Isaiah 64:3

‘In the past’ refers in particular to the time of Moses when the people escaped from Egypt (see the Book of Exodus). The ‘wonderful deeds’ were all for the benefit of God’s people. God did these things as he carried out his purpose to rescue them.

There never has been a God like you

v4 In all history, nobody has ever seen or heard of a God like you. You listen to those who expect you to answer their prayers. v5 You are always ready to help those who gladly obey you. That is, those who always remember to do what you want.

But we have not stopped our wicked behaviour. And that makes you angry. It is only you who can save us. v6 To you, our lives have lost any value. Even our good deeds are like dirty bits of cloth. We have become like brown leaves that fall in the autumn. Our evil deeds carry us away, even as a strong wind blows those leaves away. v7 Nobody prays to you. Nobody turns to you for help. So you have hidden yourself from us. You have left us in the power of our evil practices.

Verses 4-5a (that is, the first part of verse 5)

God answers prayer. But he has made rules. First, one who prays must show God an attitude of trust (see Mark 11:24). True trust never puts a limit on what God can do. Secondly, one who prays must eagerly obey God’s instructions.

Verse 5b (that is, the second part of verse 5)

Although God’s people know these things, their personal behaviour has not changed. As a result, the people have broken off their *covenant relation with God.