Isaiah 64:12
Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O LORD? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?
Original Language Analysis
הַעַל
H5921
הַעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְהוָ֑ה
thyself for these things O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
thyself for these things O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּתְעַנֵּ֖נוּ
and afflict
H6031
וּתְעַנֵּ֖נוּ
and afflict
Strong's:
H6031
Word #:
6 of 8
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
Cross References
Isaiah 42:14I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.Psalms 83:1Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.Zechariah 1:12Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?
Historical Context
The prayer ends with questions, not answers. This reflects authentic spiritual experience where resolution doesn't immediately follow confession. The silence of chapter 65's opening continues the tension.
Questions for Reflection
- Is it appropriate to boldly question God's apparent inactivity?
- How do you sustain faith when prayers end with unanswered questions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O LORD? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?' The prayer concludes with bold questioning: Will God 'refrain' (aphaq - restrain, hold back) given such devastation? Will He remain silent while affliction continues? The Hebrew 'anah ad-me'od' (afflict very sore) challenges divine passivity. This is bold, honest prayer.