Isaiah 64

¹ Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,

² As [when] the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, [that] the nations may tremble at thy presence!

³ When thou didst terrible things [which] we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.

⁴ For since the beginning of the world [men] have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, [what] he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

⁵ Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, [those that] remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.

⁶ But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

⁷ And [there is] none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.

⁸ But now, O LORD, thou [art] our father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of thy hand.

⁹ Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we [are] all thy people.

¹⁰ Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.

¹¹ Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste.

¹² Wilt thou refrain thyself for these [things], O LORD? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?

Context and Background

Isaiah 64 is part of a larger prophetic narrative in the Book of Isaiah, which addresses the themes of judgment, hope, and restoration for the people of Israel. This chapter is particularly significant as it expresses a deep yearning for God’s intervention and a recognition of the people’s sins. The chapter is often viewed as a communal lament and prayer, reflecting the struggles of the Israelites during a time of exile.

Structure of the Chapter

• Verses 1-3: A Cry for Divine Intervention
• Verses 4-7: Acknowledgment of Human Sinfulness
• Verses 8-12: A Plea for God’s Mercy and Restoration

Verses 1-3: A Cry for Divine Intervention

In these verses, the speaker expresses a desperate longing for God to reveal Himself and act decisively in the world. The imagery used is powerful and evocative:

1. God’s Presence: The desire for God to “rend the heavens” suggests a longing for a dramatic and unmistakable intervention in human affairs.
2. Impact of God’s Coming: The mention of mountains trembling emphasizes the transformational power of God’s presence.
3. Historical Context: The reference to past acts of God, such as fire causing water to boil, serves as a reminder of His might and ability to change circumstances.

Verses 4-7: Acknowledgment of Human Sinfulness

These verses shift the focus from a plea for intervention to an acknowledgment of the people’s unworthiness:

1. God’s Unique Role: Verse 4 highlights that no one has seen or heard of a God like Yahweh, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.
2. Sin and Separation: The chapter confronts the reality of sin, stating that the people have all become unclean and that their righteous deeds are like filthy rags.
3. Divine Displeasure: The text emphasizes that the people’s iniquities have separated them from God, leading to a sense of abandonment and despair.

Verses 8-12: A Plea for God’s Mercy and Restoration

In the final verses, the tone shifts towards hope and restoration, despite the acknowledgment of sin:

1. Divine Fatherhood: The metaphor of God as a potter and the people as clay illustrates the relationship of creation and dependence, emphasizing the need for God’s shaping and guidance.
2. Call for Restoration: The plea for God to look down from heaven and consider the plight of His people reflects a deep desire for renewal and reconciliation.
3. Hope Amidst Despair: The chapter concludes with a recognition of the destruction and desolation faced by Jerusalem, yet it maintains a hope that God will not forsake His people.

Theological Implications

Isaiah 64 presents several key theological themes:

• The Nature of God: The chapter emphasizes God’s sovereignty, holiness, and the transformative power of His presence.
• Human Sinfulness: It confronts the reality of human sin and the need for repentance, highlighting the gap between God’s holiness and human unrighteousness.
• Hope and Restoration: Despite the acknowledgment of sin, there is an underlying message of hope that God is willing to restore and redeem His people.

Conclusion

Isaiah 64 serves as a poignant reminder of the need for divine intervention in the face of human sinfulness. It encapsulates a communal lament that resonates with the struggles of the people of Israel, while also pointing towards the hope of restoration through God’s mercy. The chapter invites readers to reflect on their own relationship with God, acknowledging sin while simultaneously yearning for His transformative presence.