Isaiah 63:7-9
This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on January 1st, 2017.
Isaiah 63:7 begins and closes with the same word, “ḥesed” which is translated, “steadfast love.” This great encourager was wanting the recipients to reflect and remember on the goodness and compassion of God. As the people remembered God’s actions that demonstrated His “steadfast love” they would begin to join in praising God.
The writer of this passage may very well have inspired from Psalm 106:1-2 as it closely parallels the beginning of this passage. As this unidentified speaker was delighting in God’s steadfast love by drawing on two of God’s great characteristics – goodness and compassion he was encouraging the people to remember the mighty past deeds of God toward his people that consistently displayed His steadfast love for them.