◄ Isaiah 63 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
God’s Vengeance on the Nations 1Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication,a mighty to save.” 2Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? 3“I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. 4For the day of vengeance was in My heart, and the year of My redemption had come. 5I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one assisted. So My arm brought Me salvation, and My own wrath upheld Me. 6I trampled the nations in My anger; in My wrath I made them drunk and poured out their blood on the ground.” God’s Mercies Recalled 7I will make known the LORD’s loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts, because of all that the LORD has done for us— the many good things for the house of Israel according to His great compassion and loving devotion. 8For He said, “They are surely My people, sons who will not be disloyal.” So He became their Savior. 9In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presenceb saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. 10But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them. 11Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them, 12who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown, 13who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble? 14Like cattle going down to the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led Your people this way to make for Yourself a glorious name. A Prayer for Mercy (Jeremiah 14:19–22) 15Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and glorious habitation. Where are Your zeal and might? Your yearning and compassion for me are restrained. 16Yet You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. 17Why, O LORD, do You make us stray from Your ways and harden our hearts from fearing You? Return, for the sake of Your servants, the tribes of Your heritage. 18For a short while Your people possessed Your holy place, but our enemies have trampled Your sanctuary. 19We have become like those You never ruled, like those not called by Your name. Footnotes: 1 a Or It is I, speaking in righteousness, 9 b Or angel of His presence Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Isaiah 63 Summary A Prayer for Mercy Verses 1–6 – The Warrior from Edom Isaiah sees a majestic figure striding out of Edom, from Bozrah, clothes drenched crimson. When questioned, the traveler replies that He speaks what is right and is powerful to save. His garments are red because He has trampled the nations alone, like grapes in a winepress. No one helped Him, so His own strength accomplished rescue for His people even as His anger fell on His enemies. The “day of vengeance” has arrived, matched by a “year of redemption” for those He loves. Verses 7–14 – Remembering the LORD’s Kindness The prophet bursts into praise, rehearsing the LORD’s loyal love and many good deeds for Israel. God called them His children, shared their distress, and sent “the angel of His presence” to carry them. Yet they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit, so He turned against them. Looking back, they recall the days of Moses—crossing the sea, God’s mighty arm, the Spirit who gave them rest—all done so the LORD would gain a glorious name. Verses 15–19 – A Bold Plea for Mercy Isaiah now prays: “Look down from heaven.” He asks where God’s zeal has gone and pleads for the Father to remember His people even if Abraham would not recognize them. The prophet admits their wandering hearts, mourns that enemies have trampled the sanctuary, and begs the LORD to return and reclaim His inheritance. Isaiah 63 is a poignant chapter in the book of Isaiah that conveys the wrath and mercy of God. It depicts a vivid and profound narrative where God is both the avenger on His adversaries and the savior of His people. It encapsulates a potent prayer for divine intervention and a heartfelt confession of Israel's sins. Historical Backdrop Isaiah’s vision comes from the late eighth century BC yet stretches far beyond. The chapter mirrors the Babylonian conquest (586 BC) and the exile, times when Edom cheered Jerusalem’s fall (Obadiah 10–14; Psalm 137:7). The divine warrior emerging from Bozrah answers that hostility: God Himself will settle accounts. Geography: Edom and Bozrah • Edom occupies a high plateau south of the Dead Sea, laced with copper ore and caravan routes. • Bozrah (modern Busaira, Jordan) guarded the King’s Highway. Excavations reveal massive walls, storage rooms, and Iron Age pottery matching Edom’s peak (seventh–sixth centuries BC). • Iron-rich sandstone paints the cliffs deep red—fitting scenery for the blood-stained figure Isaiah describes. God as the Mighty Warrior Isaiah