Isaiah 63:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 63:15
15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?
Chapter Context
Isaiah 63 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, fellowship, salvation. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-19: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 63:15
15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?
Analysis
'Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?' The prayer intensifies into direct appeal. 'Where is' introduces longing questions. God's 'bowels' (me'im - internal organs) represent deep emotional compassion. Are mercies 'restrained' (apaq - held back)?
Historical Context
This bold prayer challenges divine apparent inactivity. The anatomical language (bowels, zeal) emphasizes visceral, emotional divine engagement that seems absent.
Reflection
- How do you pray when God seems to have restrained His mercies?
- What does 'the sounding of thy bowels' teach about God's compassion?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6944 - Holy, set apart
Cross-References
- Holy: Deuteronomy 26:15
- Parallel theme: Psalms 33:14, 80:14, 123:1, Jeremiah 31:20, Hosea 11:8, Philippians 2:1