Isaiah 64:7

Commentary on Isaiah 64:7 (KJV)

Isaiah 64:7 presents a poignant confession from the people of Israel, acknowledging their spiritual failing and linking it directly to God's apparent withdrawal and their subsequent suffering. It reveals a deep introspection where the nation admits its part in their current desolate state.

Context

Chapter 64 of Isaiah is a powerful prayer of lament and confession, likely spoken by a prophetic voice on behalf of the exiled Israelites or those suffering the consequences of national sin. The people are pleading with God to intervene and restore them, recalling His mighty acts in the past. However, before they can fully appeal for mercy, they recognize their own profound spiritual decay. Verse 7 specifically highlights their lack of active seeking and devotion, explaining why God's favor seems to have departed from them. It sets the stage for the desperate plea for God to return and show compassion, despite their unworthiness.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Apathy and Neglect of Prayer: The opening phrase, "none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee," points to a profound spiritual laziness and a lack of genuine, fervent prayer. It indicates a people who have ceased to earnestly seek God's presence or intervention, settling into a state of spiritual slumber. The phrase "stirreth up himself to take hold of thee" implies a lack of zeal and determination in pursuing a relationship with the Almighty.
• God's Hidden Face: The consequence of their spiritual neglect is stated as "for thou hast hid thy face from us." In biblical terms, God hiding His face signifies His displeasure, withdrawal of favor, and a sense of abandonment or judgment. It’s a powerful idiom for the absence of divine presence and blessing, leaving the people feeling isolated and without hope.
• Consequences of Iniquity: The verse explicitly links their suffering ("hast consumed us") to their sins ("because of our iniquities"). This underscores a fundamental biblical principle: sin has consequences. The desolation and hardships experienced by the nation are presented not as arbitrary acts of God, but as a direct result of their disobedience and moral corruption. This echoes the broader biblical teaching on the wages of sin.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "stirreth up himself to take hold of thee" is particularly evocative. The Hebrew verb for "stirreth up" (עוּר, 'ur) means to awaken, arouse, or rouse oneself. It suggests an active, deliberate effort to move from a state of passivity to one of zealous pursuit. This emphasizes that seeking God is not merely a passive act but requires intentionality and spiritual energy. Similarly, "hid thy face" (הַסְתֵּר פָּנִים, haster panim) is a common Hebrew idiom denoting divine displeasure, absence, or judgment, often a result of human unfaithfulness, as seen in Psalm 27:9.

Practical Application

Isaiah 64:7 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the importance of an active, fervent relationship with God. It challenges us to examine our own spiritual state:

• The Call to Earnest Prayer: Are we genuinely "calling upon His name" and "stirring ourselves up" to seek Him? This verse highlights that a passive faith can lead to a perceived distance from God. The Bible frequently encourages us to seek the Lord with all our heart.
• Acknowledging Our Part: When we feel distant from God or experience difficulties, this verse prompts us to consider if our own "iniquities" or spiritual apathy have contributed to the situation. It encourages self-reflection and confession rather than blaming God.
• Understanding Consequences: It reinforces the truth that sin has real consequences, both individually and corporately. Ignoring God's commands or neglecting our spiritual duties can lead to a sense of His withdrawal and a decrease in His manifest blessings.

Ultimately, this verse is a call to repentance and a renewed pursuit of God, recognizing that our relationship with Him requires active engagement and a willingness to confront our own spiritual failings.