often pictures the LORD as a soldier (42:13; 59:16-18). Chapter 63 sharpens the image: • “Who is this…?” echoes Psalm 24:8. • No human army assists Him (63:5); salvation rests solely on God. • The “day of vengeance” links to 61:2, previewed by Jesus’ first coming (Luke 4:18-21) and completed at His return (Revelation 19:11-16). Winepress Imagery Rock-cut winepresses across Judah and Edom help modern readers picture grapes splashing juice on workers’ clothes. Isaiah flips the everyday scene into a warning of judgment. Revelation 14:19-20 revives the same image. Covenant Memory and Exodus Echoes Verses 7–14 retell Israel’s story: • “Angel of His presence” recalls Exodus 23:20. • Passing “through the sea” (63:11) echoes Exodus 14. • The “glorious arm” (63:12) matches Deuteronomy 4:34. Remembering past rescue fuels faith when the present looks bleak (Psalm 77:11-12). The Holy Spirit in the Chapter 1. Grieved by rebellion (63:10). Paul repeats the warning in Ephesians 4:30. 2. Placed “among them” (63:11), hinting at Joel 2:28 and Acts 2. 3. Giving rest (63:14), foreshadowing Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30. From Isaiah to Revelation • Crimson garments—Revelation 19:13, “robe dipped in blood.” • A single Champion—Revelation 19:15, “He treads the winepress.” • “King of kings” completes the picture in Revelation 19:16. Archaeological Notes • Rock-cut tombs in Petra show Edom’s stonework; their reddish hue fits Isaiah’s palette. • Edomite clay seals appear in Jerusalem’s destruction layer, confirming Edomite presence during Babylon’s assault. • Winepresses at Tel Lachish and Jezreel illustrate juice—or judgment—flowing down. Intercessory Prayer Pattern Isaiah 63:15-19 models prayer under pressure: 1. Appeal to God’s character (“You are our Father”). 2. Admit the problem (“Why do You harden our hearts?”). 3. Name the loss (“Your sanctuary is trampled”). 4. Ask for return (“Return for the sake of Your servants”). Nehemiah 1 and Daniel 9 follow the same order. Personal Application • Trust the Warrior—salvation is God’s work. • Remember past deliverance—reviewing God’s kindness builds courage. • Guard the Spirit—sin grieves the very One sent to help. • Pray boldly—call God “Father” even when circumstances feel like exile. Key Cross-References Psalm 98:1-3; Obadiah 15; Hebrews 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. Closing Thought Isaiah 63 blends two images: a blood-stained Deliverer and a tender Father who carries His children. Both meet in Jesus, whose first coming opened the “year of redemption” and whose return will finish the “day of vengeance.” Until then, believers remember, worship, and pray, confident that the One who once strode from Edom will come again in power and love. Connections to Additional Scriptures Revelation 19:11-16 The imagery of Christ as a warrior on a white horse parallels the vision in Isaiah 63, emphasizing His role as a righteous judge. Psalm 103:8-12 Highlights God's mercy and compassion, complementing the themes of lovingkindness in Isaiah 63. Romans 11:22 Encourages believers to consider both the kindness and severity of God, reflecting the dual themes of judgment and mercy. Teaching Points The Warrior from Edom (Isaiah 63:1-6) The chapter opens with a dramatic vision of a figure coming from Edom, clothed in garments stained with blood. This imagery symbolizes God's judgment against the nations, particularly Edom, representing all who oppose Him. Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? (Isaiah 63:1). This rhetorical question emphasizes God's power and authority in executing judgment. The winepress imagery (Isaiah 63:3) signifies God's wrath and the inevitability of His justice. God's Mercy and Lovingkindness (Isaiah 63:7-14) Despite the preceding judgment, Isaiah recounts the Lord's lovingkindness and compassion towards Israel. I will make known the LORD’s loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts (Isaiah 63:7). The passage reflects on God's past acts of salvation, highlighting His faithfulness and mercy even when His people were rebellious. A Plea for Mercy and Deliverance (Isaiah 63:15-19) The chapter transitions into a heartfelt prayer, pleading for God to look down from heaven and intervene once more. Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and glorious habitation (Isaiah 63:15). This section underscores the importance of repentance and the hope for restoration through God's mercy. Practical Applications Trust in God's Justice Recognize that God's judgment is righteous and just. Trust that He will ultimately right all wrongs. Reflect on God's Faithfulness Regularly recount and give thanks for God's past acts of mercy and deliverance in your life. Seek God's Mercy Approach God with a humble heart, seeking His mercy and forgiveness for personal and communal sins. Pray for Restoration Pray for God's intervention in areas of brokenness in your life and community, trusting in His power to restore. