Isaiah 63:10-19

10 But they rebelled, and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He became their enemy [and] fought against them.
11 Then He[a] remembered the days of the past, [the days] of Moses [and] his people. Where is He who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds[b] of His flock? Where is He who put His Holy Spirit among the flock?
12 He sent His glorious arm at Moses' right hand, divided the waters before them to obtain eternal fame for Himself,
13 and led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble.
14 Like cattle that go down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord gave them[c] rest. You led Your people this way to make a glorious name for Yourself.

Israel's Prayer

15 Look down from heaven and see from Your lofty home-holy and beautiful. Where is Your zeal and Your might? Your yearning[d] and Your compassion are withheld from me.
16 Yet You are our Father, even though Abraham does not know us and Israel doesn't recognize us. You, Lord, are our Father; from ancient times, Your name is our Redeemer.
17 Why, Lord, do You make us stray from Your ways? You harden our hearts so we do not fear[e] You. Return, because of Your servants, the tribes of Your heritage.
18 Your holy people had a possession[f] for a little while, [but] our enemies have trampled down Your sanctuary.
19 We have become like those You never ruled over, like those not called by Your name.

Isaiah 63:10-19 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 63

This chapter contains a prophecy of the vengeance of Christ upon the enemies of his church in the latter day, whereby complete salvation would be obtained for them; and this illustrated by the mercies of God to the people of Israel of old; and is concluded with the church s prayer to him. The account of the vengeance taken by Christ on his enemies is introduced by a colloquy between him and his church; who puts a question, in which he is described by the places from whence he came, by his apparel, and by his manner of walking; to which he returns an answer, Isa 63:1, then a second question is put, about the colour of his garments; for which he gives a reason, Isa 63:2,3 it being the time of his vengeance on his enemies, and of the redemption of his people, Isa 63:4 the manner in which he performed both is observed, Isa 63:5 and the thorough work he would make; and the entire riddance of all his enemies is determined upon, Isa 63:6, which puts the prophet, or the church, in mind of former mercies bestowed upon Israel of old, the peculiar people and children of God, the Lord had a great opinion of, and favour for, whom he dealt very tenderly with, and redeemed, and saved, and preserved, Isa 63:7-9 though they acted an ungrateful part to him, which is aggravated by the various kind steps of Providence, in leading them through the Red sea, guiding them in the wilderness, and bringing them to rest safely in Canaan's land, for his own glory, Isa 63:10-14 and all is closed with the church's prayer to God, imploring his grace and mercy; pleading relation to him; expostulating with him about their present case, and observing the difference between them and their enemies, Isa 63:15-19 and which prayer is continued in the next chapter.

Footnotes 6

  • [a]. Or he, or they
  • [b]. LXX, Tg, Syr read shepherd
  • [c]. Lit him
  • [d]. Lit The agitation of Your inward parts
  • [e]. Lit our heart from fearing
  • [f]. Or Your people possessed Your holy place
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.