Isaiah - Chapter 63

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. Isaiah 63.2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? Isaiah 63.3 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. Isaiah 63.4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. Isaiah 63.5 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. Isaiah 63.6 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. Isaiah 63.7 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. Isaiah 63.8 For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. Isaiah 63.9 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. Isaiah 63.10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. Isaiah 63.11 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? Isaiah 63.12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name? Isaiah 63.13 That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble? Isaiah 63.14 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. Isaiah 63.15 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? Isaiah 63.16 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. Isaiah 63.17 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. Isaiah 63.18 The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary. Isaiah 63.19 We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.

Isaiah : Chapter 63

Divine Judgment and the People's Supplication in Isaiah 63

Chapter 63 of the book of Isaiah offers us a profound reflection on divine judgment and the people's supplication. How does God act as Redeemer and Judge? This powerful text presents the image of the Lord returning victorious from Edom, symbolizing His judgment on the nations. In this chapter, we are invited to contemplate the duality of divine justice and mercy.

A Prayer of Confession

The chapter evolves into a prayer of confession and supplication, recalling God's past goodness. Isaiah 63 addresses essential themes such as divine justice, mercy, and the need for repentance. These reflections prompt us to examine our own relationship with God and recognize our dependence on His grace.

Five Echoing Bible Passages

Let's consider together five Bible passages that resonate with the crucial themes of this intense chapter:

Revelation 19:13-15

"He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called The Word of God. The armies of heaven followed him, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, riding on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword, with which he will strike down the nations. He will rule them with a rod of iron. He treads the winepress of the fierce wrath of Almighty God." This passage echoes the image of the divine warrior in bloodstained robes in Isaiah 63:1-6, linking him to the Second Coming of Christ.

Hebrews 13:20

"The God of peace, who through the blood of the everlasting covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep." This verse reflects the theme of the divine shepherd in Isaiah 63:11-14, applying it to Jesus, our Redeemer.

Ephesians 4:30

"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you are sealed until the day of redemption." The Apostle Paul seems to be referring to Isaiah 63:10, where the people of Israel grieve the Holy Spirit of God, reminding us of the importance of living in accordance with God's will.

Psalms 77:11-12

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your deeds." This psalm reflects the attitude of remembering God's past deeds, similar to the reflection in Isaiah 63:7-9, urging us to remember the Lord's good deeds.

Lamentations 3:22-23

"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his mercies are inexhaustible. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!" This passage echoes the theme of God's mercy and compassion mentioned in Isaiah 63:7, reminding us that each day is a new opportunity to receive His grace. Meditating on these passages, we are called to renew our commitment to God, to recognize His justice and mercy, and to walk in the light of His truth.