Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 63

Verses 1-19

The last section of Isaiah (63-66) sets forth anew the operation of the principle of discrimination. All the blessing which has been described can result only from holiness, and ere that can be established there must be the period of judgment.

In the first section the prophet describes the Warrior returning from the conflict. While that conflict is described, it is from the standpoint of its completion. One is seen returning with crimson garments, marching in the greatness of His strength. In answer to the prophet's inquiry as to who this is, the Warrior declares, "I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save." This answer reveals the method and the purpose. Again the prophet asks for explanation, and then the conflict is described. It has been one of vengeance, in which all opposing forces have been swept away in order to establish righteousness and bring salvation.

The prophet's sense of the absolute justice of the judgment described is manifest in that he immediately breaks forth into praise of the loving-kindnesses of the Lord. In language full of beauty he describes Jehovah's faithfulness to His people. His description looks back to the days in which, in spite of their rebellion and their grieving of His Holy Spirit, through which He was necessarily made their enemy, He nevertheless carried them, and remembered them, and delivered them.