Isaiah 63:13

That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, [that] they should not stumble?

That led {H3212} them through the deep {H8415}, as an horse {H5483} in the wilderness {H4057}, that they should not stumble {H3782}?

he led them through the deep like a sure-footed horse through the desert;

who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble?

that led them through the depths, as a horse in the wilderness, so that they stumbled not?

Commentary

Context

Isaiah 63:13 is part of a prophetic prayer and lament where the prophet Isaiah recalls God's glorious acts of deliverance for Israel in the past. This chapter vividly recounts God's compassion and mighty deeds during the Exodus, particularly focusing on the miraculous way the Lord led His people through the formidable Red Sea and then through the challenging wilderness. The verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and power, setting the stage for an appeal for His present intervention on behalf of His suffering people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Leadership and Protection: The verse vividly portrays God as the ultimate guide and protector. He didn't just lead them *to* the deep, but *through* it, signifying His active involvement in overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. This speaks to God's unwavering care for His people through perilous circumstances.
  • Secure and Unhindered Passage: The simile "as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble" emphasizes the ease and security with which God guided Israel. Despite the treacherous terrain and immense dangers of the wilderness, God ensured their journey was unimpeded, preventing any faltering or stumbling. This highlights God's perfect foresight and power to make a way where there seems to be none.
  • Remembrance of Past Deliverance: Isaiah's recollection of these past acts, like the Red Sea crossing, serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring covenant faithfulness. It underscores the principle that remembering God's past mighty works can build faith and hope for future intervention.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "deep" is tehom (Χͺְּהוֹם), which often refers to the primordial ocean or vast, chaotic waters. In this context, it underscores the immense and perilous nature of the Red Sea waters that parted for Israel, emphasizing the miraculous scale of God's intervention.
  • The phrase "as an horse in the wilderness" conveys a sense of swift, confident, and unhindered movement. A horse is typically depicted as sure-footed and agile, suggesting that God's guidance made their path secure and effortless, even in an otherwise dangerous and disorienting environment like the desert.

Practical Application

Isaiah 63:13 offers profound encouragement for believers today. Just as God faithfully led ancient Israel through their 'deep' waters and 'wilderness' journeys, He promises to guide and protect us through life's challenges. When facing overwhelming obstacles or uncertain paths, we can trust in God's unfailing leadership to prevent us from stumbling. This verse reminds us to look back at God's past faithfulness in our own lives and in history, drawing strength and confidence for the present and future. It reinforces the truth that with God as our guide, no path is too difficult, and no obstacle is insurmountable, echoing His promise to instruct and teach us in the way we should go.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 31:9

    They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim [is] my firstborn.

  • Psalms 106:9

    He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

  • Habakkuk 3:15

    Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, [through] the heap of great waters.
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