Isaiah 63
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Isaiah 63
1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?
3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.
5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.
6 And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.
7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.
8 For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.
9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.
11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?
12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?
13 That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?
14 As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.
15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?
16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.
17 O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.
18 The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.
19 We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 63 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, righteousness, redemption. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-19: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 63:1
1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
Analysis
A dramatic vision opens: 'Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah?' The returning warrior's clothes are stained. He is 'glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength.' The response: 'I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.' The Hebrew 'rav' (great) and 'yasha' (save) combine power with redemption.
Historical Context
Edom (descendant of Esau) represents persistent hostility toward Israel. Bozrah was Edom's capital. This judgment on Edom pictures God's judgment on all His enemies.
Reflection
- How does the divine warrior imagery balance with God's mercy?
- What does 'mighty to save' mean when connected to judgment?
Word Studies
- Righteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik) H6666 - Righteous one
Cross-References
- Related: Song of Solomon 8:5
- Parallel theme: Numbers 23:19, Psalms 137:7, Matthew 21:10, Revelation 19:13
Isaiah 63:2
2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?
Analysis
'Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?' The stained garments prompt a question. Grape-treading produced red-stained clothes - here the stain is enemy blood. The color red (adom) connects verbally with Edom (Edom).
Historical Context
Wine-treading was common agricultural experience. This familiar imagery takes a startling turn as the 'wine' becomes the blood of enemies. Revelation 14:19-20 and 19:13-15 develop this imagery.
Reflection
- How does the wine-press imagery communicate the thoroughness of divine judgment?
- What does this vision teach about God's wrath against persistent evil?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Revelation 19:13
Isaiah 63:3
3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
Analysis
'I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.' God acts alone - 'none with me.' The Hebrew 'busth' (tread/trample) intensifies the imagery. Divine fury produces complete victory.
Historical Context
The solo nature of this victory emphasizes divine sufficiency. No human assistance contributes to this triumph. Christ on the cross similarly 'trod the winepress alone' for salvation.
Reflection
- What does God's acting 'alone' teach about His sufficiency?
- How does this imagery connect to Christ's solitary suffering on the cross?
Word Studies
- Wrath: אַף (Aph) H639 - Wrath, anger
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 22:5, 63:6, Lamentations 1:15, Micah 7:10, Zechariah 10:5, Malachi 4:3
Isaiah 63:4
4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.
Analysis
'For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.' Vengeance and redemption are joined - the Hebrew 'naqam' (vengeance) serves 'geullah' (redemption). Divine judgment on enemies effects deliverance for God's people. One act accomplishes both purposes.
Historical Context
This echoes Isaiah 61:2's 'day of vengeance of our God.' What appears as simple destruction is actually salvation's necessary counterpart - evil must be judged for good to triumph.
Reflection
- How do judgment and redemption work together as one divine purpose?
- What comfort comes from knowing the year of redemption has come?
Word Studies
- Redeem: גָּאַל (Gaal) H1350 - To redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 34:8, 35:4, 61:2, Jeremiah 51:6, Luke 21:22, Revelation 11:13
Isaiah 63:5
5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.
Analysis
'And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.' This echoes 59:16 exactly - God finds no helper, acts alone. The Hebrew 'zera' (arm) represents divine power. Fury and salvation merge as God accomplishes His purposes.
Historical Context
The repeated theme of divine solo action emphasizes that salvation is entirely God's work. Human helpers fail; God prevails. This is the foundation of grace theology.
Reflection
- Why is it important that salvation requires no human assistance?
- How does God's self-sufficient action ground your assurance of salvation?
Word Studies
- Salvation: יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah) H3467 - Salvation, deliverance
Cross-References
- Salvation: Isaiah 52:10, Psalms 44:3, Hosea 1:7
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 40:10, 41:28, 50:2, 63:3, Psalms 98:1, John 16:32
Isaiah 63:6
6 And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.
Analysis
'And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.' The wine imagery continues - enemies are made 'drunk' with judgment. The Hebrew 'shakar' (make drunk) appears in judgment contexts. Their strength is brought low while God stands victorious.
Historical Context
Divine judgment intoxicates enemies with confusion (see Psalm 60:3). What empires thought was strength becomes staggering weakness before God's fury.
Reflection
- How does the 'drunkenness' of judgment describe confusion and defeat?
- What false strengths does God bring down to earth?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 49:26, Revelation 14:10, 16:19
Isaiah 63:7
7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.
