Isaiah 63:19

KJV

We are [thine]: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.

KJV (with Strong's)

We are thine: thou never {H5769} barest rule {H4910} over them; they were not called {H7121} by thy name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For so long we have been like those you never ruled, like those who were not called by your name!

Berean Standard Bible

We have become like those You never ruled, like those not called by Your name.

American Standard Version

We are become as they over whom thou never barest rule, as they that were not called by thy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 63:19 is a profound and poignant cry from the prophet, speaking on behalf of the exiled or distressed people of Israel. It serves as a desperate appeal to God, grounded in Israel's unique covenantal relationship and identity as His chosen people, in stark contrast to the surrounding pagan nations who neither acknowledge His sovereignty nor bear His name. This verse encapsulates a deep yearning for divine intervention and a reminder to God of His enduring commitment to His own.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a passionate lament and prayer that spans [Isaiah 63:7-64:12](/isaiah/63 "Isaiah 63-64 - A Lament and Prayer for Deliverance"). The preceding verses (Isaiah 63:1-6) depict God's righteous vengeance and ultimate redemption, setting a powerful backdrop for the people's subsequent cry for mercy. The shift from a vision of God's might to a profound expression of communal suffering and a plea for divine remembrance highlights the tension between God's power and His perceived absence. The lament traces Israel's history of rebellion and God's faithfulness, ultimately culminating in this desperate appeal for God to "look down from heaven" and remember His people, who feel abandoned and overwhelmed by their circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this lament is most likely the period of the Babylonian exile or the challenging post-exilic era, where the Jewish people faced immense hardship, national humiliation, and the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. They felt a profound sense of abandonment by God, despite their covenant relationship. Culturally, the distinction between Israel and the surrounding nations was paramount. Israel's identity was intrinsically linked to their unique monotheistic worship of Yahweh, who had chosen them from all peoples. The pagan nations, in contrast, worshipped multiple gods and did not acknowledge the God of Israel as their sovereign. This verse leverages this fundamental distinction to underscore Israel's unique claim on God's attention and intervention, appealing to His honor and reputation among the nations.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Isaiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Ownership and Covenant Identity**, as Israel asserts, "We are [thine]," echoing the covenant language of God's treasured possession from [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - God's Covenant with Israel"). This foundational relationship is the basis for their appeal. Secondly, it highlights the **Distinction Between God's People and the Nations**, emphasizing that God's rule and name were uniquely associated with Israel, not with the surrounding pagan peoples. This distinction is crucial for understanding Israel's unique role in God's redemptive plan, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People"). Finally, the verse expresses a desperate **Plea for Divine Intervention**, a deep longing for God to act on behalf of His distinct people, a theme prevalent throughout the prophetic books when Israel faces oppression or judgment, as also seen in [Psalm 80:14-19](/psalms/80-14 "Psalm 80:14-19 - A Prayer for Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rule (Hebrew, _mâshal'_):** From H4910, this root signifies to have dominion, to govern, or to reign. In the context of "thou never barest rule over them," it emphasizes God's lack of sovereign authority or acknowledged governance over the pagan nations. It implies a lack of relationship, covenant, or recognition of His kingship by these other peoples.
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, this word means to call out to, to address by name, or to invite. When used in the passive voice, as here ("they were not called"), it indicates that these nations were not named or identified with God. To be "called by thy name" implies ownership, identification, and a special, intimate relationship, which was conspicuously absent for the pagan nations.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, this term refers to an appellation, a mark of individuality, and by implication, honor, authority, and character. To be called by God's name means to bear His reputation, to be identified as His possession, and to reflect His character. The absence of this for the nations signifies their lack of covenant relationship and distinct identity with the God of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We are [thine]:"** This opening clause is a powerful assertion of Israel's unique identity and belonging to God. It is a direct appeal to God's covenant relationship with them, reminding Him of His choice and ownership of them as His people. The implied "thine" (often translated as "we are yours" or "we belong to you") underscores a deep, personal, and historical bond, serving as the foundation for their desperate plea.
* **"thou never barest rule over them;"** This phrase draws a sharp distinction between Israel and the pagan nations. It emphasizes that God's direct, covenantal sovereignty and governance were not extended to these other peoples. The use of "never" (Hebrew: `ʻôwlâm`, H5769, implying "time out of mind" or "eternity") highlights the enduring nature of this distinction. It suggests that these nations have always been outside the sphere of God's special, intimate rule as He exercised over Israel.
* **"they were not called by thy name."** This final clause reinforces the distinction. To be "called by thy name" is a powerful idiom signifying ownership, identification, and a special relationship. It means to bear God's reputation, to be His possession, and to be recognized as such. The pagan nations lacked this unique mark of divine ownership and identity, further solidifying Israel's argument for God to intervene on behalf of His distinct and chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Lament**, as the verse is part of a larger communal prayer of distress and longing. There is a strong use of **Contrast**, sharply distinguishing "we" (Israel) from "them" (the pagan nations) based on God's relationship with each. This contrast is built on the **Assertion of Identity** ("We are [thine]"), which serves as the foundational claim. The repeated negation ("never barest rule," "were not called") functions as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the absolute and enduring nature of the distinction between God's people and those outside His covenant. The entire verse also functions as a subtle **Rhetorical Question** or implied plea, asking God to consider the implications of His unique relationship with Israel and act accordingly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 63:19 deeply resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's election and covenant faithfulness. It highlights the unique status of Israel as God's chosen people, set apart from the nations not by their own merit, but by divine grace and sovereign purpose. This distinction underscores the concept of God's particular love and care for those He has called by His name, establishing a framework for understanding His redemptive plan. The lament's appeal to God's past mercies and current relationship foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises, where His people would not only be redeemed but also serve as a light to the nations, drawing others to acknowledge His rule and bear His name. The verse's plea for God to remember His people's unique identity anticipates the New Covenant, where a new people, the Church, would be called by Christ's name, inheriting the promises and privileges previously enjoyed by Israel, but now extended to all who believe.

