Isaiah 59:9

Israel Confesses its Sin

59:9 For this reason deliverance ¹  is far from us ² 

and salvation does not reach us.

We wait for light, ³  but see only darkness; ⁴ 

we wait for ⁵  a bright light, ⁶  but live ⁷  in deep darkness. ⁸ 

[59:9]  ¹ tn מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat), which refers to “justice” in the earlier verses, here refers to “justice from God,” or “vindication.” Because the people are unjust, God refuses to vindicate them before their enemies. See v. 11.

[59:9]  ² sn The prophet speaks on behalf of the sinful nation and confesses its sins.

[59:9]  ³ sn Light here symbolizes prosperity and blessing.

[59:9]  ⁴ tn Heb “but, look, darkness”; NIV “but all is darkness.”

[59:9]  ⁵ tn The words “we wait for” are supplied in the translation; the verb is understood by ellipsis (note the preceding line).

[59:9]  ⁶ tn The plural noun form may indicate degree here.

[59:9]  ⁷ tn Or “walk about”; NCV “all we have is darkness.”

[59:9]  ⁸ tn The plural noun form may indicate degree here.