For you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights a profound shift: the people, acknowledging their historical patriarchs like Abraham might not "know" them in their current plight, cling to the ultimate Fatherhood and ancient Redeemer that is the LORD Himself. This emphasizes a move away from relying solely on earthly lineage or past figures towards an unwavering trust in God’s eternal relationship and redemptive power, regardless of perceived human acknowledgment.
For you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah is recounting God's faithfulness and past redemptive acts, particularly the deliverance from Egypt, in the face of Israel's rebellion and suffering. This plea for God to return and remember His people comes after a powerful vision of God as a triumphant warrior who has avenged His people. Now, faced with continued hardship and enemies desecrating their land, the people are appealing to God's fatherly relationship and His ancient covenant.
When your deepest roots seem to offer no comfort, where do you turn? Isaiah powerfully declares God's fatherhood is independent of even our most cherished human connections.
The people of Israel had a strong identity tied to their famous ancestors, Abraham and Jacob (referred to as 'Israel' here). They prided themselves on their lineage. However, in this moment of distress, they confess that even Abraham and Israel wouldn't recognize them, perhaps due to their current suffering or perceived unfaithfulness.
This isn't a rejection of those patriarchs, but a profound statement about where true identity and security lie. God's fatherhood isn't earned through ancestry or even perfect performance; it's an inherent part of who God is, and it's available even when earthly ties and recognition fail.
What does it mean when God's 'name' isn't just a label, but a promise of action rooted in eternity?
The passage culminates in a powerful declaration: 'our Redeemer from of old is your name.' This isn't just a title; it's a statement of God's eternal nature and His consistent action throughout history.
The word 'Redeemer' in the Old Testament often refers to a kinsman-redeemer, someone who buys back or rescues family property or a relative in debt or bondage. Here, it's applied to God, signifying His right and power to rescue His people from any form of captivity or oppression.
The phrase 'from of old' or 'from everlasting' emphasizes that this role of Redeemer is not new. It was established before time began, reflecting God's unchanging character and His pre-ordained plan to save His people. This assurance provides deep comfort, knowing that God's redemptive power is as ancient and as constant as His being.
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Understand the original words
ab · Hebrew Noun
The creator and sustainer of life, acting as the covenant head and protector of His people. In this context, it emphasizes the personal, relational, and authority-based bond between God and Israel, superior to biological lineage.
ga'al · Hebrew Verb
One who pays a price to rescue or liberate another from bondage, debt, or death. Biblically, it refers to God’s role in delivering His people from slavery and divine judgment, securing their freedom and relationship with Him.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God (Yahweh), revealed to Moses. It signifies His eternal, self-existent nature, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His personal presence among His people.
This verse comes from a period of exile and devastation. The prophet, speaking to a people who have lost their land and temple, recalls their ancestors Abraham and Jacob. Yet, he points out that even these revered figures cannot fully grasp or acknowledge the current suffering. The focus then shifts to God, emphasizing that despite the national trauma and the apparent silence of their ancestral figures, God remains their eternal Father and Redeemer.
c. 1400 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God liberates the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, establishing them as His people and Redeemer. This event forms a foundational memory of God's faithfulness and power.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
Under King David, the united monarchy of Israel reaches its zenith, with Jerusalem as its capital. This period represents a high point of national identity and divine favor.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom (Israel)
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, scattering its people. This event serves as a stark warning of the consequences of disobedience.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling much of the population. This catastrophic event deeply shakes the people's sense of identity and God's presence.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Edict
Cyrus the Great of Persia issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
This passage echoes the sentiment of divine fatherhood, with God asking 'Is not he thy father, that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?' This reinforces the idea that God's fatherhood is rooted in His redemptive action and creation.
Jeremiah 3:4Here, God directly addresses Israel, 'Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?' This highlights the intimate and guiding relationship God desires with His people, similar to the paternal relationship acknowledged in Isaiah.
Psalm 103:13This Psalm paints a vivid picture of God's fatherly compassion: 'As a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.' This connects to Isaiah's plea, emphasizing God's tender heart towards those who acknowledge Him, even when human figures like Abraham seem distant.
Matthew 3:9John the Baptist's rebuke to the Pharisees, 'And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father,' directly challenges the idea of relying solely on ancestral ties for favor. This resonates with Isaiah's declaration that God is their Father, even if Abraham does not acknowledge them, pointing to a deeper spiritual connection.
Isaiah 49:15This passage provides a powerful contrast to the idea of being forgotten: 'Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.' This reinforces Isaiah 63:16's assurance that God's paternal love is unwavering, far surpassing any earthly relationship, even that of a mother.
barnesIsaiah 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."
Doubtless - Hebrew, כי kı̂y - 'For;' verily; surely. It implies the utmost confidence that he still retained the feelings of a tender father. Thou art our father - Notwithstanding appearances to the contrary, and though we should be disowned by all others, we will still believe that thou dost sustain the relati…
clarkeIsaiah 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."
Our Redeemer; thy name is from everlasting "O deliver us for the sake of thy name" - The present text reads, as our translation has rendered it, "Our Redeemer, thy name is from everlasting." But instead of מעולם meolam, from everlasting, an ancient MS. has למען lemaan, for the sake of, which gives a much bette…
The verse highlights a profound shift: the people, acknowledging their historical patriarchs like Abraham might not "know" them in their current plight, cling to the ultimate Fatherhood and ancient Redeemer that is the LORD Himself. This emphasizes a move away from relying solely on earthly lineage or past figures towards an unwavering trust in God’s eternal relationship and redemptive power, regardless of perceived human acknowledgment.
The prophet Isaiah is recounting God's faithfulness and past redemptive acts, particularly the deliverance from Egypt, in the face of Israel's rebellion and suffering. This plea for God to return and remember His people comes after a powerful vision of God as a triumphant warrior who has avenged His people. Now, faced with continued hardship and enemies desecrating their land, the people are appealing to God's fatherly relationship and His ancient covenant.
The prophet Isaiah is recounting God's faithfulness and past redemptive acts, particularly the deliverance from Egypt, in the face of Israel's rebellion and suffering. This plea for God to return and remember His people comes after a powerful vision of God as a triumphant warrior who has avenged His people. Now, faced with continued hardship and enemies desecrating their land, the people are appealing to God's fatherly relationship and His ancient covenant.
"For you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name." — The verse highlights a profound shift: the people, acknowledging their historical patriarchs like Abraham might not "know" them in their current plight, cling to the ultimate Fatherhood and ancient R…
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Last reviewed October 2026