Isaiah 63:18

18 Your holy people took possession for a little while; but now 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, 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.
17 Why, O Lord, do you make us stray from your ways and harden our heart, so that we do not fear you? Turn back for the sake of your servants, for the sake of the tribes that are your heritage.
18 Your holy people took possession for a little while; but now our adversaries have trampled down your sanctuary.
19 We have long been like those whom you do not rule, like those not called by your name.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.