Isaiah 63:10

But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, [and] he fought against them.

But they rebelled {H4784}, and vexed {H6087} his holy {H6944} Spirit {H7307}: therefore he was turned {H2015} to be their enemy {H341}, and he fought {H3898} against them.

However, they rebelled, they grieved his Holy Spirit; so he became their enemy and himself fought against them.

But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them.

But they rebelled, and grieved his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, andhimself fought against them.

Commentary

Context

Isaiah 63:10 is a somber verse that contrasts sharply with the preceding verses (Isaiah 63:7-9), which recount God's steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness towards Israel throughout their history, particularly during their exodus from Egypt and journey through the wilderness. While God remembered His covenant and acted as their Redeemer, this verse highlights the tragic human response: rebellion. It serves as a pivotal point, explaining why God's protective hand would turn into opposition, leading into the lament and plea for restoration that follows in the chapter.

Key Themes

  • Human Rebellion and Disobedience: The verse directly states, "But they rebelled," emphasizing Israel's consistent pattern of turning away from God despite His goodness. This act of rebellion is not just against a set of laws but against the very character of God.
  • Grieving the Holy Spirit: The phrase "vexed his holy Spirit" is profoundly significant. It reveals that human sin can cause distress or grief to God's Spirit. This isn't merely a mechanical violation but an emotional affront to the divine presence that sought to guide and protect them. It speaks to the relational aspect of God's interaction with humanity.
  • Divine Consequence and Justice: As a direct result of their rebellion and vexing of His Spirit, God "was turned to be their enemy, [and] he fought against them." This illustrates God's perfect justice; while He is merciful, He also upholds His holiness and cannot indefinitely tolerate sin. His opposition is a consequence of their actions, not an arbitrary act.
  • The Cost of Spiritual Insensitivity: The verse underscores the severe repercussions of persistent spiritual insensitivity and a lack of reverence for God's presence and guidance.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "vexed" translates the Hebrew verb `atsav (Χ’ΦΈΧ¦Φ·Χ‘), which means to hurt, pain, grieve, or displease. It implies causing emotional distress or sorrow. This choice of word powerfully conveys God's personal and emotional response to Israel's rebellion, indicating that their sin deeply affected Him, rather than simply incurring a legal penalty. The phrase "his holy Spirit" (ruach qodesh) underscores the purity and sacredness of the Spirit they offended, making their rebellion all the more grievous.

Practical Application

Isaiah 63:10 serves as a timeless warning for all believers. Just as ancient Israel repeatedly provoked and grieved God, so too can individuals and communities today. This verse reminds us:

  • The Seriousness of Sin: Rebellion against God is not trivial; it has profound consequences and can grieve the Spirit of God within us.
  • The Importance of Spiritual Sensitivity: We are called to be sensitive to the leading and presence of the Holy Spirit, striving not to grieve Him through disobedience or apathy.
  • God's Justice and Mercy: While God is abundant in mercy, He is also just. Persistent, unrepentant rebellion can lead to divine discipline, which, though painful, is often intended to bring about repentance and restoration.
  • Call to Repentance: This verse implicitly calls for self-examination and repentance, encouraging us to turn away from rebellion and embrace obedience, ensuring that God remains our helper and not our adversary.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 7:51

    ΒΆ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

  • Ephesians 4:30

    And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

  • Psalms 78:56

    Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:

  • Psalms 78:40

    ΒΆ How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, [and] grieve him in the desert!

  • Jeremiah 21:5

    And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.

  • Nehemiah 9:16

    But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,

  • Nehemiah 9:17

    And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.