Isaiah 64:1-12
Q.1. What was the heart cry of Isaiah? Had Israel honoured God in the past? What was the reason for their alienation from God? Did this apply to everyone? – (Isa.64:1-7)
Though Israel had a Covenant relationship, she was abandoned by God because of the way she had treated Him (Isa.63:15-19). Isaiah cried out – Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at Your presence (Isa.64:1 c.f. Isa.64:12). The prophet longed that the nations would tremble before God, as in former times (Isa.64:2-3). He lamented that Israel no longer acknowledged the Lord, or the basis for His blessing – 4 For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, who acts on behalf of the one who waits for Him. 5 You meet him who rejoices in doing righteousness, who remembers You in Your ways … (Isa.64:4-5 c.f. 1 Cor.2:9). This same blindness was the reason why they – crucified the Lord of glory (1 Cor.2:8). The prophet despaired of Israel’s salvation, so asked – 5 shall we be saved? 6 For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. 7 There is no one who calls on Your name, who arouses himself to take hold of You; For You have hidden Your face from us and have delivered us into the power of our iniquities (Isa.64:5-7).
Q.2. What appeal did Isaiah make to God? Why was he confident that the Lord would hear him? What was the state of the temple and city of God? – (Isa.64:8-12)
Isaiah returned to the unshakable truth – Now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You, our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand (Isa.64:8). He appealed to God’s character, and what God had promised regarding Israel’s covenantal relationship – Do not be angry beyond measure, O Lord, nor remember iniquity forever; Behold, look now, all of us are Your people (Isa.64:9). He asked God to consider the lamentable state of the cities of the land, Mount Zion, and Jerusalem. – Our holy and beautiful house, where our fathers praised You, has been burned by fire; And all our precious things have become a ruin (Isa.64:11). He asked how long God would remain silent (Isa.64:12).