Isaiah 64
BSB1 If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence, 2 as fire kindles the brushwood and causes the water to boil, to make Your name known to Your enemies, so that the nations will tremble at Your presence! 3 When You did awesome works that we did not expect, You came down, and the mountains trembled at Your presence. 4 From ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. 5 You welcome those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways. Surely You were angry, for we sinned. How can we be saved if we remain in our sins? 6 Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind. 7 No one calls on Your name or strives to take hold of You. For You have hidden Your face from us and delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. 8 But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. 9 Do not be angry, O LORD, beyond measure; do not remember our iniquity forever. Oh, look upon us, we pray; we are all Your people! 10 Your holy cities have become a wilderness. Zion has become a wasteland and Jerusalem a desolation. 11 Our holy and beautiful temple, where our fathers praised You, has been burned with fire, and all that was dear to us lies in ruins. 12 After all this, O LORD, will You restrain Yourself? Will You keep silent and afflict us beyond measure?
Study Notes — Isaiah 64
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 64
- Themes from Isaiah 64
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 64
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah chapter 64 begins with a passionate prayer for God to come down and manifest His presence among His people, that the mountains might tremble and the nations might see His glory (Isaiah 64:1-3). The prophet acknowledges the people's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment, confessing that they have all become like unclean things and their righteous deeds are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). He pleads with God to remember His people and have mercy on them, citing their humble state and their need for His redemption (Isaiah 64:8-12). The chapter concludes with a renewed expression of trust in God's sovereignty and a prayer for His deliverance, emphasizing the importance of prayer and repentance in seeking God's forgiveness and restoration (Isaiah 64:12).
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah chapter 64 is part of the larger context of Isaiah's prophecies, which emphasize God's holiness, human sinfulness, and the need for redemption. The chapter is situated in the third section of the book, which focuses on God's redemption and restoration of His people. The chapter's themes of prayer, repentance, and redemption are also reflected in other biblical passages, such as Psalm 51 and Luke 18:9-14.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages us to pray passionately and honestly, acknowledging our sinfulness and God's righteousness. We are reminded of the importance of repentance and prayer in seeking God's forgiveness and restoration, and the need to trust in God's sovereignty and providence. As we reflect on this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and lives, and to seek God's mercy and forgiveness in our own lives.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah chapter 64 is a prayer for God to come down and manifest His presence among His people. The prophet acknowledges the people's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment, and pleads with God to remember His people and have mercy on them. The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and repentance in seeking God's forgiveness and restoration, and encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence. As seen in Isaiah 64:1-3, the prophet cries out to God to rend the heavens and come down, and in Isaiah 64:6, he confesses that they have all become like unclean things.
Voices from the Church
“The prophet's prayer is a model for our own prayers, emphasizing the importance of passion, honesty, and humility in our approach to God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The chapter's emphasis on God's holiness and human sinfulness highlights the need for Christ's redemption, and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: A Prayer for God's Presence (Isaiah 64:1-3) — The prophet cries out to God to rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might tremble at His presence.
- Confession of Sin (Isaiah 64:4-7) — The prophet acknowledges the people's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment, confessing that they have all become like unclean things.
- Plea for Mercy (Isaiah 64:8-12) — The prophet pleads with God to remember His people and have mercy on them, citing their humble state and their need for His redemption.
- Expression of Trust (Isaiah 64:12) — The prophet expresses his trust in God's sovereignty and providence, despite the people's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment.
- Conclusion: A Call to Prayer and Repentance — The chapter concludes with a renewed emphasis on the importance of prayer and repentance in seeking God's forgiveness and restoration.
Core Doctrines
- God's Holiness
- The chapter emphasizes God's holiness and transcendence, highlighting the need for His intervention in human affairs. This is seen in Isaiah 64:1-3, where the prophet cries out to God to rend the heavens and come down.
- Human Sinfulness
- The prophet acknowledges the people's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment, highlighting the need for redemption and forgiveness. This is seen in Isaiah 64:6, where the prophet confesses that they have all become like unclean things.
- Redemption and Restoration
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of redemption and restoration, highlighting God's mercy and forgiveness. This is seen in Isaiah 64:8-12, where the prophet pleads with God to remember His people and have mercy on them.
- Prayer and Repentance
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and repentance in seeking God's forgiveness and restoration, highlighting the need for humility and trust in God's sovereignty. This is seen in Isaiah 64:1-3 and 64:8-12.
Lessons from Isaiah 64
- The Importance of Passionate Prayer — The prophet's prayer is a model for our own prayers, emphasizing the importance of passion, honesty, and humility in our approach to God.
