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Isaiah 59:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
John R. Rice
Greg Frizzell
Brian Long
Michael Ngubane
Chuck Smith
Paris Reidhead
Jack HibbsSummary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 Isa 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.''
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The prophet here rectifies the mistake of those who had been quarrelling with God because they had not the deliverances wrought for them which they had been often fasting and praying for, Isa 58:3. Now here he shows, I. That it was not owing to God. They had no reason to lay the fault upon him that they were not saved out of the hands of their enemies; for, 1. He was still as able to help as ever: His hand is not shortened, his power is not at all lessened, straitened, or abridged. Whether we consider the extent of his power or the efficacy of it, God can reach as far as ever and with as strong a hand as ever. Note, The church's salvation comes from the hand of God, and that has not waxed weak nor is it at all shortened. Has the Lord's hand waxed short? (says God to Moses, Num 11:23). No, it has not; he will not have it thought so. Neither length of time nor strength of enemies, no, nor weakness of instruments, can shorten or straiten the power of God, with which it is all one to save by many or by few. 2. He was still as ready and willing to help as ever in answer to prayer: His ear is not heavy, that it cannot hear. Though he has many prayers to hear and answer, and though he has been long hearing prayer, yet he is still as ready to hear prayer as ever. The prayer of the upright is as much his delight as ever it was, and the promises which are pleaded and put in suit in prayer are still yea and amen, inviolably sure. More is implied than is expressed; not only his ear is not heavy, but he is quick of hearing. Even before they call he answers, Isa 65:24. If your prayers be not answered, and the salvation we wait for be not wrought for us, it is not because God is weary of hearing prayer, but because we are weary of praying, not because his ear is heavy when we speak to him, but because our ears are heavy when he speaks to us. II. That it was owing to themselves; they stood in their own light and put a bar in their own door. God was coming towards them in ways of mercy and they hindered him. Your iniquities have kept good things from you, Jer 5:25. 1. See what mischief sin does. (1.) It hinders God's mercies from coming down upon us; it is a partition wall that separates between us and God. Notwithstanding the infinite distance that is between God and man by nature, there was a correspondence settled between them, till sin set them at variance, justly provoked God against man and unjustly alienated man from God; thus it separates between them and God. "He is your God, yours in profession, and therefore there is so much the more malignity and mischievousness in sin, which separates between you and him." Sin hides his face from us (which denotes great displeasure, Deu 31:17); it provokes him in anger to withdraw his gracious presence, to suspend the tokens of his favour and the instances of his help; he hides his face, as refusing to be seen or spoken with. See here sin in its colours, sin exceedingly sinful, withdrawing the creature from his allegiance to his Creator; and see sin in its consequences, sin exceedingly hurtful, separating us from God, and so separating us not only from all good, but to all evil (Deu 29:21), which is the very quintessence of the curse. (2.) It hinders our prayers from coming up unto God; it provokes him to hide his face, that he will not hear, as he has said, Isa 1:15. If we regard iniquity in our heart, if we indulge it and allow ourselves in it, God will not hear our prayers, Psa 66:18. We cannot expect that he should countenance us while we go on to affront him. 2. Now, to justify God in hiding his face from them, and proceeding in his controversy with them, the prophet shows very largely, in the following verses, how many and great their iniquities were, according to the charge given him (Isa 58:1), to show God's people their transgressions; and it is a black bill of indictment that is here drawn up against them, consisting of many particulars, any one of which was enough to separate between them and a just and a holy God. Let us endeavour to reduce these articles of impeachment to proper heads. (1.) We must begin with their thoughts, for there all sin begins, and thence it takes its rise: Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity, Isa 59:7. Their imaginations are so, only evil continually. Their projects and designs are so; they are continually contriving some mischief or other, and how to compass the gratification of some base lust (Isa 59:4): They conceive mischief in their fancy, purpose, counsel, and resolution (thus the embryo receives its shape and life), and then they bring forth iniquity, put it in execution when it is ripened for it. Though it is in pain perhaps that the iniquity is brought forth, through the oppositions of Providences and the checks of their own consciences, yet, when they have compassed their wicked purpose, they look upon it with as much pride and pleasure as if it were a man-child born into the world; thus, when lust has conceived, it bringeth forth sin, Jam 1:15. This is called (Isa 59:5) hatching the cockatrice' egg and weaving the spider's web. See how the thoughts and contrivances of wicked men are employed, and about what they set their wits on work. [1.] At the best it is about that which is foolish and frivolous. Their thoughts are vain, like weaving the spider's web, which the poor silly animal takes a great deal of pains about, and, when all is done, it is a weak insignificant thing, a reproach to the place where it is, and which the besom sweeps away in an instant: such are the thoughts which worldly men entertain themselves with, building castles in the air, and pleasing themselves with imaginary satisfaction, like the spider, which takes hold with her hands very finely (Pro 30:28), but cannot keep her hold. [2.] Too often it is about that which is malicious and spiteful. They hatch the eggs of the