Isaiah 63:4

KJV

For the day of vengeance [is] in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the day {H3117} of vengeance {H5359} is in mine heart {H3820}, and the year {H8141} of my redeemed {H1350} is come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for the day of vengeance that was in my heart and my year of redemption have come.

Berean Standard Bible

For the day of vengeance was in My heart, and the year of My redemption had come.

American Standard Version

For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 63:4 powerfully articulates God's unwavering resolve to execute both righteous judgment and comprehensive redemption. This verse reveals that the "day of vengeance" against His adversaries and the "year of my redeemed" for His chosen people are not arbitrary events but are deeply purposed and precisely timed within His sovereign heart, signifying an appointed season for the full realization of divine justice and salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent declaration is nestled within a dramatic prophetic vision in [Isaiah 63:1-6](/isaiah/63 "Isaiah 63 - The Divine Warrior and His Vengeance"), where the prophet vividly portrays a solitary divine warrior, unmistakably Yahweh Himself, returning from Edom with garments stained crimson from treading the winepress. The preceding verses, [Isaiah 63:1-3](/isaiah/63-1 "Isaiah 63:1-3 - God's Vengeance on Edom"), emphasize the singular and unassisted nature of God's wrath, depicting Him crushing His enemies alone. Verse 4 serves as the profound divine rationale and internal motivation for this fierce, decisive action, explaining *why* this judgment is unfolding and *when* it is divinely purposed to occur. It directly links the timing and execution of both vengeance and redemption to God's innermost being and His predetermined timetable. This passage then transitions into a communal lament and prayer in [Isaiah 63:7-64:12](/isaiah/63-7 "Isaiah 63:7-64:12 - A Prayer for Deliverance"), where the people recall God's past mercies and appeal for His continued intervention, setting the stage for the hope of future restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific mention of Edom in the preceding verses carries significant historical weight. Edom, descended from Esau, was Israel's ancient and often hostile neighbor, frequently symbolizing all nations that opposed God's covenant people. Historically, Edom notoriously rejoiced in and even participated in Israel's misfortunes, particularly during the Babylonian exile, as condemned in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Treachery Against Jacob"). Therefore, God's judgment on Edom represents His ultimate vindication of Israel against all oppressors and a broader cosmic justice. The concept of "vengeance" (Hebrew: *nâqâm*) in the Old Testament is crucial; it is not human spite or arbitrary retribution but God's righteous justice, a necessary re-establishment of moral and cosmic order against sin, rebellion, and oppression. The phrase "the year of my redeemed" likely alludes to the [Year of Jubilee](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Year of Jubilee"), a foundational cultural institution in ancient Israel where land was returned to its original owners, debts were forgiven, and Hebrew slaves were set free every fifty years. This institution serves as a powerful cultural symbol for God's ultimate act of liberation, restoration, and re-establishment of His people's inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 63:4 encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose**: The declaration "[is] in mine heart" emphatically underscores that God's actions are not reactive or impulsive but flow from His deliberate, eternal counsel and unchangeable will. Secondly, **Divine Justice and Vengeance**: God is not indifferent to evil; there is an appointed "day" for His righteous wrath against sin and those who oppose His divine will, a theme echoed throughout Isaiah, particularly in prophecies of judgment found in [Isaiah 6](/isaiah/6 "Isaiah 6 - Isaiah's Commission and Judgment"). Thirdly, **Divine Redemption and Deliverance**: Simultaneously, there is a "year" specifically designated for the salvation, liberation, and restoration of His chosen people, resonating with the promises of restoration and comfort found in passages like [Isaiah 49:8-13](/isaiah/49-8 "Isaiah 49:8-13 - The Lord's Promise to Israel"). The powerful **Juxtaposition of Judgment and Salvation** within God's single, unified plan is a central theme, demonstrating that His wrath ultimately serves His redemptive purposes. Finally, the theme of **Appointed Time** emphasizes God's perfect timing for the fulfillment of all His promises, both of judgment and salvation, assuring that His word will not return void ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Void")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** (H3117) While literally referring to a 24-hour period, in this context, "day" signifies an appointed, definitive, and decisive period of time. It denotes a specific season or epoch determined by God, emphasizing the certainty and finality of the divine intervention for vengeance. It is not merely a temporal marker but a theological indicator of a divinely ordained moment.
