Isaiah 63:15

Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and glorious habitation. Where are Your zeal and might? Your yearning and compassion for me are restrained.

Study Bible

Look down from heaven
This phrase is a plea for divine attention and intervention. The Hebrew root for "look down" is "שָׁקַף" (shaqaph), which conveys the idea of God bending down to observe His people. This imagery suggests a God who is not distant but is actively involved in the affairs of humanity. The heavens, in biblical context, are often seen as God's dwelling place, a realm of holiness and authority. The plea for God to "look down" implies a desire for His presence and action in the midst of human struggles, reflecting a deep trust in His sovereignty and compassion.

and see from Your holy and glorious habitation
The words "holy and glorious habitation" refer to the divine realm where God resides. "Holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) emphasizes God's purity and separateness from sin, while "glorious" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) highlights His majesty and honor. This phrase underscores the transcendence of God, who is exalted above all creation. Yet, the request for God to "see" indicates a belief that He is not only transcendent but also immanent, willing to engage with His creation. The historical context of Isaiah often involved Israel seeking God's intervention during times of distress, and this plea reflects a longing for His redemptive power.

Where are Your zeal and Your might?
"Zeal" (קִנְאָה, qinah) refers to God's passionate commitment to His people and His purposes. It is a fervent, protective love that drives Him to act on behalf of His covenant. "Might" (גְּבוּרָה, geburah) speaks to God's strength and power to accomplish His will. The question "Where are Your zeal and Your might?" is a rhetorical one, expressing a sense of urgency and desperation. It reflects a historical context where the Israelites felt abandoned or in need of God's powerful intervention, reminding them of past deliverances and stirring hope for future acts of salvation.

Your tenderness and compassion are withheld from us
"Tenderness" (רַחֲמִים, rachamim) and "compassion" (נֶחָם, necham) are attributes of God that denote His deep love and mercy. These terms are often used in Scripture to describe God's fatherly care and His willingness to forgive and restore. The feeling that these qualities are "withheld" suggests a period of perceived divine silence or judgment. Historically, this could relate to times when Israel experienced the consequences of their disobedience. Yet, the acknowledgment of these attributes also serves as a reminder of God's character, encouraging repentance and faith in His eventual restoration and mercy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
The prophet who authored the book, delivering messages from God to the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

2. Heaven
The dwelling place of God, depicted as holy and glorious, from which God is asked to look down.

3. God
The central figure being addressed, whose attributes of zeal, might, tenderness, and compassion are being sought.

4. Judah and Jerusalem
The primary audience of Isaiah's prophecy, experiencing a period of distress and seeking God's intervention.

Teaching Points

God's Dwelling and Sovereignty
Recognize that God is sovereign and dwells in a holy and glorious place, yet He is attentive to the cries of His people.

Attributes of God
Reflect on God's attributes of zeal, might, tenderness, and compassion. These are not just abstract qualities but are actively involved in His relationship with His people.

The Human Condition and Divine Response
Understand that feelings of divine distance or withheld compassion are part of the human experience, but they should lead us to earnest prayer and seeking God.

Prayer as a Response to Distress
Use Isaiah's example to approach God in prayer, asking Him to reveal His power and compassion in our lives and circumstances.

Hope in God's Unchanging Nature
Trust in the consistency of God's character, knowing that His compassion and mercy are new every morning, even when they seem distant.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Isaiah 63:15 reflect the human experience of feeling distant from God, and how can this be addressed through prayer?

2. In what ways do the attributes of God mentioned in Isaiah 63:15 (zeal, might, tenderness, compassion) provide comfort during times of distress?

3. How can we reconcile the feeling of God's compassion being "withheld" with the assurance of His constant love and mercy found in other scriptures?

4. What practical steps can we take to remind ourselves of God's sovereignty and attentiveness when we feel He is distant?

5. How does the plea in Isaiah 63:15 encourage us to intercede for others who may feel abandoned or distant from God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 80
Similar to Isaiah 63:15, this psalm is a plea for God to look down from heaven and restore His people, emphasizing God's role as a shepherd.

Exodus 34:6-7
These verses describe God's attributes of compassion and mercy, which Isaiah references as being withheld.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Highlights God's unfailing compassion and mercy, providing hope even in times of distress.

Hebrews 4:16
Encourages believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, seeking mercy and help in times of need.