Isaiah 63:11

KJV

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 shepherd of his flock? where [is] he that put his holy Spirit within him?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then he remembered {H2142} the days {H3117} of old {H5769}, Moses {H4872}, and his people {H5971}, saying, Where is he that brought them up {H5927} out of the sea {H3220} with the shepherd {H7462} of his flock {H6629}? where is he that put {H7760} his holy {H6944} Spirit {H7307} within {H7130} him?

Complete Jewish Bible

But then his people remembered the days of old, the days of Moshe: "Where is he who brought them up from the sea with the shepherds of his flock? Where is he who put his Holy Spirit right there among them,

Berean Standard Bible

Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them,

American Standard Version

Then he remembered the days of old, Mosesandhis 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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 63:11 presents a deeply poignant lament from the prophet, speaking on behalf of a suffering Israel, as they desperately recall God's mighty acts of deliverance in "the days of old," particularly the foundational Exodus from Egypt. It voices a profound yearning for God's renewed intervention, invoking the memory of Moses's leadership and, most significantly, the tangible presence and empowering work of God's Holy Spirit among His people, contrasting this divine activity with their present perceived absence of God's manifest power and appealing for restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 63 is a pivotal chapter within the "Book of Consolation" (Isaiah 40-66), yet it opens with a dramatic and somewhat unsettling depiction of divine judgment against Edom (vv. 1-6), emphasizing God's righteous wrath and solitary power in executing justice. This intense imagery then transitions abruptly, though purposefully, into a communal lament and prayer (vv. 7-19). Here, the prophet, identifying deeply with the people's plight, recounts God's past mercies and appeals for His compassion in their current distress. Verse 11 specifically initiates this heartfelt appeal by recalling the foundational salvific event of the Exodus, setting up a stark contrast between God's glorious past actions and the people's present desperate circumstances. This act of "remembering" serves as a powerful rhetorical device, not only to remind the people of God's covenant faithfulness but also to implicitly urge God to remember His own promises and intervene once more, laying the groundwork for a fervent plea for renewed divine action. The shift from divine warrior to compassionate Father is central to the chapter's emotional arc, moving from awe-inspiring judgment to a longing for tender mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this lament is most likely the post-exilic period, or a time of severe oppression and suffering for the Jewish people, perhaps under foreign domination following their return from Babylon. The memory of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent challenges of rebuilding their homeland and re-establishing their national and spiritual identity would have been fresh and painful. In this context, the Exodus was not merely a distant historical event but the defining moment of Israel's identity as God's chosen people, a foundational testament to His power, faithfulness, and unique relationship with them. Moses was revered as the quintessential leader, prophet, and mediator of the covenant. The "shepherd of his flock" imagery resonates deeply with ancient Near Eastern concepts of kingship and divine guidance, where rulers were often depicted as shepherds of their people, signifying protection, provision, and leadership. The longing for the "Holy Spirit" reflects a profound desire for the manifest presence and empowering anointing that characterized the foundational period of their national existence, a time when God's miraculous hand was undeniably and tangibly at work among them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Central is the **remembrance of God's past faithfulness**, which serves as a vital foundation for present hope and prayer, echoing sentiments found in passages like [Psalm 77:11, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old."](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering God's Deeds"). It profoundly underscores the **covenant relationship** between God and Israel, where God's past acts of deliverance are invoked as a basis for future intervention and a demonstration of His unwavering commitment. The specific mention of Moses and the "shepherd of his flock" highlights the enduring theme of **divine leadership and guidance**, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in leading His people, often through chosen human instruments. Most profoundly, the verse introduces the theme of the **presence and empowering work of the Holy Spirit**, a concept that develops throughout the Old Testament, from the Spirit's role in creation ([Genesis 1:2, "The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit of God Hovering")) to empowering prophets and kings ([Numbers 11:25, "the Spirit rested on them" (the elders)](/numbers/11-25 "Numbers 11:25 - Spirit on the Elders"), [1 Samuel 10:6, "the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you"](/1_samuel/10-6 "1 Samuel 10:6 - Spirit on Saul")), culminating in the New Covenant promise of the Spirit's universal indwelling. The repeated rhetorical question "Where is he?" underscores the theme of **lament and desperate appeal** for God's manifest presence and action in a time of perceived divine absence, a common cry in times of national distress.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remembered (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** (H2142) This primitive root signifies "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention." It implies more than a mere mental recollection; it is an active, purposeful bringing to mind, often with the intent to act or to cause another to act. In this context, the prophet, representing Israel, is not just passively recalling history but actively pleading for God to recall His past faithfulness and, consequently, to act again on behalf of His people, just as He did in "the days of old." It is a call for divine remembrance to lead to divine intervention.
