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The wickedness of an immoral nation of people declared by the prophet. Thus, the Word of the Lord came to them. The Lord was in opposition to them and was about to bring about some correction. Three vital elements for a peaceful society were greatly lacking among them. There was no truth, where there is no truth, all is a lie. Their religious lives, their daily communication with one another was not based on truth but a lie. They were habitually liars, in all things. From those who lead them, to the beggar on the streets, there was to be found no truth. Hos. 4:1 Isaiah is found addressing that sort of a situation but before he gives, in vivid detail their sin, he reminds them that the Lord can save and will forgive. Isa. 59:1 Having proclaimed and listed their great wickedness. Isa. 59: 2-15 Isaiah prophesied concerning the coming of the Messiah. Isa. 59:16-21.
Most definitely where there is no truth, mercy likewise will not be found. Mercy is a companion of truth and is dependent on the same. Mercy and truth blend together and walk together on the pathway of the Lord. Ps. 25:10 Mercy and truth bring about a separation from sin in the lives of those who embrace them. Creating a reverence for the Lord and a departure from wickedness. Pr. 16:6 Solomon gave testimony that his father David was shown great mercy by the Lord for he walked before the Lord in truth. 1 Ki. 3:6 May mercy and truth reign in our hearts.
Void of the knowledge of the Lord. A supposed religious nation, but ignorant of the one who had brought them into existence. They would not acknowledge Him, let alone make Him the object of their worship. I find it most difficult not to draw a parallel with our nation and the world in which we live today. Even church members have no, or at least little knowledge of the Lord or of His Word. Most unfortunately among them there is a condition of gross ignorance of the divine truths found in the Word of the Lord. Paul noted this condition in his letter to the Corinthians when he wrote that some of them did not posses the knowledge of God. 1 Cor. 15:34.
The Lord will reveal Himself to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. The Lord uses the two very basic circumstances which occur constantly in our lives, that of hungering and thirsting as a measurement to be used in seeking Him. To gain knowledge of Him, we must have a gnawing hunger and a great thirsting in order to overcome the frailty of the flesh. He has promised that those who hunger and thirst shall be filled. Mt. 5:6 A failure for His promises to be consummated in our lives is not on His part. The break down is on our part. We are too casual about spiritual things. A luke warm, spasmodic seeking of the Lord will not produce the desired results. The entire heart and being is required. Jer. 29:13.