Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 64

Verse 1

Oh, &c. Figure of speech Euche. Isaiah 6:0 4 is joined to Isaiah 6:0 3 by the Massoretic pointing.

flow down = quake. The reference is to Sinai in these verses. Compare Psalms 68:7 , Psalms 68:8 . Judges 5:4 , Judges 5:5 .

Verse 2

melting. The Hebrew word occurs only here, and is plural.

Thy name. See note on Psalms 20:1 .

Verse 3

When Thou didst terrible things. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 34:10 , same word).

Verse 4

since the beginning of the world = from of old.

men have not heard. Quoted in 1 Corinthians 2:9 . Compare Psa 3:19 .

nor. So, some codices, with two early printed editions, Syriac, and Vulgate. But others read "have not perceived".

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

hath prepared = could work, or will do.

him that waiteth = the man who waited.

Verse 5

Thou meetest him = Thou didst meet him. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 32:1 ). App-92 .

that rejoiceth = who was rejoicing, &c.

art wroth = wert, or wast wroth.

sinned. Hebrew. chata . App-44 .

those is continuance = those [ways of Thine] is continuance. Same word as "since the beginning" in Isaiah 64:4 . Compare Isaiah 63:9 , Isaiah 63:11 , Isaiah 63:16 , Isaiah 63:19 .

Verse 6

wind. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .

Verse 7

hast hid = hadst hidden. Compare Isaiah 45:15 ; Isaiah 53:3 ; Isaiah 54:8 ; Isaiah 57:17 ; Isaiah 59:2 . Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 31:17 , Deuteronomy 31:18 , Deuteronomy 31:20 ). App-92 .

Verse 8

now. A special various reading, called Sevir ( App-34 ), with some codices, two early printed editions, and Aramaean, read "Thou".

Thou art our Father. See note on Isaiah 63:16 .

hand. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "hands" (plural)

Verse 9

Be not, &c. Continue not to be, &c.

remember = continue not to remember.

Verse 10

holy. See note on Exodus 3:6 .

desolation . Referring to the time of Matthew 23:38 ; Matthew 24:2 .

Verse 11

praised. See note on "shall not", &c. (Isaiah 13:10 ).

is burned up with fire. This prayer is proleptic; and is said now by anticipation of the then (and now still future) day of Israel's repentance and return to Jehovah.

pleasant things = goodly places, or vessels. Same word as in 2 Chronicles 36:19 .

Verse 12

refrain Thyself: i.e. refuse to give way in compassion, &c. Compare Genesis 43:1 ; Genesis 45:1 .Genesis 42:14 ; Gen 63:15 .