cockatrice or adder, which are poisonous and produce venomous creatures; such are the thoughts of the wicked who delight in doing mischief. He that eats of their eggs (that is, he is in danger of having some mischief or other done him), and that which is crushed in order to be eaten of, or which begins to be hatched and you promise yourself some useful fowl from it, breaks out into a viper, which you meddle with at your peril. Happy are those that have least to do with such men. Even the spider's web which they wove was woven with a spiteful design to catch flies in and make a prey of them; for, rather than not be doing mischief, they will play at small game. (2.) Out of this abundance of wickedness in the heart their mouth speaks, and yet it does not always speak out the wickedness that is within, but, for the more effectually compassing the mischievous design, it is dissembled and covered with much fair speech (Isa 59:3): Your lips have spoken lies; and again (Isa 59:4), They speak lies, pretending kindness where they intend the greatest mischief; or by slanders and false accusations they blasted the credit and reputation of those they had a spite to and so did them a real mischief unseen, and perhaps by suborning witnesses against them took from them their estates and lives; for a false tongue is sharp arrows, and coals of juniper, and every thing that is mischievous. Your tongue has muttered perverseness. When they could not, for shame, speak their malice against their neighbours aloud, or durst not, for fear of being disproved and put to confusion, they muttered it secretly. Backbiters are called whisperers. (3.) Their actions were all of a piece with their thoughts and words. They were guilty of shedding innocent blood, a crime of the most heinous nature: Your hands are defiled with blood (Isa 59:3); for blood is defiling; it leaves an indelible stain of guilt upon the conscience, which nothing but the blood of Christ can cleanse it from. Now was this a case of surprise, or one that occurred when there was something of a force put upon them; but (Isa 59:7) their feet ran to this evil, naturally and eagerly, and, hurried on by the impetus of their malice and revenge, they made haste to shed innocent blood, as if they were afraid of losing an opportunity to do a barbarous thing, Pro 1:16; Jer 22:17. Wasting and destruction are in their paths. Wherever they go they carry mischief along with them, and the tendency of their way is to lay waste and destroy, nor do they care what havoc they make. Nor do they only thirst after blood, but with other iniquities are their fingers defiled (Isa 59:3); they wrong people in their estates and make every thing their own that they can lay their hands on. They trust in vanity (Isa 59:4); they depend upon their arts of cozenage to enrich themselves with, which will prove vanity to them, and their deceiving others will but deceive themselves. Their works, which they take so much pains about and have their hearts so much upon, are all works of iniquity; their whole business is one continued course of oppressions and vexations, and the act of violence is in their hands, according to the arts of violence that are in their heads and the thoughts of violence in their hearts. (4.) No methods are taken to redress these grievances, and reform these abuses (Isa 59:4): None calls for justice, none complains of the violation of the sacred laws of justice, nor seeks to right those that suffer wrong or to get the laws put in execution against vice and profaneness, and those lewd practices which are the shame, and threaten to be the bane, of the nation. Note, When justice is not done there is blame to be laid not only upon the magistrates that should administer justice, but upon the people that should call for it. Private persons ought to contribute to the public good by discovering secret wickedness, and giving those an opportunity to punish it that have the power of doing so in their hands; but it is ill with a state when princes rule ill and the people love to have it so. Truth is opposed, and there is not any that pleads for it, not any that has the conscience and courage to appear in defence of an honest cause, and confront a prosperous fraud and wrong. The way of peace is as little regarded as the way of truth; they know it not, that is, they never study the things that make for peace, no care is taken to prevent or punish the breaches of the peace and to accommodate matters in difference among neighbours; they are utter strangers to every thing that looks quiet and peaceable, and affect that which is blustering and turbulent. There is no judgment in their goings; they have not any sense of justice in their dealings; it is a thing they make no account of at all, but can easily break through all its fences if they stand in the way of their malicious covetous designs. (5.) In all this they act foolishly, very foolishly, and as much against their interest as against reason and equity. Those that practise iniquity trust in vanity, which will certainly deceive them, Isa 59:4. Their webs, which they weave with so much art and industry, shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves, either for shelter or for ornament, with their works, Isa 59:6. They may do hurt to others with their projects, but can never do any real service or kindness to themselves by them. There is nothing to be got by sin, and so it will appear when profit and loss come to be compared. Those paths of iniquity are crooked paths (Isa 59:8), which will perplex them, but will never bring them to their journey's end; whoever go therein, though they say that they shall have peace notwithstanding they go on, deceive themselves; for they shall not know peace, as appears by the following verses.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
59:1-20 The Lord alone can and will usher in his salvation. Like a warrior, he will break into the world to avenge himself on his enemies and to vindicate his holy people. 59:1-8 The people complained that the Lord could not rescue them, but the real problem was that they had not repented (59:20) and were still living in sin. 59:1 not too weak: The delay in their rescue could not be attributed to an inherent weakness in the Lord.
