Isaiah 63:18

18 {Your holy people} took possession for [a] little [while]; our adversaries have trampled down your 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 For you [are] our father, although Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, Yahweh [are] our father, Our Redeemer from [of] old [is] your name.

17 Why do you make us wander, Yahweh? You harden our heart from your ways {so that we do not fear} you. Turn back for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your inheritance.

18 {Your holy people} took possession for [a] little [while]; our adversaries have trampled down your sanctuary.

19 We have been since antiquity; you did not rule them; {they were not called by your name}.

Footnotes

• [a] Literally "The people of your holiness"