Isaiah 59: 14-15 - Judgment and Truth | Speak the Word Only

Isaiah 59:14–15 — When Truth Falls in the Street

Isaiah describes a society in which justice, righteousness, and truth have been pushed aside. The problem is not merely that individuals are committing isolated sins; corruption has become so widespread that what is right can scarcely find a place in public life.

“And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off…” (Isaiah 59:14, KJV). Judgment being “turned backward” pictures justice being prevented from accomplishing what it should. Justice standing “afar off” means righteousness is no longer operating where decisions are being made.

Then Isaiah gives the striking statement: “truth is fallen in the street.” The street represents the public sphere—the place where people conduct everyday affairs. Truth has been knocked down, while dishonesty and injustice are permitted to stand.

Verse 15 goes even further: “Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” Society has become so morally inverted that the person who refuses to participate in evil can become a target. Instead of righteousness being honored, righteousness may carry a cost.

But the end of verse 15 changes the direction of the passage: “and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.” Human beings may become accustomed to injustice, but God does not. He sees what has happened to truth and justice, and the following verses (Isaiah 59:16–21) reveal the LORD Himself intervening as Redeemer.

Key Truth: When truth is rejected and righteousness becomes costly, God still sees. Isaiah 59 does not end with truth lying defeated in the street—it moves toward God’s intervention, redemption, and covenant faithfulness.