Edom was a constant enemy of Israel despite its common ancestry in Isaac. Edom rejoiced at any trouble Israel faced.
On behalf of the faithful remnant, Isaiah asks God for two favors: to show mercy and compassion to them and to punish their enemies. Before making these requests, Isaiah recited the Lord’s past favors, reminding him of his compassion in former days.
Praise for Deliverance – Isaiah 63
I will tell of the Lord’s unfailing love.
I will praise the Lord for all he has done.
I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel,
which he has granted according to his mercy and love.
He said, “They are my very own people.
Surely they will not betray me again.”
And he became their Savior.
In all their suffering he also suffered,
and he personally rescued them.
In his love and mercy he redeemed them.
He lifted them up and carried them
through all the years.
But they rebelled against him
and grieved his Holy Spirit.
So he became their enemy
and fought against them.
Then they remembered those days of old
when Moses led his people out of Egypt.
They cried out, “Where is the one who brought Israel through the sea,
with Moses as their shepherd?
Where is the one who sent his Holy Spirit
to be among his people?
Where is the one whose power was displayed
when Moses lifted up his hand—
the one who divided the sea before them,
making himself famous forever?
Where is the one who led them through the bottom of the sea?
They were like fine stallions
racing through the desert, never stumbling.
As with cattle going down into a peaceful valley,
the Spirit of the Lord gave them rest.
You led your people, Lord,
and gained a magnificent reputation.”
When faced with opposition, fear or anxiety, it is good to recall God’s compassion and faithfulness in former days.
Our only hope is faith in Jesus Christ, who can cleanse us and bring us into God’s presence.
Join me in prayer:
“O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. We are all infected and impure with sin. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind… Please don’t remember our sins forever. Look at us, we pray, and see that we are all your people. Thank you that the gospel (good news) is for every person and that our only hope is in you Jesus. AMEN.