Isaiah 63:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 63:14 vividly portrays the Lord's tender yet powerful guidance of His people, likening His care to a shepherd leading livestock to a place of tranquil repose. This verse encapsulates the divine provision, protection, and comfort extended to ancient Israel, particularly during their arduous wilderness journey. It emphasizes that God's faithful leading and the profound rest He provides are ultimately purposed to magnify His own glorious character and renown throughout history, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 63 falls within the latter portion of the book, often referred to as Second Isaiah (chapters 40-66), which primarily addresses the themes of comfort, restoration, and the future glory of Israel following the Babylonian exile. Specifically, Isaiah 63:7-64:12 forms a communal lament, where the prophet recalls God's mighty acts of salvation in the past, particularly the Exodus and wilderness journey, to petition Him for renewed intervention in their present state of desolation. The preceding verses (63:1-6) depict God's righteous judgment against His enemies, highlighting His strength and zeal. The verses immediately following (63:15-19) continue the plea for God to remember His covenant and compassion, drawing a stark contrast between God's past faithfulness and Israel's current suffering. This verse, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of God's tender care and unwavering commitment, providing a foundation of hope and a basis for the lament that follows.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Isaiah 63:14 draws heavily from the pastoral life that was foundational to ancient Israelite society. The "beast" (likely referring to sheep or cattle) being led to a "valley" for "rest" evokes the familiar and vital scene of a shepherd guiding his flock to a safe, well-watered pasture. In a semi-arid land, finding sustenance and shelter for livestock was not merely picturesque but paramount for survival. The primary historical backdrop for this verse is Israel's wilderness journey after their liberation from Egypt. God's miraculous provision of manna, water, and protection, and His constant presence through the pillar of cloud and fire (as seen in [Exodus 13:21-22](/exodus/13-21-22 "Exodus 13:21-22 - God's Guidance in the Wilderness")), are implicitly referenced in the verse's mention of "the Spirit of the LORD" causing them to rest and leading them. The "glorious name" refers to God's reputation, character, and inherent majesty, which was made known and exalted through His mighty acts of deliverance and sustenance for His people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Isaiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Guidance and Providence**, portraying God as an active, compassionate leader who personally directs His people's path, ensuring their well-being and security, much like a shepherd cares for His flock. This theme is central to the entire Exodus narrative and is beautifully echoed throughout the Psalms, especially in [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd"). Secondly, the concept of **Divine Rest** is profoundly highlighted. This "rest" is not merely physical repose but encompasses security, peace, and the fulfillment of God's promises, culminating in the inheritance of the land of Canaan as a place of flourishing and peace (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:9-10](/deuteronomy/12-9-10 "Deuteronomy 12:9-10 - Rest in the Promised Land")). Finally, the verse emphasizes the theme of **God's Glorious Name and Reputation**. The ultimate purpose of God's redemptive acts and His faithful leading is to display His own character, power, and faithfulness to the world, thereby making His name glorious. This aligns with the biblical emphasis that God acts for His own glory, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "wind" or "breath," refers to a sensible exhalation. Theologically, "the Spirit of the LORD" (רוּחַ יְהוָה - _Ruach Yahweh_) denotes the very essence, power, and active presence of God. In this context, it signifies God's dynamic, life-giving, and guiding force, acting as His personal agency to actively cause rest and lead His people. This highlights God's immanence and direct involvement in the affairs of His creation and His covenant people.
* **rest (Hebrew, _nûwach'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to settle down," this word encompasses a wide array of applications, including physical repose, quietness, security, and the cessation of wandering or toil. Here, it implies a profound state of peace, safety, and stability provided by God, evoking the idea of finding a secure dwelling place, a land of inheritance, or spiritual tranquility, contrasting with the arduous journey or the turmoil of life.
* **lead (Hebrew, _nâhag'_):** This primitive root means "to drive forth," "to guide," or "to carry away." It can refer to driving animals or chariots, or leading people. In this verse, it signifies God's active, intentional, and authoritative guidance of His people. The imagery suggests a deliberate and careful direction, ensuring they reach their intended destination safely, implying a shepherd-like care where the leader is intimately involved in the journey and well-being of those being led.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** More than a mere label, "name" in Hebrew thought represents the entire character, reputation, authority, and essence of a person. To "make thyself a glorious name" means to demonstrate and establish God's inherent glory, power, and faithfulness through His actions, ensuring His renown and honor are universally recognized.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As a beast goeth down into the valley":** This clause initiates a vivid simile, drawing a comparison between God's actions and a common pastoral scene. The "beast" (H929, _bᵉhêmâh_), typically referring to docile livestock like cattle or sheep, is depicted descending into a "valley" (H1237, _biqʻâh_), which is a wide, level plain often found between mountains. This descent usually signifies finding lower, often more fertile and sheltered ground, a place of sustenance and safety after traversing higher, more exposed, or arduous terrain.
* **"the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest":** This is the divine action that parallels the simile. The active agent is "the Spirit of the LORD" (H7307, _rûwach_ H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), signifying God's direct, powerful, and compassionate intervention. This Spirit is the one who "caused him to rest" (H5117, _nûwach_), providing a state of peace, security, and cessation from weary travel, much like a shepherd would ensure his flock finds a safe and abundant pasture. This highlights God's tender care and provision for His people.
* **"so didst thou lead thy people":** This clause explicitly draws the parallel between the pastoral imagery and God's relationship with Israel. The "thou" refers directly to God, emphasizing His personal and active involvement. Just as the Spirit of the LORD caused the beast to rest, so God "didst... lead" (H5090, _nâhag_) His "people" (H5971, _ʻam_), Israel. This confirms that the preceding imagery is a direct analogy for God's historical guidance of His chosen nation, particularly through the challenging wilderness journey to the Promised Land.
* **"to make thyself a glorious name":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose and profound motivation behind God's actions. God's leading and provision for His people were not solely for their benefit but were fundamentally aimed "to make" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_) for Himself "a glorious" (H8597, _tiphʼârâh_) "name" (H8034, _shêm_). God's "name" represents His character, reputation, and divine essence. By faithfully leading and providing rest for Israel, God demonstrated His power, faithfulness, and love, thereby magnifying His own glory and ensuring His renown among all nations and throughout all generations.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 63:14 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Simile**, introduced by the construction "As... so didst thou," which directly compares God's guidance of His people to a beast being led to rest in a valley. This creates a vivid and relatable image, drawing on the audience's understanding of pastoral care to illustrate divine providence and tender leadership. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest," attributing the active, causative verb "caused... to rest" to the Spirit, thereby highlighting God's dynamic and personal involvement in the affairs of His people. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Metonymy** where "name" (H8034, _shêm_) stands for God's entire character, reputation, and inherent essence. To "make thyself a glorious name" means to demonstrate and establish God's inherent glory through His redemptive actions, rather than merely creating a label. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Analogy**, drawing a profound theological truth about God's intimate and purposeful relationship with Israel from an everyday pastoral scene, emphasizing His tender yet powerful leadership and His ultimate goal of revealing His own glory through His redemptive acts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 63:14 profoundly connects God's active, compassionate guidance with His ultimate purpose of revealing His own glory. The imagery of leading to rest speaks to God's desire for His people's well-being and security, a theme deeply rooted in the concept of the Promised Land as a place of rest and inheritance. This divine leading, however, is not merely for the comfort of the led, but primarily serves to manifest the character and power of God, making His "glorious name" known. This theological truth underscores that all of God's redemptive history, from the Exodus to the establishment of Israel, is a grand narrative designed to display His sovereignty, faithfulness, and love, inviting all creation to acknowledge His unique majesty and to recognize that His glory is the supreme end of all His works.

