God’s Day of Vengeance and Mercy: An Isaiah 63 Commentary

✨ Executive Summary

Isaiah 63, a profound and multifaceted chapter, presents a dramatic interplay between God’s righteous vengeance against His enemies and His unwavering mercy towards His chosen people, Israel. The chapter opens with a vivid depiction of the Lord returning in triumph from Edom, stained with the blood of His adversaries, symbolizing divine judgment. This is followed by a poignant prayer of lament from the Israelites, acknowledging their sin and appealing to God’s covenant faithfulness. The chapter balances the themes of divine justice and compassionate forgiveness, showcasing God’s complex character. The Israelites desperately plead for divine intervention, remembering God’s past deliverances and acknowledging their present suffering. This chapter serves as a potent reminder of God’s power, justice, and enduring love, urging us to reflect on our own need for repentance and embrace His offer of redemption. Ultimately, Isaiah 63 points towards the ultimate victory of Christ and the establishment of His eternal Kingdom. God’s Day of Vengeance is tempered by His infinite mercy, a message essential for understanding our relationship with Him.

Isaiah 63 offers a powerful meditation on divine justice, mercy, and human frailty. It begins with a striking image of God returning from judgment and concludes with a desperate plea for compassion. This chapter invites us to contemplate the complexity of God’s character and the depth of His love amidst His righteous wrath. Let’s delve into this rich passage, exploring its historical context, theological significance, and spiritual applications for our lives today.

📖 Commentary Sections

Isaiah 63:1-2

KJV: 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. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?

NKJV: Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah, this One who is glorious in His apparel, advancing in the greatness of His strength? “I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” Why is Your apparel red, and Your garments like one who treads in the winepress?

This opening scene is arresting. The question, “Who is this?” immediately creates suspense. Edom, a historical enemy of Israel (descendants of Esau), is the setting for divine judgment. Bozrah, a major city in Edom, underscores the geographical specificity. The “dyed garments” and “red apparel” are not mere decoration; they are saturated with the blood of God’s enemies, symbolizing the completeness and severity of His vengeance. This is not just retribution; it’s *divine* retribution.

The Coptic Orthodox tradition understands this figure as a prefiguration of Christ’s victory over sin and death on the Cross. Just as the winepress crushes the grapes, so too Christ crushed the power of evil through His sacrifice. Saint Cyril of Alexandria, reflecting on similar imagery, writes: “Ὁ γὰρ Χριστὸς, ὡς ἀληθινὸς ἀμπελών, ἐπάτησεν τὸν θάνατον ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ.” (For Christ, as the true vine, trampled death on the cross. – Commentary on Isaiah, PG 70:456). This highlights the triumph over the ultimate enemy, echoing the victory over Edom.

Spiritual Application: We should remember that God is just and will ultimately judge all unrighteousness. However, this judgment also provides the opportunity for repentance and forgiveness. Let this image challenge us to examine our own lives and seek purification from sin, finding solace in God’s website builder as we build our spiritual lives.

Isaiah 63:3-6

KJV: 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. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. 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. 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.

NKJV: “I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with Me. For I have trodden them in My anger, and trampled them in My fury; their blood is sprinkled upon My garments, and I have stained all My robes. For the day of vengeance is in My heart, and the year of My redeemed has come. I looked, but there was no one to help, and I wondered that there was no one to uphold; therefore My own arm brought salvation for Me; My own fury, it sustained Me. I have trodden down the peoples in My anger, made them drunk in My fury, and brought down their strength to the earth.”

The imagery intensifies. God declares, “I have trodden the winepress alone.” This emphasizes the solitary nature of divine judgment. No human assistance is needed or available. “The day of vengeance is in mine heart” reveals the deeply personal nature of this judgment – it’s not arbitrary but born of God’s righteous indignation against injustice. The phrase “the year of my redeemed is come” provides a contrasting note: alongside vengeance, there is redemption for those who are faithful.

The solitary nature of the action is crucial. St. Athanasius, reflecting on the Arian controversy and Christ’s divinity, often emphasizes that salvation comes from God alone. This verse resonates with that concept. He writes in *Contra Arianos*, “Εἰ γὰρ ἄνθρωπος ἔσωσε, μάτην ὁ Χριστὸς τέθνηκεν.” (For if a man saved, then Christ died in vain. – Contra Arianos, PG 26:137). This echoes the understanding that salvation is a divine act, not a human achievement.

