Isaiah 64

1 that Thou wouldest come down. See note on Judg. v. 5.

2. As when the melting fire burneth. Or, “as the fire kindleth the brushwood” (R.V.).

3. When Thou didst terrible things, etc. The wonders of Sinai authorise such a prayer as that just offered.

4. Neither hath the eye seen. Or, “Neither hath the eye seen a God beside Thee [who] will act for one who trusteth in Him”: comp. R.V. See 1 Cor. ii. 9.

5 in those is continuance. One rendering refers the “continuance” to the people’s sins, and ends the verse with a question: “In them have we been for a long time, and shall we be saved?” See R.V. and marg. Luther’s version has much in its favour: “Thou wast angry because we sinned and continued long therein; and yet we are saved.”

8 we all are the work of Thy hand. Another appeal to the Divine Fatherhood, as in lxiii. 16. Thou wilt not, therefore, reject those who are so entirely dependent upon Thee: comp. Psa. cxxxviii. 8.

10. Thy holy cities. Read, “Thy holy cities are become a wilderness, Zion is become,” etc. (R.V.).

11 all our pleasant things. All the objects of our desire; see 2 Chron. xxxvi. 19, where the same word is used.

12 for these things. i.e., in such a state of things." Will not these things lead Thee to interpose?

and who fill for Meni a mixed draught." Gad and Meni represented Fortune and Destiny, for whom the idolatrous Jews held sacrificial feasts: see R.V., and comp. Jer. vii. 18; xlv. 17. The rebuke is one for the gambler of to-day, who “prepares a table for Fortune.”