Isaiah 63:18

18 The people of thy holiness have possessed the promised land but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.

Isaiah 63:18 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 63:18

The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little
while
Either the land of Canaan, which the Jews, the Lord's holy people, whom he had separated from others, possessed about fourteen hundred years, which was but a little while in comparison of "for ever", as was promised; or they enjoyed it but a little while in peace and quiet, being often disturbed by their neighbours; or else the sanctuary, the temple, as it is to be supplied from the next clause, which stood but little more than four hundred years: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary;
the temple; the first temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar; and the second temple by the Romans; and Antiochus, and Pompey, and others, profaned it, by treading in it.

Isaiah 63:18 In-Context

16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel not acknowledge us; thou, O LORD, art our father; our everlasting Redeemer is thy name.

17 O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways? Hast thou hardened our heart to thy fear? Return for thy slaves, for the tribes of thine inheritance.

18 The people of thy holiness have possessed the promised land but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.

19 We have been like those over whom thou didst never rule, who were never called by thy name.