Exposition of Isaiah 59:19 and Personal Application
Exposition of Isaiah 59:19
Isaiah 59:19 reads, "So they shall fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the Lord drives" [5]. This verse is part of a larger passage that describes the redemption of Israel and the universal reverence for God that will follow.
Literary Context
Isaiah 59 is a chapter that highlights the sins of the people and God's subsequent judgment. The chapter begins by affirming God's ability to save, emphasizing that His hand is not shortened (Isaiah 59:1). It then lists various transgressions, including violence, injustice, and lying (Isaiah 59:3-8). The people's acknowledgment of their sins and their plea for redemption follow (Isaiah 59:9-15). The chapter concludes with a description of God's intervention, where He puts on righteousness as a breastplate and salvation as a helmet, ultimately leading to the fear of the Lord from the west and the east (Isaiah 59:16-19) [2].
Historical Setting
The historical context of Isaiah 59 is complex, with interpretations varying among scholars. The chapter is often seen as a reflection of the prophet's time, addressing the spiritual and moral decay of Israel. Some view it as a prophecy concerning the period before the spiritual reign of Christ, characterized by widespread sin and the withdrawal of God's presence [2].
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The phrase "the name of the Lord" in Isaiah 59:19 is significant, as it refers to God's character and reputation. The "west" and "the rising of the sun" (east) symbolize the universal scope of God's glory and the fear He inspires [5]. The image of God coming "like a rushing stream, which the wind of the Lord drives" is a powerful metaphor for His irresistible and overwhelming presence.
The interpretation of this verse hinges on understanding the antecedent of "he" in "for he will come." The context suggests that "he" refers to the Lord, emphasizing God's direct intervention [5].
Range of Interpretations
Commentators have offered various interpretations of Isaiah 59:19. Some see it as a prophecy of the universal acknowledgment of God's glory, where "the west" and "the rising of the sun" represent the farthest reaches of the earth [5]. Others connect this verse to the coming of Christ or the spread of the Gospel [1].
Patristic interpretation often viewed Isaiah's prophecies, including this verse, as having Christological significance. Origen, for example, interpreted the "sharp sword" mentioned in other contexts as referring to the Word of God, highlighting the piercing and effective nature of God's message [4].
Personal Application and Traditional Significance
The personal application of Isaiah 59:19 involves recognizing the universal reverence for God that will be achieved through His redemptive work. It encourages believers to trust in God's power and His ability to bring about a worldwide acknowledgment of His glory.
In Christian tradition, Isaiah 59 has been seen as a chapter that not only addresses the immediate context of Israel's sins but also points to the broader redemptive plan of God. The verse has been used to underscore the themes of God's judgment, redemption, and the ultimate triumph of His glory [3].
The imagery and themes presented in Isaiah 59:19 have influenced various aspects of Christian theology and practice, including understandings of God's character, the nature of sin and redemption, and the hope for a future where God's glory is universally acknowledged.
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Isaiah 59:19 cross-references: Psalms 22:27, Psalms 102:15, Psalms 102:16, Psalms 113:3, Isaiah 8:7, Isaiah 11:9, Isaiah 24:14, Isaiah 30:28, Isaiah 45:6, Isaiah 49:12, Isaiah 66:18, Daniel 7:27, Zephaniah 3:8, Zechariah 4:6, Malachi 1:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, Revelation 11:15, Revelation 12:10, Revelation 12:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 20:1”
- Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 59 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 59 As the former chapter declares the hypocrisy and formality of professors of religion; this expresses the errors and heresies, immorality and profaneness, which shall prevail before the spiritual reign of Christ, or the latter day glory begins; which is so fully described in the next chapter. Reasons are given of God's withdrawing his presence from a professing people, which were not want of power and readiness in him, but their own sins and transgressions, Isa 59:1 which are enumerated, such as murder, rapine, lies, &c. Isa 59:”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 103: It is not however only in the typical services of the old economy that this great doctrine was set forth in the Hebrew Scriptures. In the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah this doctrine is presented with a clearness and copiousness which have extorted assent from the most unwilling minds. The prophet in that chapter not only foretells that the Messiah was to be a man of sorrows; not only that He was to suffer the greatest indignities and be put to a violent death; not only that these sufferings were endured for the benefit of others; but tha”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 9: Gospel of Peter, Diatessaron, Origen's Commentaries — 36. CHRIST AS A SWORD.: The texts of the New Testament, which we have discussed, are things said by Himself about Himself. Isaiah, however, He said(3) that His mouth had been set by His Father as a sharp sword, and that He was hidden under the shadow of His hand, made like to a chosen shaft and kept close in the Father's quiver, called His servant by the God of all things, and Israel, and Light of the Gentiles. The mouth of the Son of God is a sharp sword, for(4) "The word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-ed”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 59:19: 59:19 In the west . . . in the east: I.e., in all parts of the world.”