51:5 I am ready to vindicate, 1
I am ready to deliver, 2
I will establish justice among the nations. 3
The coastlands 4 wait patiently for me;
they wait in anticipation for the revelation of my power. 5
54:14 You will be reestablished when I vindicate you. 6
You will not experience oppression; 7
indeed, you will not be afraid.
You will not be terrified, 8
for nothing frightening 9 will come near you.
54:17 No weapon forged to be used against you will succeed;
you will refute everyone who tries to accuse you. 10
This is what the Lord will do for his servants –
I will vindicate them,” 11
says the Lord.
1 tn Heb “my righteousness [or “vindication”] is near.”
2 tn Heb “my deliverance goes forth.”
3 tn Heb “and my arms will judge [on behalf of] nations.”
4 tn Or “islands” (NIV); TEV “Distant lands.”
5 tn Heb “for my arm” (so NIV, NRSV).
6 tn Heb “in righteousness [or “vindication”] you will be established.” The precise meaning of צְדָקָה (tsÿdaqah) here is uncertain. It could mean “righteousness, justice,” indicating that the city will be a center for justice. But the context focuses on deliverance, suggesting that the term means “deliverance, vindication” here.
7 tn Heb “Be far from oppression!” The imperative is used here in a rhetorical manner to express certainty and assurance. See GKC 324 §110.c.
8 tn Heb “from terror.” The rhetorical command, “be far” is understood by ellipsis here. Note the preceding context.
9 tn Heb “it,” i.e., the “terror” just mentioned.
10 tn Heb “and every tongue that rises up for judgment with you will prove to be guilty.”
11 tn Heb “this is the inheritance of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication from me.”