Isaiah 59:15

Yea truth faileth, and he that departeth from euill maketh himselfe a pray: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him, that there was no iudgement. Isaiah 59:15 (KJV)

that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw

it, and it displeased him that

there was no judgment. Isaiah 59:15 (KJV)

Isaiah is a prophetic book of the Old Testament traditionally ascribed to the prophet Isaiah, though modern scholarship notes that multiple contributors may have shaped its final form. The book addresses Israel during a period of spiritual decline, moral corruption, and impending judgment, calling the nation to repentance and restoration.

The opening declaration, “Yea, truth faileth,” exposes a profound breakdown of honesty, integrity, and justice among the people. Truth is the foundation of a just society and of a healthy relationship with God; its failure leads to oppression, moral decay, and the loss of righteous judgment. The phrase “and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey” warns that those who strive to live according to God’s standards become vulnerable targets of the wicked. This highlights the tragic reality that the righteous are often treated as prey in a corrupt culture.

The verse concludes, “and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.” God is fully aware of the injustice surrounding His people, and He is grieved by the absence of righteous judgment. His displeasure underscores His deep concern for justice and righteousness in society.

Application follows naturally. Believers are called to uphold truth and justice in personal conduct and in the broader community, living with integrity, honesty, and fairness as modeled in Scripture. When we stand for what is right, we should expect opposition; the passage reminds us to endure persecution with confidence, knowing that God sees our suffering. Finally, although injustice may dominate the present age, God’s awareness assures us that His justice will ultimately prevail, whether in this life or the next. In sum, Isaiah 59:15 confronts the failure of truth and justice, the persecution of the righteous, and God’s displeasure with a judgment‑less world, urging believers to cling to truth, endure hardship, and trust in God’s ultimate righteousness.