The people’s anguished cries and unmet longing for deliverance highlight the deep impact of their separation from God.
“All of us growl like bears, and moan sadly like doves; We hope for justice, but there is none, For salvation, but it is far from us.” (v.11) In this verse, the prophet Isaiah paints a striking picture of collective frustration and sorrow among the people. They are likened to bears that growl when threatened or uneasy, and to doves, whose soft cooing can sound like lamenting. This sharp emotional imagery amplifies how dire the circumstances had become. Despite their longing for justice, they find no relief or redemption from the troubles afflicting their community. The phrase, “but there is none,” makes it clear that the deliverance they are anticipating fails to materialize on their timetable.
“All of us growl like bears, and moan sadly like doves; We hope for justice, but there is none, For salvation, but it is far from us.” (v.11) also reflects the broader context of Isaiah’s ministry, which occurred around the late 8th century BC to early 7th century BC, primarily to the people of Judah. Though no specific location is referenced here, Judah’s capital was Jerusalem, a city often torn between political turmoil and religious decline. Isaiah, a contemporary of kings such as Ahaz (reigned 735-715 BC) and Hezekiah (reigned 715-686 BC), repeatedly warned that corruption and deceit had created a spiritual chasm between the people and God. This lament demonstrates an awareness that their iniquities had left them bereft of the divine help they desperately seek.
Further, “For salvation, but it is far from us” (v.11) indicates that deliverance from moral shortcomings and the resulting punishment is not within reach, at least not through human effort alone. From a New Testament perspective, the longing for salvation and justice can be seen as an ancient echo of the ultimate salvation offered through Christ (Romans 5:8). Humanity’s yearning for redemption is highlighted here, foreshadowing a solution that would come centuries later in Jesus, whose sacrifice would bridge the gap between divine righteousness and human failings.
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Isaiah 59:11 meaning
“All of us growl like bears, and moan sadly like doves; We hope for justice, but there is none, For salvation, but it is far from us.” (v.11) In this verse, the prophet Isaiah paints a striking picture of collective frustration and sorrow among the people. They are likened to bears that growl when threatened or uneasy, and to doves, whose soft cooing can sound like lamenting. This sharp emotional imagery amplifies how dire the circumstances had become. Despite their longing for justice, they find no relief or redemption from the troubles afflicting their community. The phrase, “but there is none,” makes it clear that the deliverance they are anticipating fails to materialize on their timetable.
“All of us growl like bears, and moan sadly like doves; We hope for justice, but there is none, For salvation, but it is far from us.” (v.11) also reflects the broader context of Isaiah’s ministry, which occurred around the late 8th century BC to early 7th century BC, primarily to the people of Judah. Though no specific location is referenced here, Judah’s capital was Jerusalem, a city often torn between political turmoil and religious decline. Isaiah, a contemporary of kings such as Ahaz (reigned 735-715 BC) and Hezekiah (reigned 715-686 BC), repeatedly warned that corruption and deceit had created a spiritual chasm between the people and God. This lament demonstrates an awareness that their iniquities had left them bereft of the divine help they desperately seek.
Further, “For salvation, but it is far from us” (v.11) indicates that deliverance from moral shortcomings and the resulting punishment is not within reach, at least not through human effort alone. From a New Testament perspective, the longing for salvation and justice can be seen as an ancient echo of the ultimate salvation offered through Christ (Romans 5:8). Humanity’s yearning for redemption is highlighted here, foreshadowing a solution that would come centuries later in Jesus, whose sacrifice would bridge the gap between divine righteousness and human failings.