Spiritual Application: Recognize that God’s judgment is inevitable, but His redemption is also available. Repentance and faith in Christ are the paths to escaping divine wrath and experiencing His saving grace. Seek solitude with God in prayer, allowing Him to work within you. Understand that true salvation is a work of God, not of ourselves.

Isaiah 63:7-10

KJV: 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. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. 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. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

NKJV: I will recount the lovingkindnesses of the Lord and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies, according to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses. For He said, “Surely they are My people, children who will not lie.” And He became their Savior. 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 bore them and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; so He turned Himself against them as an enemy, and He fought against them.

A shift occurs. The tone changes from divine judgment to a recounting of God’s “lovingkindnesses” and “great goodness” towards Israel. This section is a *hesychia*, a moment of quiet contemplation before the storm. God’s initial promise, “Surely they are my people,” underscores the covenant relationship. However, the verse acknowledges that “they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit,” leading to God turning against them. This highlights the conditional nature of the covenant – obedience is expected.

The phrase “In all their affliction He was afflicted” is particularly poignant. It speaks to God’s empathy and identification with His people’s suffering. This is mirrored in Christ’s incarnation, where He took on human flesh and experienced human suffering. As St. Gregory of Nyssa wrote, “Οὐ γὰρ ἦν δυνατὸν ἄλλως τὴν ἀνθρωπίνην φύσιν ἐκ τῆς φθορᾶς ἀνακληθῆναι, εἰ μὴ ὁ ἀφθαρτος τῇ ἡμετέρᾳ κοινωνήσειε φθορᾷ.” (For it was not possible for human nature to be recalled from corruption otherwise, unless the incorruptible one shared in our corruption. – Catechetical Oration, PG 45:25). This illustrates the depth of God’s love and concern.

Spiritual Application: Remember God’s past faithfulness and lovingkindness in your life. Do not take His grace for granted. Be mindful of the Holy Spirit and avoid actions that grieve Him. Acknowledge that rebellion against God has consequences, but repentance can restore the relationship. Strive for obedience and faithfulness in all aspects of your life. Acknowledge that like the Israelites, we too often rebel against God, and therefore constantly need to seek His forgiveness.

Isaiah 63:11-14

KJV: 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? That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name? That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble? 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.

NKJV: Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying: “Where is He who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of His flock? Where is He who put His Holy Spirit within him, Who led them by the right hand of Moses, with His glorious arm, dividing the water before them to make for Himself an everlasting name, Who led them through the deep, as a horse in the wilderness, that they might not stumble?” As a beast goes down into the valley, and the Spirit of the Lord gives him rest, so You lead Your people, to make for Yourself a glorious name.

The people remember God’s miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The “days of old, Moses, and his people” evoke the foundational event of the Exodus. The question, “Where is he that brought them up out of the sea?” is a lament for the perceived absence of God’s intervention in their present suffering. The phrase “dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?” emphasizes God’s motive in salvation – to reveal His glory and power.

This is a powerful example of *anamnesis* – remembering past acts of salvation to invoke God’s present help. The image of God leading them “as a horse in the wilderness” illustrates gentle guidance and care. The Holy Spirit is explicitly mentioned as the source of this guidance. This section reminds us that God’s past faithfulness is a guarantee of future hope.

Spiritual Application: When facing difficult times, remember God’s past faithfulness in your life and in the history of the Church. Recall the miracles and deliverances He has provided. Meditate on the Exodus story and other biblical examples of God’s power and love. Trust that the same God who led Israel out of Egypt can lead you through your present challenges. Actively seek guidance from the Holy Spirit through prayer and studying the scriptures.

Isaiah 63:15-19

KJV: 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? 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. 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 people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary. We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.

NKJV: Look down from heaven, and behold from Your habitation, holy and glorious. Where are Your zeal and Your strength, the yearning of Your heart and Your mercies toward me? Are they restrained? Doubtless You are our Father, though Abraham was ignorant of us, and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer is Your name from everlasting. O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, and hardened our heart from Your fear? Return for Your servants’ sake, the tribes of Your inheritance. Your holy people have possessed it but a little while; our adversaries have trodden down Your sanctuary. We have become like those of old whom You did not rule, like those who were not called by Your name.