Analysis
The tone shifts dramatically to tender remembrance: 'I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies.' The Hebrew 'chesed' (lovingkindness) and 'racham' (mercies) overflow.
Historical Context
After the fierce warrior passage (1-6), this hymn-like section (7-14) recalls God's past mercies. Memory of past faithfulness grounds present hope.
Reflection
- How does remembering God's past lovingkindnesses strengthen present faith?
- What specific 'lovingkindnesses' should you mention and praise?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 86:15
- Good: 1 Kings 8:66, Psalms 86:5, Romans 2:4
- Parallel theme: Psalms 51:1, Ephesians 2:4
Isaiah 63:8
8 For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.
Analysis
'For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.' God's original expectation was covenant faithfulness - 'children that will not lie.' The Hebrew 'shaqar' (lie/deal falsely) indicates covenant unfaithfulness. Despite expectation disappointed, God remained Saviour.
Historical Context
This recalls the covenant formula at Sinai. God's initial expectations of fidelity were repeatedly disappointed, yet His saving purposes continued. Grace exceeds human failure.
Reflection
- How has God remained your Saviour despite your unfaithfulness?
- What does it mean that God's expectations were disappointed yet His love continued?
Cross-References
- Salvation: Isaiah 12:2
- Parallel theme: Genesis 17:7, Exodus 6:7
Isaiah 63:9
9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
Analysis
'In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.' The Hebrew 'tsar' (affliction) God shares. He doesn't observe suffering from distance but enters into it. The angel of His presence suggests divine presence in redemptive action.
Historical Context
This sympathetic suffering points to incarnation - God fully entering human affliction in Christ. The 'angel of his presence' anticipates Christ as the exact representation of God's being.
Reflection
- How does God's sharing in your affliction comfort you?
- What does it mean that God has 'carried' His people through history?
Word Studies
- Love: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed) H160 - Love / Loyal-love
Cross-References
- Love: Revelation 1:5
- Parallel theme: Exodus 14:19, 19:4, 33:14, Deuteronomy 1:31, Judges 10:16, Psalms 78:38
Isaiah 63:10
10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.
Analysis
'But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.' The tender passage turns to tragedy. They 'vexed' (atsab - grieved, pained) God's Holy Spirit. This produces the shocking reversal: God becomes their enemy. Ephesians 4:30 echoes: 'grieve not the holy Spirit of God.'
Historical Context
This records the pattern of Judges and Kings - covenant rebellion provoking divine discipline. The Holy Spirit's personal nature appears clearly; He can be grieved.
Reflection
- How can believers 'grieve' the Holy Spirit today?
- What does it mean that persistent rebellion turns God into an opponent?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6944 - Holy, set apart
Cross-References
- Holy: Psalms 51:11, Acts 7:51, Ephesians 4:30
- Spirit: Psalms 78:8
- Parallel theme: Exodus 15:24, 23:21, Psalms 78:40, 78:56, Jeremiah 21:5, Ezekiel 20:8
Isaiah 63:11
11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?
Analysis
'Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock?' Either God or Israel 'remembers' the Exodus. The sea crossing, Moses as shepherd - foundational memories resurface. The questions express longing for past displays of power.
Historical Context
The Exodus became Israel's paradigmatic salvation memory. In distress, they recall when God acted mightily. This models how past deliverances should ground present faith.
Reflection
- What 'Exodus moments' in your life should fuel present faith?
- How does remembering past deliverance affect current prayer?
Word Studies
- Spirit: רוּחַ (Ruach) H7307 - Spirit, wind, breath
Cross-References
- Spirit: Numbers 11:17, 11:25, 11:29, Haggai 2:5
- References Moses: Psalms 77:20
- Parallel theme: Exodus 14:22
Isaiah 63:12
12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?
Analysis
'That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?' The questions continue: Where is the God who led by Moses, divided waters, made His name glorious? The Hebrew 'shem olam' (everlasting name) indicates permanent reputation established through mighty acts.
Historical Context
These rhetorical questions don't doubt God's past action but lament present apparent inactivity. The form invites God to act again as He did before.
Reflection
- How do you balance remembering what God has done with longing for fresh action?
- What does it mean that God's name is made glorious through deliverance?
Cross-References
- Eternal Life: Isaiah 55:13
- Parallel theme: Exodus 15:16, Joshua 3:16, Nehemiah 9:11, Psalms 78:13, 80:1
Isaiah 63:13
13 That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?
Analysis
'That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?' The imagery shifts to a horse moving confidently through wilderness terrain without stumbling. God led Israel through the 'deep' (tehom - the chaotic waters) as surely as a trained horse navigates rough ground.
