Isaiah 63:7-64:12
Dear RTB’ers,
Today’s reading sounds much like a lament that we may have read from one of the Psalms. A few years back I noted (from one of my Study Bibles) the elements of a lament: a cry for help; the author’s situation; an expression of confidence; a protestation of innocence or a prayer for vindication; and grateful recognition for God’s help. Read through today’s passage and look for these elements. Yes, it does sound like Isaiah’s prayer is a lament.
In yesterday’s post I noted that Jesus knew His Scripture. Today we see that the apostle Paul also knows Isaiah. Here is the passage from today’s reading: From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides You, who acts for those who wait for Him. (v. 64:4) And here we see Paul quoting this passage: None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (I Corinthians 2:8-9) Repeating myself from yesterday – as Jesus and Paul knew and applied Old Testament passages, for ourselves, the more we read, the more we know, and the more we know, the more we come to love God more and more.
Finally, the STS authors note Isaiah’s mention of the Holy Spirit in Isaiah 63:10, 11, 14. I always appreciate Holy Spirit mentions in the Old Testament.
Blessings!