Israel Confesses its Sin

59:9 For this reason deliverance14 is far from us15

and salvation does not reach us.

We wait for light,16 but see only darkness;17

we wait for18 a bright light,19 but live20 in deep darkness.21

59:10 We grope along the wall like the blind,

we grope like those who cannot see;22

we stumble at noontime as if it were evening.

Though others are strong, we are like dead men.23

59:11 We all growl like bears,

we coo mournfully like doves;

we wait for deliverance,24 but there is none,

for salvation, but it is far from us.

59:12 For you are aware of our many rebellious deeds,25

and our sins testify against us;

indeed, we are aware of our rebellious deeds;

we know our sins all too well.26

59:13 We have rebelled and tried to deceive the Lord;

we turned back from following our God.

We stir up27 oppression and rebellion;

we tell lies we concocted in our minds.28

59:14 Justice is driven back;

godliness29 stands far off.

Indeed,30 honesty stumbles in the city square

and morality is not even able to enter.

59:15 Honesty has disappeared;

the one who tries to avoid evil is robbed.

The Lord watches and is displeased,31

for there is no justice.