- The Need for Redemption and Forgiveness — The chapter highlights the need for redemption and forgiveness, emphasizing God's mercy and forgiveness. This is seen in Isaiah 64:8-12, where the prophet pleads with God to remember His people and have mercy on them.
- The Importance of Trust in God's Sovereignty — The prophet's trust in God's sovereignty and providence is a model for our own trust, despite our own sinfulness and God's righteous judgment. This is seen in Isaiah 64:12, where the prophet expresses his trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
- The Power of Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance in seeking God's forgiveness and restoration, highlighting the need for humility and trust in God's sovereignty. This is seen in Isaiah 64:1-3 and 64:8-12.
- The Call to Prayer and Repentance — The chapter concludes with a renewed emphasis on the importance of prayer and repentance in seeking God's forgiveness and restoration, highlighting the need for humility and trust in God's sovereignty.
Themes from Isaiah 64
- God's Presence and Power — The prophet's prayer for God to come down and manifest His presence among His people highlights the theme of God's presence and power. This is seen in Isaiah 64:1-3, where the prophet cries out to God to rend the heavens and come down.
- Human Sinfulness and Redemption — The chapter's emphasis on God's holiness and human sinfulness highlights the need for redemption and forgiveness. This is seen in Isaiah 64:6, where the prophet confesses that they have all become like unclean things.
- Prayer and Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and repentance in seeking God's forgiveness and restoration, highlighting the need for humility and trust in God's sovereignty. This is seen in Isaiah 64:1-3 and 64:8-12.
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — The prophet's trust in God's sovereignty and providence is a model for our own trust, despite our own sinfulness and God's righteous judgment. This is seen in Isaiah 64:12, where the prophet expresses his trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
- God's Mercy and Forgiveness — The chapter highlights God's mercy and forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of redemption and restoration. This is seen in Isaiah 64:8-12, where the prophet pleads with God to remember His people and have mercy on them.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which we can pray passionately and honestly, like the prophet in Isaiah 64:1-3?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's holiness and human sinfulness impact our understanding of the need for redemption and forgiveness?
- What are some ways in which we can trust in God's sovereignty and providence, despite our own sinfulness and God's righteous judgment?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on prayer and repentance inform our approach to seeking God's forgiveness and restoration?
- What are some ways in which we can apply the principles of Isaiah 64 to our own lives and relationships with God and others?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: A Prayer for God's Presence (Isaiah 64:1-3)
| 64:1 | The prophet cries out to God to rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might tremble at His presence. |
| 64:2 | The prophet expresses his desire for God's presence to be manifest among His people, that the nations might see His glory. |
| 64:3 | The prophet acknowledges God's power and majesty, citing the example of God's past judgments and deliverances. |
2. Confession of Sin (Isaiah 64:4-7)
| 64:4 | The prophet acknowledges the people's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment, confessing that they have all become like unclean things. |
| 64:5 | The prophet expresses his desire for God's mercy and forgiveness, citing the people's humble state and their need for His redemption. |
| 64:6 | The prophet confesses that the people's righteous deeds are like filthy rags, highlighting the inadequacy of human righteousness. |
| 64:7 | The prophet acknowledges the people's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment, expressing his desire for God's mercy and forgiveness. |
3. Plea for Mercy (Isaiah 64:8-12)
| 64:8 | The prophet pleads with God to remember His people and have mercy on them, citing their humble state and their need for His redemption. |
| 64:9 | The prophet expresses his desire for God's mercy and forgiveness, acknowledging the people's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment. |
| 64:10 | The prophet cites the example of God's past judgments and deliverances, expressing his trust in God's sovereignty and providence. |
| 64:11 | The prophet expresses his desire for God's presence to be manifest among His people, that the nations might see His glory. |
| 64:12 | The prophet concludes with a renewed expression of trust in God's sovereignty and providence, despite the people's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 64?
The main theme of Isaiah 64 is the prophet's prayer for God's presence and power to be manifest among His people, highlighting the need for redemption and forgiveness. This is seen in Isaiah 64:1-3, where the prophet cries out to God to rend the heavens and come down.
How does the chapter emphasize the importance of prayer and repentance?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and repentance in seeking God's forgiveness and restoration, highlighting the need for humility and trust in God's sovereignty. This is seen in Isaiah 64:1-3 and 64:8-12.
What is the significance of the prophet's confession of sin in Isaiah 64:4-7?
