Isaiah 59:1-21
The iniquities of the people form an impenetrable barrier between the LORD and themselves. They prevent God from accepting any religious service. Conversely He cannot intervene on the behalf of His own while this wall exists. Is this perhaps the reason why our prayers sometimes remain unanswered? (Proverbs 15:8; Proverbs 15:29).
The overwhelming list of all the accumulated sins of the people is brought before them in vv. 3-8 to make them aware of their sinfulness. Romans 3:10-18 recalls some of these in order to establish beyond argument the wickedness of the whole human race.
In v. 9 it is the faithful remnant who are speaking. They humbly recognise the accuracy of the picture just painted for them. "Our iniquities, we know them" they declare (v. 12), even adding a new list of sins to those already enumerated by the prophet (vv. 13-15). In short, this remnant is showing just how much it is "of a contrite and humble spirit" (Isaiah 57:15). So the LORD, according to His promise, will now be able to comfort them, revive them by His Spirit and deal justly with them through the Messiah, their Redeemer and Deliverer, as He will be also for the nations (v. 20; Romans 11:26).