Isaiah 64

Isaiah 64:1

64:1-5 The prayer which began in 63:15 now continues and turns to confession. The remnant implores God to rend the heavens and come down in fury on His adversaries. They recall previous interventions of God, unique manifestations of the only true God who acts for the one who waits for Him. They remember that God shows favor to those who delight in practical righteousness, but they have incurred His anger by their long-continued sins, and wonder if there is any hope for people like them to be saved. 64:6, 7 They confess to personal uncleanness, and admit that their best deeds (righteousnesses) are like filthy rags. No wonder that they are fading leaves, driven away by the wind of their own iniquities. There is spiritual deadness in Israel. Intercessors are nowhere to be found, because Jehovah has abandoned them to the consequences of their sins. 64:8, 9 Yet the LORD is still their Father, and there is still hope that the potter can do something with the clay. And so they plead with Him to relax His anger, to forgive and forget their sins, and to acknowledge them as His people still. 64:10-12 The devastated condition of the country, and particularly of Jerusalem and the temple, are strong reasons why God should release His anger and act decisively in behalf of His afflicted people.