Read & explore together
The Covenant of the Redeemer
Isaiah 59:18–21 speaks about Yahweh’s just response to evil, the spread of reverence for his name, the coming of a Redeemer, and a covenant marked by his Spirit and words remaining with his people.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
In this passage, Yahweh speaks about repaying people according to their deeds, about his name being feared from west to east, about a Redeemer coming to Zion for those who turn from disobedience in Jacob, and about his covenant with them. The passage presents prophecy and teaching in Yahweh’s own words.
Isaiah 59:18–21Main takeaway
This passage teaches that Yahweh answers evil with justice and gives a lasting covenant marked by his Spirit and words to those who turn to him.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Yahweh repays according to deedsThe passage begins with justice. Yahweh will repay people as appropriate to what they have done.
Explanation
The passage begins with justice. Yahweh will repay people as appropriate to what they have done. The words adversaries, enemies, and islands show that his response is not limited to one small group. The focus here is that wrongdoing is not ignored, and repayment belongs to Yahweh.
02His name will be feared everywhereVerse 19 moves from repayment to the effect of Yahweh’s action. People from the west to the rising of the sun will fear Yahweh’s name and glory.
Explanation
Verse 19 moves from repayment to the effect of Yahweh’s action. People from the west to the rising of the sun will fear Yahweh’s name and glory. The image of a rushing stream driven by Yahweh’s breath shows powerful movement. The verse says this in poetic language, not as a small or local response.
03A Redeemer comes to ZionYahweh next says that a Redeemer will come to Zion. The promise is especially linked to those who turn from disobedience in Jacob.
Explanation
Yahweh next says that a Redeemer will come to Zion. The promise is especially linked to those who turn from disobedience in Jacob. The verse joins rescue with repentance. It does not speak of everyone without distinction, but of people who turn away from disobedience.
04The covenant is marked by Spirit and wordsYahweh then describes his covenant. He speaks of his Spirit being on you and his words being put in your mouth.
Explanation
Yahweh then describes his covenant. He speaks of his Spirit being on you and his words being put in your mouth. These are not temporary gifts, because the words will not depart from you, your offspring, or later generations. The passage stresses continuing covenant faithfulness from Yahweh.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does Isaiah 59:18 say Yahweh repays, and to whom?
Notice the repeated words repay and recompense, and list the groups named in the verse.
02How far does the fear of Yahweh’s name spread in verse 19?
Use the directional phrases in the verse and the image of Yahweh’s glory and breath to answer from the text.
03What two lasting gifts are named in Yahweh’s covenant in verse 21?
Look for the paired phrases about what Yahweh gives and what will not depart across generations.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Isaiah 59:18–21
18According to their deeds, he will repay as appropriate: wrath to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies. He will repay the islands their due.
19So they will fear Yahweh’s name from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come as a rushing stream, which Yahweh’s breath drives.
20“A Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from disobedience in Jacob,” says Yahweh.
21“As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says Yahweh. “My Spirit who is on you, and my words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the mouth of your offspring, nor out of the mouth of your offspring’s offspring,” says Yahweh, “from now on and forever.”