Isaiah 63:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, it is evident that God opposed them not out of everlasting enmity, but rather pursued them in love for their salvation. He acted as a foe, but not to remain one indefinitely; He withdrew in order to bring about understanding.

He points out that it was for their salvation from all troubles that they were delivered, not by an advocate or an angel, but by the Lord Himself. Miracles were performed in Egypt, accomplished not solely through Moses but directly by God's extraordinary power. After Israel offered a sacrifice that angered God, who expressed His intent to send an angel, Moses lamented, saying, "If You do not go with us, do not bring us up from here" (Ex. 33:15). Hence, He saved them without expecting anything in return, driven only by His love and concern for them. This is a testament to His unmatched compassion and divine kindness. He liberated them from slavery, fortified them, and elevated them. This aligns with His earlier statement, "I have begotten sons and exalted them," meaning He nurtured them and made them glorious, yet they have turned away from Him. The phrase "in all the days of the age" may imply a continual state. Despite the boundless goodness of the God of all, they chose disobedience and continued to provoke His Holy Spirit. Even King David affirms this, questioning, "How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert" (Psalms 77:40). Perhaps it is indicated that their violent and malicious actions, marked by unchecked disobedience, caused them to grieve the Spirit of Christ, ignoring His call to salvation. Those who failed to recall His miraculous deeds and did not gain from what should have inspired a longing for virtue ultimately faced the loss of His loving care. Consequently, He rose against them as an adversary.

When the phrase in all their troubles He was not weary is translated, it could also imply that He Himself felt weary, indicating that God bore not only our sins but also our sufferings. For it is written, He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Matt. 8:17). The Septuagint adds that He did not save them by means of a messenger or angel, but came personally to rescue the lost sheep of Israel, carried the wounded on His shoulders, searched for the lost coin, and joyfully received the wayward son. Consequently, the bride speaks in the Song of Songs, ‘Let the sweetness of her lips excite my desire’ (Song 1:1). Not through the patriarchs, Moses, or prophets, but let me be taken up by Him, let Him dwell within my flesh. Let the Word become flesh, so that He may dwell within me as Immanuel. Thus, not through a messenger or angel, but He Himself will save those who receive salvation, not for their deeds, but out of God's love. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

The thoughtful reader may wonder why many are not saved if He truly provides salvation and loves His children, redeeming them with His blood and exalting them. The answer is clear: they did not believe and grieved His Holy Spirit, also referred to in Hebrew as the Holy One. God desired to save those who were willing and called for salvation, that free will might be rewarded; however, they were unwilling to believe. It is also recorded about John: ‘There was a man sent from God whose name was John; this man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe’ (John 1:6-7). There is no blame for those who chose not to believe, for it is God's desire that all would believe and be saved. Yet, if anyone offends the Holy Spirit, or Christ, he offends God, as the Holy Spirit is of the same essence as the Father and the Son. Therefore, the apostle instructs, ‘Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed’ (Eph. 4:30). This Holy Spirit departs from the body enslaved to sin, and wisdom cannot enter a corrupt soul (Wis. 1). Thus, David, aware of his sins and fearful of losing the Holy Spirit, cries out, ‘Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me’ (Psalm 51:13). To clarify that offending the Holy Spirit is an offense against God, and represents a shift from friend to adversary, the Apostle Peter states in Acts: ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit? You have not lied to men, but to God’ (Acts 5).

This is the Holy Spirit of whom the Lord said in the Gospel: ‘If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever’ (John 14:15-16). Regarding Him, the Book of Wisdom states: The Spirit of chastisement will depart from the deceitful and be removed from foolish thoughts (Wis. 1:5).