Isaiah 63:1-17

Isaiah 63:1-17 NIV

Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, proclaiming victory, mighty to save.”

Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress?

“I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing. It was for me the day of vengeance; the year for me to redeem had come. I looked, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support; so my own arm achieved salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me. I trampled the nations in my anger; in my wrath I made them drunk and poured their blood on the ground.”

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said, “Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me”; and so he became their Savior. In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.

Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people— where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them, who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses’ right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown, who led them through the depths? Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble; like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord. This is how you guided your people to make for yourself a glorious name.

Look down from heaven and see, from your lofty throne, holy and glorious. Where are your zeal and your might? Your tenderness and compassion are withheld from us. But you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us or Israel acknowledge us; you, Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. Why, Lord, do you make us wander from your ways and harden our hearts so we do not revere you? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes that are your inheritance.

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Isaiah 63 begins with God telling of His conquest of pagan nations. His clothing is splattered in their blood as if He's been treading in a winepress. The enemies of Israel have been conquered by the might of God. Israel did not save themselves. No one helped God set them free. By His own power, the Lord freed the exiles from their captivity. The time was ripe for the redemption of His wayward people.

Then, at verse 7, Isaiah begins in the voice of the Israelites telling their story. It is part praise, part confession, and part intercession. This section of Isaiah lasts for three chapters. The latter portion of Isaiah 63 and 64 are in the voice of Israel calling God to save them. Isaiah 65 is God's answer.

As this section of Isaiah begins, it sounds like a parent speaking to a child, teaching about Israel's history with their God. They celebrate God's compassion and kindness as He chose Israel to be His own. God thought to Himself, "Surely this people will obey me." He saw their potential through the faith of Abraham and chose them for Himself. And so their great relationship began. When they hurt, God hurt. He was with them and carried them, like a father carries his little child close to his heart.

But they grieved God's heart, so He became their enemy. In exile this wayward people, these rebels, remembered how God saved their ancestors from slavery in Egypt. God split the Red Sea for them and saved them from the wrath of Pharaoh. He led them through the desert providing for their every need. He gave them rest in the comforts of His Holy Spirit. "That was way back in the days of Moses when the Lord delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, but where is the Lord now?", the people ask. The exiles cry out to God, "Look down on us and save us." They wonder where is God's mighty salvation. His compassion for them is withheld. They appeal to God as His children. "You are our Farther, our Redeemer from old."

Then they ask, as if they believe God is responsible for their sinful rebellion, "Why do You make us wander from Your ways and harden our hearts so that we do not revere you?" It's as if the Israelites believe they have no freedom of will to choose their own path. Instead of saying, "The devil made me do it," they are saying God made them do it! Some ancients thought of every happening as the will of the gods. So if Israel became unfaithful it must be that God willed it. I find that idea preposterous.

Have you ever wandered from the right path, from God's right ways? We all sin. We all make mistakes. But have you consciously decided to do what you know is forbidden for God's holy people? Did you listen to the call to take a walk on the wild side? I did and found myself oppressed by the very things I thought were fun and freedom. Fortunately I had a religious background. I knew what I was doing was wrong, and I knew the One I had offended. I remembered Him who spoke to my heart at night. I remembered innocent days nestled close to His breast. And I cried out for help. I begged for forgiveness and sought His strength. And He quickly and willingly set me free.

Just as the Lord trampled the enemies of Israel to save them, God will conquer your oppressors too. Even if you chose them for a good time, God will set you free from their hold on you. Remember the Lord and what He has done for Israel and for you. Remember that He is your Father through Jesus Christ our Lord. Remember and cry out, and when the time is ripe, you will be redeemed.