Isaiah 64 A Prayer Of Penitence.

Isaiah, and the remnant through him, sought the presence of the LORD in judgment on his enemies (vv. 1-3), but redemption for those waiting for him (v. 4), those remembering his ways and thus acknowledging their sin, they knew they needed to be saved (v. 5). The remnant are those who acknowledge that their own works are unclean filthy rags, iniquities like the wind take them away (v. 6). Worst of all are those who refuse to call on His name (v. 7). As their Father, he is the potter and the people are clay (v. 8 Cf. Rom. 9:20-21). Isaiah pleads for mercy, because the nation as a whole had become a desolate wilderness (vv. 9-10, 12). The holy and beautiful temple was burned with fire, and their pleasant places were laid waste (v. 11).