Isaiah 59:1
Sin Separates Us from God
1Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. 2But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.
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- Sermons
- Commentary
God Is Deaf by John Rice
By John R. Rice2.2K30:25ISA 59:1
This sermon emphasizes the hindrances to answered prayers, focusing on the impact of sin, unforgiveness, and unconfessed wrongs on our communication with God. It highlights the importance of confessing and forsaking sin, forgiving others, and ensuring there is nothing hindering our relationship with God to receive His blessings and answers to prayers.
Encounter With God - Session 1
By Greg Frizzell1.7K1:02:40Experiencing GodISA 59:1MAT 26:69JHN 15:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not stingy, angry, or unkind, but rather merciful and gracious. He loves to work miracles and save people. However, it is important to understand that God is also a holy God and not just a JCPenny catalog or Santa Claus. The sermon highlights the transformation that Jesus brings to people's lives, helping them overcome patterns of anger and confessing their sins. The preacher also mentions the power of prayer and the importance of repentance and yielding to God. The sermon concludes by expressing gratitude for the unity and answered prayers in the church and the anticipation of further teachings on grace and holiness.
A Promise of God's Manifest Presence
By Brian Long1.1K27:23Presence of GodISA 59:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord diligently and wholeheartedly. He uses the example of Moses, who earnestly sought the face of God through fasting and spending 40 days and nights on the mountain. The preacher highlights the promise in Isaiah 44:3 that God will pour out His Spirit on those who are thirsty for His presence. He also emphasizes the need to value God's presence above all else, even material abundance or earthly blessings. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus promises to be with His disciples always as they go and make disciples of all nations.
Bones Can Live
By Michael Ngubane1.1K55:07ISA 41:10ISA 59:1EZK 37:1MAT 6:33JHN 11:38In this sermon, the preacher begins by inviting God to be present and bless his word. The main message of the sermon is that God is able to revive and restore what seems impossible or useless. The preacher uses the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead as an example of God's power to bring life to hopeless situations. The sermon also emphasizes that God seeks and loves every individual, regardless of their current condition, and desires them to be part of His great army.
Is the Lord Limited?
By Chuck Smith1.1K28:56PSA 78:41ISA 59:1ZEC 4:6ACT 1:82CO 3:17EPH 3:20PHP 4:132TI 4:3HEB 13:8JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the danger of limiting the work of God in our lives through unbelief, restrictions, and attempts to control or manipulate God's message. It highlights the importance of being open to God's Spirit, allowing Him to work freely in and through us, and not putting limitations on what God desires to do. The speaker urges the congregation to seek a deeper surrender to God, to be willing vessels for His power and truth in a world that desperately needs it.
Full Fellowship
By Paris Reidhead1.0K38:04FellowshipISA 59:1MAT 4:18MAT 24:14JHN 17:5ACT 19:11HEB 1:1HEB 2:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the call that Jesus Christ issues to men. He highlights the importance of instructing, explaining, heralding, and preaching the word of God. The speaker also mentions that Jesus promises to confirm and demonstrate his power. However, the ultimate purpose of ministry, faith, labor, and suffering is to glorify God. The sermon is based on Matthew 4:18-25, where Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to follow him and become fishers of men.
The Discipline of Disease - 24
By Jack Hibbs9831:06:21DisciplineISA 35:4ISA 59:1MAT 6:33ROM 8:37In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the training of Navy SEALs and the bond that is formed between partners through intense and life-threatening experiences. He draws a parallel between this bond and the relationship between believers and God. The speaker emphasizes that while life in this broken world is subject to suffering, there is hope in God's plan. He encourages listeners to understand and accept the reality of suffering, while also recognizing the counterbalance of God's love and redemption.
