Discovery BoxIsaiah 26:10 
Context26:10 If the wicked are shown mercy,
they do not learn about justice. 1
Even in a land where right is rewarded, they act unjustly; 2
they do not see the Lord’s majesty revealed.
Isaiah 53:2
Context53:2 He sprouted up like a twig before God, 3
like a root out of parched soil; 4
he had no stately form or majesty that might catch our attention, 5
no special appearance that we should want to follow him. 6
1 tn As in verse 9b, the translation understands צֶדֶק (tsedeq) in the sense of “justice,” but it is possible that it carries the nuance “righteousness,” in which case one might translate, “they do not learn to live in a righteous manner.”
2 tn Heb “in a land of uprightness they act unjustly”; NRSV “they deal perversely.”
3 tn Heb “before him.” Some suggest an emendation to “before us.” If the third singular suffix of the Hebrew text is retained, it probably refers to the Lord (see v. 1b). For a defense of this reading, see R. Whybray, Isaiah 40-66 (NCBC), 173-74.
4 sn The metaphor in this verse suggests insignificance.
5 tn Heb “that we might see him.” The vav conjunctive prefixed to the imperfect introduces a result clause here. See GKC 504-5 §166.a.
6 tn Heb “that we should desire him.” The vav conjunctive prefixed to the imperfect introduces a result clause here. See GKC 504-5 §166.a.
