Isaiah Chapter 63 · Verse 13

Authorized King James Version

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That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?

Original Language Analysis

מוֹלִיכָ֖ם H1980
מוֹלִיכָ֖ם
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 1 of 6
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בַּתְּהֹמ֑וֹת them through the deep H8415
בַּתְּהֹמ֑וֹת them through the deep
Strong's: H8415
Word #: 2 of 6
an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)
כַּסּ֥וּס as an horse H5483
כַּסּ֥וּס as an horse
Strong's: H5483
Word #: 3 of 6
a horse (as leaping)
בַּמִּדְבָּ֖ר in the wilderness H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֖ר in the wilderness
Strong's: H4057
Word #: 4 of 6
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 6
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִכָּשֵֽׁלוּ׃ that they should not stumble H3782
יִכָּשֵֽׁלוּ׃ that they should not stumble
Strong's: H3782
Word #: 6 of 6
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

Analysis & Commentary

'That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?' The imagery shifts to a horse moving confidently through wilderness terrain without stumbling. God led Israel through the 'deep' (tehom - the chaotic waters) as surely as a trained horse navigates rough ground.

Historical Context

The 'deep' recalls both the Red Sea and the primordial chaos waters of Genesis 1:2. God's mastery over chaos and danger protected His people.

Questions for Reflection