Isaiah 63:14

As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.

As a beast {H929} goeth down {H3381} into the valley {H1237}, the Spirit {H7307} of the LORD {H3068} caused him to rest {H5117}: so didst thou lead {H5090} thy people {H5971}, to make {H6213} thyself a glorious {H8597} name {H8034}.

like cattle going down into a valley the Spirit of ADONAI had them rest. This is how you led your people, to make yourself a glorious name."

Like cattle going down to the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led Your people this way to make for Yourself a glorious name.

As the cattle that go down into the valley, the Spirit of Jehovah caused them to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.

Isaiah 63:14 vividly portrays God's tender yet powerful guidance of His people, likening it to a beast being led to a place of rest. This verse encapsulates the divine provision, comfort, and purposeful leading that characterized God's relationship with ancient Israel, ultimately serving to magnify His own name.

Context

This verse is part of a lament and a remembrance of God's past mercies found in Isaiah 63. The prophet is recalling God's mighty acts of deliverance, particularly the Exodus from Egypt and the wilderness journey, contrasting them with the present desolation of Israel. The passage emphasizes God's personal involvement and the divine presence that led His people through the wilderness, providing for their needs and ensuring their safety. The "beast" here likely refers to livestock, such as sheep or cattle, being led by a shepherd or herdsman to a lush, safe valley for rest and sustenance, a common and reassuring image in ancient Israelite culture.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Provision: The central image of God leading His people to rest highlights His active and compassionate involvement in their journey. Just as a shepherd guides his flock to safety and pasture, the Spirit of the LORD led Israel, ensuring their well-being and providing solace amidst hardship. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 23:2, where the Lord leads to green pastures and still waters.
  • God's Glorious Name: The ultimate purpose of God's actions, including His leading and provision, is to "make thyself a glorious name." This underscores a fundamental biblical truth: God acts not only for the benefit of His people but also to display His own character, power, and faithfulness to the world. His name represents His very essence and reputation, and His mighty deeds ensure it is honored and known.
  • Divine Rest: The concept of "rest" here signifies more than just physical repose; it implies security, peace, and the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people into a land of inheritance and blessing. It speaks to the ultimate destination of God's leading—a place of safety and flourishing.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the Spirit of the LORD" translates the Hebrew Ruach Yahweh (רוּחַ יְהוָה), indicating the active, dynamic presence and power of God. It is this divine Spirit that enables God's leading and provides the rest described. The word for "rest" (נוּחַ - nuach) implies settling down, finding peace, and being secure, much like a nomadic people finally settling in their promised land.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 63:14 offers profound reassurance. Just as God faithfully led and provided rest for ancient Israel, He continues to guide His people through the Holy Spirit. In times of uncertainty or weariness, we can trust that the Spirit of the LORD leads us, providing peace and rest for our souls, as promised in Matthew 11:28. Our challenges and triumphs, when viewed through a spiritual lens, serve to reveal God's faithfulness and ultimately bring glory to His "glorious name." This verse encourages us to surrender to His leadership, knowing that His ultimate aim is both our good and His greater renown.

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.

  • Hebrews 4:8

    For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

  • Hebrews 4:11

    ¶ Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

  • Joshua 23:1

    ¶ And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old [and] stricken in age.

  • Isaiah 63:12

    That led [them] by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?

  • Joshua 22:4

    And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, [and] unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.

  • Ephesians 1:6

    To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

  • Numbers 14:21

    But [as] truly [as] I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.

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