Isaiah 63:18
The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.
Original Language Analysis
לַמִּצְעָ֕ר
it but a little while
H4705
לַמִּצְעָ֕ר
it but a little while
Strong's:
H4705
Word #:
1 of 7
petty (in size or number); adverbially, a short (time)
יָרְשׁ֖וּ
have possessed
H3423
יָרְשׁ֖וּ
have possessed
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
2 of 7
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
עַם
The people
H5971
עַם
The people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
קָדְשֶׁ֑ךָ
of thy holiness
H6944
קָדְשֶׁ֑ךָ
of thy holiness
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
4 of 7
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
Historical Context
This refers to the destruction of Solomon's temple in 586 BC. The 'little while' of possession compares poorly with centuries of God's patience and promise.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when things seem to be going backward spiritually?
- What does it mean when God's 'sanctuary' seems trampled?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.' The brief possession of the land contrasts with extended occupation by enemies. The Hebrew 'miqqdash' (sanctuary) has been trampled. This lament over lost worship space intensifies the prayer.