Isaiah 64:1-9

During the season of Advent that begins this Sunday, our Scripture readings will come from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. The first comes from the end of Isaiah, the third-to-last chapter, and the third of the three parts into which this book is divided. Our reading is Isaiah 64:1-9.

 Some scholars include Isaiah 64:1-9 in a wider psalm of lament that begins at Isaiah 63:7 and carries through to 64:12. Read the entire passage.

 Notice the language and imagery in Isaiah 64:1-5a. This is an appeal for God’s cleansing. Have you ever done wrong, and wished for some power to sweep in and set everything right?

 Isaiah 64:5b-7 describes the temptation to do wrong. Do you see how it aligns with the saying, “When the cat’s away, the mice will play”?

 How do verses 8-9 appeal to God to be merciful?