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in Isaiah 63, often referred to as "the LORD" or "the LORD God." In verse 1, He is depicted as coming from Edom, with garments stained crimson, symbolizing His role as a divine warrior and judge. The Hebrew name used here is "Yahweh," emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. 2. The Angel of His Presence Mentioned in verse 9, this figure is understood to be a manifestation of God's presence and protection. In conservative Christian theology, this is often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, who delivers and saves His people. 3. The People (Israelites) Referred to throughout the chapter, particularly in verses 7-19, the Israelites are the recipients of God's mercy and judgment. They are described as rebellious, yet God remembers His covenant with them. 4. Moses Mentioned in verse 11, Moses is recalled as the leader who brought the Israelites out of Egypt. His mention serves as a reminder of God's past acts of deliverance and guidance through His chosen servant. Places 1. Edom Edom is referenced in Isaiah 63:1. It is a region southeast of Israel, historically inhabited by the descendants of Esau. In the context of Isaiah 63, Edom symbolizes the enemies of God and His people. The Hebrew root for Edom is "אֱדוֹם" (Edom), which is related to the word for "red," possibly referring to the red sandstone terrain of the region. 2. Bozrah Bozrah is also mentioned in Isaiah 63:1. It was a major city in Edom, known for its fortifications. In this passage, Bozrah represents a place of judgment where God enacts His vengeance. The Hebrew root for Bozrah is "בָּצְרָה" (Bozrah), meaning "fortress" or "sheepfold," indicating its significance as a stronghold. Events 1. The Lord's Vengeance and Redemption The chapter opens with a vivid depiction of the Lord coming from Edom, with garments stained in crimson. This imagery symbolizes the Lord's vengeance against His enemies and His power to redeem. The text states, "Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments?" (Isaiah 63:1). The Hebrew root for "Edom" (אֱדוֹם) is related to "red" (אָדוֹם), emphasizing the blood-stained imagery. 2. The Day of Vengeance The Lord declares that He has trodden the winepress alone, signifying His solitary role in executing judgment. "I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me" (Isaiah 63:3). The Hebrew word for "winepress" (גַּת) is used metaphorically to describe the crushing of His enemies. 3. The Year of Redemption The passage transitions to the theme of redemption, where the Lord speaks of the "year of My redemption" (Isaiah 63:4). This indicates a time appointed by God for delivering His people, contrasting with the day of vengeance. 4. The Lord's Compassion and Mercy The narrative shifts to recount the Lord's past acts of kindness and compassion towards Israel. "I will make known the LORD’s loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts" (Isaiah 63:7). The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד) underscores God's steadfast love and mercy. 5. Israel's Rebellion and God's Grief Despite God's kindness, Israel rebelled, causing the Lord to become their enemy. "But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit" (Isaiah 63:10). The Hebrew root for "grieved" (עָצַב) conveys deep sorrow, highlighting the relational aspect of Israel's disobedience. 6. The Lord's Remembrance of His People The chapter concludes with a plea for the Lord to remember His people and His covenant. "Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and glorious habitation" (Isaiah 63:15). This appeal reflects a desire for restoration and divine intervention based on God's past faithfulness. Lessons from Isaiah 63 1. The Majesty of God's Judgment Isaiah 63 opens with a vivid depiction of God’s power and majesty as He comes from Edom, with garments stained in crimson. This imagery reminds us of the ultimate authority and righteousness of God’s judgment. As it is written, "I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the nations no one was with Me" (Isaiah 63:3). This serves as a powerful reminder that God’s justice is perfect and His ways are higher than ours. 2. The Compassionate Redeemer Despite the imagery of judgment, Isaiah 63 also highlights God’s compassion and mercy. "In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them" (Isaiah 63:9). This verse reassures us that God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles. He is a compassionate Redeemer who walks with us through our trials, offering salvation and comfort. 