Commentary on Isaiah 63:7-9

In Isaiah 63:1–6, the writer recounts the failures and shortcomings of God’s people. In all fairness to them, we should not judge them too harshly, for in truth, all of us fall short in some way or another. Yet, this portrait of human fragility is juxtaposed, in 63:7–9, with God’s faithfulness. The writer’s use of the Hebrew word ḥesed (steadfast loyalty, faithfulness, love) in 63:7 is consistent with how it is used throughout the Old Testament to describe God’s commitment to God’s people. The speaker reflectively reminisces on God’s “gracious deeds” and “praiseworthy acts.” To “reminisce” is not mere nostalgia—it is a testimonial to God’s mercy and love for the “house of Israel.” 

The favor God extends to these people shows up in God’s abundant love for them. And as the speaker reminisces, the people are also invited to reminisce, to look back on what God has done and look forward to what God can and will do. The people’s apostasy and spiritual short-sightedness cannot detract from or derail God’s love. The relationship between God and God’s people is framed—and continually sustained—by God’s ḥesed. When the people failed to follow God and keep the covenant, it was God who remained faithful. 

The writer supplies the rationale that underlies God’s motive for this unwavering commitment.  “For he said, ‘Surely they are my people, children who will not act deceitfully, and he became their savior in all their distress’” (63:8). God not only calls them “my people,” but he also affectionately calls them “children,” intimating a familial bond of affection on one hand and expectation on the other hand. God expected the people to walk in faith and obedience, distinguished by trustworthiness and loyalty rather than deceit. This walk of faith and obedience is characterized in Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”  

Although Israel often stumbled in this regard, God’s mercy never failed; even in all their distress, God continued to be their savior. In other words, God consistently showed up in the ordinary and the messiest moments of their lives. God crossed the Red Sea with these people, put up with their complaining and grumbling through the wilderness, and endured their constant rebellion and apostasy, and yet never gave up on them, choosing instead to dwell among them.

Throughout the Bible, we find that in times of great need, God sends messengers—angels—to intervene on behalf of God’s people. It was an angel of the Lord who stayed Abraham’s hand and spared Isaac (Genesis 22:11–18). Angels were sent to lead Lot and his family to safety before Sodom was destroyed (Genesis 19:1–17). Gabriel came to Daniel with words of encouragement and hope (Daniel 9:21). An angel brought messages to Zechariah and Mary (Luke 1:11–19, 26–38). Joseph was guided by an angel in his dreams (Matthew 1:20–24), and angels announced the birth of Christ to shepherds in the field (Luke 2:8–14). Even Peter, bound in prison, was set free by angelic hands (Acts 5:19–20). 

While God sent angels to guide, protect, and deliver, God never entrusted salvation to a messenger. It is God who shows up. It is God’s presence that ultimately saves. The writer of Isaiah reminds us that God is not distant. Our God is personally invested in us, walking with us, redeeming us, and securing our salvation by God’s own presence and power. Our God feels what we feel, sees when we struggle and fall away, hears our cries, shares our sorrows, and has mercy on us. God’s promise remains true: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5–6). And just as God carried Israel through the wilderness (Deuteronomy 1:31), God, like a loving parent, has been with us from the beginning and will continue to carry us to the end (Isaiah 46:4).

So, this Sunday after Christmas, as the celebrations fade and the ordinariness of life returns, remember that Christ is still present among us; his light is a beacon that guides, guards, and saves.