Isaiah 63:11

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?

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?

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,

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,

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?

Context

Isaiah 63 is a profound prophetic lament, expressing the deep distress and yearning of the people of Israel during a time of suffering, likely exile or severe oppression. The chapter begins with a vivid description of God's righteous wrath against His enemies, but then shifts to a powerful prayer and appeal for God's mercy and intervention. Verse 11 falls within this prayer, where the prophet (representing the people) recalls God's mighty acts of salvation in the past, specifically the Exodus from Egypt, to implore His help in their current plight. It’s a nostalgic look back at a time when God's presence was undeniably manifest among them.

Key Themes

  • Remembrance of God's Past Deliverance: The core of this verse is the act of remembering. The people recall the "days of old" and the miraculous deliverance from Egypt, specifically how God "brought them up out of the sea." This foundational event in Israel's history serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and omnipotence, providing a basis for hope even in dire circumstances.
  • Moses as Shepherd and Leader: Moses is explicitly mentioned as the one who led "his people" and is referred to as "the shepherd of his flock." This imagery underscores Moses's role as God's chosen instrument, guiding and caring for Israel under divine authority, much like a shepherd guides his sheep. It highlights the importance of God-appointed leadership.
  • The Presence of God's Holy Spirit: The poignant question, "where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?", refers to the divine empowerment given to Moses and, by extension, to the leaders and people of Israel during the Exodus. The Hebrew word for "Spirit" here is ruach (רוּחַ), signifying God's animating breath, power, and presence. It's a yearning for that same tangible divine presence and empowerment in their present time of need, a desire for God to manifest His Spirit's work among them once more, as He did when He put His Spirit upon the elders.
  • Lament and Plea for Divine Intervention: The repeated "where is he?" is not a question of God's existence, but a desperate plea for God to manifest His power and presence as He did in the past. It expresses a deep longing for God to return to His people and act on their behalf, ending their suffering.

Significance and Application

Isaiah 63:11 offers timeless insights for believers facing challenges today:

  • Drawing on Past Faithfulness: In times of distress, remembering God's past faithfulness and His mighty acts of deliverance can strengthen our faith and provide hope. Recalling His character and track record helps us trust Him for present and future needs.
  • The Need for God's Spirit: This verse highlights the critical role of God's Holy Spirit in empowering leaders and His people for divine purposes. It reminds us that true spiritual effectiveness comes from God's indwelling Spirit, not merely human effort. We should pray for and rely on the Spirit's presence in our lives and in the church.
  • A Model for Prayer: The prophet's lament serves as a model for our own prayers. When we feel distant from God or overwhelmed by circumstances, we can humbly appeal to Him by recalling His promises and His past interventions, asking Him to act again according to His nature and power. The desire for God's Spirit to be "within him" (referring to Israel) echoes the New Testament promise of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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