Isaiah 63:15,16

A piteous appeal to the Divine clemency, based on Israel's filial relation to Jehovah.

Look down from heaven, and behold (Psalms 80:14). By a natural anthropomorphism the O.T. attributes the prevalence of evil on earth to a suspension of Jehovah's watchfulness; hence He is said to come down from heaven to enquire (Genesis 18:21), or, as here, to look down (cf. Psalms 14:2; Psalms 102:19, &c.). To this writer it seems as if He had for the present withdrawn into His palace, and did not fully realise the sufferings of His people.

whereis thy zeal(or jealousy)] Cf. ch. Isaiah 59:17. For strengthread with R.V. mighty acts.

the sounding of thy bowels i.e. the yearning of thy compassion. See ch. Isaiah 16:11.

towards me? are they restrained Rather, as R.V., are restrained towards me (LXX. "towards us"). Cf. ch. Isaiah 42:14.