Verses 7-12
The delayed salvation 63:7-64:12
If 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 12:19-25; Jeremiah 15:1; Amos 7:1-6). Israel’s experiences were a result of her relationship with the Lord.
"The Isaianic literature is characterized by a wonderful perception of the future, yet every time we are brought to the point where all seems to be fulfilled we meet a ’not yet’. Chapter 12 sings in joy over the glory of the coming king (chapters 6-11), but chapters 13-27 intervene to remind us of the scale in time and space on which the Lord is working. Again, we trace the work of the Servant to the point where all is done and only the enjoyment of the Messianic banquet remains (chapter 55), and then we discover (Isaiah 56:1) that salvation is still to come. Finally, we reach the sombre [sic] but marvellous [sic] Isaiah 63:1-6. Surely now, with the overthrow of every foe, the redeeming work is fully done! But no, the remembrancers take their place on the walls to give the Lord no rest till he fulfils all that is promised." [Note: Motyer, p. 512.]
"The glories of chapters 60-62 and the vision of the decisive action in Isaiah 63:1-6 stir the prophet to one of the most eloquent intercessions of the Bible as he surveys the past goodness of God and the present straits of his people." [Note: Kidner, p. 623.]
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