Isaiah 63:10
But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.
Isaiah is describing a prayer of an exile, looking forward to the time when a faithful one has been delivered to Babylon, and his recounting of the the history of Israel. For the sake of understanding the passage we are considering, let’s take a few moments and read some of the context.
Isaiah 63:7-10
I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely.” And he became their Savior.
In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.
This prayer begins with describing the saving power of God, of His great goodness, His compassion and steadfast love. This man of prayer started out admitting, declaring God’s work in the nation, of His continual and constant caring for the nation.
It wasn’t that God had only taken care of the nation without expense to His own honor and name. When the nation was afflicted, He was afflicted. The Angel of His Presense performed a saving work in their lives. The speaker remembers God’s love, His pity, His redeeming acts, how God had lifted them up nd carried them through the trials they experienced.
But then we come to verse 10. For those not accustomed to the story of the Bible, this verse must surely be jarring. How could this response to a loving powerful God be justified? How is it that a nation experiencing the constant and continual care of God in showing acts of kindness and care towards the nation could rebellion be an expected response?
It is surely a mystery, a statement of the depth of sin in the human experience.
The nation rebelled, and rebelled, and then rebelled some more. After constant warning and pleading with His people, they received a response they deserved. For so long, the grace of God poured out on the nation, but there came a time when, in the wisdom and knowledge of God, the relationship was evidently beyond repair.
God was turned from Loving Savior to Israel’s enemy. How terrible and unnecessary this turn of events! The nation lost it’s only hope, and in so doing, gained an unassailable foe, One who would gain His will despite the rebellion of the people He cared for.
This condition of becoming the enemy of the Lord is not an isolated teaching found in the Word. Other examples may be found throughout the Old and New Testament. It has been half a decade since I published The Lord’s Enemy, and I hope it makes clear what it takes to loose the blessing of the Lord on your life.
The nation was taken into captivity, with many of the nations being put to death and the loss of the land, and the temple. A complete and utter defeat.
Consider the loving kindness of God in your life. Recognize it, be thankful, and obey His bidding, for His yoke is light.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
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