Charles Spurgeon Commentary Isaiah 64:8-12

"But now, O Jehovah, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Be not wroth very sore, O Jehovah, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, look, we beseech thee, we are all thy people. Thy holy cities are become a wilderness, Zion is become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned with fire; and all our pleasant places are laid waste. Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O Jehovah? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?" — Isaiah 64:8-12 (ASV)

We are the clay, and you our potter; and we all are the work of your hand. Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech you, we are all your people. The holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised you, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste. Will you refrain yourself for these things, O Lord? Will you hold your peace, and afflict us very sore?

The prophet touches the minor key, and weeps and wails for the sorrows of his people; but he does not neglect to pray. In the next chapter God breaks out, and says, I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not. How much more quickly is he found by those who do seek him! Truly, God does hear prayer; and he will hear prayer; let us not cease to pray to him as we look round on the sad state of the professing church at this time, and with Isaiah let us cry, Will you refrain yourself for these things, O Lord? Will you hold your peace, and afflict us very sore?