But they rebelled. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 15:24 .Numbers 14:11 , Numbers 14:34 ). App-92 . holy. See note on Exodus 3:6 . Spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 . and He fought = and He Himself fought. Some codices, with three early printed editions, read this "and" in the text. read more
"But they rebelled and grieved his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them. Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit in the midst of them? that caused his glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses? that divided the waters before them, to make himself an everlasting name? that led them through the... read more
Isaiah 63:10. But they rebelled, &c.— We have frequent mention, in the books of the Old Testament, of the Holy Spirit; and our prophet himself has repeatedly spoken of him. He is here denoted in his office of teaching and convincing the people, as appears from the sin committed against him. See Nehemiah 9:20; Neh 9:30 and compare Numbers 11:25-26. read more
10. vexed—grieved (Psalms 78:40; Psalms 95:10; Acts 7:51; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 3:10; Hebrews 3:17). he fought—rather, "He it was that fought," namely, the angel of His presence [HORSLEY], (Hebrews 3:17- :). read more
1. God’s faithfulness in spite of Israel’s unfaithfulness 63:1-65:16Isaiah proceeded to glorify the faithfulness of God by painting it against the dark background of Israel’s unfaithfulness. Even though people cannot attain righteousness on their own, God makes it available to them through the work of His Servant. read more
The delayed salvation 63:7-64:12If the Lord was capable of defeating Israel’s enemies, as the previous revelation of the Warrior claimed, why had He not acted for Israel already? This intercessory communal lament explains that delayed salvation was not because of Yahweh’s inability or disinterest, but because of Israel’s manipulative attitude toward Him. Isaiah’s other prayers on Israel’s behalf are in Isaiah 6:11; Isaiah 25:1-5; Isaiah 51:9-10; Isaiah 59:9-15; and Isaiah 62:1 (cf. 1 Samuel... read more
The reminiscence 63:7-14This part of Isaiah’s lament consists of a review of Israel’s relationship with the Lord (Isaiah 63:7-10) and a call for Israel to remember who He is (Isaiah 63:11-14). read more
Even though the Israelites pledged themselves to follow the Lord faithfully, they rebelled against Him and so grieved His Holy Spirit. This verse helps us understand what grieving the Holy Spirit involves, namely, rebelling against the Lord (cf. Ephesians 4:30). This verse, the next, and Psalms 51:11 are the only places in the Old Testament where "holy" describes God’s "Spirit." We offend the holiness of God when we rebel against Him. Of course, we also offend His love since we "grieve" or... read more
The Glorious Future of the Jewish RaceThis concluding group of chapters is chiefly distinguished by glowing pictures of the future of Jerusalem, when the Jews shall be restored to their land again. A glorious restoration is promised (Isaiah 60:1-2; Isaiah 61:4, Isa 61:10-11), all nations are tobe members of the restored city (Isa 60:3-5), the glories of which are vividly pictured (Isa 60:6), the crowning glory being the holiness of the citizens (Isa 60:21). The fulfilment of the prophet's... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 63:7-19
A prayer for Israel (63:7-64:12)The prophet’s prayer for God’s suffering people begins by recalling God’s great acts of love in the past (7). Because Israel was his people, God saved them from slavery in Egypt, though when they rebelled against him, they were punished (8-10). Nevertheless, God forgave them. Therefore, asks the prophet, could not this God of mercy and love, who has done such great things for Israel in the past, also save his people from captivity in Babylon now (11-14)?It seems... read more