What does Isaiah 63:11 mean?
"Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?" - Isaiah 63:11

The Bible verse Isaiah 63:11 from the King James Version (KJV) reads, "Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?" This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Isaiah that records the prophet's reflections on God's past faithfulness and intercession for the people of Israel.
To understand the full meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to consider the broader context of the book of Isaiah. The book of Isaiah is attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who was active during the 8th century BC. Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous time in Israel's history, when the people were facing political instability, social injustice, and spiritual waywardness. The prophet Isaiah called the people to repentance and faithfulness to God, and he also offered them words of hope and encouragement.
In Isaiah 63, the prophet reflects on God's past acts of salvation on behalf of the people of Israel. He recalls the Exodus from Egypt, when God delivered the Israelites from slavery and led them through the Red Sea. This act of deliverance is a central theme in the Old Testament, and it serves as a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness, power, and love for His people. The mention of Moses, the leader of the Israelites during the Exodus, and the reference to the "shepherd of his flock" evoke the memory of God's provision and protection for His chosen people.
The verse also speaks of the presence of the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit is not as fully revealed as in the New Testament, but there are still references to the Spirit's work in the lives of God's people. In this verse, the reference to the Holy Spirit within Moses emphasizes the divine empowerment and guidance that Moses received in his role as a leader and deliverer of the people. This points to the role of God's Spirit in empowering and equipping believers to fulfill their calling and serve God faithfully.
The overarching theme of Isaiah 63:11 is the faithfulness of God. The prophet Isaiah is pointing to the past acts of God as a source of hope and assurance for the present and future. By remembering God's faithfulness in the past, the prophet is encouraging the people to trust in God's continued presence and provision. This theme of remembrance and trust in God's faithfulness is a recurring theme throughout the book of Isaiah and the entire Bible.
Finally, it is worth noting that this verse has a strong sense of longing and anticipation. The rhetorical question, "Where is he that brought them up out of the sea?" reflects a yearning for God's active intervention and deliverance. The prophet is expressing a desire for God to once again manifest His power and presence on behalf of His people, just as He did in the days of old.
In conclusion, Isaiah 63:11 is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the call to remember His past acts of deliverance and provision. It encourages believers to trust in God's continued presence and to long for His intervention in their lives. This verse also points to the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Ultimately, it is a call to faith, remembrance, and hope in God's unfailing love and care for His people.
Have questions about Isaiah 63:11?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Isaiah 63:11 Artwork
Isaiah 63:11 - "Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?"
"Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?" - Isaiah 63:11
Isaiah 63:13 - "That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?"
Isaiah 63:4 - "For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come."
Isaiah 63:8 - "For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour."
Isaiah 63:2 - "Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?"
Isaiah 63:19 - "We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name."
Isaiah 63:10 - "¶ But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them."
Isaiah 63:18 - "The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary."
Isaiah 63:12 - "That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?"
Isaiah 63:6 - "And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth."
"For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come." - Isaiah 63:4
"That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?" - Isaiah 63:13
Isaiah 63:14 - "As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name."
Isaiah 63:1 - "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save."
"Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save." - Isaiah 63:1
Psalms 63:11 - "But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped."
"In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old." - Isaiah 63:9
Isaiah 63:5 - "And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me."
Isaiah 63:2 Why is Your apparel red, And Your garments like one who treads in the winepress?
"For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour." - Isaiah 63:8
Isaiah 63:9 - "In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old."
Isaiah 63:17 - "¶ O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance."
Isaiah 63:16 - "Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting."
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?"
"Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?" - Isaiah 63:2
Isaiah 63:10 But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; So He turned Himself against them as an enemy, And He fought against them.
"We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name." - Isaiah 63:19
Isaiah 63:3 - "I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment."
"¶ But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them." - Isaiah 63:10