* **sea (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** (H3220) Derived from an unused root meaning "to roar," this word refers to a large body of water, specifically here in reference to the Red Sea (Yam Suph). The "sea" represents an insurmountable natural barrier, a place of immense danger and potential death, which God miraculously parted during the Exodus. It symbolizes God's supreme power over creation and His unparalleled ability to deliver His people from seemingly impossible, life-threatening situations. It is the iconic obstacle overcome by an act of unparalleled divine power.
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** (H7307) This multifaceted word denotes "wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)." In this verse, "Holy Spirit" refers to the divine animating power, presence, and empowering influence of God Himself. This Spirit was tangibly at work in Moses and among Israel during the Exodus, enabling them and their leaders to fulfill God's purposes, providing guidance, strength, and prophetic insight. It represents the very essence of God's active, life-giving, and empowering presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, [and] his people, [saying],"**: This opening clause establishes the act of profound recollection. The "he" refers to the prophet, serving as the collective voice of Israel, who brings to mind the foundational period of their national history—the Exodus. The specific mention of "Moses" and "his people" immediately points to the unique covenant relationship and the pivotal leadership through which God acted decisively. "The days of old" evoke a golden age of divine intervention and manifest presence, setting the stage for the lament.
* **"Where [is] he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock?"**: This is the first rhetorical question, expressing a deep longing, lament, and implied accusation. The question "Where is he?" is not a doubt about God's existence but a desperate plea for His active, visible presence and power in their current distress. It specifically recalls the miraculous deliverance from the Red Sea, the defining moment of Israel's liberation from bondage. "The shepherd of his flock" is a clear and tender reference to Moses, emphasizing his role as God's chosen leader who guided Israel, the "flock," through the wilderness. The question implicitly asks for a return of such powerful, visible leadership and deliverance.
* **"where [is] he that put his holy Spirit within him?"**: This second rhetorical question intensifies the lament, moving beyond physical deliverance to the spiritual empowerment that accompanied it. "Him" here likely refers collectively to Moses and/or the people of Israel, indicating the divine anointing and presence that enabled them to fulfill God's will. The "Holy Spirit" signifies God's active, indwelling power that equipped Moses for leadership, inspired the prophets, and guided the nation. The question expresses a profound yearning for that same divine enablement and intimate presence in their current time of need, implying its perceived absence and a desperate plea for its restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 63:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of lament and longing. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, repeated twice ("Where is he...? where is he...?"). These questions are not posed to elicit information but to express deep anguish, longing, and a desperate plea for God's renewed intervention, highlighting the perceived absence of His former power and presence. **Allusion** is central, as the entire verse functions as an **Anamnesis**, a powerful and purposeful recalling and re-presentation of the foundational Exodus event—specifically, the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the empowering of Moses by God's Spirit. This **Intertextuality** draws on foundational narratives from [Exodus 14, detailing the crossing of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"), and [Numbers 11, describing the Spirit resting on the elders](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - The Spirit on the Elders"), to underscore God's past faithfulness and establish a precedent for future intervention. The use of **Imagery**, particularly "shepherd of his flock," vividly portrays Moses's leadership and, by extension, God's tender care and guidance for His people, drawing on a common biblical metaphor for divine guidance and protection. Finally, the verse is steeped in **Lament**, a form of communal prayer expressing sorrow, complaint, and petition, characteristic of many psalms and prophetic passages, articulating the people's distress and their fervent hope for God's return.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 63:11 serves as a profound theological statement on God's enduring covenant faithfulness and the essential role of His Spirit in the life of His people. It highlights the principle that God's past acts of deliverance are not merely historical footnotes but enduring testimonies to His character, providing a basis for present hope and fervent prayer. The lament underscores humanity's persistent need for divine intervention and empowerment, acknowledging that true spiritual vitality, effective leadership, and national flourishing flow from the indwelling and active presence of God's Holy Spirit. This yearning for the Spirit profoundly foreshadows the New Covenant promise of a universally indwelling Spirit, available to all believers. The verse also implicitly teaches the importance of remembering God's mighty deeds as a means of strengthening faith in times of adversity, reminding us that the God who acted powerfully in the past is the same God who can and will act powerfully today.

