Isaiah 63

Passage overview

Isaiah 63 can be examined in two parts: verses 1-6 and verses 7-19. The first section, verses 1-6, presents a vision of God’s judgment. Phrases such as “the one who comes from Edom” and “the one wearing red garments” appear, symbolically depicting God’s righteous judgment and the power of salvation. In the following verses 7-19, there is a prayer that pleads for God’s compassion as it recalls God’s lovingkindness and the history of deliverance He provided for Israel.

1verseWho is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? Who is this who is glorious in his clothing, marching in the greatness of his strength? “It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.”

2verseWhy is your clothing red, and your garments like him who treads in the wine vat?

3verse“I have trodden the wine press alone. Of the peoples, no one was with me. Yes, I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath. Their lifeblood is sprinkled on my garments, and I have stained all my clothing.

4verseFor the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed has come.

5verseI looked, and there was no one to help; and I wondered that there was no one to uphold. Therefore my own arm brought salvation to me. My own wrath upheld me.

6verseI trod down the peoples in my anger and made them drunk in my wrath. I poured their lifeblood out on the earth.”

7verseI will tell of the loving kindnesses of the LORD and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has given to us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he has given to them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses.

8verseFor he said, “Surely, they are my people, children who will not deal falsely;” so he became their Savior.

9verseIn all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and in his pity he redeemed them. He bore them, and carried them all the days of old.

10verseBut they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. Therefore he turned and became their enemy, and he himself fought against them.

11verseThen he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying, “Where is he who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? Where is he who put his Holy Spirit among them?”

12verseWho caused his glorious arm to be at Moses’ right hand? Who divided the waters before them, to make himself an everlasting name?

13verseWho led them through the depths, like a horse in the wilderness, so that they didn’t stumble?

14verseAs the livestock that go down into the valley, the LORD’s Spirit caused them to rest. So you led your people to make yourself a glorious name.

15verseLook down from heaven, and see from the habitation of your holiness and of your glory. Where are your zeal and your mighty acts? The yearning of your heart and your compassion is restrained toward me.

16verseFor you are our Father, though Abraham doesn’t know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, LORD, are our Father. Our Redeemer from everlasting is your name.

17verseO LORD, why do you make us wander from your ways, and harden our heart from your fear? Return for your servants’ sake, the tribes of your inheritance.

18verseYour holy people possessed it but a little while. Our adversaries have trodden down your sanctuary.

19verseWe have become like those over whom you never ruled, like those who were not called by your name.

Verses 1-6: God’s Judgment Against Edom

The one who comes from Edom refers to the Edomites, a people that historically opposed Israel. Through them, it shows that God judges evil and injustice and reveals His own glory. The red-stained garment is the result of treading the winepress of judgment; in verses 3 and 5, it emphasizes that God alone accomplishes this work. This shows that God’s judgment is carried out not by human strength, but by God’s unique power.

Verses 7-14: God’s Lovingkindness and Israel’s History

In this section, God’s great lovingkindness and mercy that once led the people of Israel are recalled. Mentions include guidance in the wilderness, salvation, and companionship through the Holy Spirit (verses 10 and 11), which remind us that Israel was God’s people. At the same time, it also speaks of the difficulties they faced because they opposed God’s holy Spirit, showing how God’s mercy and human weakness intersect.

Verses 15-19: A Prayer Pleading for Compassion

Isaiah asks God to look down from heaven and pleads for Him to restore the compassion and power of the past. Israel is experiencing a reality in which, even though they are the descendants of their forefathers Abraham and Israel (Jacob), God seems as though He is far away. Therefore, the people earnestly pray once again for God’s compassion and care.

Meditation Points

  • God’s judgment and lovingkindness both come from God’s essential character. We need to remember God’s justice and love together and reflect on our faith.
  • Israel’s history shows how important the human response to God’s grace is. We need to live lives that remember God’s grace and offer gratitude.

Try Applying It to Yourself

  • Even in difficult moments of life, trust in God’s judgment and love and take time to look back on yourself.
  • Let us remember the mercy and guidance of God that came to me in the past, and let us determine in our hearts to live with gratitude for His grace in today’s life as well.