63:15

Isaiah 63:16

63:17

Doubtless thou [art] our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, [art] our father, our redeemer; thy name [is] from everlasting.

Doubtless {H3588} thou art our father {H1}, though Abraham {H85} be ignorant {H3808}{H3045} of us, and Israel {H3478} acknowledge {H5234} us not: thou, O LORD {H3068}, art our father {H1}, our redeemer {H1350}; thy name {H8034} is from everlasting {H5769}.

for you are our father. Even if Avraham were not to know us, and Isra'el were not to acknowledge us, you, ADONAI, are our father, Our Redeemer of Old is your name.

Yet You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.

For thou art our Father, though Abraham knoweth us not, and Israel doth not acknowledge us: thou, O Jehovah, art our Father; our Redeemer from everlasting is thy name.

Isaiah 63:16 is a profound and moving declaration within a prayer of lament and confession, likely uttered by the people of Israel during a period of national distress or exile. It expresses a deep reliance on God alone as their true source of identity and hope.

Context

This verse is part of a longer prayer (Isaiah 63:7-64:12) where the prophet, on behalf of the suffering nation, recalls God's past mercies, confesses Israel's sin, and pleads for divine intervention. The people feel abandoned and are reaching out to God as their last resort. Their present circumstances are so dire that they perceive their earthly patriarchs, Abraham and Jacob (referred to as "Israel"), as unable or unwilling to acknowledge them, emphasizing their desperate plea to the ultimate Father. This highlights a crisis of faith in human lineage and a turning solely to the divine.

Key Themes

  • Divine Paternity: The central theme is God's role as the ultimate "Father." The repetition of "thou, O LORD, art our father" underscores a direct, intimate, and exclusive relationship. Even when human or ancestral connections fail, God's fatherhood remains steadfast and unwavering. This concept provides immense comfort and assurance, especially in times of despair, reminding believers that they are not orphans but children of a sovereign God. This resonates with the New Testament idea of believers crying "Abba, Father" through the Spirit.
  • God as Redeemer: The title "our redeemer" (Hebrew: Go'el) is significant. In ancient Israelite law, a Go'el was a kinsman who had the right and responsibility to rescue, avenge, or buy back a relative from slavery, debt, or danger. By calling God their Redeemer, the people acknowledge His power and commitment to deliver them from their predicament, signifying His active involvement in their restoration. Isaiah frequently uses this title for God, emphasizing His saving work.
  • God's Everlasting Nature: "Thy name is from everlasting" speaks to God's eternal existence, immutability, and enduring character. His power, love, and commitment as Father and Redeemer are not bound by time or human failings. This provides a foundational hope: what God is, He has always been, and always will be.
  • Human Limitations vs. Divine Sufficiency: The poignant phrase "though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not" powerfully contrasts the limitations of even the most revered human ancestors with the boundless capacity and unwavering faithfulness of God. It underscores that ultimate help and recognition come only from the divine.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "father" is 'Av (אָב), conveying not just biological parentage but also authority, protection, and provision.
  • The term "redeemer" is Go'el (גֹּאֵל), a rich theological concept. It implies a legal and familial obligation to restore what was lost or protect from harm. It highlights God's covenant loyalty and His proactive role in liberating His people.
  • "From everlasting" (מֵעוֹלָם - me'olam) emphasizes eternal duration, reinforcing God's timeless nature and unchanging character.

Practical Application

Isaiah 63:16 offers profound comfort and direction for believers today. When facing circumstances that feel overwhelming, or when human support and understanding seem to fail, this verse reminds us to turn directly to God. He is our eternal Father who cares intimately for us, and our powerful Redeemer who can deliver us from any bondage or despair. Our identity and hope are ultimately found not in human lineage, achievements, or recognition, but in our relationship with the everlasting God.

Note: Commentary is generated by a large language model with a directive for Biblical fidelity. While we find the analysis helpful, always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 64:8

    But now, O LORD, thou [art] our father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of thy hand.

  • Malachi 2:10

    ¶ Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

  • Deuteronomy 32:6

    Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? [is] not he thy father [that] hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

  • Jeremiah 3:19

    But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.

  • Malachi 1:6

    ¶ A son honoureth [his] father, and a servant his master: if then I [be] a father, where [is] mine honour? and if I [be] a master, where [is] my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

  • Isaiah 41:14

    Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

  • Isaiah 44:6

    Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.

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