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ISAIAH CHAPTER 63
Christ’s victory over his enemies, Isa_63:1-6, and mercy towards his church; in judgment remembering mercy, Isa_63:7-14. The church’s prayer and complaint in faith, Isa_63:15-19.
In these two verses either the prophet, as in some vision or ecstasy, is put probably upon inquiry by God himself, rather than by Christ, or Michael, or Judas Maccabeeus, as some have thought; and the rather, because this place doth thus suit best with Isa_59:16,17. Or the church makes inquiry, and that with admiration, who it is that appears in such a habit or posture, Isa_63:1, and why, Isa_63:2.
Edom; that is, the country of Idumea, where Esau dwelt, and Esau himself was sometimes called by this name, Gen_25:30; and it is put synecdochically for all the enemies of the church, as Moab is, Isa_25:10: See Poole "Isa_25:10".
With dyed garments; or, stained: thus Christ is described, Rev_19:13, and so also Isa_63:3: LXX., the redness of garments.
Bozrah; the capital city of Idumea; see further Isa_34:6, a parallel text; and Edom and Bozrah here are mentioned, either,
1. Not as relating to the places so called, but by way of allusion to the garments of this conqueror, Edom signifying red, and Bozrah a vintage; the one relating to his treading the winepress, and the other to the blood sprinkled upon his garments, Isa_63:3: the like manner of speaking you have Psa_120:5. Or rather,
2. Put synecdochically for all the enemies of the church, among whom, though antichrist be not particularly designed, yet may be reckoned, being one of the chief of them; thus typifying Christ’s victories over all the enemies of the church, Rev_19:19-21; and this is usual. Babylon is put for any detestable city, and Moab for all that are vile and abominable, Isa_25:10; so Edom here for all God’s enemies. And he mentions these Idumeans rather than the Chaldeans, who were the Jews’ chief and particular enemies,
2. Partly to set forth the greatness of the enmity, being of old standing, and an inbred malignity, Gen_25:22,23, and irreconcilable, and perpetual, Amo_1:11, and particularly put forth when the Babylonians took Jerusalem, Psa_137:7 2. Partly to comfort the Jews, both because God would take particular revenge upon Edom, as he had threatened, and prophesied by Obadiah, which is the substance of that whole prophecy; and also these being their near neighbours, God doth give them security, that they shall not only be delivered frons the Chaldeans, those remoter enemies, but from the Idumeans also, whose vicinity and neighbourhood might have been troublesome to them.
Glorious in his apparel; such as generals are wont to march before their armies in, or great conquerors, that walk in state and gallantry from their conquests.
In the greatness of his strength; in or according to the majesty of his gait, being an indication of the greatness of his strength, and intimating that he hath thoroughly done his work, and fears no pursuing enemy, as the lion that keepeth his majestic gait without the fear of any other beast, Pro_30:30: this notes the invincibleness of his power, and that it is his own strength, he needeth not the help of armies or other instruments, and thus he will travel through all the countries of his enemies.
I that speak in righteousness: here the Lord Christ gives an answer, wherein he both asserts his fidelity, that he will faithfully perform what he hath promised, and that he will truly execute justice, Rev_19:11; and hereby also he distinguisheth himself from all idol gods, Isa_45:19,20.
Mighty to save; I have power to accomplish salvation as powerful as faithful, Isa_19:20.