Isaiah 59:1-21

59:1-8 | The people complained that God had not come to their aid or heard their prayers. The prophet laid the responsibility squarely on the people: innocent blood was being shed, justice perverted, and the lives of people imperiled.

59:9-15 | In a confessional prayer that echoes Ezra and Daniel (Ezra 9:6-7; Dan. 9:5), the prophet identifies with the people even though he has not committed these egregious sins. Outwardly their sin had harmed other people; inwardly, it was a rejection of God Himself.

59:16-17 | God is portrayed as a warrior. His strong arm brought salvation or victory. His armor is unlike that of men: righteousness as a breastplate, a helmet of salvation, and garments of vengeance. Paul speaks of similar armor in Ephesians 6:14-16.