Chapter Summary

Sins which prevented the bestowal of God's blessing and caused chastisements to fall upon Israel.

Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 59

1. What are the "iniquities" (HCSB) and "sins" (HCSB) that are creating a barrier between Israel and God. In what ways can our own sins create barriers between God and ourselves? What does this teach us about the consequences of our sins?
2. Why would lack of justice be so problematic in society? Why is it so important for God's people to pursue true justice? Why would God be "offended" (HCSB) at a lack of justice?
3. What is the significance of the animal imagery that is used in verses 5-6? What other references in Scripture are these same imagery used? Why do you think God chooses to make these particular references about animals?
4. In what ways has "truth" gone in missing in our society? What is the relationship between truth "in the public square" (HCSB) and how a society approaches morality?
5. In what ways does Israel's society in this time period mirror our own? Why does immorality so often repeat itself in societies, from generation to generation?
6. What is the significance of the military language used in verse 17? Does this reference occur elsewhere in the Bible? How is God a "warrior"?
7. Why is it important for God's Word to pass on from parents, to children, to grandchildren? What does this teach us about the role that the family plays in obedience to God's commandments? In what ways can you implement these truths in your own family?
8. What is the significance of God being described as "The Redeemer" (HCSB)? What is the relationship between redemption and repentance?
9. When we sin, against whom do we ultimately sin? What happens when we sin against others? What is our heart's role in sin?
10. Who are the "oppressors" of the Israelites in this chapter? What is the relationship between Israel's sins and Israel's oppressors?

Key Words/Phrase

Iniquities, v. 2

Characters

God, Christ, Holy Spirit.

Strong Verse(s)

1, 2