Isaiah 64:1

Authorized King James Version

Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,

Word-by-Word Analysis

לוּא

H3863

a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!

קָרַ֤עְתָּ

H7167

that thou wouldest rend

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

שָׁמַ֙יִם֙

H8064

the heavens

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

יָרַ֔דְתָּ

H3381

that thou wouldest come down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מִפָּנֶ֖יךָ

H6440

at thy presence

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָרִ֥ים

H2022

that the mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

נָזֹֽלּוּ׃

H2151

might flow down

figuratively, to be loose morally, worthless or prodigal

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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