Isaiah 63:14

14 Like cattle that go down into the valley, the spirit of the Lord gave them rest. Thus you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name.

Isaiah 63:14 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 63:14

As a beast goeth down into the valley
Softly and gently, especially when laden; which may have some respect to the descent of the Israelites into the sea, into which they entered without any fear and dread, and without any hurry and precipitation, though Pharaoh's host was behind them; or rather, "as a beast goes along a valley", or "plain" ^F3; with ease, and without any interruption, so passed the Israelites through the sea. Thus the Targum renders it,

``as a beast goes, or is led, in a plain;''

so the word is used in ( Isaiah 38:8 ) , and elsewhere: the Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest;
or gently led him, that is, Israel; he walked on through the sea, with as much facility, and as little danger, as a beast walks on in a valley, or a horse in a plain. Some understand this of leading Israel through the wilderness, where often resting places were found for them, and at last they were brought to the land of rest, Canaan, and settled there: so didst thou lead thy people;
both through the sea, and through the wilderness, in a like easy, safe, and gentle manner: to make thyself a glorious name;
among the nations of the world, as he did by this amazing appearance of his for Israel; and it is hoped by those, whose words these are, he would do the like again, and get himself immortal glory.

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FOOTNOTES:

F3 (drt heqbb hmhbk) "sicut jumentum quod in campo, [vel] valle, [vel] planitie, graditur", Gataker.

Isaiah 63:14 In-Context

12 who caused his glorious arm to march at the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to make for himself an everlasting name,

13 who led them through the depths? Like a horse in the desert, they did not stumble.

14 Like cattle that go down into the valley, the spirit of the Lord gave them rest. Thus you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name.

15 Look down from heaven and see, from your holy and glorious habitation. Where are your zeal and your might? The yearning of your heart and your compassion? They are withheld from me.

16 For you are our father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O Lord, are our father; our Redeemer from of old is your name.