Isaiah 63:1-14
Who is He, and from where does He come, this magnificent and formidable figure who here appears on the scene? Why is there blood on His clothing? The Executor of the terrible "day of vengeance" (Luke 21:22) is returning, His task accomplished (v. 4; Isaiah 61:2). In their final revolt the peoples will amass themselves on the territory of Edom with the aim of making a last assault against God and His people (Isaiah 34:6). But it will be a crushing defeat described in picture form as being like the old time harvesters who gathered the grapes into vats and trampled them.
It may be that we find difficulty in recognising in this Avenger One whom we know as the merciful Saviour. The fact is that His work for the glory of God has both characters. He who was alone on the cross is alone here for judgment (v. 3). Glorious (v. 1), He acts with His glorious arm (v. 12), makes Himself a glorious name (v. 14), dwells in glory (v. 15) — "In thy majesty ride prosperously" as it is said in Psalms 45:4 concerning this same judgment.
A new and last section of the book begins in v. 7 by recalling the loving kindness and the praises of the LORD. Let us not fail to do this, each according as God has dealt in mercy with him.