* [Psalm 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering God's Deeds")
* [Numbers 11:17](/numbers/11-17 "Numbers 11:17 - The Spirit on the Elders")
* [Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - God's Spirit within His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 63:11 offers a powerful and timeless model for believers navigating seasons of difficulty, perceived spiritual dryness, or national distress. It invites us to engage in a profound spiritual exercise of remembrance, diligently recalling God's past faithfulness, both in the grand narrative of Scripture and in the intimate details of our personal lives. When we feel distant from God, or when circumstances appear insurmountable, this verse encourages us to look back at His consistent track record of deliverance and empowerment, using those cherished memories as fuel for our prayers and a foundation for our hope. It serves as a vital reminder that our ultimate hope is not to be found in human strength, political ingenuity, or fleeting circumstances, but solely in the sovereign God who parts seas and graciously indwells His people with His Holy Spirit. The prophet's lament is a call to humble, persistent, and fervent prayer, asking God to manifest His presence and power anew, trusting that the God who acted so mightily "in the days of old" is still active, sovereign, and compassionate today, ever ready to lead and empower His "flock" through every challenge and into His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness (both from biblical accounts and from your personal experiences) strengthen your faith in the face of present difficulties?**
* **In what specific areas of your life, family, or ministry do you sense a pressing need for the empowering and guiding presence of God's Holy Spirit, echoing the prophet's plea?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance and power in your daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" who remembered in the beginning of the verse, and who is the "him" within whom the Holy Spirit was put?**

Answer: The "he" who remembered is generally understood to be the prophet Isaiah, speaking on behalf of the nation of Israel. It represents the collective voice of the people in their lament and prayer to God, recalling God's past mighty acts of deliverance. This communal remembrance serves as a plea for God to act again. The "him" within whom the Holy Spirit was put primarily refers to Moses, the great leader through whom God delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage. The Spirit empowered Moses for his unique and demanding role as mediator and shepherd of God's flock, enabling him to lead, judge, and intercede. By extension, it can also refer to the people of Israel themselves, as the Spirit's presence was manifest among them through various leaders and prophets, guiding and sustaining the nation, as seen when the [Spirit rested on the seventy elders of Israel](/numbers/11-25 "Numbers 11:25 - The Spirit on the Elders") in the wilderness. The lament therefore asks for a return of that tangible, empowering divine presence that characterized their foundational history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 63:11, with its poignant yearning for God's manifest presence, the faithful shepherd, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true and ultimate "shepherd of his flock," not merely leading out of physical bondage but delivering humanity from the far greater bondage of sin and death, as He Himself declared in [John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). The miraculous "bringing up out of the sea" during the Exodus foreshadows Christ's ultimate act of salvation, His resurrection, which brings His people "up" from the depths of spiritual death into new, abundant, and eternal life. Furthermore, the prophet's desperate question, "where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?" is answered definitively and gloriously in the New Covenant. While the Spirit empowered Moses and others in the Old Testament for specific tasks, Jesus promised and subsequently sent the Holy Spirit to permanently indwell all believers, making God's presence not just external or occasional, but intimate, abiding, and transformative. At Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out upon Christ's disciples, powerfully fulfilling the prophetic longing for God's Spirit to be "within" His people, as vividly described in [Acts 2:1-4, where they "were all filled with the Holy Spirit"](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost"). Jesus Himself was conceived by the Spirit ([Luke 1:35, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you"](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - Conception by the Holy Spirit")) and empowered by the Spirit throughout His earthly ministry ([Luke 4:18, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me"](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Ministry by the Spirit")). Thus, the lament of Isaiah 63:11 anticipates the coming of the Messiah, who not only delivers His people from bondage but also makes possible the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit, ensuring that God's empowering and guiding presence is always "within" His new covenant community, the Church.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 11:17

And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which [is] upon thee, and will put [it] upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear [it] not thyself alone.

Psalms 77:20

Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Haggai 2:5

[According to] the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.

Exodus 14:22

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry [ground]: and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Numbers 11:25

And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that [was] upon him, and gave [it] unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, [that], when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.

Luke 1:54

He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of [his] mercy;

Luke 1:55

As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.