A Time to Go Home
By Bertha Smith9601:01:00Christian LifeISA 59:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing one's sin in order to have a closer relationship with God. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a woman who initially did not want to attend a conference because she believed the speaker only talked about "sand" instead of sin. However, throughout the week, the speaker focused on the holiness of God, which led the woman to confront her own sin and seek repentance. The speaker explains that their main subject is helping people remove any barriers between themselves and God, encouraging them to reach a higher level of spiritual growth and fervent prayer. Additionally, the speaker highlights the urgency of spreading the Gospel and sending missionaries to foreign countries, as they believe time is running out due to the rise of communism and ideological influences.
Doesn’t God Hear My Prayers?
By Basilea Schlink94104:35Radio ShowISA 59:1In this sermon, Basilia Schlink addresses the common question of why God seems silent and unresponsive to our prayers. She shares her own experience of realizing that there was a sin in her life, specifically judging and bitterness, that was hindering her prayers from being answered. She references Isaiah 59:1-2, which states that our iniquities create a separation between us and God, causing Him not to hear our prayers. Schlink emphasizes the importance of identifying and confessing our sins as prayer obstacles, such as unforgiveness, anger, quarreling, sensuality, occultism, and disobedience. However, she also offers comfort by reminding listeners that our entire sinful nature does not prevent God from answering our prayers. Instead, if we come to Jesus at the cross and confess our guilt, God can be gracious to us and answer our prayers. Schlink shares an example from her own sisterhood where a broken printing press was miraculously fixed after the sisters prayed and reconciled with each other. She encourages believers to persevere in prayer as reconciled sinners, trusting that God will hear and answer their prayers in His own timing and way.
Hindrances to Personal and Corporate Revival
By Ralph Sutera8931:28:01RevivalLEV 19:18ISA 59:1MIC 3:4GAL 5:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the shortcomings of the preaching and music during a crusade. He acknowledges that both the content and delivery were below par. However, despite these flaws, it is emphasized that God was still at work among his people. The preacher also mentions that the true nature of personal revival will be discussed in the next sermon, focusing on relationships and the influence of the world. The sermon concludes with a reminder that honesty with God is necessary for revival and that the paralysis of analysis can hinder spiritual growth.
God's Time
By Erlo Stegen8621:16:40TimeISA 59:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bringing souls to Jesus and repenting. They urge the audience to reflect on whether they have been successful in leading others to the Lord and if not, to seek guidance from God. The speaker warns that failure to recognize the time of visitation from God can lead to difficult times and being handed over to enemies. They also share a story about two co-workers in the Bible who were urged to reconcile and be united in the Lord. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about a girl observed by the speaker and their curiosity about her needs.
The Battle Cry of Isaiah - Awake & Arise!
By Shane Idleman101:12:00RepentanceAwakeningISA 57:15ISA 58:1ISA 59:1ISA 60:1Shane Idleman passionately preaches about the urgent need for the church to awaken and arise, drawing parallels between the prophetic messages of Isaiah and the current state of America. He emphasizes the importance of addressing idolatry, pride, and spiritual apathy, urging believers to engage in heartfelt repentance and to boldly proclaim the truth of God's Word. Idleman calls for a battle cry against the darkness, encouraging Christians to rise up with humility and brokenness, allowing the Holy Spirit to empower them to make a difference in a world filled with sin and confusion. He stresses that true change begins with a heart cry that leads to a battle cry, and that God desires to dwell with those who are contrite and humble. Ultimately, he challenges the church to be a light in the darkness, to repair the breaches in society, and to live out their faith with courage and conviction.
An Outpouring of Divine Blessing Upon Changtehfu
By Jonathan Goforth0ISA 59:1ACT 3:19JAS 4:8JAS 5:161JN 1:9Jonathan Goforth recounts his experiences during a revival in Changteh, China, in 1908, where he faced initial resistance and indifference from missionaries and witnessed a spiritual awakening that led to deep confessions, reconciliations, and transformations. The revival brought about a change in the spiritual atmosphere of the station, leading to profound repentance, prayer, and revival fire sweeping through the community, even reaching outsiders who came out of curiosity. The movement resulted in the confession of sins, reconciliation of quarrels, and a focus on neglected duties and spiritual matters, demonstrating the power of God's work in transforming hearts and lives.
