Isaiah 63:1-6 is a prophetic announcement to Israel about their future. At the end of most of the Old Testament prophecy books, there is an encouraging message for the nation of Israel about the future. All of the prophecy books contain warnings of future judgment to the northern kingdom of Israel or to the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom was eventually invaded, defeated and deported by the Assyrian Empire. The southern kingdom was invaded, defeated and deported by the Babylonian Empire. Both kingdoms were punished for their persistent and unrepentant sin. Typically at the end of most prophetic books, God encourages the entire nation of Israel with an announcement of the future restoration and glorification of Israel in a worldwide kingdom in which Messiah rules as king. The following explains the time period in which the events described in Isaiah 63:1-6 will occur and the meaning of the passage.
Second Coming of Christ
Israel’s Salvation Prophesied
Isaiah 62:1-63:6 describe the salvation of Israel or God’s rescue of the nation of Israel from the Gentile world that will occur at the end of the tribulation. It is important to notice that Isaiah 61 and 62 is a prophecy about the millennial kingdom. It looks forward in time. Consequently, Isaiah 62:11-12 announces that Israel’s salvation had come.
Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth,
Say to the daughter of Zion, “Lo, your salvation comes;
Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.”And they will call them, “The holy people,
The redeemed of the LORD”;
And you will be called, “Sought out, a city not forsaken.”
Isaiah 62:11-12 (NASB)
In verse 11, God announces that Israel’s salvation has come. This salvation is not a spiritual one but a military and political one. God will rescue Israel from the nations of the world because they have been anti-Israel. So, the prophecy says “your salvation.” Then verse 12 announces that the city of Jerusalem has not been forgotten. Later the prophet Zechariah will also prophesy that the Lord God has not forgotten Israel and will one day return to her. Zechariah 1:12, 16-17.
Israel’s Salvation Prophesied
Isaiah 63:1-6 provides some details as to how God will rescue or save Israel. Verses 1-2 contain two questions from the prophet Isaiah. In verse 1, the first question is given and it is answered by the Messiah-King.
Who is this who comes from Edom,
With garments of glowing colors from Bozrah,
This One who is majestic in His apparel,
Marching in the greatness of His strength?“It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.”
Isaiah 63:1 (NASB)
In the question we are told that Messiah-King will return from Edom after defeating that nation. Bozrah (modern day Buseirah) was the capital city of Edom. Edom opposed Israel when it tried to enter the Promised Land at the end of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Later Edom opposed Israel while they were in the Promised Land. Edom symbolizes every nation that has opposed and will oppose Israel. God explains that He will destroy Israel’s opposition. In the prophecy Yahweh answered the question by saying that He is the righteous One who is mighty to save.
The second question is asked in verse 2.
Why is Your apparel red,
And Your garments like the one who treads in the wine press?
Isaiah 63:2 (NASB)
The answer to the question is given in verses 3-6 by Yahweh, the Messiah-King.
“I have trodden the wine trough alone,
And from the peoples there was no man with Me.
I also trod them in My anger
And trampled them in My wrath;
And their lifeblood is sprinkled on My garments,
And I stained all My raiment.
For the day of vengeance was in My heart,
And My year of redemption has come.
I looked, and there was no one to help,
And I was astonished and there was no one to uphold;
So My own arm brought salvation to Me,
And My wrath upheld Me.
I trod down the peoples in My anger
And made them drunk in My wrath,
And I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.”
Isaiah 63:3-6 (NASB)
The second question asks, “Why is Your apparel red?” The answer is that the Messiah-King will trod the wine trough alone. That is why His garments are stained red. He will trample them in His wrath. These verses reveal that the Messiah will utterly defeat Edom and all of the nations at His second coming when He comes as victor at the Battle of Armageddon (Zechariah 12:1-12; 14:1-7; Revelation 16:16; 19:11-21). God’s wrath is described as a wine press in this passage (Revelation 14:19-20; 19:15). Zechariah 14:1-3 tells us that Christ will protect the city of Jerusalem, the future capital of the world.
Conclusion:
Isaiah 63:1-6 describes the first and second coming of Christ and the defeat of the nation of Edom which symbolizes all Gentile nations of the world, because Edom, or the nations of the world, hate Israel. Israel has historically been hated by all Gentile nations. The message is loud – God has not forgotten the nation of Israel. He has not forgotten His city, Jerusalem. He is coming back to establish His kingdom and Jerusalem will be the capital of the world.
Suggested Links:
End of the Rule of MenArmageddon Is Coming
What is the Battle of Armageddon? Which nations will be there?
Jerusalem – The Focus of the World
The Future Antichrist and the Battle of Armageddon
Is Matthew 24:30-31 about the rapture or second coming?
What are the signs of Jesus’ Second Coming?
Does the battle of Gog and Magog occur after the Second Coming?