Isaiah: Justice and Mercy

Isaiah 63

When we think of God, we often focus primarily on specific aspects. For instance, we typically consider his love, grace, and mercy. However, if we only acknowledge these attributes, we overlook God’s justice. My point is that we need to understand God with all his attributes functioning together, rather than picking and choosing which ones we want to emphasize. Focusing on separate traits without considering God’s entire character can lead us to flawed theology. 

In today’s passage, Isaiah 63, we see both the judgment of God and the mercy of God. Studying these two attributes together is instructive.

Isaiah 63 opens with what most scholars believe is the last battle—the Battle of Armageddon—where we see God’s retribution. The ESV Bible titles Isaiah 63:1-6 “The LORD’s Day of Vengeance.” In these verses, Edom represents the nations of the world. Bozrah was a city in Edom. Notice the two questions that are asked.

Isaiah 63:1-2
Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.” Why is your apparel red, and your garments like his who treads in the winepress? 

Isaiah says that, when the Lord returns, two questions will be asked of him. First, “Who is this…?” The answer is: “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.” “It is I” reminds us of the I AM statements of God and Jesus (Ex. 3:14; John 8:58). God comes “splendid in his apparel” and in “the greatness of his strength.” He speaks in “righteousness” and is “mighty to save.”

The second question is: “Why is your apparel red….” He is splattered with blood, much like a person stomping grapes in a winepress would be splattered with grape juice.

In Isaiah 63:3-6, the second question is answered. God explains that he trampled the enemy in his wrath, “their lifeblood spattered on my garments and stained all my apparel” (Isa. 63:3). It is God alone who defeats the enemy (Isa. 63:3-5).

This picture doesn’t resonate with many audiences today. Again, we tend to focus on God’s love while ignoring his holy wrath against sin. The thought of God’s vengeance makes us uneasy. However, as we mentioned earlier, we cannot view God in parts and focus only on the aspects we prefer. God hates sin and judges it thoroughly and completely. 

One more thing here. Isaiah is writing to the Jews in captivity. Their families had experienced the brutality of the enemy knocking down their walls, killing men, women, and children. They would be encouraged to know that God is fighting for them.

In contrast to God’s judgment, Isaiah turns to address God’s mercy and “recount the steadfast love of the Lord.” In Isaiah 63:7-9, God reassures Israel that he is on their side. He has redeemed them, lifted them up, and carried them in his arms.

Isaiah 63:7-9 [Anchor Point]
I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely.” And he became their Savior. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. 

God was Israel’s “Savior.” He purchased them from slavery. He lifted them up and carried them. “In all their affliction he was afflicted.” This statement indicates that God identified with their suffering (Judg. 10:16; Deut. 32:10-12). And he identifies with us today (1 Pet. 5:6-7). 

God’s steadfast love for his people is an enduring love of commitment. We don’t always reciprocate that love. God’s people “rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit” (see Eph. 4:30). After Israel suffered the consequence, God rescued them as he had done in the past.

God would deliver them, just as he delivered Israel from Egypt (Isa. 63:10-14). With Moses as their leader, he “brought them up out of the sea” and “put in the midst of them his Holy Spirit.” They were free like horses in the open country or like cattle grazing in the lush valley (Isa. 63:13-14). Because of God’s deliverance, all the other nations heard of his mighty acts.

Now Israel needs God’s help again. They need to be released from captivity. Isaiah 63:15-19 is their prayer for mercy, filled with many doubts and questions. Here are the salient points of their plea for God to intervene:

• They feel forgotten and unseen. They ask God to “look down from heaven and see” their condition (Isa. 63:15).
• They wonder why God’s zeal, strength, and compassion are being withheld (Isa. 63:15). 
• Twice, they confirm that God is their Father (Isa. 63:16). 
• They acknowledge that God is their Redeemer (Isa. 63:16). 
• They blame God for their sinful ways (Isa. 63:17).
• They lament, “We have become like those over whom you have never ruled, like those who are not called by your name” (Isa. 63:19). 

In many ways, this is a pathetic prayer…and I have prayed a few like this myself. When we are feeling low, it’s easy to feel down on God,  blaming him for our situation. When we start our accusations and complaints, we must pause and remember all that God has done for us in the past. 

He is a great Father. And your best days are still ahead.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Isaiah 63. Focus on our Anchor Point—Isaiah 63:7-9, considering the truth, “in all their affliction he was afflicted.”

Talking to God:  Thank God for all the things you have seen him do in your life. 

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