Isaiah publicly proclaims the acts of the Lord’s love (Hebrew hesed) for his people, whom he adopted as his sons and daughters (63:7–14). He redeemed them in the expectation that they would be loyal to him. However, they were unfaithful and opposed his will (“grieved his Holy Spirit,” 63:10).

The past era of grace and compassion is over. The godly look back over the history of redemption with a renewed longing to be included. In the past God raised up Moses, and no one could oppose his will. God showed the power of “his glorious arm” (63:12). He brought the people through the Red Sea a…