I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
In Isaiah 64:9 their plea was, "We are all thy people." In answer, God declares that others (Gentiles) would be taken into covenant with Him, while His ancient people would be rejected. The Jews were slow to believe this; hence, Paul says (Romans 10:20) that Isaiah was "very bold" in advancing so unpopular a sentiment. 'But Isaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not, I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.' Isaiah implies what Paul states (Romans 2:28; Romans 9:6-7; Romans 11:1-31), that "they are not all (in opposition to the Jews' plea, Isaiah 64:9) Israel which are of Israel." God's reason for so severely dealing with Israel is not changeableness in Him (cf. their plea "in those is continuance," Isaiah 64:5), but sin in them (Isaiah 65:2-7). Yet the whole nation shall not be destroyed, but only the wicked; a remnant shall be saved (Isaiah 65:8-16). There shall be finally universal blessedness to Isr ael, such as they had prayed for (Isaiah 65:17-25).
I am sought of (them that) asked not (for me) (Hebrew, nidrashtiy (H1875)) - 'I have granted access unto me to them who once asked not for me,' etc. (so Ezekiel 14:3, "Should I be inquired of;" Ephesians 2:18).
I am found of (them that) sought me not - formerly: Romans 10:20 readers this, "I was made manifest." As an instance of the sentiment in the clause, "I am sought," etc., see John 12:21; of the sentiment in this clause, Acts 9:5. Compare the two cases, the finder of treasure in the field, who was not looking for it, and the merchant seeking goodly pearls, who found the one pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46). Compare as to the Gentile converts, Ephesians 2:12-13.
Behold me - as your Saviour (Isaiah 45:22).
Nation ... not called by my name - i:e., the Gentiles. God retorts in their own words (Isaiah 63:19): their plea as Nation ... not called by my name - i:e., the Gentiles. God retorts in their own words (Isaiah 63:19): their plea as being exclusively "called by His name" will not avail; for God's Gospel-invitation is not so exclusive (Romans 9:25; Romans 1:16).