Isaiah 63:1-6

1 "Who is this coming from the city of Bozrah in Edom? Who is this so splendidly dressed in red, marching along in power and strength?" 1 It is the Lord, powerful to save, coming to announce his victory.
2 "Why is his clothing so red, like that of someone who tramples grapes to make wine?"
3 The Lord answers, "I have trampled the nations like grapes, and no one came to help me. I trampled them in my anger, and their blood has stained all my clothing. 2
4 I decided that the time to save my people had come; it was time to punish their enemies.
5 I was amazed when I looked and saw that there was no one to help me. But my anger made me strong, and I won the victory myself. 3
6 In my anger I trampled whole nations and shattered them. I poured out their lifeblood on the ground."

Isaiah 63:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 63

This chapter contains a prophecy of the vengeance of Christ upon the enemies of his church in the latter day, whereby complete salvation would be obtained for them; and this illustrated by the mercies of God to the people of Israel of old; and is concluded with the church s prayer to him. The account of the vengeance taken by Christ on his enemies is introduced by a colloquy between him and his church; who puts a question, in which he is described by the places from whence he came, by his apparel, and by his manner of walking; to which he returns an answer, Isa 63:1, then a second question is put, about the colour of his garments; for which he gives a reason, Isa 63:2,3 it being the time of his vengeance on his enemies, and of the redemption of his people, Isa 63:4 the manner in which he performed both is observed, Isa 63:5 and the thorough work he would make; and the entire riddance of all his enemies is determined upon, Isa 63:6, which puts the prophet, or the church, in mind of former mercies bestowed upon Israel of old, the peculiar people and children of God, the Lord had a great opinion of, and favour for, whom he dealt very tenderly with, and redeemed, and saved, and preserved, Isa 63:7-9 though they acted an ungrateful part to him, which is aggravated by the various kind steps of Providence, in leading them through the Red sea, guiding them in the wilderness, and bringing them to rest safely in Canaan's land, for his own glory, Isa 63:10-14 and all is closed with the church's prayer to God, imploring his grace and mercy; pleading relation to him; expostulating with him about their present case, and observing the difference between them and their enemies, Isa 63:15-19 and which prayer is continued in the next chapter.

Cross References 3

  • 1. 63.1-6 Is 34.5-17; Jr 49.7-22; Ez 25.12-14; 35.1-15; Am 1.11, 12; Ob 1-14; Ml 1.2-5.
  • 2. 63.3 aRevelation 14.20; 19.15; bRevelation 19.13.
  • 3. 63.5Isaiah 59.16.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [Some ancient translations] marching along; [Hebrew] bowed down.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.