Isa 64:8 | KingComments | STEP | In the reality and the power of confession in the previous verses, the prophet recalls the inalienable connection which the LORD established between Himself and His people. He also recalls the way in which He formed them as their “potter” (cf. ; ) according to His own counsel ( ). This is true humility and brokenness ( ). This confession implies the possibility of a re-creation of the depraved national vessel. This will certainly be the case when the Redeemer comes to Zion. It’s not that far yet. The people sigh under the chastening hand of the LORD to Whom they desperately cry for a reduction of anger ( ). The remnant reminds the LORD in a pathetic way that they are after all His people. After all it is about His people, His land, His Name. The enemy is admitted under the repaying hand of God to make the cities of the land a wilderness and Jerusalem a desolation ( ). The abode of God in Zion, where the songs of praise to the honor of the LORD used to sound, has gone up in flames ( ). In we hear the prophet’s closing plea for deliverance and restoration. The answer comes in the next and last two chapters of this book. In the short term, the destruction by Babylon is a pre-fulfillment of these prophecies. However, its full fulfillment will take place in the future when Israel is destroyed by the coming king of the North.

‏ Isaiah 64:8

The LORD and His People

In the reality and the power of confession in the previous verses, the prophet recalls the inalienable connection which the LORD established between Himself and His people. He also recalls the way in which He formed them as their “potter” (cf. Jer 18:1-6; Rom 9:19-21) according to His own counsel (Isa 64:8). This is true humility and brokenness (Isa 57:15). This confession implies the possibility of a re-creation of the depraved national vessel. This will certainly be the case when the Redeemer comes to Zion.

It’s not that far yet. The people sigh under the chastening hand of the LORD to Whom they desperately cry for a reduction of anger (Isa 64:9). The remnant reminds the LORD in a pathetic way that they are after all His people. After all it is about His people, His land, His Name. The enemy is admitted under the repaying hand of God to make the cities of the land a wilderness and Jerusalem a desolation (Isa 64:10). The abode of God in Zion, where the songs of praise to the honor of the LORD used to sound, has gone up in flames (Isa 64:11). In Isa 64:12 we hear the prophet’s closing plea for deliverance and restoration. The answer comes in the next and last two chapters of this book.

In the short term, the destruction by Babylon is a pre-fulfillment of these prophecies. However, its full fulfillment will take place in the future when Israel is destroyed by the coming king of the North.