Isaiah 59:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 59:21
21 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.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 59 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, truth, redemption. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 59:21
21 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.
Analysis
God establishes an eternal covenant: '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.' Spirit and Word together are promised perpetually to believing generations.
Historical Context
This new covenant promise combines elements of Jeremiah 31 (inward law) and Joel 2 (Spirit outpouring). It guarantees that God's revelation will be preserved through His people forever.
Reflection
- How do Spirit and Word together characterize the new covenant?
- What does the perpetual promise 'from henceforth and for ever' mean for the church?
Word Studies
- Spirit: רוּחַ (Ruach) H7307 - Spirit, wind, breath
Cross-References
- Covenant: Isaiah 49:8, 55:3, Hebrews 10:16
- Word: Isaiah 51:16
- Spirit: Isaiah 44:3, John 3:34, 7:39, Romans 8:9, 2 Corinthians 3:8
- Parallel theme: John 4:14