* **Vengeance (Hebrew, _nâqâm'_):** (H5359) This term refers to divine retribution or righteous justice, distinct from human revenge driven by malice. It is God's just act of settling accounts, restoring cosmic and moral balance, and upholding His holy character against those who have defied His authority, oppressed His people, and violated His righteous order. It implies a necessary and just response to persistent evil, ensuring that wickedness does not go unpunished.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** (H3820) Figuratively, this word encompasses the totality of one's inner being, including emotions, will, intellect, and the very core of one's personality and purpose. When applied to God, it signifies that His "day of vengeance" is not a sudden, impulsive reaction but a deeply purposed, deliberate, and central aspect of His divine will and character, reflecting His profound commitment to justice and righteousness.
* **Redeemed (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** (H1350) This primitive root means "to redeem" or "to act as a kinsman-redeemer" (Hebrew: *goel*) according to ancient Oriental law. It involves the act of buying back, delivering, or ransoming property or people from bondage, debt, or peril. In this context, it speaks of God's powerful and covenantal act of delivering His people from sin, oppression, and exile, restoring them to their rightful inheritance, freedom, and renewed relationship with Him. It signifies a profound act of liberation and restoration rooted in His faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the day of vengeance [is] in mine heart":** This clause reveals the profound divine motivation and precise timing for God's judgment. "The day of vengeance" refers to a specific, divinely appointed epoch when God will execute His righteous wrath against His enemies and all forms of evil. The phrase "[is] in mine heart" powerfully signifies that this judgment is not an external imposition or a reactive decision, but an intrinsic, deeply purposed, and central aspect of God's eternal plan and His deepest resolve. It speaks to His unwavering commitment to justice, the vindication of His holiness, and the ultimate rectification of all wrongs.
* **"and the year of my redeemed is come":** This second clause stands in powerful, yet complementary, contrast, revealing the other, equally vital facet of God's appointed time. Simultaneously with the day of vengeance, there is a "year" specifically designated for the redemption, liberation, and restoration of His people. The use of "year" (potentially echoing the Jubilee year) suggests a period of expansive and enduring liberation, profound restoration, and abundant blessing for those who belong to Him by covenant. The declaration "is come" emphasizes the imminence, certainty, and divine punctuality of this fulfillment, indicating that the appointed time for both judgment and salvation has definitively arrived or is drawing near with absolute certainty.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 63:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Juxtaposition** is prominently featured, contrasting "the day of vengeance" with "the year of my redeemed." This stark pairing highlights God's dual purpose of judgment for the wicked and salvation for the righteous, demonstrating that both facets are integral to His singular divine plan. This creates a powerful **Antithesis**, emphasizing the distinct and opposing outcomes for those who defy God versus those who are His covenant people. The phrase "[is] in mine heart" utilizes **Personification**, attributing human-like emotional depth, volition, and internal resolve to God. This device underscores that God's actions are not external or arbitrary but originate from His very being and deepest purposes. Furthermore, the terms "day" and "year" function as potent **Symbolism**, representing not merely literal temporal units but appointed, definitive, and divinely ordained seasons of intervention. "Day" symbolizes a decisive moment of judgment, while "year" (especially with its Jubilee connotations) symbolizes a more expansive and enduring period of grace, liberation, and restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 63:4 profoundly articulates God's active and decisive involvement in human history, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to both absolute justice and boundless mercy. It assures believers that God is not a passive observer but a sovereign Lord who will ultimately settle all accounts, bringing an end to injustice, oppression, and evil, while simultaneously ushering in complete and glorious redemption for His people. This verse speaks powerfully to the eschatological hope of Israel and, by extension, the Church, pointing forward to a time when God's kingdom will be fully established, all wickedness will be vanquished, and His people will experience ultimate liberation and restoration. It affirms that God's multifaceted character encompasses both consuming fire and boundless covenant love, and that His timing is perfect for the unfolding of His comprehensive redemptive plan.

