Meaning of Isaiah 63:7

Isaiah 63:7 marks a profound declaration of praise and remembrance, where the prophet, speaking on behalf of the people of Israel, commits to recounting the Lord's steadfast love and benevolent actions. This verse is not merely a passive acknowledgment but an active testament to God's faithfulness, stemming from a deep recognition of His abundant mercies and compassionate interventions throughout Israel's history. The phrasing "I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord" signifies a deliberate and ongoing commitment to vocalize God's goodness, a practice intended to strengthen faith, foster gratitude, and serve as a historical record of divine providence for future generations. The emphasis on "many good things he has done for Israel" highlights a particular focus on God's covenantal relationship with His chosen people, underscoring that His actions were not arbitrary but rooted in His character and His promises.

Context and Background

This verse is found in the latter part of the book of Isaiah, specifically within the section often referred to as "Third Isaiah" or "Deutero-Isaiah," though its precise placement within the prophetic corpus suggests a post-exilic setting or at least a perspective deeply informed by the experience of exile and subsequent restoration. The preceding verses (Isaiah 63:1-6) describe a powerful, victorious figure returning from battle, stained with the blood of His enemies. This imagery, though often interpreted in various ways—from a military triumph to a more symbolic representation of God's judgment and redemption—sets a tone of divine power and decisive action. Isaiah 63:7 then pivots from this depiction of divine might to a call for remembrance and praise, bridging the awe-inspiring power of God with His consistent, loving character towards His people. The prophet, therefore, is responding to the grand acts of God by initiating a song of thanksgiving that acknowledges both His power and His enduring grace.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Kindness (Chesed): The Hebrew word translated as "kindnesses" is chesed, a rich term encompassing steadfast love, mercy, loyalty, and covenant faithfulness. It signifies a love that is not merely emotional but active and enduring, a commitment that transcends circumstances.
• Praise and Remembrance: The verse emphasizes the imperative to tell and to be praised. This highlights the importance of actively remembering and articulating God's deeds, not just for personal reflection but as a communal act of worship and testimony.
• God's Compassion: The mention of God's "compassion" (Hebrew: rachamim) underscores His tender, merciful, and relational nature, mirroring the affection of a mother for her child.
• Covenantal Faithfulness: The specific mention of "Israel" points to God's covenantal relationship. His "good things" are a direct result of His promises and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people, even amidst their failings.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Isaiah 63:7 serves as a profound call to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude and remembrance. It encourages believers to actively recall and articulate God's past faithfulness in their personal lives and in the history of the church. This practice is vital for strengthening faith during times of trial, as remembering God's proven character provides assurance for the future. Furthermore, it fosters a deeper sense of worship and intimacy with God, moving beyond mere obligation to genuine appreciation for His abundant mercies. The verse also implies a missional aspect: by telling of God's kindnesses, believers bear witness to His character and redemptive work to others.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse resonates deeply with the overarching narrative of God's redemptive history. From the patriarchs to the Exodus, the wilderness wanderings, the establishment of the monarchy, and the periods of exile and return, the Bible is replete with instances of God demonstrating His chesed and rachamim towards Israel. The prophet's commitment to recount these deeds foreshadows the New Testament's emphasis on remembering Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection, which are the ultimate expressions of God's kindness and compassion. The early church, in its practice of the Lord's Supper, explicitly engaged in this act of remembrance, as commanded by Jesus himself.

Analogies

One analogy for the act of recounting God's kindnesses is like a family cherishing old photographs and stories. These mementos are not just passive relics; they actively remind the family of shared experiences, love, and resilience, strengthening their bonds and identity. Similarly, recounting God's deeds serves as spiritual "photographs" and "stories" that solidify our faith and our relationship with Him. Another analogy could be a sailor navigating treacherous waters. The sailor relies on charts and logs of past successful voyages, remembering how storms were weathered and safe harbors were reached. This knowledge of past successes builds confidence and guides future navigation.

Relation to Other Verses

• Psalm 107:8: "Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the children of man!" This psalm echoes Isaiah's sentiment, calling for thanks for God's enduring love and His wondrous deeds.
• Deuteronomy 6:5-7: Here, Moses instructs the Israelites to love the Lord their God with all their heart and to diligently teach His commandments and His deeds to their children, emphasizing the importance of passing down the knowledge of God's actions.
• Lamentations 3:22-23: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." This passage directly affirms the inexhaustible nature of God's kindness and mercy, which Isaiah 63:7 promises to recount.
• 1 Corinthians 11:24-25: In the context of the Lord's Supper, Paul instructs believers to "do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me," highlighting the New Testament's continuation of the practice of remembrance as central to communal worship and the understanding of God's redemptive work.