Isaiah 63:14

14 like cattle going down into a valley the Spirit of ADONAI had them rest. This is how you led your people, to make 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 go at Moshe's right hand? He divided the water ahead of them, to make himself an eternal name;

13 he led them through the deep like a sure-footed horse through the desert;

14 like cattle going down into a valley the Spirit of ADONAI had them rest. This is how you led your people, to make yourself a glorious name."

15 Look down from heaven; and see from your holy, glorious dwelling. Where are your zeal and your mighty deeds, your inner concern and compassion? Don't hold back,

16 for you are our father. Even if Avraham were not to know us, and Isra'el were not to acknowledge us, you, ADONAI, are our father, Our Redeemer of Old is your name.