3. The Importance of Remembering God's Deeds Isaiah encourages us to remember the deeds of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and reflection. "I will make known the LORD’s loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts" (Isaiah 63:7). By recalling God’s past faithfulness, we strengthen our faith and trust in His future promises. 4. The Call to Repentance The chapter also serves as a call to repentance, urging us to turn back to God. "But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit" (Isaiah 63:10). This verse reminds us of the consequences of straying from God’s path and the importance of seeking His forgiveness and guidance. 5. The Role of the Holy Spirit Isaiah 63 highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and sustaining God’s people. "Where is He who set His Holy Spirit among them?" (Isaiah 63:11). The Holy Spirit is our helper and guide, leading us in truth and empowering us to live according to God’s will. 6. The Power of Intercessory Prayer The chapter demonstrates the power of intercessory prayer, as Isaiah pleads with God on behalf of the people. "Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and glorious habitation" (Isaiah 63:15). This teaches us the importance of praying for others and seeking God’s intervention in their lives. 7. The Assurance of God’s Everlasting Love Isaiah 63 reassures us of God’s everlasting love and commitment to His people. "You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name" (Isaiah 63:16). This verse is a comforting reminder that God’s love is unchanging and eternal, providing us with a firm foundation in times of uncertainty. 8. The Consequences of Hardening Hearts The chapter warns against the dangers of hardening our hearts to God’s voice. "Why, O LORD, do You make us stray from Your ways and harden our hearts from fearing You?" (Isaiah 63:17). It’s a call to remain open and receptive to God’s guidance, ensuring our hearts remain soft and responsive to His will. 9. The Promise of Restoration Isaiah 63 offers hope for restoration, reminding us that God’s ultimate plan is to restore and renew. "Return for the sake of Your servants, the tribes of Your heritage" (Isaiah 63:17). This promise encourages us to trust in God’s redemptive power and His ability to bring beauty from ashes. 10. The Sovereignty of God Finally, Isaiah 63 underscores the sovereignty of God over all creation. "For a little while Your people possessed Your holy place, but now our enemies have trampled Your sanctuary" (Isaiah 63:18). Despite the challenges we face, we can rest assured that God is in control, working all things for His glory and our good. Topics 1. The Lord’s Day of Vengeance (Isaiah 63:1-6) This section describes the Lord coming from Edom, with garments stained in crimson, symbolizing His judgment and vengeance. The imagery of treading the winepress alone highlights the solitary nature of God's judgment. The Hebrew word "גְּאוּלָּה" (ge'ullah) refers to redemption, emphasizing the dual themes of judgment and salvation. 2. The Recollection of God’s Mercies (Isaiah 63:7-9) Here, the prophet recalls the lovingkindness and compassion of the Lord towards Israel. The Hebrew term "חֶסֶד" (chesed) is used, which denotes steadfast love and mercy. This section reflects on God's past deeds and His role as a Savior in times of distress. 3. Israel’s Rebellion and God’s Response (Isaiah 63:10-14) Despite God's mercies, Israel rebelled, grieving His Holy Spirit. The passage discusses the consequences of this rebellion and God's continued guidance. The Hebrew word "רוּחַ" (ruach) for Spirit emphasizes the personal nature of God's presence among His people. 4. A Plea for Divine Intervention (Isaiah 63:15-19) The chapter concludes with a heartfelt plea for God to look down from heaven and intervene on behalf of His people. The prophet appeals to God's fatherhood and past relationship with Israel, using the Hebrew term "אָב" (av) for father, underscoring the intimate relationship between God and His people. Themes 1. Divine Judgment and Vengeance Isaiah 63:1-6 describes the Lord coming from Edom with garments stained in blood, symbolizing divine judgment. The imagery of treading the winepress alone (v. 3) signifies God's wrath against the nations. The Hebrew root "נָקָם" (naqam) is associated with vengeance, highlighting God's role as the righteous judge. 2. God's Mercy and Lovingkindness In verses 7-9, the prophet recounts the Lord's "loving devotion" and "compassion" (v. 7), emphasizing His mercy towards Israel. The Hebrew word "חֶסֶד" (chesed) is often translated as lovingkindness or steadfast love, underscoring God's covenantal faithfulness. 