The Methodist Church May Yet Fulfill Her Calling
By Milton Haney0ISA 59:1JHN 17:17ACT 1:8ACT 2:41TH 4:72TI 3:5HEB 12:14JAS 4:81PE 1:151JN 1:9Milton Haney preaches about the Methodist Church fulfilling its calling by maintaining fundamental doctrines and returning to the practice of holiness. He emphasizes the danger of a complaining spirit and the need to address moral conditions with solutions. Haney highlights the importance of recognizing spiritual decline, standing firm in faith, and seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost for revival and spiritual power. He urges Methodist preachers and members to pray for each other, prevent ruin among different classes of members, and prioritize holiness over intellectual accomplishments.
Hindrances to Prayer
By John R. Rice0ISA 59:1John R. Rice preaches about the hindrances to prayer, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God's will and obeying His commands to experience answered prayers. He highlights the sins that hinder prayers, such as rebellion, unforgiveness, covetousness, self-will, and indifference towards the Bible, which make prayers an abomination to God. Rice uses biblical examples like Saul's disobedience and the importance of meditating on God's Word to illustrate how turning away from God's law can block blessings and hinder prayers.
Secret of Revival
By Erlo Stegen0RevivalConfession of SinISA 59:1Erlo Stegen emphasizes that the secret of revival lies in recognizing and confessing our sins, as highlighted in Isaiah 59:1-3. He illustrates that personal revival is hindered by unconfessed sin, and true fruitfulness in our spiritual lives comes from a clean heart. Stegen shares stories of individuals who experienced revival after addressing their sins, underscoring the importance of repentance and the power of overcoming evil with good. He encourages believers to stop merely praying for revival and instead focus on personal holiness to see God work through them. The message calls for a deep introspection and a commitment to living a life that reflects God's grace and truth.
Deuteronomy 4:29
By Chuck Smith0RestorationBackslidingDEU 4:29ISA 59:1JER 29:13JAS 4:8Chuck Smith addresses the theme of backsliding, emphasizing the gradual process of turning away from God, which often begins with self-corruption and the creation of idols in our lives. He warns that this path can lead to a loss of possession, power, and influence, ultimately resulting in a lonely existence devoid of true fulfillment. However, he reassures that no matter how far one has strayed, seeking the Lord with all one's heart will lead to finding Him and restoring what was lost. The sermon encourages believers to turn back to God, highlighting His constant presence and readiness to restore those who seek Him earnestly.
Hindrances to Prayer
By R.A. Torrey0The Power of PrayerHindrances to PrayerISA 59:1JAS 4:3R.A. Torrey addresses the various hindrances to effective prayer, emphasizing that selfish motives, sin, idolatry, stinginess, unforgiveness, poor marital relationships, and unbelief can all obstruct our communication with God. He illustrates how prayers can be rendered powerless when the focus is on personal gain rather than glorifying God, and he urges believers to examine their hearts for hidden sins and idols. Torrey stresses the importance of approaching God with a pure heart, a spirit of generosity, and a commitment to forgiveness to ensure that prayers are heard and answered.
Teach Us to Pray
By Billy Sunday0The Power of PrayerHumility in PrayerISA 59:1EZK 14:3MAT 6:6MAT 7:7MRK 1:35LUK 9:29LUK 18:13JHN 11:43JHN 14:13JAS 1:27Billy Sunday emphasizes the vital role of prayer in a believer's life, arguing that neglecting prayer leads to spiritual weakness akin to physical weakness from lack of exercise. He challenges the congregation to engage earnestly in prayer, highlighting that many fail to receive answers due to selfish motives or unresolved sin. Sunday illustrates the importance of humility in prayer, urging believers to seek God's will genuinely and to act in accordance with their prayers. He shares examples from the lives of historical figures who were powerful in prayer, reinforcing that true prayer leads to action and transformation. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper commitment to prayer as a means of drawing closer to God and fulfilling His will.
De Vitis Patrum, Book Iii
By Heribert Rosweyde02KI 6:16PSA 27:14PSA 128:2ISA 59:1LUK 1:37ACT 14:222TI 4:71JN 2:141JN 3:16Rufinus of Aquileia, Presbyter, in De Vitis Patrum, Book III, emphasizes the importance of asceticism and spiritual discipline as demonstrated by the lives of the desert fathers. Through examples of self-denial, perseverance, and reliance on God's grace, the desert fathers teach us to resist worldly temptations, cultivate virtues, and seek eternal rest in God's kingdom. The stories of these holy fathers serve as a guide for true faith, humility, and dedication to the spiritual journey amidst trials and spiritual battles.
