FocusRighteousness, worship, and renewal
Isaiah 63:6
KJVAnd I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing chapters confront ongoing sin while presenting the LORD's promised renewal, maintaining both warning and hope.
- 63:1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
- 63:2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?
- 63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
- 63:4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.
- 63:5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.
- 63:6 And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Isaiah son of Amoz is the named prophet and the traditional author. The New Testament attributes passages from both earlier and later portions to Isaiah; scholars differ about the book's later composition and collection. Biblical references: Isaiah 1:1; John 12:38; John 12:39. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Isaiah 63:1–64:12): The prophetic voice and the community address the LORD in remembrance and lament; the opening vision concerns the divine warrior coming from Edom. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Judah and Jerusalem are the principal named audience, with messages also concerning Israel and other nations. Later portions address God's people in the horizon of exile, return, and restoration. Biblical references: Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 40:1; Isaiah 48:20. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? God’s Vengeance on the Nations. Read Isaiah 63:1 through Isaiah 63:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing chapters confront ongoing sin while presenting the LORD's promised renewal, maintaining both warning and hope. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The opening names the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Some passages speak toward later restoration; the time pictured in an oracle is not necessarily its composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Judah and Jerusalem are central, but the oracles address surrounding nations and distant powers as well. The named audience and location vary by oracle. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in God’s Vengeance on the Nations (Isaiah 63:1 to Isaiah 63:6). Start reading at Isaiah 63:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament explicitly applies passages of Isaiah to Jesus, including the servant passage discussed in Acts 8. Use those links while preserving each oracle's immediate wording and audience. See Isaiah 53:7, Acts 8:32, Acts 8:35, Matthew 12:17. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Reject empty worship that coexists with injustice, and respond to the calls to trust and return. Preserve the named recipients and conditions of particular promises. interpretation
Cited: Isaiah 63:1, Isaiah 63:6, Isaiah 53:7, Acts 8:32, Acts 8:35, Matthew 12:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- make Isa 63:2-3 Isa 49:26 Isa 51:21-23 Job 21:20 Ps 60:3 Ps 75:8 Jer 25:16-17,26-27 Lam 3:15
- I will bring Isa 25:10-12 Isa 26:5-6 Rev 18:21
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Isaiah 63
Isaiah 1:1 Isaiah 6:1 Isaiah 40:1
God’s Mercies Recalled
Isaiah 63:7–14FocusRighteousness, worship, and renewal
A Prayer for Mercy
Isaiah 63:15–19FocusRighteousness, worship, and renewal
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Isaiah
Isaiah 1:1 Isaiah 6:1 Isaiah 40:1
Judah confronted and hope announced
Isaiah 1:1–12:6FocusSin, judgment, and the promised ruler
Oracles concerning the nations
Isaiah 13:1–23:18FocusThe LORD's judgment beyond Judah
Judgment and deliverance
Isaiah 24:1–27:13FocusThe earth, the people, and renewed worship
Warnings and the way of restoration
Isaiah 28:1–35:10FocusMisplaced trust and promised renewal
Hezekiah's crisis
Isaiah 36:1–39:8FocusAssyria, deliverance, and Babylon
Comfort and the servant
Isaiah 40:1–55:13FocusThe LORD's saving purpose
FocusRighteousness, worship, and renewal
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.