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Isaiah 63

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1Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? Who this who is glorious in his clothing, marching in the greatness of his strength? “It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” 2Why is your clothing red, and your garments like him who treads in the wine vat? 3“I have trodden the wine press alone; and 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. 4For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed has come. 5I 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; and my own wrath upheld me. 6I trod down the peoples in my anger, and made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.” 7I will tell of the loving kindnesses of Yahweh and the praises of Yahweh, according to all that Yahweh 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. 8For he said, “Surely, they are my people, children who will not deal falsely;” so he became their Savior. 9In 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. 10But they rebelled, and grieved his holy Spirit. Therefore he turned and became their enemy, and he himself fought against them. 11Then 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?” 12Who caused his glorious arm to be at Moses’ right hand? Who divided the waters before them, to make himself an everlasting name? 13Who led them through the depths, like a horse in the wilderness, so that they didn’t stumble? 14As the livestock that go down into the valley, Yahweh’s Spirit caused them to rest. So you led your people, to make yourself a glorious name. 15Look 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. 16For you are our Father, though Abraham doesn’t know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, Yahweh, are our Father. Our Redeemer from everlasting is your name. 17O Yahweh, 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. 18Your holy people possessed it but a little while. Our adversaries have trodden down your sanctuary. 19We have become like those over whom you never ruled, like those who were not called by your name.

World English Bible (public domain)

"It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save."

Isaiah 63:1

Summary

Isaiah 63 opens with an evocative vision of a warrior returning triumphantly from Edom, his garments stained with the blood of his enemies, symbolizing God's judgment against the nations. This warrior is identified as the Lord Himself, who acts out of a righteous commitment to justice and deliverance of His people. The chapter shifts as Isaiah recalls God's past kindness and compassion towards Israel, highlighting His acts of salvation and the people's subsequent rebellion. Despite Israel's infidelity, God's steadfast love remains, prompting hope for His merciful intervention. The prophet closes with a heartfelt prayer for restoration, pleading for God's presence and favor to return to His wayward nation.

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Chapter outline

How Isaiah 63 unfolds

  1. Isaiah 63:1–2 The Warrior from Edom

    A powerful figure approaches from Edom, identified as the Lord, who speaks of righteousness and salvation.

  2. Isaiah 63:3–6 God's Judgment on Nations

    The Lord describes His judgment against the nations, emphasizing His wrath and the bloodshed that results from it.

  3. Isaiah 63:7–9 Remembrance of God's Kindness

    Isaiah recalls the loving kindnesses of Yahweh towards Israel, acknowledging His past compassion and salvation.

  4. Isaiah 63:10–14 Rebellion and Grief

    Despite God's past faithfulness, Israel rebelled and grieved His Spirit, leading to divine anger and a reminder of past deliverance.

  5. Isaiah 63:15–19 A Plea for Restoration

    Isaiah implores God to look upon His people with compassion, recognizing their suffering and pleading for a return to His favor.

Key verses

  • Isaiah 63:1Isaiah 63:1 encapsulates the chapter's focus on God's righteousness and His role as a savior amidst judgment.

Main themes in Isaiah 63

Divine Judgment

Divine Judgment is evident in verses 1-6, where the Lord vividly describes His actions against the nations and their defiance. The imagery of bloodied garments serves as a powerful symbol of God's fierce wrath and the seriousness of His judgment. This theme emphasizes that justice is an integral part of God's character, reinforcing the reality that His salvation is accompanied by accountability for wrongdoing.

God's Steadfast Love

God's Steadfast Love is highlighted in verses 7-9, where Isaiah reflects on God's mercies and faithfulness to Israel throughout their history. Despite Israel's repeated rebellion and unfaithfulness, God's commitment to His people remains constant and unwavering. This theme provides a foundation of hope for redemption, showing that God's love persists even in the face of human failure and sin.

Repentance and Restoration

Repentance and Restoration are central in verses 15-19, where Isaiah earnestly implores God for compassion and intervention on behalf of His people. The chapter contrasts Israel's unfaithfulness with God's deep desire to restore them, illustrating the importance of returning to Him. This theme emphasizes the necessity of genuine repentance, highlighting a longing for divine renewal and the restoration of the relationship between God and His people.

Intercessory Prayer

Intercessory Prayer is powerfully illustrated in the closing verses, as Isaiah passionately seeks God's attention and favor for the people of Israel. His heartfelt plea reflects the communal need for divine assistance and reconnection after a period of suffering and separation. This theme underscores the significance of prayer as a means of seeking God's presence and intervention during challenging times.

Cross-references

Passages that echo Isaiah 63

Study questions

Questions for studying Isaiah 63

  1. Who is the figure coming from Edom in verse 1?
  2. What do the stained garments symbolize in this chapter?
  3. How does God demonstrate His loving kindness in verses 7-9?
  4. What specific rebellion does the text highlight in verse 10?
  5. In what way does Isaiah ask God to respond to His people in verses 15-19?

Isaiah 63: frequently asked questions

What is Isaiah 63 about?+
Isaiah 63 opens with an evocative vision of a warrior returning triumphantly from Edom, his garments stained with the blood of his enemies, symbolizing God's judgment against the nations. This warrior is identified as the Lord Himself, who acts out of a righteous commitment to justice and deliverance of His people. The chapter shifts as Isaiah recalls God's past kindness and compassion towards Israel, highlighting His acts of salvation and the people's subsequent rebellion. Despite Israel's infidelity, God's steadfast love remains, prompting hope for His merciful intervention. The prophet closes with a heartfelt prayer for restoration, pleading for God's presence and favor to return to His wayward nation.
What is the key verse in Isaiah 63?+
Isaiah 63:1: "Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? Who this who is glorious in his clothing, marching in the greatness of his strength? “It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.”"
What are the main themes of Isaiah 63?+
The main themes of Isaiah 63 are Divine Judgment, God's Steadfast Love, Repentance and Restoration, Intercessory Prayer.

Related chapters

Chapters that connect with Isaiah 63

Study Notes