In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals a profound, active empathy in God: "In all their affliction he was afflicted." This isn't just sympathy from afar; it's a deep resonance of suffering, highlighting that God truly enters into His people's pain, not merely observing it. It sets the stage for how a divine "Angel of His Presence" then steps in, driven by His own felt hurt and compassion to redeem and carry them.
In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage appears within a broader lament and plea to God, where Israel confesses their past rebellions and current suffering. It follows God's powerful recounting of His judgment against His enemies, and immediately precedes Israel's confession of their own sinfulness and the Lord's turning away from them. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and deep compassion for His people throughout their entire history, even in their deepest struggles.
When Israel suffered, God felt it too. What does this deep empathy mean for us today?
The verse states, "In all their affliction he was afflicted." This isn't just a metaphor; it's a profound declaration of God's intimate connection with His people's pain.
Divine Sympathy
God doesn't observe our struggles from a distance. He enters into them, feeling a resonance with our deepest distresses. This is a core aspect of His character: He is not a distant, unfeeling deity, but one who personally experiences the anguish of His people.
Beyond a Mere Feeling
This isn't just passive sympathy. The commentators suggest that God's
Who is this powerful 'angel' who not only saved but also 'redeemed' and 'carried' Israel?
The verse identifies "the angel of his presence" as the one who saved them. This title is unique and points to someone of immense significance.
A Divine Representative
This 'angel' is not just any heavenly messenger. The phrase "of his presence" suggests someone who stands in God's very face, His immediate personal representative. This points to a being intimately connected with God's very being.
More Than an Angel?
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Commentators grapple with whether this is a high-ranking created angel or a divine manifestation. The actions described – saving, redeeming, pitying, carrying – are often attributed directly to God Himself. The context strongly suggests this is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Redeemer and Sustainer of His people.
God's Personal Care
This 'angel' is the embodiment of God's love and pity, actively intervening to redeem and carry His people. This wasn't a one-time act, but a continuous, loving protection throughout their history.
When God acts, it's rooted in something far deeper than obligation. What truly motivates Him?
Isaiah 63:9 reveals that God's actions of redemption and care are not based on Israel's merit, but on His own deep character: 'in his love and in his pity he redeemed them.'
Unearned Grace
Israel was often stubborn, rebellious, and prone to straying. Yet, God's actions were not a response to their good behavior. His 'love' and 'pity' were the foundational reasons for His unwavering commitment to them.
The Basis of Redemption
Redemption isn't earned; it's given. God's decision to save and carry His people flows from an internal wellspring of affection and compassion. This highlights the gracious nature of God, who initiates and sustains His relationship with humanity out of His own good heart.
Enduring Care
The phrase 'carried them all the days of old' underscores the persistent and enduring nature of this love. God’s care wasn't a fleeting emotion but a constant, guiding force throughout their entire history, demonstrating a love that predates and transcends human failing.
Understand the original words
tsarah · Hebrew Noun
Distress, suffering, or oppression, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, which calls out for divine intervention and rescue.
malak · Hebrew Noun
A messenger of God, often manifesting the divine presence itself, through whom God acts to deliver His people. In this context, it refers to the mediatorial presence of the Lord.
ga'al · Hebrew Verb
To ransom, release, or reclaim someone from bondage or penalty through the payment of a price or by divine power. It signifies the restoring of a relationship or freedom.
This verse looks back to the foundational redemptive events of the Exodus and wilderness journey, highlighting God's deep personal involvement and care for His people even in their deepest afflictions.
c. 1845 BC
Jacob's Family Settles in Egypt
Jacob and his family, descendants of Abraham, settle in Egypt, initially welcomed due to Joseph's influence.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Exodus from Egypt
God leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt under Moses' leadership, a foundational event of redemption and divine care.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites journey through the Sinai desert for 40 years, experiencing God's guidance, provision, and protection.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites enter and begin conquering the Promised Land, fulfilling God's promises.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy Established
David reigns over a unified Israel, marking a peak of national strength and divine favor.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of its people.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and the Southern Kingdom
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling many of the remaining Judeans.
This verse highlights God's deep awareness of Israel's suffering, echoing Isaiah's powerful statement that 'in all their affliction he was afflicted.'
Deuteronomy 32:10-12The imagery of God carrying His people, like an eagle carrying its young, directly parallels and expands upon the description in Isaiah 63:9, emphasizing His tender and protective care.
Matthew 1:21The promise that Jesus would save His people from their sins connects with Isaiah's theme of redemption, though Isaiah focuses on historical deliverance while Matthew points to ultimate spiritual salvation.
John 14:9Jesus telling Philip, 'Whoever has seen me has seen the Father,' illuminates the concept of the 'angel of His presence' in Isaiah 63:9, suggesting a divine being who so perfectly represents God that seeing him is seeing God Himself.
1 Corinthians 10:4This passage identifies the rock that followed Israel in the wilderness as Christ, aligning with the interpretation that the 'angel of His presence' who saved them in Isaiah 63:9 is a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ.
pulpitIsaiah 63:9: "In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old."
Verse 9. - In all their affliction he was afflicted. The "affliction" of Israel began in Egypt (Genesis 15:13), probably not long after the death of Joseph. It became an intense oppression, when the king "arose who knew not Joseph" (Exodus 1:8). God's sympathy with Israel's sufferings at this time…
jfbIsaiah 63:9: "In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old."
- he was afflicted—English Version reads the Hebrew as the Keri (Margin), does, "There was affliction to Him." But the Chetib (text) reads, "There was no affliction" (the change in Hebrew being only of one letter); that is, "In all their affliction there was no (utterly overwhelming) affliction"…
This verse reveals a profound, active empathy in God: "In all their affliction he was afflicted." This isn't just sympathy from afar; it's a deep resonance of suffering, highlighting that God truly enters into His people's pain, not merely observing it. It sets the stage for how a divine "Angel of His Presence" then steps in, driven by His own felt hurt and compassion to redeem and carry them.
This passage appears within a broader lament and plea to God, where Israel confesses their past rebellions and current suffering. It follows God's powerful recounting of His judgment against His enemies, and immediately precedes Israel's confession of their own sinfulness and the Lord's turning away from them. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and deep compassion for His people throughout their entire history, even in their deepest struggles.
This passage appears within a broader lament and plea to God, where Israel confesses their past rebellions and current suffering. It follows God's powerful recounting of His judgment against His enemies, and immediately precedes Israel's confession of their own sinfulness and the Lord's turning away from them. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and deep compassion for His people throughout their entire history, even in their deepest struggles.
"In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." — This verse reveals a profound, active empathy in God: "In all their affliction he was afflicted." This isn't just sympathy from afar; it's a deep resonance of suffering, highlighting that God truly…
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Last reviewed October 2026