When You did awesome works that we did not expectThis phrase reflects the miraculous and unexpected nature of God's interventions in history. The Israelites often experienced God's mighty acts, such as the parting of the Red Sea (
Exodus 14:21-22) and the fall of Jericho (
Joshua 6:20). These events were beyond human anticipation and demonstrated God's sovereignty and power. The term "awesome works" can also be linked to the Hebrew word "pala," which signifies wonders that are beyond human comprehension, emphasizing God's ability to act in ways that surpass human understanding.
You came down
This phrase signifies God's direct involvement in the world. It recalls instances where God manifested His presence, such as at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18-20) when He gave the Law to Moses. The concept of God "coming down" also foreshadows the incarnation of Jesus Christ, where God took on human form and dwelt among us (John 1:14). This act of coming down is a demonstration of God's willingness to engage with His creation intimately and personally.
and the mountains trembled at Your presence
Mountains in biblical literature often symbolize stability and permanence. The trembling of mountains signifies the overwhelming power and holiness of God, which even the most stable elements of creation cannot withstand. This imagery is reminiscent of the Sinai experience (Exodus 19:18), where the mountain quaked violently at God's presence. It also points to the eschatological future when God's presence will shake the heavens and the earth (Hebrews 12:26-27), indicating a time of divine judgment and renewal. The trembling mountains serve as a metaphor for the transformative impact of God's presence, both in judgment and in the establishment of His kingdom.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
God (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as performing unexpected and awe-inspiring works, demonstrating His power and presence.
2.
MountainsSymbolic of stability and permanence, the mountains trembling signifies the overwhelming power and majesty of God’s presence.
3.
IsraelThe nation to whom Isaiah is prophesying, often experiencing God's mighty acts throughout their history.
4.
IsaiahThe prophet who conveys this message, calling the people to remember God's past deeds and to seek His intervention again.
5.
The ExodusA historical event where God performed miraculous works, such as parting the Red Sea, which can be seen as a backdrop for understanding God's power in this verse.
Teaching Points
God's Unexpected WorksGod often acts in ways that surpass human expectations, reminding us of His sovereignty and wisdom.
The Power of God's PresenceThe trembling mountains symbolize the transformative power of God's presence, encouraging believers to seek His presence in their lives.
Remembering God's Past DeedsReflecting on God's past works strengthens faith and hope, urging us to trust in His continued faithfulness.
God's Sovereignty Over CreationThe imagery of nature responding to God highlights His ultimate authority over all creation, calling us to worship and reverence.
Prayer for Divine InterventionJust as Isaiah called for God to act, believers are encouraged to pray for God’s intervention in their lives and the world.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 64:3?
2.How can we recognize God's "awesome deeds" in our daily lives today?
3.What does Isaiah 64:3 reveal about God's power and presence among believers?
4.How does Isaiah 64:3 connect with God's miracles in Exodus?
5.How should Isaiah 64:3 inspire our prayers and expectations of God?
6.How can we share God's "awesome deeds" with others in our community?
7.How does Isaiah 64:3 demonstrate God's power and presence in historical events?
8.What miracles are referenced in Isaiah 64:3, and how do they affirm faith?
9.How does Isaiah 64:3 challenge our understanding of divine intervention?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 64?
11.Are our righteous acts like filthy rags?
12.What defines meritorious works?
13.Judges 5:4-5: How do descriptions of mountains melting and the earth trembling align with natural phenomena or geological records?
14.Considering Isaiah 64:6 says even righteous acts are like 'filthy rags,' how can this be reconciled with other biblical passages that praise good deeds?What Does Isaiah 64:3 Mean
When You did awesome worksGod’s track record of mighty, history-shaping deeds is the backdrop here. Isaiah is recalling concrete events, not mere metaphors.
•Exodus 14:21–31 records the Red Sea parting—a literal wall of water on either side while Israel walked through on dry ground.Psalm 77:14 marvels, “You are the God who works wonders; You display Your strength among the peoples.”
•Joshua 3:13–17 shows the Jordan River halting in flood season.
•Judges 6–7 recounts Gideon’s 300 defeating Midian without conventional warfare.
These “awesome works” demonstrate that the Lord intervenes in space and time, overturning natural law to keep covenant promises and glorify His name.
That we did not expectIsrael often stood stunned by the form God’s deliverance took.
•Habakkuk 1:5: “I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”
•2 Chronicles 20:17 reveals Judah winning a battle by worshiping while God routed the enemy.
•Ephesians 3:20 underscores the theme: God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
The verse invites believers today to anticipate divine surprises while trusting His faithfulness; our limited foresight never restricts His limitless power.
You came downThis line anchors the passage in the historical pattern of the Lord’s personal descent.
•Exodus 19:18 describes Sinai: “Mount Sinai was all in smoke, because the LORD had descended upon it in fire.”
• In an ultimate fulfillment,John 1:14 affirms, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” revealing that the God who once descended in cloud and fire later stepped into human history in the Person of Jesus Christ.
•Acts 2 shows the Spirit’s coming down, continuing the pattern of divine nearness.
The phrase underscores God’s willingness to bridge heaven and earth, enter our world, and act on our behalf.
And the mountains trembled at Your presenceCreation itself reacts to its Creator.
•Exodus 19:18 again notes that “the whole mountain quaked violently.”
•Psalm 97:4–5: “His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD.”
•Nahum 1:5;Revelation 6:14 portray future cosmic upheaval when God reveals His glory.
Literal geological convulsion testifies that nothing stands immovable before the Almighty. For believers, this is both a warning to the proud and a comfort that no obstacle can withstand His appearing.
summaryIsaiah 64:3 celebrates a God who acts supernaturally, exceeds human expectation, personally enters history, and shakes the very foundations of the earth. These truths call us to remember past deliverances, trust Him for astonishing future interventions, welcome His nearness in Christ and by the Spirit, and rest secure knowing that every obstacle melts before His sovereign presence.
(3)
When thou didst terrible things . . .--The latter clause, "thou camest down
. . ." is supposed by some critics to be an accidental repetition from
Isaiah 64:1. By others it is taken as an intentional repetition, emphasising the previous assertion, after the manner of Hebrew poetry. The latter view seems to have most in its favour.
Verse 3 -
When thou didst terrible things (comp.
Deuteronomy 10:21;
2 Samuel 7:23;
Psalm 49:4;
Psalm 106:22). The phrase, as Mr. Cheyne remarks, is a "standing" one for the wonders of the Exodus. Which we looked
not for;
i.e. which transcended our utmost expectations. Thou earnest down (see
Exodus 19:11, 20).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
When You didבַּעֲשׂוֹתְךָ֥(ba·‘ă·śō·wṯ·ḵā)Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeawesome worksנוֹרָא֖וֹת(nō·w·rā·’ō·wṯ)Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frightenthat we did notלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noexpect,נְקַוֶּ֑ה(nə·qaw·weh)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 6960:To bind together, collect, to expectYou came down,יָרַ֕דְתָּ(yā·raḏ·tā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3381:To come or go down, descendand the mountainsהָרִ֥ים(hā·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2022:Mountain, hill, hill countrytrembledנָזֹֽלּוּ׃(nā·zōl·lū)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2151:To shake, to quake, to be loose morally, worthless, prodigalat Your presence.מִפָּנֶ֖יךָ(mip·pā·ne·ḵā)Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440:The face
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 64:3 When you did terrible things which we (Isa Isi Is) 
