Introduction to Isaiah 59

Structure and Formatting

This chapter consists of an oracle in which the prophet explains once again that because of the people’s sins of injustice and oppression, Yahweh has not been helping them. It depicts the wickedness of the people through vivid images, saying that they have blood on their hands and that they are like spiders and snakes. However, this oracle then turns hopeful. It says that because no one else is acting to establish justice, Yahweh himself will come and punish wicked people but reward righteous people. Then people throughout the world will honor him.

1. The people are committing sins of injustice and oppression (1–15a)
2. Yahweh himself will act to establish justice (15b–21)