4. Sin, confession, and deliverance (59:1-21)

The prophet, sensing consternation and dismay among his people due to their unfortunate situation, is quick to state that the fault does not lie with Yahweh but with them. Surely Yahweh is able to save (v.1), but the people’s sins have hindered his saving activity. A litany of sins follows: lies (v.3), indifference to justice and a desire for evil (v.4), and threatening to subvert society’s structure (v.5, snakes and spiders' webs were frequently used to symbolize this; cf. Sawyer, 177). This inner disposition expresses itself in evil deeds (v.6), the shedding of innocent blood (v.7), and distortion of trust (v.8), with the result that there is no peace.

Vv.9-15a constitute a confession of sin and an admission of guilt. They are like the blind who cannot find their way. The cause of the blindness is stated in vv.12-13: their rebellion against God, which results in the lack of justice and righteousness and trust and honesty (v.14).

The situation had deteriorated to the point where there was no one to intervene, so God himself would act. His own arm would bring salvation (see 59:1). When God comes in warriorlike fashion, evildoers will be judged, and those who repent (v.20) will be redeemed. The prophet closes by setting the seal of God’s authority on his words (v.21).