Isaiah 63:11

Authorized King James Version

Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּזְכֹּ֥ר

H2142

Then he remembered

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

יְמֵֽי

H3117

the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עוֹלָ֖ם

H5769

of old

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

מֹשֶׁ֣ה

H4872

Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עַמּ֑וֹ

H5971

and his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אַיֵּ֣ה׀

H346

where?

הַֽמַּעֲלֵ֣ם

H5927

saying Where is he that brought them up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִיָּ֗ם

H3220

out of the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

אֵ֚ת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#10

רֹעֵ֣י

H7462

with the shepherd

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

#11

צֹאנ֔וֹ

H6629

of his flock

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#12

אַיֵּ֛ה

H346

where?

#13

הַשָּׂ֥ם

H7760

where is he that put

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#14

בְּקִרְבּ֖וֹ

H7130

within

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

ר֥וּחַ

H7307

Spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#17

קָדְשֽׁוֹ׃

H6944

his holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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