What is the meaning of Isaiah 63:2? Why are Your clothes red “Why are Your clothes red” (Isaiah 63:2) opens with a bewildered observer looking at the LORD’s Servant-Warrior. In plain sight His garments are stained scarlet. • The scene follows 63:1, where One “coming from Edom, with crimson-stained garments from Bozrah” declares, “It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” The flow makes clear this is no ordinary traveler but the LORD Himself, appearing after a decisive act of judgment. • The color red here is not metaphorical only; it represents literal bloodshed—the aftermath of divine justice (Isaiah 34:2-6; Revelation 14:19-20). • The prophetic picture anticipates Christ’s return as conquering King (Revelation 19:11-13), where He is again seen in a robe “dipped in blood.” The linkage underscores the consistency of Scripture: the same Warrior appears in both Testaments, proving the reliability of God’s Word. • Red clothing contrasts sharply with His holy character (Isaiah 6:3); yet the Judge willingly dons garments spattered with the blood of His enemies to vindicate His people (Joel 3:12-16). and Your garments like one who treads the winepress Winepress imagery deepens the explanation. In ancient Israel grapes were crushed barefoot in a pit; juice splashed onto the workers’ robes. • The LORD says in the next verse, “I have trodden the winepress alone” (Isaiah 63:3). No human army assists Him; salvation and vengeance are entirely His work (Isaiah 59:16-17). • The winepress symbolizes total, crushing judgment. Just as every grape yields its juice, every unrepentant foe will face His wrath (Lamentations 1:15; Revelation 19:15). • For believers, this fierce image is also comforting: the same Messiah who shed His own blood for redemption will shed His enemies’ blood for final justice, ensuring evil is not left unanswered (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9). • The solitary treader highlights His unique qualifications—only the sinless, sovereign Lord can both save and judge (John 5:22-27). summary Isaiah 63:2 pictures the LORD Jesus returning from judgment, His garments reddened like a wine-treader’s. The crimson stains are literal evidence of divine vengeance on wickedness and deliverance for His people. Scripture weaves this truth from Isaiah through Revelation, assuring us that the righteous Judge will one day right every wrong, vindicating His holiness and the faith of all who trust Him. |
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