3. Rebellion and Grief of the Holy Spirit Verse 10 speaks of Israel's rebellion, which grieved the Holy Spirit. This theme highlights the relational aspect of sin, where the Hebrew word "עָצַב" (atsab) conveys the idea of causing sorrow or distress to God. 4. Remembrance of God's Past Deliverance Verses 11-14 reflect on God's past acts of deliverance, such as leading Moses and the Israelites through the Red Sea. This theme serves as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness in history, encouraging trust in His future deliverance. 5. Intercessory Prayer for Restoration The chapter concludes with a prayer for God's intervention and restoration (v. 15-19). The plea for God to "look down from heaven" (v. 15) and the acknowledgment of Israel's estrangement from God highlight the need for divine mercy and reconciliation. Prayer Points Praise for God's Righteousness Thank God for His perfect justice and righteousness, acknowledging His authority over all nations. Gratitude for God's Mercy Express gratitude for God's enduring mercy and lovingkindness in your life. Repentance and Restoration Pray for personal and communal repentance, asking God to restore and heal areas of brokenness. Intercession for the Nations Pray for the nations, asking God to bring justice and peace, and for hearts to turn towards Him. As we study Isaiah 63, may we gain a deeper understanding of God's character and be inspired to live lives that reflect His justice and mercy. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Isaiah 63:1–3, how can the imagery of garments stained with blood be reconciled with the prophet’s claim of divine justice without external historical evidence? 2. In Isaiah 63:4, does the prophecy about “the day of vengeance” conflict with the New Testament emphasis on grace and forgiveness? 3. Isaiah 63:7–9 speaks of God’s lovingkindness and mercy; how can this be harmonized with the violent imagery earlier in the chapter? 4. In Isaiah 63:15–16, the prophet questions God’s absence—does this contradict the belief in God’s omnipresence throughout the Bible? 5. Given the ancient Near Eastern context, can Isaiah 63’s descriptions be verified by any archaeological or historical records, or do they remain purely theological assertions? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the image of God coming from Edom in verses 1-6 impact your perception of divine justice? 2. In what ways do verses 7-9 emphasize the relationship between God and Israel? How does this translate to your personal relationship with God? 3. Reflect on a time when you've felt God's compassion as described in verses 7-9. How did it impact your faith? 4. What do the actions of Israel in verses 10-14 teach about the consequences of rebelling against God? 5. How can the behavior of the Israelites in Isaiah's time be related to modern society's attitudes toward God? 6. How does Isaiah 63:10-14 resonate with your understanding of how God responds to rebellion? 7. How can we ensure we don't grieve the Holy Spirit as the Israelites did, according to verse 10? 8. In Isaiah's prayer (verses 15-19), what elements stand out to you and why? 9. How does Isaiah's plea for God's intervention influence your own prayers in times of need? 10. In what ways can the prayer in verses 15-19 be applied in our current societal or personal situations? 11. If God were to come from Edom today, what do you think are the "Edoms" of our current society that would face His judgment? 12. How can we cultivate the recognition and gratefulness for God's past kindnesses in our daily life, as shown in verses 7-9? 13. Can you identify a modern situation where people grieve the Holy Spirit? What are the potential consequences, and how can it be rectified? 14. How do you perceive God's dual nature as a judge and a savior? How does it influence your spiritual journey? 15. How can we maintain our trust in God's mercy amidst His righteous judgment, as portrayed in Isaiah 63? 16. In what ways does Isaiah 63 encourage believers to continue in repentance and prayer, even when faced with God's wrath? 17. How does Isaiah's prayer in this chapter inform our understanding of Israel's relationship with God, and what lessons can be drawn for our personal relationships with Him? 18. Reflect on the significance of acknowledging ourselves as God's children in verse 19. How does this perspective shape our lives? 19. What can be learned from Isaiah's intercession for Israel, and how can we apply this in our intercession for others today? 20. How can the chapter's themes of vengeance, mercy, and redemption be seen playing out in the world today? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions