What is the meaning of Isaiah 59:20? The Redeemer - Scripture paints the “Redeemer” as a specific, personal Deliverer—Jesus Christ. Job confessed, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25), and Isaiah earlier described Him as “pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5). - New-Testament writers echo this identity: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law” (Galatians 3:13) and “you were redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). - Reading Isaiah 59, the context shows human sin (vv. 1-15) answered by God’s own arm bringing salvation (v. 16). The Redeemer isn’t a concept but a Person who steps in when no one else can. Will Come - The verb is active and certain. God promises not a possibility but an arrival. • Isaiah had already foretold: “For unto us a Child is born…of the increase of His government…there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7). • Malachi echoed, “The Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to His temple” (Malachi 3:1). • The New Covenant records the fulfillment in Bethlehem (Luke 2:11) and anticipates the future return: “This same Jesus…will come back” (Acts 1:11). - God’s timeline often spans centuries, yet His Word stands unchanged (2 Peter 3:9). To Zion - Zion refers to Jerusalem, the geographical and spiritual heart of God’s dealings with Israel (Psalm 2:6; Psalm 132:13-14). - Paul cites this very verse: “The Deliverer will come from Zion” (Romans 11:26), linking Christ’s salvation to Israel’s future restoration. - Revelation completes the picture: “I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion” (Revelation 14:1). - Zion thus becomes the stage where redemption’s promise and consummation meet. To Those in Jacob - “Jacob” emphasizes the covenant nation—physical descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 35:10-12). - God always preserves a faithful remnant (Isaiah 10:20-22). Paul clarifies, “Not all who are descended from Israel are Israel” (Romans 9:6-8); the Redeemer’s blessing is for covenant people who truly believe. - The verse affirms God’s continuing commitment to Israel even while the gospel also reaches the nations (Acts 13:46-48). Who Turn from Transgression - Redemption is applied to repentant hearts, not rebellious ones. • “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). • Peter preached, “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away” (Acts 3:19). • John assures believers, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). - Repentance is both a change of mind and direction. The Redeemer’s arrival brings power to turn, yet each person must respond. Declares the LORD - The closing phrase underscores divine authority. When the LORD speaks, His word is final (Isaiah 55:11). - This declaration anchors every promise above; God Himself stakes His name on the Redeemer’s mission and its guaranteed outcome. Summary Isaiah 59:20 promises that a personal Redeemer—Jesus Christ—will certainly arrive in Jerusalem, extending salvation to the covenant people of Israel who repent of their sins. The verse ties together God’s unbreakable covenant, the necessity of repentance, and the assured triumph of Christ’s redemptive work, all sealed by the authoritative word of the LORD. |
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