Historical Context
The 'deep' recalls both the Red Sea and the primordial chaos waters of Genesis 1:2. God's mastery over chaos and danger protected His people.
Reflection
- How has God led you through 'deep' waters without stumbling?
- What does confident progress through dangerous territory look like spiritually?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 31:9
Isaiah 63:14
14 As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.
Analysis
'As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.' Like cattle descending to peaceful pasture, the Spirit brought Israel to rest. The Hebrew 'nuach' (rest) indicates settled peace. God's leadership aimed at rest and His own glory.
Historical Context
This anticipates Hebrews' emphasis on entering God's rest. The wilderness journey aimed at rest in the promised land, as the Christian journey aims at eternal rest.
Reflection
- What does Spirit-given rest look like in your current season?
- How does God's leading toward rest glorify His name?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Joshua 23:1
- Glory: Isaiah 63:12
Isaiah 63:15
15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?
Analysis
'Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?' The prayer intensifies into direct appeal. 'Where is' introduces longing questions. God's 'bowels' (me'im - internal organs) represent deep emotional compassion. Are mercies 'restrained' (apaq - held back)?
Historical Context
This bold prayer challenges divine apparent inactivity. The anatomical language (bowels, zeal) emphasizes visceral, emotional divine engagement that seems absent.
Reflection
- How do you pray when God seems to have restrained His mercies?
- What does 'the sounding of thy bowels' teach about God's compassion?
Word Studies
- Heaven: שָׁמַיִם (Shamayim) H8064 - Heaven, sky
Cross-References
- Holy: Deuteronomy 26:15
- Parallel theme: Psalms 33:14, 80:14, 123:1, Jeremiah 31:20, Hosea 11:8, Philippians 2:1
Isaiah 63:16
16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.
Analysis
'Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.' Even if patriarchs wouldn't recognize the current generation (so changed by suffering and sin), God remains Father and Redeemer. The Hebrew 'ab' (father) is emphasized twice. Relationship transcends human lineage.
Historical Context
This remarkable confession acknowledges a relationship to God deeper than Abrahamic descent. It anticipates New Testament teaching about spiritual sonship through faith.
Reflection
- How is your relationship with God more fundamental than any human connection?
- What comfort comes from calling God 'Father' when all other relationships fail?
Word Studies
- Redeem: גָּאַל (Gaal) H1350 - To redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 64:8, Deuteronomy 32:6, Malachi 1:6
- Redemption: Isaiah 41:14, 43:14, 44:6
- References Israel: Jeremiah 31:9
- Parallel theme: Job 14:21, Jeremiah 3:19, Malachi 2:10
Isaiah 63:17
17 O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.
Analysis
'O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.' The bold question attributes their wandering to God - 'why hast thou made us to err?' This doesn't deny human responsibility but acknowledges divine sovereignty even over sin's effects. The prayer is for God to 'return.'
Historical Context
This echoes the hardening theme of Isaiah 6:10 and anticipates Romans 9-11. The relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility remains mysterious yet real.
Reflection
- How do you understand the relationship between God's sovereignty and human sin?
- What does it mean to pray for God to 'return'?
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 29:13, Numbers 10:36, Joshua 11:20, Psalms 90:13
- Creation: Deuteronomy 2:30
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 6:10, John 12:40
Isaiah 63:18
18 The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.
Analysis
'The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.' The brief possession of the land contrasts with extended occupation by enemies. The Hebrew 'miqqdash' (sanctuary) has been trampled. This lament over lost worship space intensifies the prayer.
Historical Context
This refers to the destruction of Solomon's temple in 586 BC. The 'little while' of possession compares poorly with centuries of God's patience and promise.
Reflection
- How do you respond when things seem to be going backward spiritually?
- What does it mean when God's 'sanctuary' seems trampled?
Isaiah 63:19
19 We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.
Analysis
'We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.' The final verse intensifies the contrast: Israel belongs to God; enemies never did. They weren't ruled by God or called by His name. Yet the appearance is reversed - those not His seem to triumph. This sets up the prayer of chapter 64.
Historical Context
This complaint about role reversal (God's people oppressed, pagans triumphant) runs throughout lament literature. The answer comes in God's sovereign purposes working through apparent defeat.
Reflection
- How do you process when it seems enemies prosper and God's people suffer?
- What does being 'called by thy name' mean for your identity and hope?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 65:1, Psalms 79:6, 135:4, Amos 9:12, Acts 14:16, 15:17