* [Psalm 130:7-8](/psalm/130-7 "Full Redemption with the Lord")
* [Zephaniah 1:14-18](/zephaniah/1-14 "The Great Day of the Lord")
* [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "The Rider on the White Horse")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful declaration in Isaiah 63:4 offers both profound comfort and a sobering warning, inviting deep reflection and practical application. For those who are oppressed, suffering, or longing for justice in a world marred by sin, it provides an unshakeable assurance that God sees, God cares, and God will act decisively. His "day of vengeance" means that evil will not triumph indefinitely; there is an appointed time when He will right all wrongs, vindicate His people, and establish His righteous rule. For those who are His "redeemed," it promises a future of complete liberation and restoration, a "year" of unparalleled blessing, freedom from all forms of bondage (spiritual, physical, and relational), and the full inheritance of His promises. Conversely, for those who persist in rebellion against God and His ways, this verse serves as a stark and undeniable warning: God's justice is certain, and His appointed "day of vengeance" will surely come. Our response, therefore, should be one of humble submission to His sovereign will, trusting implicitly in His perfect timing, and living in eager anticipation of His full redemption. This anticipation should compel us to live justly, extend mercy, and share the good news of His coming salvation, knowing that every moment brings us closer to the complete fulfillment of His divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "vengeance" in this verse, understood as righteous justice, align with or challenge your understanding of God's boundless love and mercy?**
* **In what specific ways do you personally long for God's "day of vengeance" (for justice) or "year of my redeemed" (for liberation and restoration) in your own life, community, or in the world around you?**
* **Considering the certainty of God's appointed time for both judgment and redemption, how should this truth practically impact the way you live, make decisions, and interact with others today?**

### FAQ
**What is the "day of vengeance" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "day of vengeance" refers to a specific, divinely appointed time when God will execute His righteous judgment against His enemies and all forms of evil. It is not an act of arbitrary anger or human retribution but a demonstration of divine justice, where God vindicates His holiness, upholds His moral order, and sets right the wrongs committed against His people. This concept is found throughout prophetic literature, often associated with the broader theme of the [Day of the Lord](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Day of the Lord"), which signifies a time of God's decisive intervention in history.

**How does "the year of my redeemed" relate to the Old Testament concept of Jubilee?**

Answer: "The year of my redeemed" strongly alludes to the [Year of Jubilee](/leviticus/25-8 "Leviticus 25:8 - The Year of Jubilee"), an ancient Israelite institution described in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Sabbatical and Jubilee Years"). Every 50th year, land was returned to its original families, debts were cancelled, and Hebrew slaves were set free. This was a profound time of liberation, restoration, and new beginnings for the Israelite community. In Isaiah 63:4, it symbolizes God's ultimate and comprehensive act of delivering His people from all forms of bondage—whether from sin, oppression, exile, or spiritual slavery—and restoring them to their rightful inheritance, freedom, and renewed covenant relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 63:4 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, unfolding across His two advents. At His first coming, Jesus inaugurated "the year of the Lord's favor" ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims His Mission"), directly quoting [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord")), bringing the promised redemption to all who believe. He is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer (*goel*), who, by His sacrificial death on the cross, purchased us back from the slavery of sin and death, bearing the curse of the Law on our behalf ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")) and securing our redemption through His precious blood ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). However, the "day of vengeance" aspect of Isaiah 63:4 is yet to be fully realized. While Christ bore the wrath of God for sin on the cross for His elect, His glorious second coming will be the full and final manifestation of God's righteous judgment. He will return not as the suffering Lamb, but as the triumphant King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")), executing divine vengeance upon all who reject Him and oppress His people, bringing ultimate justice and establishing His eternal kingdom in its fullness. Thus, both facets of Isaiah 63:4—the "year of my redeemed" and the "day of vengeance"—are perfectly embodied and fulfilled in the two advents of Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His sovereign and comprehensive plan for salvation and judgment.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 34:8

For [it is] the day of the LORD'S vengeance, [and] the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.

Isaiah 61:2

To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

Isaiah 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

Jeremiah 51:6

Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this [is] the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

Luke 21:22

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Revelation 11:13

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.