The result of sin after the fall of man has led to turmoil, however, there is a merciful God who is willing to pardon sin. Today's devotional will center on Isaiah 64:8-9, the parable of the Potter and the clay. God is the potter and we are like jars of clay, being molded and shaped to His design.
"Yet You, LORD, are our father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, LORD; do not remember our sins forever." Isaiah 64:8-9
Context of the Text
The book of Isaiah was written around 740 BC, beginning the year that King Uzziah died. The book spans through the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC. Isaiah was a prophet in the Old Testament, sent by God to address the Kingdom of Judah, one of the 12 tribes of Jerusalem. He was a unique prophet in his time as he had access to the line of kings during his time on Earth. He provided counsel to the kings Ahaz and Hezekiah when the Assyrian Empire threatened the livelihood of the nation. His message is based on the covenant bond between God and his people Israel. Isaiah's message urges Israel to commit their ways to the Lord and to pursue economic and social justice.
Piecing the Scripture Together
The first part of verse 8 declares that God is the father and giver of life. This particular book's audience is Jewish people. Isaiah is mentioning that God is alpha and omega and has adopted His people. The second half of verse 8 underscores the originality of man, out of the foundations of the earth from clay, and makes a textual allusion to Genesis 2:7 and Deuteronomy 32:6:
"Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." Genesis 2:7, NIV.
"Do you thus repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is not He your Father who has bought you? He has made you and established you." Deuteronomy 32:6, NASB.
Verse 9 is a humble request and cry to God to not be destroyed and to have mercy on His people in their state. The parable of the Potter and the clay points to God's original design of mankind before the fall.
See Bible Study Tools on the commentary of Isaiah 64:8.
For further studies, please see the below articles:
Avoiding False
Contrasting the Folly of the Foolish and the Inheritance of the Righteous,
How to Remain Unshaken
Jesus theDaily Portion
See this post on We Heart It.
Answers in Genesis Affiliation
Disclaimer for the links below: I am currently an affiliate with Answers in Genesis and will earn a commission if the links below are clicked–at no extra cost to you. PLEASE NOTE: bidding and explicit material is prohibited on this platform so the links are safe to use.
Purchase Answers in Genesis’ most popular resources at great sale prices— shop today!
The evidence in support of the Bible: The Lie: Evolution/Millions of Years
Biblical history: The Bible is real history!
Answers in Genesis Answers Magazine
Answers in Genesis book: The NEW Answers Book 1
Stop by the Answers in Genesis Bookstore and find new products that will answer questions you may be having regarding the Bible.