Justice to establish justice

Isaiah 59:18 is neatly symmetrical:

A. According to their deeds (gemulah), accordingly He repays (yeshallem) –

B. wrath to adversaries,

C. recompense (gemul) to enemies,

B’. to coastlands

A’. He repays recompense (gemul yeshallem)

The literary symmetry mimics the symmetry of the message, judgment that matches deeds.

Two other details are worth noting. First, the verb for “repay” is shalam, obviously linked with the noun shalom, “peace” or “harmony.” Yahweh pays everyone his due, and just in that way harmonizes what was discordant. Second, and related, Yahweh’s way of establishing justice is to pass just judgment. The problem is that the wicked prosper and the faithful languish. When Yahweh repays everyone according to his works, He puts that right. By passing judgment, He establishes justice. Justice is the end; justice the means.