The prophet's confession of sin highlights the people's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment, emphasizing the need for redemption and forgiveness. This is seen in Isaiah 64:6, where the prophet confesses that they have all become like unclean things.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 64:1 → Psalm 18:7-15 | The prophet's prayer for God to come down and manifest His presence among His people is similar to David's prayer in Psalm 18:7-15, where he cries out to God for deliverance and salvation. |
| 2 | Isaiah 64:6 → Romans 3:23 | The prophet's confession that the people's righteous deeds are like filthy rags is similar to Paul's statement in Romans 3:23, where he writes that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. |
| 3 | Isaiah 64:8 → Psalm 103:13-14 | The prophet's plea for God to remember His people and have mercy on them is similar to David's prayer in Psalm 103:13-14, where he expresses his trust in God's mercy and compassion. |
| 4 | Isaiah 64:12 → Psalm 37:7 | The prophet's expression of trust in God's sovereignty and providence is similar to David's statement in Psalm 37:7, where he writes that we should rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. |
| 5 | Isaiah 64:1-3 → John 1:1-14 | The prophet's prayer for God to come down and manifest His presence among His people is fulfilled in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. |
| 6 | Isaiah 64:6 → Hebrews 10:19-25 | The prophet's confession that the people's righteous deeds are like filthy rags is similar to the author of Hebrews' statement in Hebrews 10:19-25, where he writes that we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus. |
| 7 | Isaiah 64:8-12 → Luke 18:9-14 | The prophet's plea for God to remember His people and have mercy on them is similar to the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14, where Jesus teaches that we should humble ourselves and pray for God's mercy and forgiveness. |
| 8 | Isaiah 64:12 → Romans 8:28 | The prophet's expression of trust in God's sovereignty and providence is similar to Paul's statement in Romans 8:28, where he writes that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. |
| 9 | Isaiah 64:1-3 → Ephesians 3:14-21 | The prophet's prayer for God to come down and manifest His presence among His people is fulfilled in the church, where God dwells among His people through the Holy Spirit. |
| 10 | Isaiah 64:6 → 1 John 1:5-10 | The prophet's confession that the people's righteous deeds are like filthy rags is similar to John's statement in 1 John 1:5-10, where he writes that God is light and that we should walk in the light as He is in the light. |
Sermons on Isaiah 64
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) the Communion of the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker uses a hypothetical scenario of having the President of the United States visit your house to illustrate the importance of sharing the gospel. The speak |
|
|
A Craving for the Presence of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being a watchman and warning the body of Christ. He acknowledges that while there will be encouraging messages about communi |
|
"Too Intense?" "Radical?" by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker passionately shares his personal experiences of sacrifice and persecution for his faith in Jesus Christ. He recounts witnessing people dying and a young |
|
"His Plan for Me" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on the poem 'His Plan for Me' and delves into the concept of surrendering to God's will. It explores the idea of standing before Christ at the judgment seat an |
|
The Fire of God by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a remarkable move of God in a village in Persia called West Ben Haar. The village experienced a great stir and many people professed faith i |
|
An Appeal to Sinners by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the benevolence of God and His desire to save sinners. He describes how Jesus, out of love and sorrow, willingly went to the grave in mortal |
|
(Basics) 17. Dead Works by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of being a cheerful giver in the eyes of God. He references 2 Corinthians 9:7, which states that God loves a cheerful giver. T |
|
(First Baptist Church) #4 - the Welsh Revival of 1904-05 by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the impact of a revival on the community and the role of the police during this time. The speaker shares that before the revival, t |
|
Real Revival by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker shares a series of events that occurred during a prayer meeting at their church. They initially planned to listen to a tape, but rocks started coming th |
|
|
Don't Blame It on the Devil by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the need for personal accountability and the dangers of blaming the devil for our shortcomings. He reflects on the importance of divine intervention in |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 64
Matthew Henry's commentary on Isaiah 64 emphasizes the prophet's passionate prayer for God's presence and power to be manifest among His people. Henry notes that the prophet's prayer is a model for our own prayers, emphasizing the importance of passion, honesty, and humility in our approach to God. He also highlights the chapter's emphasis on God's holiness and human sinfulness, emphasizing the need for redemption and forgiveness. Henry concludes by noting that the chapter's themes of prayer, repentance, and redemption are still relevant today, and that we should seek to apply these principles in our own lives and relationships with God and others. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Prophet's Passionate Prayer
The prophet's prayer is marked by a deep sense of longing and urgency, emphasizing the importance of prayer and repentance in seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. This is seen in Isaiah 64:1-3, where the prophet cries out to God to rend the heavens and come down.
The People's Sinfulness
The prophet acknowledges the people's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment, highlighting the theme of human sinfulness and God's holiness. This is seen in Isaiah 64:6, where the prophet confesses that they have all become like unclean things.
The Importance of Repentance
The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and prayer in seeking God's forgiveness and restoration, highlighting the theme of God's mercy and forgiveness. This is seen in Isaiah 64:8-12, where the prophet pleads with God to remember His people and have mercy on them.