Isaiah 59:4
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 59:4
4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 59 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, grace. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 59:4
4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
Analysis
Injustice pervades the legal system: 'None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.' The Hebrew 'tohu' (vanity) recalls creation's pre-ordered chaos. The pregnancy metaphor - conceiving mischief, birthing iniquity - shows sin's developmental process.
Historical Context
Courts and public discourse were corrupted. Where truth and justice should have prevailed, lies and injustice multiplied. This mirrors contemporary concerns about systemic injustice.
Reflection
- How does the pregnancy metaphor illuminate sin's progressive development?
- What does it look like to 'call for justice' and 'plead for truth' in your context?
Word Studies
- Faith: אֱמוּנָה (Emunah) H530 - Faithfulness, trust
Cross-References
- Faith: Isaiah 30:12, Psalms 62:10, Jeremiah 7:4, 7:8
- Sin: Isaiah 59:3, Micah 2:1, James 1:15
- Righteousness: Isaiah 59:16
- Parallel theme: Job 15:35, Proverbs 4:16