For he said, Surely they [are] my people, children [that] will not lie: so he was their Saviour.
For he said {H559}, Surely they are my people {H5971}, children {H1121} that will not lie {H8266}: so he was their Saviour {H3467}.
For he said, "They are indeed my people, children who are not disloyal." So he became their Savior.
For He said, “They are surely My people, sons who will not be disloyal.” So He became their Savior.
For he said, Surely, they are my people, children that will not deal falsely: so he was their Saviour.
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Genesis 17:7
¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. -
Exodus 6:7
And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. -
Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation. -
Psalms 78:36
Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. -
Psalms 78:37
For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. -
Hosea 13:4
Yet I [am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for [there is] no saviour beside me. -
Isaiah 43:11
I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour.
Isaiah 63:8 presents a poignant declaration of God's deep affection and initial trust in His chosen people, Israel, recalling His foundational relationship with them. This verse sets the stage for a broader reflection on God's enduring faithfulness despite His people's eventual rebellion, a central theme in the prophetic book of Isaiah.
Context
This verse is found within a larger section of Isaiah (chapters 63-64) that serves as a powerful prayer of lament and confession. The prophet recalls God's past acts of salvation and mercy towards Israel, particularly during the Exodus from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness. Isaiah 63:8 highlights the initial premise of God's covenant: His people were meant to be truthful and loyal. This foundational trust is crucial to understanding the subsequent sorrowful confession of Israel's unfaithfulness and rebellion detailed in later verses, such as Isaiah 63:10.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "Saviour" (Hebrew: יָשַׁע, yasha) is significant. It describes not just a one-time rescue but a continuous act of salvation and preservation. This root word is foundational to the names Joshua and Jesus, both signifying 'the Lord saves'. God's identity as Israel's deliverer is central to their history and hope.
Practical Application
Isaiah 63:8 reminds us of God's desire for a genuine and truthful relationship with His people. For believers today, it serves as a call to integrity and faithfulness in our walk with God. Just as God expected Israel to "not lie," He desires sincerity and truth from us in our worship, commitments, and daily lives. While God's saving power remains constant, our response of faithfulness is crucial to experiencing the fullness of His covenant blessings. It also highlights God's unwavering commitment to His people, even when their faithfulness falters, offering a profound message of grace and enduring love.