* [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - God's Treasured Possession")
* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 63:19 offers a profound lens through which believers today can understand their own identity and relationship with God. Just as ancient Israel appealed to God based on their unique status, so too can we, as those "in Christ," confidently approach God. Through faith, we are adopted into God's family, "called by His name," and become His treasured possession. This foundational truth provides immense comfort and a basis for prayer in times of distress, reminding us that we are never truly abandoned. Our identity in Christ means we bear His name and are distinct from the world, called to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His character. This distinction is not for our pride, but for our mission: to live as a people who truly belong to God, demonstrating His rule and love to a world that does not yet know Him. This verse challenges us to live consistently with the name we bear, to actively seek God's intervention in our lives and in the world, and to never forget the unique privilege and responsibility of being His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I truly live as if I am "thine," belonging fully to God?**
* **How does my life demonstrate the distinction between those who are "called by His name" and those who are not?**
* **When I face distress, do I appeal to God based on my identity in Christ, trusting in His covenant faithfulness?**
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to bear God's name in my daily interactions and decisions?**

### FAQ
**What does "thou never barest rule over them" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the profound distinction between Israel and the surrounding pagan nations. It means that God, the God of Israel, had never established a covenantal relationship or exercised direct, sovereign rule over these other nations in the same way He had over Israel. They did not acknowledge Him as their King or Lord, nor did they live under His divine law or covenant promises. This emphasizes Israel's unique position as God's chosen people, contrasting their intimate relationship with God's lack of such a relationship with the gentiles at that time.

**Who are "them" that were not called by God's name?**

Answer: "Them" refers to the pagan nations surrounding Israel, who worshipped idols and did not acknowledge Yahweh, the God of Israel, as the one true God. These nations were outside of God's covenant with Israel and did not bear the mark of His ownership or identity. The verse underscores that while God is sovereign over all creation, His specific, intimate, and covenantal rule and identification were uniquely with Israel, as described in passages like [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - You Only Have I Known").

**What is the significance of "called by thy name"?**

Answer: To be "called by thy name" is a powerful biblical idiom signifying ownership, identification, and a special, intimate relationship. It means that God has claimed a people as His own, and they bear His reputation and character. It implies a covenant bond, where God's honor is tied to His people, and His people are distinguished by their allegiance to Him. This concept is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as when God puts His name on His people or a place, signifying His presence and claim, as in [Deuteronomy 28:10](/deuteronomy/28-10 "Deuteronomy 28:10 - All peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 63:19, with its poignant cry for God to remember His unique people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. While Israel was uniquely called by God's name and under His rule, this lament expresses a longing for a deeper, more pervasive manifestation of God's presence and reign. Christ, as the incarnate Son of God, perfectly embodies God's rule and name. Through His atoning sacrifice, He establishes a new covenant, creating a new people—the Church—who are truly "thine" in a profound and spiritual sense. Believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are now "called by His name" (e.g., "Christians," from [Acts 11:26](/acts/11-26 "Acts 11:26 - Disciples called Christians")), signifying their complete identification with Him and His ownership over them. The distinction between those under God's rule and those who are not is now centered on faith in Christ; as [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God") states, "to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." This new identity in Christ means that God's Spirit indwells believers, making them temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), and guaranteeing His perpetual presence and rule in their lives, fulfilling the deepest longings of the ancient lament.

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

Romans 9:4

Who are Israelites; to whom [pertaineth] the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;

Psalms 135:4

For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, [and] Israel for his peculiar treasure.

Acts 15:17

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

Isaiah 65:1

¶ I am sought of [them that] asked not [for me]; I am found of [them that] sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation [that] was not called by my name.

Psalms 79:6

¶ Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.

Ephesians 2:12

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Acts 14:16

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.