Isaiah 63:1-19
Q.1. Why should we fear a righteous God? To what did this prophecy point? Is there any man who can save us? What hope did Isaiah present to us? – (Isa.63:1-6)
Bozrah was the capital of Edom, which represented the pinnacle of those who despised God. The apostle John drew from this chapter when describing the Second Coming of Christ in Revelation (Isa.63:1-3 c.f. Rev.19:13, 15). Christ will avenge His enemies, to end the Great seven-year Tribulation. This period of time will coincide with His redemption of Israel. At a time when no one could be found in all Heaven and earth to help – I looked, and there was no one to help, and I was astonished and there was no one to uphold; Therefore, 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 (Isa.63:5-6). Though God’s redemption of His people is a total act of unmerited grace and mercy, He is not to be trifled with, because He is altogether righteous. Isaiah’s prophecy was the basis of the Gospel, later made clear when God gave His Only Son to be our Saviour (Isa.63:5 c.f. Jn.3:16).
Q.2. What was God’s hope for Israel? How had they treated God? What was His response to their rebellion? What longings has His chastening produced? – (Isa.63:7-19)
Isaiah traced the history of the redemption and covenantal blessings extended to Israel (Isa.63:7-14). God had said – “Surely they are My people, sons who will not deal falsely”. Consequently, He became their Saviour (Isa.63:8-9). He documented the miracles that God had done – to make for Himself an everlasting name (Isa.63:12 & 14). He dealt with them tenderly and patiently – In all their affliction, He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy, He redeemed them, and He lifted them and carried them all the days of old (Isa.63:9). But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; Therefore, He turned Himself to become their enemy, He fought against them (Isa.63:10). Note what longings the chastening rod produced in a remnant of His people. They recalled all God’s blessings on them in former generations (Isa.63:16-19). This brought a yearning for God, and they cried out – Look down from heaven and see from Your holy and glorious habitation.; Where are Your zeal and Your mighty deeds? The stirrings of Your heart and Your compassion are restrained toward me (Isa.63:15). As Paul wrote about Israel’s restoration – 12 Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfilment be! … 15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? (Rom.11:12 & 15).