Isaiah 63:2

Isaiah 63:2 is a profound prophetic question, continuing the dialogue from the previous verse. It asks the identity of a majestic, blood-stained figure arriving from Edom.

Context

This verse is part of a dramatic vision in Isaiah 63, where the prophet sees a triumphant warrior, identified in Isaiah 63:1 as one who "speaketh in righteousness, mighty to save." The immediate context is a dialogue where the prophet inquires about the warrior's striking appearance. The "red apparel" and garments "like him that treadeth in the winefat" are vivid descriptions that immediately suggest a scene of intense conflict and judgment. This passage is widely interpreted as a messianic prophecy depicting God's (or the Messiah's) decisive judgment and vengeance against His enemies, particularly against those who have oppressed His people.

Key Themes

• Divine Vengeance and Justice: The central theme is God's righteous judgment. The imagery of treading the "winefat" (or winepress) is a powerful and recurring biblical metaphor for God's wrath being poured out upon the wicked. Just as grapes are crushed to yield wine, so are God's adversaries utterly defeated. This is not arbitrary anger but a just response to sin, rebellion, and oppression.
• Messianic Role as Judge: The figure described is often understood as the Messiah, who not only comes as a Savior but also as a formidable Judge. His stained garments signify the completion of a terrible, yet necessary, work of judgment. This passage foreshadows the ultimate day of the Lord, where divine justice will be fully executed.
• Solitary Work: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent Isaiah 63:3 emphasizes that this warrior treads the winepress alone, highlighting God's unique power and sovereignty in carrying out His decrees of judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "treadeth in the winefat" directly translates the Hebrew imagery. A "winefat" or "winepress" (Hebrew: gat or yequv) was a system of vats where grapes were trodden underfoot to extract their juice. The "red" color of the apparel is symbolic of blood, not grape juice, indicating the violent and decisive nature of the judgment. This powerful agricultural metaphor is consistently used in the Bible to describe intense divine judgment, as seen in other prophetic books and the New Testament.

Related Scriptures

The imagery of the winepress of God's wrath reappears prominently in the book of Revelation, where Christ is depicted treading the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God (Revelation 14:19-20 and Revelation 19:15). The concept of divine vengeance is also articulated in passages like Deuteronomy 32:35 and echoed in the New Testament in Romans 12:19.

Practical Application

Isaiah 63:2 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice. While He is merciful and gracious, He is also righteous and will ultimately hold all accountable for their actions. For those who oppress and defy Him, this verse is a solemn warning of impending judgment. For the oppressed and those who trust in Him, it offers comfort and assurance that God sees their suffering and will ultimately bring about justice and deliverance. This prophecy points to the final establishment of God's perfect kingdom, where righteousness will prevail after the necessary work of judgment is complete.