* [Psalm 23:2-3](/psalms/23-2-3 "The Shepherd Leads to Rest and Restores the Soul")
* [Exodus 34:5-7](/exodus/34-5-7 "The Proclamation of God's Character and Name")
* [Deuteronomy 3:20](/deuteronomy/3-20 "God Gives Rest to His People in the Promised Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 63:14 offers profound comfort and direction for believers today, assuring us of God's unwavering care. Just as God faithfully led ancient Israel through the wilderness and brought them to a place of rest, so too does the Holy Spirit actively guide us through the complexities and challenges of modern life. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's active presence and leadership, even when our path seems uncertain, arduous, or fraught with trials. It reminds us that God's ultimate intention for us is not just temporary comfort, but enduring peace, security, and spiritual flourishing, all of which He provides through the indwelling presence of His Spirit. Furthermore, this passage shifts our perspective from merely seeking personal benefit to recognizing that our individual journey—our trials, our triumphs, and our daily walk—is intricately woven into God's larger, redemptive plan to reveal His "glorious name" to a watching world. Our lives, lived in humble surrender to His leading and empowered by His Spirit, become a living testament to His faithfulness, power, and love, ultimately bringing Him the glory and renown He so richly deserves. This calls us to a posture of humble reliance, joyful obedience, and active participation in God's unfolding story.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most keenly feel the need for the profound "rest" that only the Spirit of the LORD can provide?**
* **How can you more intentionally discern and surrender to the subtle, yet powerful, leading of the Holy Spirit in your daily decisions and long-term plans?**
* **How does understanding that God acts "to make thyself a glorious name" transform your perspective on personal challenges, setbacks, or even your greatest triumphs?**
* **What tangible, practical steps can you take this week to live in a way that more clearly and powerfully brings glory to God's name in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What does the "beast" in Isaiah 63:14 symbolize, and how does it relate to God's people?**

