Read Isa. 63:1-6, Chapter by Chapter, Isaiah 62-64 (7)

·       62:1-12:  This chapter gives Israel a reason for confidence because it says that the zeal of the LORD of hosts will do what has been promised.  (Remember: we are still in the context that began with chapter 40.  Israel need not think God has forgotten about her.  The chastening is part of His plan.  He will restore Israel to her glory.)

·       63:1-6: This amazing paragraph tells us the extent to which God, in His zeal, will go to bring salvation to His chosen nation.  The question asked is, “Who is this who comes from Edom?”  The answer is that it is the LORD Himself.  No one else willing to help.  And what is He doing in Edom?  It is “the day of vengeance,” the second part of the prophecy of 61:1-3.  Jesus had read the first part and announced its fulfillment in His first advent.  Now the second part, “the day of vengeance of our God” (61:2), is fulfilled by the LORD/Jesus/Messiah.  And one other question: what happens in Edom?  Rather than give you the answer let me arm you with cross-references.  God’s vengeance on Edom is clearly predicted in the restoration of Israel.  Remember that Edom is in the desert area.  God will protect the saved nation of Israel in the desert.  This decisive action by the LORD will be followed by the judgment of all the nations.  Consider these: Jer. 49:7,8,20-22; Hab. 3:3a; Ps. 108:10; Rev. 12:13-17; Ezek. 43:1-9; Isa. 34:5-7.

o   Allow me a brief devotional thought.  There will be no one else, no other nation, no other earthly army, that will stand with Christ when He returns.  We don’t know the day nor the hour, but we tend to think that the time must be close.  So just think about it: after all that the gospel (Christianity) did for Europe and the United States, even they will not stand with the Lord.  Israel would be in an impossible situation were it not for the “zeal of the LORD of hosts.” Amen!

·       63:7-14: Thus, the LORD reminds Israel that He was always a God of goodness and He will continue to be so for her in the future.

·       63:15-64:12: This passage is the prayer of righteous Israel that God would do as He has promised.  In 63:16-17 addresses God’s chastening of Israel.  In 63:10 the LORD had turned against Israel because of her repeated rebellion.  Part of God’s chastening was the further hardening of their hearts.  In this prayer of repentance the prophet calls on the LORD come out of heaven and cleanse the people whose righteousness is as filthy rags.

 

Ideas for memorization: 62:11-12; 63:1; 64:6.