Isa 63:1 Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendour, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.”

Isa 63:2 Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress?

Isa 63:3 “I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no-one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing.

Isa 63:4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come.

Isa 63:5 I looked, but there was no-one to help, I was appalled that no-one gave support; so my own arm worked salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me.

Isa 63:6 I trampled the nations in my anger; in my wrath I made them drunk and poured their blood on the ground.”

Isa 63:7 I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses.

Isa 63:8 He said, “Surely they are my people, sons who will not be false to me”; and so he became their Saviour.

Isa 63:9 In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Isa 63:10 Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.

There are only three explicit references to the ‘Holy Spirit’ in the OT – here and in the next verse, and in Psa 51:11.

Isa 63:11 Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people—where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them,

Isa 63:12 who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses’ right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown,

Isa 63:13 who led them through the depths? Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble;

Isa 63:14 like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the LORD. This is how you guided your people to make for yourself a glorious name.

Isa 63:15 Look down from heaven and see from your lofty throne, holy and glorious. Where are your zeal and your might? Your tenderness and compassion are withheld from us.

Isa 63:16 But you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us or Israel acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name.

You are our Father – The meaning is this: Even if Abraham and Israel (i.e., Jacob) disowned the people, God would still be their Father.

Isa 63:17 Why, O LORD, do you make us wander from your ways and harden our hearts so we do not revere you? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes that are your inheritance.

Isa 63:18 For a little while your people possessed your holy place, but now our enemies have trampled down your sanctuary.

Isa 63:19 We are yours from of old; but you have not ruled over them, they have not been called by your name.