Answer: The "beast" (Hebrew: _bᵉhêmâh_) in Isaiah 63:14 likely symbolizes docile livestock, such as sheep or cattle, being carefully led by a shepherd or herdsman. This imagery is a **simile** used to illustrate God's tender, careful, and purposeful guidance of His people, Israel. Just as a shepherd leads his flock to a safe, fertile valley for rest and sustenance, God, through His Spirit, led Israel through the wilderness and brought them into the Promised Land, providing for their every need and ensuring their security. The comparison emphasizes God's gentle yet powerful hand in guiding His beloved flock, ensuring their well-being and ultimate destination, much like the Good Shepherd described in [Psalm 23:1-3](/psalms/23-1-3 "Psalm 23:1-3 - The Lord is my shepherd").

**How does God's "causing to rest" relate to His overall purpose for His people?**

Answer: God's act of "causing to rest" (Hebrew: _nûwach_) in Isaiah 63:14 signifies more than mere physical repose; it encompasses a profound state of security, peace, and the fulfillment of divine promises. For ancient Israel, this referred to their entry into the Promised Land, a place of inheritance and peace after their nomadic wilderness journey (as seen in [Deuteronomy 12:9-10](/deuteronomy/12-9-10 "Deuteronomy 12:9-10 - Rest in the Promised Land")). Theologically, this "rest" points to God's ultimate provision of safety, flourishing, and spiritual tranquility for His people. The verse explicitly states that this leading and resting serve "to make thyself a glorious name." Thus, God's purpose in providing rest is twofold: to bless His people with security and peace, and through these acts of faithfulness and power, to reveal His own glorious character and ensure His renown throughout history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 63:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's glorious name and the perfect Shepherd who leads His people to true and eternal rest. The "Spirit of the LORD" who caused Israel to rest and led them is the same Holy Spirit poured out without measure upon Jesus (as prophesied in [Isaiah 11:2](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - Spirit of the Lord on the Messiah") and powerfully fulfilled in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus's Ministry by the Spirit")). Jesus Himself declares, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest to the Weary")). He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He leads His flock through the valley of the shadow of death to the green pastures of eternal life. The "glorious name" that God sought to make for Himself through Israel's deliverance is supremely manifested in the name of Jesus, "for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Through Christ, the Spirit continues to lead believers, providing spiritual rest, guiding them into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit Guides into Truth")), and empowering them to live lives that magnify God's glorious name to the ends of the earth.

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

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.