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.
The book of Isaiah is a prophetic masterpiece in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, written by the prophet Isaiah. It’s a book filled with prophecies, warnings, exhortations, and promises. This essay explores the 63rd chapter of the Book of Isaiah in the King James Version (KJV) Bible, focusing on the main themes and the meaning it brings to its readers.
Isaiah 63 begins with a vision of a powerful figure approaching from Edom, with his garments dyed from Bozrah, symbolizing a place of victory over the enemies of God's people. His clothing is stained red, like one who has been treading the winepress. This imagery is reminiscent of a warrior returning victorious from battle, his garments splattered with the blood of his enemies. The figure is none other than the Lord Himself, portrayed as a divine warrior who has come to deliver His people and execute judgement on His enemies.
The divine warrior is asked why his apparel is red, and he responds that it is stained with the blood of his enemies, whom he has trodden in his anger and trampled in his wrath. The Lord has undertaken this act of deliverance and judgement alone, with no one from among the nations to assist him. This theme of divine retribution is a recurring one in the Old Testament, where God is often depicted as a warrior who fights on behalf of His people.
In contrast to the fierce imagery of the divine warrior, the chapter also emphasizes God's compassion and mercy towards His people. Isaiah recalls the days of old, when the Lord showed his love and kindness to Israel. He remembers how God saved them, how He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. This is a reminder of God's enduring love and faithfulness, even in the face of Israel's disobedience and rebellion.
However, the people of Israel rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. Consequently, He turned Himself into their enemy and fought against them. Yet, the people remembered the days of Moses and His people, asking where He who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of His flock was. They remembered that the Holy Spirit was within Moses, guiding his right hand.
The chapter concludes with a heartfelt plea for redemption. The prophet, speaking for the people, asks God to look down from heaven and to take notice of their plight. He implores God to return for the sake of His people, to not harden His heart or restrain His mercy from them. He reminds God of His ancient covenant with them, and of their status as His people, the sheep of His pasture.
The plea signifies a turning point in the people's relationship with God. They acknowledge their sinfulness and their need for God's mercy. They are no longer relying on their own strength or wisdom, but are looking to God for deliverance. This plea for mercy is also a plea for a renewed relationship with God, a return to the close fellowship they once enjoyed.
The imagery and symbolism in Isaiah 63 are rich and profound. The divine warrior symbolizes God's power and authority, His ability to execute judgement and deliver His people. The blood-stained garments foreshadow the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, who would shed His own blood for the redemption of mankind.
The plea for redemption is symbolic of the human condition - our sinfulness, our need for God's mercy, and our longing for a relationship with Him. It points to the future coming of Jesus Christ, who would answer this plea by offering Himself as a sacrifice for our sins and opening the way for us to be reconciled to God.
Isaiah 63 is a powerful chapter that presents a vivid picture of God as both a warrior and a compassionate savior. It reminds us of God's power to judge and to save, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His enduring love for His people. It also presents a heartfelt plea for redemption, a plea that is ultimately answered in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
This chapter serves as a reminder of God's justice and mercy, of His wrath against sin and His love for the sinner. It encourages us to turn to God in repentance and faith, to seek His mercy and grace, and to rest in His love and faithfulness. It points us to the cross, where God's justice and mercy meet, where our plea for redemption is answered, and where our relationship with God is restored.
In conclusion, Isaiah 63 is a chapter of contrasts - divine judgement and divine mercy, human rebellion and divine faithfulness. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives, our own need for redemption, and our own relationship with God. It invites us to come to God in humility and faith, to seek His mercy and grace, and to experience His love and salvation. It is a chapter that speaks to the heart of the human condition and points us to the only solution - the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
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