READ: Isa. 63:1–19: … O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, and hardened our heart from Your fear? …
After God’s glorification of Zion, His vengeance upon the enemies is now described—again in striking imagery. The Lord is portrayed as a victorious conqueror, with the blood of His enemies still upon His garments.
These enemies are called Edom here, the arch-enemy of Israel. He alone has defeated and struck down the foes of Zion as the execution of His justice and vengeance for their crimes. No one assisted Him in doing so.
Verse 1 poses the question: “Who is this?” The answer: “I who speak in righteousness.”
In Rev.19:13–16 we find a similar depiction of the victorious Christ, conquering upon a white horse: “He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.… He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.… And on His robe and on His thigh a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.”
Thus, the victory over Israel’s enemies foreshadows the final judgment.
From verse 7 onward follows an earnest prayer for mercy upon Israel. It refers to the time when the people were in exile and the temple lay in ruins. The goodness and compassion of the LORD toward His people are recalled. Yet Israel repeatedly responded with ingratitude—disobeying the LORD and grieving His Holy Spirit.
This was true after the deliverance from Egypt, under the judges, and in every later redemption. Time and again God revealed His saving arm.
Isaiah vividly describes this deliverance (v.11ff) and appeals to the LORD to show His grace once more—by softening their hearts and turning them again to His ways. “You are our Father; our Redeemer from of old is Your name.” But now it seems as if You had never redeemed us, as if we were not called by Your name (v.19).
Isaiah realizes that repentance is only possible through God’s grace and pleads upon His mercy.
How do we grieve the Holy Spirit?
Sing: Ps. 80:8,10