Isaiah 63:11

Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them,

Study Bible

Then His people remembered
This phrase indicates a moment of reflection and recollection among the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "remembered" is "זָכַר" (zakar), which implies not just recalling past events but also bringing them to the forefront of one's mind with the intention of acting upon them. In the context of Isaiah, this remembrance is a turning point, where the people of Israel reflect on their past experiences with God, particularly His acts of deliverance and guidance. This act of remembering is crucial in the biblical narrative, as it often leads to repentance and a renewed commitment to God.

the days of old
The phrase "the days of old" refers to the historical events and experiences of the Israelites, particularly their deliverance from Egypt and the journey through the wilderness. This is a call to remember the foundational accounts of their faith, which are central to their identity as God's chosen people. The historical context here is significant, as it reminds the Israelites of God's faithfulness and mighty acts in their history, encouraging them to trust in His continued presence and power.

the days of Moses and his people
Moses is a central figure in the history of Israel, representing God's leadership and covenant with His people. The mention of "his people" emphasizes the collective identity of the Israelites as a community bound by their shared experiences and covenant with God. Moses' leadership during the Exodus is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, symbolizing God's deliverance and the establishment of His law. This reference serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the importance of obedience and faithfulness.

Where is He who brought them through the sea
This phrase recalls the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, a defining moment of deliverance for the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "brought" is "הֵבִיא" (hevi), which conveys the idea of leading or guiding with purpose. The crossing of the Red Sea is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to save His people against overwhelming odds. This rhetorical question serves to remind the Israelites of God's past faithfulness and to inspire confidence in His ability to deliver them in their current circumstances.

with the shepherd of His flock?
The "shepherd" here is a metaphor for leadership and care, often used in the Bible to describe God's relationship with His people. In this context, it likely refers to Moses, who acted as God's appointed leader and guide for the Israelites. The imagery of a shepherd underscores the themes of guidance, provision, and protection, emphasizing God's role as the ultimate shepherd of His people. This phrase invites reflection on the nature of God's leadership and the responsibility of human leaders to follow His example.

Where is He who set His Holy Spirit among them
The mention of the "Holy Spirit" highlights the divine presence and empowerment that accompanied the Israelites during their journey. The Hebrew word for "set" is "שׂוּם" (sum), which means to place or appoint. This indicates that God's Spirit was intentionally given to guide, instruct, and sustain His people. The presence of the Holy Spirit among the Israelites is a testament to God's intimate involvement in their lives and His desire to dwell among them. This rhetorical question serves as a reminder of the spiritual resources available to God's people and the importance of relying on His Spirit for guidance and strength.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
A central figure in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. He is often remembered for his role in the Exodus and the giving of the Law.

2. The Sea
Refers to the Red Sea, which God miraculously parted to allow the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptian army, a pivotal event in Israel's history.

3. The Shepherd of His Flock
This phrase symbolizes God's guidance and care for His people, likening His leadership to that of a shepherd tending to his sheep.

4. Holy Spirit
The presence of God's Spirit among the Israelites, guiding, empowering, and sanctifying them throughout their journey.

5. The People of Israel
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, chosen by God to be His covenant people and through whom He would reveal His laws and promises.

Teaching Points

Remembering God's Faithfulness
Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life and the lives of others. Just as the Israelites remembered the days of Moses, we should recall God's past deliverances and provisions.

God's Guidance and Presence
Acknowledge that God, like a shepherd, guides and cares for His people. Seek His guidance in daily decisions and trust in His presence through the Holy Spirit.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
Understand the importance of the Holy Spirit in leading and empowering believers. Cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer and obedience.

Learning from History
Study the history of God's people to gain insights into His character and ways. Apply these lessons to current challenges and opportunities.

Faith in Action
Just as Moses acted in faith, believers are called to step out in faith, trusting in God's promises and power to accomplish His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does remembering God's past faithfulness help us trust Him in present circumstances?

2. In what ways can we experience God's guidance and presence in our daily lives, similar to how He led the Israelites?

3. How does the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament compare to His role in the lives of believers today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' journey that apply to our spiritual journey?

5. How can we actively demonstrate faith in our lives, following the example of Moses and other biblical figures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14
This chapter details the crossing of the Red Sea, highlighting God's miraculous deliverance of Israel, which Isaiah 63:11 recalls.

Psalm 77:20
This verse also reflects on God's leadership through Moses and Aaron, emphasizing His role as a shepherd to His people.

Nehemiah 9:20
This passage speaks of God giving His good Spirit to instruct the Israelites, paralleling the mention of the Holy Spirit in Isaiah 63:11.

Hebrews 11:24-29
This New Testament passage recounts the faith of Moses, connecting the faithfulness of God in the past to the faith required of believers today.