies. Your tongue says evil things.

4 People aren't fair when they present their cases in court. They aren't honest when they state their case. They depend on weak arguments. They tell lies. They plan to make trouble. Then they carry it out.

5 The plans they make are like the eggs of poisonous snakes. Anyone who eats those eggs will die. When one of them is broken, a snake comes out.