This structure, though much simplified, presents the essential

features, the tireless pleading of the true watchmen, the complete reversal

of such conditions as 'forsaken' and 'desolate' and the most blessed figures

borrowed from marriage set forth the glory that awaits a repentant and

redeemed Israel.

He Who comes as the Bridegroom and Kinsman-Redeemer, comes also as the

Avenger (Isa. 61:2):

'The day of vengeance is in Mine heart, and the year of My redeemed is

come' (Isa. 63:4).

Neither the restoration of Israel nor vengeance upon their enemies can

be undertaken by the arm of the flesh.  In vain they had said 'A confederacy'

and leaned upon that broken reed, Egypt.  In the Lord is their help.

'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' (Isa. 63:5).

This is He of Whom John writes in Revelation 19:

'And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is

called the Word of God' (Rev. 19:13).

Although the Lord will accomplish all His will, and the purpose of the

ages must be attained, He nevertheless works with human instruments who are

moral agents, conscious of right and wrong, and accordingly on the very eve

of the great fulfilment of Israel's hopes, there is a glance back to the

beginning, a reference to the 'days of old', showing by their history how far

human responsibility is intertwined with Divine Sovereignty.

'He said, Surely they are My people, children that will not lie: so He

was their Saviour' (Isa. 63:8).

He shared their burdens and sorrow 'and carried them all the days of

old' (Isa. 63:9).

But this favoured people rebelled, they vexed His Holy Spirit, He

turned away from them and became their enemy. Yet the 'days of old' could not

be forsaken.  'He remembered the days of old, Moses ... that led them by the

right hand' (Isa. 63:11,12).  And so remembering His covenant, the Lord had

mercy on a rebellious people, provided a ransom for their sins, and from

being outcasts and forsaken, He called them Hephzi -bah and their land

Beulah, so great is His kindness, so deep is His love.

A

They are My people.

B

9.

The days of old.

C

B

The days of old.

A

12 -14.

So didst Thou lead Thy people.