Letters: Miss Macphun, Zenana Mission, Benares, India (1)
By Andrew Bonar0Power Of PrayerJoy in MinistryNEH 8:10ISA 59:1LUK 15:7JHN 12:32COL 4:2Andrew Bonar expresses joy and gratitude in his letter to Miss Macphun, celebrating the successes of her Zenana mission work in India. He emphasizes the importance of rejoicing with those who rejoice and highlights the strength that comes from the joy of the Lord. Bonar encourages prayer for those laboring in the mission field, reminding that the power of the Cross and the atoning blood of Christ are central to drawing souls to salvation. He shares the blessings experienced in their Sabbath school and the necessity of prayer in their ministry efforts.
Isaiah 59:1
By Chuck Smith0The Power of PrayerSeparation from GodISA 59:1Chuck Smith emphasizes that when prayers go unanswered, we often blame God, but the true issue lies within ourselves. He explains that God's ability to save is not limited, and He hears our prayers, yet our iniquities create a separation between us and God. Smith illustrates this separation through biblical examples, highlighting that sin hinders our relationship with God and His willingness to answer our prayers. Ultimately, he encourages believers to forsake their sinful ways to restore their connection with God, who desires to hear and respond to our prayers.
The Cross of Christ Is Foolishness
By Shane Idleman0ISA 59:1JHN 5:14JHN 10:10ROM 6:16ROM 6:231CO 1:182CO 5:17HEB 9:22JAS 1:14Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of not shying away from the controversial truths of the cross and sin, as they are essential for understanding the power of God's salvation. The avoidance of discussing sin minimizes the significance of the cross, which is the core of Christianity. The message of the cross confronts evil and sin, urging believers to confront, confess, and turn away from sin rather than ignore or overlook it. Sin has a life cycle that either grows or withers based on how it is fed or starved, highlighting the need to actively combat sin in our lives. The cross of Christ is crucial as it addresses the presence, cost, separation, and enslavement of sin, offering forgiveness, eternal life, restoration of relationship with God, and freedom from sin's control.
Men: Don't Be Deceived, Knowing Is Not Doing!
By Shane Idleman0PRO 3:5ISA 59:11CO 16:13EPH 5:25JAS 1:22Shane Idleman delivers a powerful message on the urgent need for genuine, humble, and God-fearing leadership, particularly among men who have neglected their roles as spiritual leaders in their families. He emphasizes the importance of living out the Word of God at home, rather than just quoting it, and highlights the detrimental effects of prioritizing external factors like money and status over obedience to God. Shane calls men to step up, protect, lead, and guard their families, urging them to fight against the enemy and create a holy sanctuary at home. He challenges men to repent, confront their weaknesses, and embrace their calling to be leaders, protectors, and spiritual warriors for their families and society.
Spiritual Diseases and the Biblical Cure
By Peter Hammond0PRO 3:5ISA 59:1ACT 3:191CO 3:1EPH 6:10HEB 3:15HEB 12:1JAS 4:41PE 3:151JN 1:5REV 3:15Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly, emphasizing the need to acknowledge Him in all aspects of our lives to receive His guidance. He highlights various spiritual diseases that hinder believers, such as sleeping sickness, lockjaw, amnesia, deafness, blindness, lameness, spinelessness, and scurvy, urging for repentance and a return to God's Word for spiritual health. Hammond warns against lukewarm faith, the dangers of sin, and the necessity of thorough repentance to restore fellowship with God.
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 Isa 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.''
