Isaiah 59

Jehovah

Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: Isaiah 59:1–2

The Lord is fully able to save and hear. It is sin, not any weakness in Him, that puts distance between people and God.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

Arm of the LORD (the Intercessor)

And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. Isaiah 59:16

No mortal could step between sinners and justice, so the Lord brought salvation Himself. Christ became the one Intercessor who 'made intercession for the transgressors.'

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Isaiah 63:5 — 'There was none to help ... therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me.'
• the same title in Isaiah 53:12 — The Servant 'made intercession for the transgressors.'

Second Coming (Judgment)

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. Isaiah 59:17–18

The Lord dresses like a warrior to rescue His people and repay the wicked. Paul uses this armor for Saints, and in the latter days Christ invites us to put on 'my whole armor.'

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by Ephesians 6:14-17 — Breastplate of righteousness and helmet of salvation.
• alluded to by D&C 27:15-18 — Christ: 'take upon you my whole armor.'

Redeemer

Redeemer — Hebrew go'el, the kinsman who buys back a family member from bondage

And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. Isaiah 59:20

The Redeemer will come to Zion for all who repent. Paul quotes this as the promise that Christ the Deliverer will save Israel.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quoted by Romans 11:26 — 'There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer.'

Jehovah

As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever. Isaiah 59:21

The Lord covenants that His Spirit and His words will stay with His people and their descendants forever. Paul reads this covenant together with the coming of the Deliverer.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quoted by Romans 11:27 — 'For this is my covenant unto them.'