Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 64:12

"Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O Jehovah? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?" — Isaiah 64:12 (ASV)

Will you restrain yourself? - Will you refuse to come to our aid? Will you decline to visit us, and save us from our calamities?

Will you hold your peace? - Will you not speak for our rescue, and command us to be delivered?

Thus closes this chapter of great tenderness and beauty. It is a model of affectionate and earnest entreaty for the divine interposition in the day of calamity.

With such tender and affectionate earnestness may we learn to plead with God! Thus may all his people learn to approach him as a Father, and thus feel that they have the inestimable privilege, in times of trial, of making known their needs to the High and Holy One. Thus, when calamity presses on us; when, as individuals or as families, we are afflicted; or when our country or the church is suffering under long trials, may we go to God and humbly confess our sins, urge his promises, take hold of his strength, and plead with him to interpose.

Thus pleading, he will hear us; thus presenting our cause, he will interpose to save.