Discovery BoxIsaiah 59:8-12 
Context59:8 They are unfamiliar with peace;
their deeds are unjust. 1
They use deceitful methods,
and whoever deals with them is unfamiliar with peace. 2
59:9 For this reason deliverance 3 is far from us 4
and salvation does not reach us.
We wait for light, 5 but see only darkness; 6
we wait for 7 a bright light, 8 but live 9 in deep darkness. 10
59:10 We grope along the wall like the blind,
we grope like those who cannot see; 11
we stumble at noontime as if it were evening.
Though others are strong, we are like dead men. 12
59:11 We all growl like bears,
we coo mournfully like doves;
we wait for deliverance, 13 but there is none,
for salvation, but it is far from us.
59:12 For you are aware of our many rebellious deeds, 14
and our sins testify against us;
indeed, we are aware of our rebellious deeds;
we know our sins all too well. 15
1 tn Heb “a way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their pathways.”
2 tn Heb “their paths they make crooked, everyone who walks in it does not know peace.”
3 tn מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat), which refers to “justice” in the earlier verses, here refers to “justice from God,” or “vindication.” Because the people are unjust, God refuses to vindicate them before their enemies. See v. 11.
4 sn The prophet speaks on behalf of the sinful nation and confesses its sins.
5 sn Light here symbolizes prosperity and blessing.
6 tn Heb “but, look, darkness”; NIV “but all is darkness.”
7 tn The words “we wait for” are supplied in the translation; the verb is understood by ellipsis (note the preceding line).
8 tn The plural noun form may indicate degree here.
9 tn Or “walk about”; NCV “all we have is darkness.”
10 tn The plural noun form may indicate degree here.
11 tn Heb “like there are no eyes.”
12 tn Heb among the strong, like dead men.”
14 tn Heb “for many are our rebellious deeds before you.”
15 tn Heb “indeed [or “for”] our rebellious deeds (are) with us, and our sins, we know them.”
