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Isaiah 59 · a question people ask

If the LORD's hand isn't too short, why does 59:2 say he will not hear?

In the text

The chapter holds both together. 59:1 says the lack isn't in the LORD: "Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it can’t save; nor his ear dull, that it can’t hear" (59:1). 59:2 says what stands in the way: "But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear" (59:2). The chapter doesn't stop there. "The LORD saw it" (59:15), "his own arm brought salvation to him" (59:16), and "A Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from disobedience in Jacob" (59:20). These notes don't apply 59:2 to anyone's prayers today; the verse speaks to the you of this chapter.

The verses

“Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it can’t save; nor his ear dull, that it can’t hear. But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
Isaiah 59:1-2 · World English Bible
“Yes, 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 intercessor. Therefore his own arm brought salvation to him; and his righteousness sustained him.”
Isaiah 59:15-16 · World English Bible
““A Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from disobedience in Jacob,” says the LORD.”
Isaiah 59:20 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Isaiah 59

Isaiah 59: A Redeemer will come to Zion

In 59:2 separated is badal, the verb of "God divided the light from the darkness" (Genesis 1:4). The righteousness and salvation the speakers say are far off (59:9-14) are, in the same Hebrew words, what the LORD puts on (59:17). And of Isaiah's 13 Redeemer verses, only 59:20 has "A Redeemer", with no your, his, our or of Israel.

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions