Justice is turned back,
and righteousness stands far away;
for truth has stumbled in the public squares,
and uprightness cannot enter.
Truth is lacking,
and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.
The LORD saw it, and it displeased him
that there was no justice.
He saw that there was no man,
and wondered that there was no one to intercede;
then his own arm brought him salvation,
and his righteousness upheld him.
He put on righteousness as a breastplate,
and a helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,
and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.
According to their deeds, so will he repay,
wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies;
to the coastlands he will render repayment.
So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west,
and his glory from the rising of the sun;
for he will come like a rushing stream,
which the wind of the LORD drives.
“And a Redeemer will come to Zion,
to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD.
“And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,” says the LORD, “from this time forth and forevermore.” – Isaiah 59:14-21 (ESV)
William VanGemeren writes:
Because of the absolute bankruptcy of the people no one is able to deliver them. Only the LORD whose arm is strong to deliver can deal with His people. The LORD is described as a warrior readying Himself to aid the godly. He puts on the breastplate, representative of righteousness, the helmet, representative of salvation, and the garments, signifying His vengeance and zeal. God is concerned about the remnant and His concern is expressed by His coming to judge the wicked, who will be punished according to their deeds. The LORD may delay his judgment, but He sees everything, including the affliction of His people and the evil done to those who call on His name.
The Redeemer God will reveal His glory to the ends of the earth, singling out Zion for His kingdom. The covenant will be renewed by the pouring of His Spirit on them and their children forever, so that all God’s people will be inspired to know, do, and speak according to His word. Paul cites these words in his argument that God will redeem apostate Israel, which has rejected the Messiah (Romans 11:27).
MEMORY WORK – Shorter Catechism Q/A 45
Q. 45. Which is the first commandment?
A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.