Isaiah 63:15
Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?
ISAIAH 63:15
This verse is a plaintive cry of longing directed toward heaven. The author looks from the realm of holiness and glory and asks God to look upon His people, to consider His zeal and strength, and to respond to His people’s need. The imagery of “the sounding of thy bowels and thy mercies” is a Hebrew expression for deep, inward compassion. The plea acknowledges God’s past acts of mercy while wondering if His ardor is restrained in the present crisis. It situates the covenant people within a history where divine compassion and intervention are essential for ongoing life and faithfulness.
Key themes include divine compassion, the accessibility of God in distant times and places, and the tension between human need and divine willingness. The verse invites believers to trust that God’s zeal and mercy are real, even when they seem absent. It also frames God’s character as both holy and merciful, not merely a distant ruler but a passionately engaged Father who acts for His people.
When you feel overlooked or think God’s power is distant, this verse invites you to petition God with honesty—asking Him to look, to act, and to renew His mercies in your life. It’s a reminder to cultivate a personal relationship with God as a faithful Father who cares deeply. In practical terms, reflect on moments when you’ve experienced God’s mercy in the past, and let that history energize your prayer for present needs—whether in family, work, or community struggles.
Cross-References
- Psalm 22:24
- Isaiah 38:15-16
- Lamentations 3:22-23
- Micah 7:18
- James 1:17