Contributor: Clem Roberts

INTRODUCTION
Isaiah 64 is a chapter in the Book of Isaiah, known for its heartfelt and impassioned prayer for divine intervention and restoration. It is a prayer from the remnant of Israel, pleading for God’s intervention and mercy. The historical context of Isaiah 64 is the Babylonian exile, a time of great suffering and uncertainty for the people of Judah. The chapter 64 is divided into two parts: the first part (verses 1-7) is a prayer requesting God to come down and intervene in their situation, while the second part (verses 8-12) is a confession of Israel’s sins and a plea for God’s forgiveness.

ISAIAH 64 – PART 1
The prayer in the first part of the chapter is a plea for God to reveal His power and glory to the nations, so that they may tremble at His presence. The remnant of Israel acknowledges that they have sinned and are unclean, but they still plead for God’s mercy and intervention. They remember God’s past works and ask Him to act on their behalf once again.

ISAIAH 64 – PART 2
The second part of the chapter is a confession of Israel’s sins and a plea for God’s forgiveness. The remnant of Israel acknowledges that they have sinned and that their sins have caused them to be consumed by God’s wrath. They plead with God to remember His covenant with them and to have mercy on them.
• Yearning for God's Presence:
The chapter opens with a cry expressing the deep longing for God to rend the heavens and come down. This vivid language conveys a profound desire for God's direct and powerful intervention in the affairs of humanity. The people of Israel are yearning for a tangible experience of God's presence.
• Acknowledgment of Sin and Need for Forgiveness:
The prayer in Isaiah 64 is marked by a recognition of the people's sinfulness and unworthiness. The plea for God to "remember not iniquity forever" reflects a genuine repentance and a desire for forgiveness. The acknowledgment of sin is a crucial aspect of the prayer, recognizing the need for God's mercy and grace.
• Appeal to God's Past Deeds:
The prayer recounts the mighty deeds of God in the past, especially in relation to the people of Israel. There is an appeal to God's historical acts of deliverance, emphasizing that God is their Father and Redeemer. This serves as a basis for the plea for divine intervention in the present circumstances.
• Contrast Between God's Holiness and Human Sinfulness:
Isaiah 64:6 highlights the vast difference between God's perfect holiness and the people's sinful state. It emphasizes that even their righteous deeds are like filthy rags in comparison to God's purity. This stark contrast underscores the need for God's grace and redemption.
• Lament Over the Desolation of Jerusalem:
The chapter expresses a lament over the desolation of Jerusalem, portraying the city as a place where God's presence is not felt. The devastation is seen as a consequence of the people's sin, and there is a plea for God to act on behalf of His holy city.
• Trust in God's Sovereignty:
Despite the lament and acknowledgment of sin, there is a profound trust in God's sovereignty and ability to shape the destiny of His people. The prayer expresses confidence that God is the potter and His people are the clay, emphasizing God's authority and the people's dependence on Him.

ISAIAH 65
Isaiah 65 is a chapter in the Book of Isaiah is a prophetic text that addresses the issues of life regarding God’s people on the premise of divine judgment, restoration, and the future messianic age. Major key points in this chapter are outlined as follows:
• Divine Judgment and Rejection of Idolatry:
The chapter begins with God expressing his willingness to be found by those who did not seek him and his willingness to be known to those who did not inquire after him. However, it also highlights the contrast between those who sought God and those who persisted in idolatry and rebellion. God declares judgment upon the disobedient and idolatrous, using strong language to convey the severity of their actions.
• Promise of a New Heaven and a New Earth:
Isaiah 65:17 introduces the concept of a new heaven and a new earth. This theme is often associated with the idea of renewal and restoration. It suggests a time when God will make all things new, free from the corruption and sin that plagued the old creation.
• Joy and Prosperity in the Messianic Age:
The chapter paints a vivid picture of the messianic age, characterized by joy, peace, and prosperity. It describes a time when people will build houses and inhabit them, plant vineyards and eat their fruit, and enjoy the work of their hands without fear of harm. This imagery is often seen as a vision of the ultimate fulfilment of God's promises to His people.
• Longevity and Blessings:
Isaiah 65:20-25 describes a time when people will live long and full live that is free from the threat of premature death. It depicts a harmonious relationship between humans and the animal kingdom, reflecting a state of peace and well-being.
• Response to Prayer:
The chapter emphasizes the responsiveness of God to the prayers of His people. It suggests that before they even call, God will answer, underlining the close and intimate relationship between God and those who seek Him in righteousness.
• Judgment for Sin:
While there is a vision of restoration and blessings, Isaiah 65 also underscores the principle of divine judgment for those who persist in rebellion and sin. God's mercy is available, but there are consequences for those who reject Him.

CONCLUSION
Isaiah 64 is a prayerful and repentant plea for God's intervention and mercy, marked by a deep acknowledgment of sin, a yearning for God's presence, and a trust in God's sovereignty. It reflects a desire for a renewed relationship with God and a restoration of the covenantal bond between God and His people. It is also a reminder that even when we have sinned and are unclean, we can still turn to God and ask for His forgiveness and mercy.

Isaiah 65 is a prophetic passage that presents a vision of divine judgment, renewal, and the blessings of the messianic age. It emphasizes the themes of repentance, righteousness, and the ultimate fulfilment of God's promises to His people.
Isaiah 64 and 65 offer timeless themes that connect with our human experience today. It addresses the need for repentance, hope for renewal, a longing for justice, and the importance of a trusting relationship with God. These passages invite us as individuals and as God's congregation to reflect on our lives, seek positive change, and pursue a vision of a more just and righteous walk, work and world.