Isaiah 63:10-19

10 But they turned against him and made his Holy Spirit very sad. So he became their enemy, and he fought against them.
11 But then his people remembered what happened long ago, in the days of Moses and the Israelites with him. Where is the Lord who brought the people through the sea, with the leaders of his people? Where is the one who put his Holy Spirit among them,
12 who led Moses by the right hand with his wonderful power, who divided the water before them to make his name famous forever,
13 who led the people through the deep waters? Like a horse walking through a desert, the people did not stumble.
14 Like cattle that go down to the valley, the Spirit of the Lord gave the people a place to rest. Lord, that is the way you led your people, and by this you won for yourself wonderful fame.
15 Lord, look down from the heavens and see; look at us from your wonderful and holy home in heaven. Where is your strong love and power? Why are you keeping your love and mercy from us?
16 You are our father. Abraham doesn't know we are his children, and Israel doesn't recognize us. Lord, you are our father. You are called "the one who has always saved us."
17 Lord, why are you making us wander from your ways? Why do you make us stubborn so that we don't honor you? For our sake come back to us, your servants, who belong to you.
18 Your people had your Temple for a while, but now our enemies have walked on your holy place and crushed it.
19 We have become like people you never ruled over, like those who have never worn your name.

Isaiah 63:10-19 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 63

This chapter contains a prophecy of the vengeance of Christ upon the enemies of his church in the latter day, whereby complete salvation would be obtained for them; and this illustrated by the mercies of God to the people of Israel of old; and is concluded with the church s prayer to him. The account of the vengeance taken by Christ on his enemies is introduced by a colloquy between him and his church; who puts a question, in which he is described by the places from whence he came, by his apparel, and by his manner of walking; to which he returns an answer, Isa 63:1, then a second question is put, about the colour of his garments; for which he gives a reason, Isa 63:2,3 it being the time of his vengeance on his enemies, and of the redemption of his people, Isa 63:4 the manner in which he performed both is observed, Isa 63:5 and the thorough work he would make; and the entire riddance of all his enemies is determined upon, Isa 63:6, which puts the prophet, or the church, in mind of former mercies bestowed upon Israel of old, the peculiar people and children of God, the Lord had a great opinion of, and favour for, whom he dealt very tenderly with, and redeemed, and saved, and preserved, Isa 63:7-9 though they acted an ungrateful part to him, which is aggravated by the various kind steps of Providence, in leading them through the Red sea, guiding them in the wilderness, and bringing them to rest safely in Canaan's land, for his own glory, Isa 63:10-14 and all is closed with the church's prayer to God, imploring his grace and mercy; pleading relation to him; expostulating with him about their present case, and observing the difference between them and their enemies, Isa 63:15-19 and which prayer is continued in the next chapter.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.