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The prophet here rectifies the mistake of those who had been quarrelling with God because they had not the deliverances wrought for them which they had been often fasting and praying for, Isa 58:3. Now here he shows, I. That it was not owing to God. They had no reason to lay the fault upon him that they were not saved out of the hands of their enemies; for, 1. He was still as able to help as ever: His hand is not shortened, his power is not at all lessened, straitened, or abridged. Whether we consider the extent of his power or the efficacy of it, God can reach as far as ever and with as strong a hand as ever. Note, The church's salvation comes from the hand of God, and that has not waxed weak nor is it at all shortened. Has the Lord's hand waxed short? (says God to Moses, Num 11:23). No, it has not; he will not have it thought so. Neither length of time nor strength of enemies, no, nor weakness of instruments, can shorten or straiten the power of God, with which it is all one to save by many or by few. 2. He was still as ready and willing to help as ever in answer to prayer: His ear is not heavy, that it cannot hear. Though he has many prayers to hear and answer, and though he has been long hearing prayer, yet he is still as ready to hear prayer as ever. The prayer of the upright is as much his delight as ever it was, and the promises which are pleaded and put in suit in prayer are still yea and amen, inviolably sure. More is implied than is expressed; not only his ear is not heavy, but he is quick of hearing. Even before they call he answers, Isa 65:24. If your prayers be not answered, and the salvation we wait for be not wrought for us, it is not because God is weary of hearing prayer, but because we are weary of praying, not because his ear is heavy when we speak to him, but because our ears are heavy when he speaks to us. II. That it was owing to themselves; they stood in their own light and put a bar in their own door. God was coming towards them in ways of mercy and they hindered him. Your iniquities have kept good things from you, Jer 5:25. 1. See what mischief sin does. (1.) It hinders God's mercies from coming down upon us; it is a partition wall that separates between us and God. Notwithstanding the infinite distance that is between God and man by nature, there was a correspondence settled between them, till sin set them at variance, justly provoked God against man and unjustly alienated man from God; thus it separates between them and God. "He is your God, yours in profession, and therefore there is so much the more malignity and mischievousness in sin, which separates between you and him." Sin hides his face from us (which denotes great displeasure, Deu 31:17); it provokes him in anger to withdraw his gracious presence, to suspend the tokens of his favour and the instances of his help; he hides his face, as refusing to be seen or spoken with. See here sin in its colours, sin exceedingly sinful, withdrawing the creature from his allegiance to his Creator; and see sin in its consequences, sin exceedingly hurtful, separating us from God, and so separating us not only from all good, but to all evil (Deu 29:21), which is the very quintessence of the curse. (2.) It hinders our prayers from coming up unto God; it provokes him to hide his face, that he will not hear, as he has said, Isa 1:15. If we regard iniquity in our heart, if we indulge it and allow ourselves in it, God will not hear our prayers, Psa 66:18. We cannot expect that he should countenance us while we go on to affront him. 2. Now, to justify God in hiding his face from them, and proceeding in his controversy with them, the prophet shows very largely, in the following verses, how many and great their iniquities were, according to the charge given him (Isa 58:1), to show God's people their transgressions; and it is a black bill of indictment that is here drawn up against them, consisting of many particulars, any one of which was enough to separate between them and a just and a holy God. Let us endeavour to reduce these articles of impeachment to proper heads. (1.) We must begin with their thoughts, for there all sin begins, and thence it takes its rise: Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity, Isa 59:7. Their imaginations are so, only evil continually. Their projects and designs are so; they are continually contriving some mischief or other, and how to compass the gratification of some base lust (Isa 59:4): They conceive mischief in their fancy, purpose, counsel, and resolution (thus the embryo receives its shape and life), and then they bring forth iniquity, put it in execution when it is ripened for it. Though it is in pain perhaps that the iniquity is brought forth, through the oppositions of Providences and the checks of their own consciences, yet, when they have compassed their wicked purpose, they look upon it with as much pride and pleasure as if it were a man-child born into the world; thus, when lust has conceived, it bringeth forth sin, Jam 1:15. This is called (Isa 59:5) hatching the cockatrice' egg and weaving the spider's web. See how the thoughts and contrivances of wicked men are employed, and about what they set their wits on work. [1.] At the best it is about that which is foolish and frivolous. Their thoughts are vain, like weaving the spider's web, which the poor silly animal takes a great deal of pains about, and, when all is done, it is a weak insignificant thing, a reproach to the place where it is, and which the besom sweeps away in an instant: such are the thoughts which worldly men entertain themselves with, building castles in the air, and pleasing themselves with imaginary satisfaction, like the spider, which takes hold with her hands very finely (Pro 30:28), but cannot keep her hold. [2.] Too often it is about that which is malicious and spiteful. They hatch the eggs of the cockatrice or adder, which are poisonous and produce venomous creatures; such are the thoughts of the wicked who delight in doing mischief. He that eats of their eggs (that is, he is in danger of having some mischief or other done him), and that which is crushed in order to be eaten of, or which begins to be hatched and you promise yourself some useful fowl from it, breaks out into a viper, which you meddle with at your peril. Happy are those that have least to do with such men. Even the spider's web which they wove was woven with a spiteful design to catch flies in and make a prey of them; for, rather than not be doing mischief, they will play at small game. (2.) Out of this abundance of wickedness in the heart their mouth speaks, and yet it does not always speak out the wickedness that is within, but, for the more effectually compassing the mischievous design, it is dissembled and covered with much fair speech (Isa 59:3): Your lips have spoken lies; and again (Isa 59:4), They speak lies, pretending kindness where they intend the greatest mischief; or by slanders and false accusations they blasted the credit and reputation of those they had a spite to and so did them a real mischief unseen, and perhaps by suborning witnesses against them took from them their estates and lives; for a false tongue is sharp arrows, and coals of juniper, and every thing that is mischievous. Your tongue has muttered perverseness. When they could not, for shame, speak their malice against their neighbours aloud, or durst not, for fear of being disproved and put to confusion, they muttered it secretly. Backbiters are called whisperers. (3.) Their actions were all of a piece with their thoughts and words. They were guilty of shedding innocent blood, a crime of the most heinous nature: Your hands are defiled with blood (Isa 59:3); for blood is defiling; it leaves an indelible stain of guilt upon the conscience, which nothing but the blood of Christ can cleanse it from. Now was this a case of surprise, or one that occurred when there was something of a force put upon them; but (Isa 59:7) their feet ran to this evil, naturally and eagerly, and, hurried on by the impetus of their malice and revenge, they made haste to shed innocent blood, as if they were afraid of losing an opportunity to do a barbarous thing, Pro 1:16; Jer 22:17. Wasting and destruction are in their paths. Wherever they go they carry mischief along with them, and the tendency of their way is to lay waste and destroy, nor do they care what havoc they make. Nor do they only thirst after blood, but with other iniquities are their fingers defiled (Isa 59:3); they wrong people in their estates and make every thing their own that they can lay their hands on. They trust in vanity (Isa 59:4); they depend upon their arts of cozenage to enrich themselves with, which will prove vanity to them, and their deceiving others will but deceive themselves. Their works, which they take so much pains about and have their hearts so much upon, are all works of iniquity; their whole business is one continued course of oppressions and vexations, and the act of violence is in their hands, according to the arts of violence that are in their heads and the thoughts of violence in their hearts. (4.) No methods are taken to redress these grievances, and reform these abuses (Isa 59:4): None calls for justice, none complains of the violation of the sacred laws of justice, nor seeks to right those that suffer wrong or to get the laws put in execution against vice and profaneness, and those lewd practices which are the shame, and threaten to be the bane, of the nation. Note, When justice is not done there is blame to be laid not only upon the magistrates that should administer justice, but upon the people that should call for it. Private persons ought to contribute to the public good by discovering secret wickedness, and giving those an opportunity to punish it that have the power of doing so in their hands; but it is ill with a state when princes rule ill and the people love to have it so. Truth is opposed, and there is not any that pleads for it, not any that has the conscience and courage to appear in defence of an honest cause, and confront a prosperous fraud and wrong. The way of peace is as little regarded as the way of truth; they know it not, that is, they never study the things that make for peace, no care is taken to prevent or punish the breaches of the peace and to accommodate matters in difference among neighbours; they are utter strangers to every thing that looks quiet and peaceable, and affect that which is blustering and turbulent. There is no judgment in their goings; they have not any sense of justice in their dealings; it is a thing they make no account of at all, but can easily break through all its fences if they stand in the way of their malicious covetous designs. (5.) In all this they act foolishly, very foolishly, and as much against their interest as against reason and equity. Those that practise iniquity trust in vanity, which will certainly deceive them, Isa 59:4. Their webs, which they weave with so much art and industry, shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves, either for shelter or for ornament, with their works, Isa 59:6. They may do hurt to others with their projects, but can never do any real service or kindness to themselves by them. There is nothing to be got by sin, and so it will appear when profit and loss come to be compared. Those paths of iniquity are crooked paths (Isa 59:8), which will perplex them, but will never bring them to their journey's end; whoever go therein, though they say that they shall have peace notwithstanding they go on, deceive themselves; for they shall not know peace, as appears by the following verses.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
59:1-20 The Lord alone can and will usher in his salvation. Like a warrior, he will break into the world to avenge himself on his enemies and to vindicate his holy people. 59:1-8 The people complained that the Lord could not rescue them, but the real problem was that they had not repented (59:20) and were still living in sin. 59:1 not too weak: The delay in their rescue could not be attributed to an inherent weakness in the Lord.