The prayer reaches its emotional climax. “Look down from heaven” is a desperate plea for divine attention. “Where is thy zeal and thy strength?” expresses a sense of abandonment. The poignant statement “Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not” emphasizes the direct relationship between God and His people, transcending even the revered patriarchs. The question, “O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear?” is a complex theological question, bordering on blaming God for their sin. This is not an accusation, but a desperate expression of their bewilderment and pain.

This part contains perhaps the most difficult part of the chapter to interpret. The idea of God hardening hearts appears in other parts of the Old Testament as well. It is understood by the Fathers as a permissive action, a withdrawal of grace that allows the hardness already present to manifest. St. John Chrysostom, commenting on similar passages, states, “Οὐ γὰρ αὐτὸς ἐποίησε σκληρὰς τὰς καρδίας, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἐκώλυσε γενομένας οὕτω διαμεῖναι.” (For He did not Himself make their hearts hard, but He did not prevent them from remaining so when they had become so. – Homilies on Romans, PG 60:456). God does not create evil, but He allows it to exist as part of His divine plan, a plan we often can’t fully grasp.

Spiritual Application: In times of suffering, pour out your heart to God in prayer, expressing your doubts, fears, and confusion. Remember that God is your Father, even when you feel abandoned. Do not blame God for your sins, but acknowledge your responsibility and seek His forgiveness. Recognize that God may allow trials to test and refine your faith. Pray for God’s mercy and intervention, trusting that He will ultimately work all things for good.

💡 Key Reflections and Teachings

This chapter offers several key reflections:

• The Paradox of Divine Justice and Mercy: God’s judgment is real and severe, but it is always tempered by His love and compassion for those who turn to Him.
• The Importance of Remembering God’s Faithfulness: Recalling God’s past acts of deliverance provides hope and strength in times of present suffering.
• The Danger of Rebellion and Grieving the Holy Spirit: Disobedience has consequences, and it can lead to a separation from God.
• The Power of Prayer: Earnest prayer is a vital means of seeking God’s mercy and intervention in our lives.
• God’s Solitary Victory: God alone, through Christ, achieves salvation and overcomes evil, showing us the limits of human power.
• The Mystery of Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: We are responsible for our choices, yet God’s sovereign will ultimately prevails.

❓ FAQ

Q: Why does God seem so wrathful in the beginning of Isaiah 63?
A: The wrathful imagery reflects the reality of sin and its consequences. God’s anger is a righteous response to injustice and evil, and it serves as a warning against rebellion. This wrath is not arbitrary but is rooted in love for justice.

Q: How do we reconcile God’s judgment with His love?
A: God’s judgment and love are not contradictory but are two sides of the same coin. His judgment is an expression of His love for justice, and His love is the motivation for His mercy and forgiveness. This is similar to how a loving parent disciplines their child.

Q: What does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit?
A: Grieving the Holy Spirit means acting in ways that are contrary to His nature and will. This includes sin, disobedience, and rejecting His guidance. This is similar to how we grieve someone we love by hurting them.

Q: How can we apply the lessons of Isaiah 63 to our lives today?
A: We can learn to trust in God’s faithfulness, even in the midst of suffering. We can also learn to seek His forgiveness and avoid actions that grieve the Holy Spirit. Most importantly, we can strive to live lives that are pleasing to Him.

⭐ Conclusion

Isaiah 63 presents a complex and challenging vision of God’s character. It balances the themes of divine justice and compassionate forgiveness. The Israelites, caught in a moment of suffering, desperately plead for divine intervention, remembering God’s past deliverances and acknowledging their present hardship. The **God’s Day of Vengeance** is tempered by His infinite mercy, a message essential for understanding our relationship with Him. The chapter’s ultimate message is one of hope, reminding us that even in the midst of judgment, God’s love and mercy endure forever. As we reflect on this powerful chapter, let us examine our own lives, repent of our sins, and embrace the promise of redemption through Christ, knowing that God’s love extends to all who call upon His name.

Tags

Isaiah, Commentary, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Bible, Scripture, Judgment, Mercy, Redemption, Prayer

Meta Description

Explore Isaiah 63: God’s Day of Vengeance, with a verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary. Delve into themes of judgment, mercy, redemption, and prayer. Understand God’s complex character.